Director John Badham had a big run from the ‘70s through the late ‘80s, with “Saturday Night Fever,” “WarGames,” “Blue Thunder,” “Short Circuit” and “Stakeout” becoming bona-fide box-office hits. Even Badham’s movies that didn’t quite come off commercially were solid – the John Williams-scored “Dracula” (1979) among those – yet Badham hit a wall when the 1990s began. Several misfires followed before DROP ZONE (102 mins., 1994, R; Cinematographe) was made, and while this Wesley Snipes vehicle was only a modest performer in the Christmas ‘94 marketplace, it provides a reasonably diverting genre experience that easily counts as one of Badham’s better films from the era.
Snipes plays a US marshal who loses his brother (Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Theo from “The Cosby Show”), also a marshal, in a plane accident where the duo are transporting a computer hacker prisoner (Michael Jeter). While the authorities believe Snipes’ brother was trigger happy and caused their 747 to be ripped open, losing some of its passengers (Jeter among them) in a harrowing early set-piece, Snipes knows the real truth: that a group of criminals (led by Gary Busey) extracted Jeter from the plane, needing his talents to help them break into the DEA database and expose undercover agents around the globe, which the group plans to carry out right before the 4th of July. Striking out on his own after being suspended, Snipes seeks vengeance with the help of a skydiver (Yancy Butler) and her team, just in time to stop Busey and his crew from executing their nefarious plans.
Badham came into the project having gravitated towards action movies in his ‘90s output, mostly to diminishing returns. In fact, “Drop Zone” followed series of star-driven disappointments, including “Bird on a Wire” (the ill-fated teaming of Goldie Hawn and Mel Gibson), “The Hard Way” (Michael J. Fox and James Woods), and the tepid “La Femme Nikita” remake “Point of No Return” (which failed to sell Bridget Fonda as an action heroine). Even the sequel “Another Stakeout” was a bust, and Badham’s big-screen output would soon come to an end right after “Drop Zone” following the horrendous Johnny Depp affair “Nick of Time” and barely-released caper flick “Incognito” in 1997.
“Drop Zone” went into production right around the same time as the Charlie Sheen skydiving thriller “Terminal Velocity,” and while neither became a big hit, each has their positive elements: with “Drop Zone,” it comes via a brisk pace and Snipes anchoring a workmanlike if agreeably formulaic “action movie” script by Peter Barsocchini and John Bishop. The movie lacks the humor and romance of “Terminal Velocity” (which is, by and large, a much better film), but in terms of Badham’s output from this time, it’s superior stuff. The skydiving scenes are superbly shot and edited, Snipes is engaged, and Busey is fine in one of his last “serious,” heavy parts.
Taken on its own terms, and even with its shortcomings (the supporting cast opposite Snipes and Busey is pretty bland; Hans Zimmer’s score comes off as overstated), “Drop Zone” is pretty much the highpoint for Badham’s work in the decade, and the kind of efficient, old-school genre exercise we don’t get enough of these days. More over, the picture certainly benefits from Cinematographe’s new remastered 4K UHD, which comes alongside a remastered Blu-Ray with additional special features.
Anchored by a new restoration from the OCN (2.39), “Drop Zone” looks spectacular. In fact, thanks to Dolby Vision HDR enhancements, it’s hard to envision how this bright, colorful looking film ever had an issue with being too dark (to the point cinematographer Roy Wagner’s job was threatened!). Details are crisp and the colors are just magnificent. The 5.1 DTS MA track is superb too, offering a Zimmer score with a few notes presaging his “Pirates of the Caribbean” work on-hand.
Supplements include a well-rounded commentary with Badham and Wagner, as moderated by producer Justin LaLiberty. Other extras include producer Wallis Nicita talking about the film plus a segment on the music with Daniel Schweiger, a Daniel Kremer video essay on the evolution (or de-evolution) of Badham’s filmography, and another commentary from Max Evry. The hardbound, 5000-copy limited edition also includes a number of text essays from Simon Abrams, Bilge Ebiri, Marki Edward Heuck and LaLiberty among them.
New from Film Movement: Kicking off Film Movement’s latest is ARTIE SHAW: TIME IS ALL YOU’VE GOT (116 mins., 1985), a look at the Big Band era clarinet player who hired Billie Holiday among others – opening up the door for black artists. Off stage, multiple marriages and professional problems compounded his turbulent life and times, all before his passing in 2004 at the age of 94. Mel Torme and Buddy Rich are among the greats who appear in Brigitte Berman’s 1985 Oscar-nominated documentary feature, newly remastered in 4K for Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.28, mono), presented with Berman’s commentary and notes from jazz writer Bill Mikowski.
Also new from Film Movement, Laura Wandel’s PLAYGROUND (72 mins., 2025) was Belgium’s 2022 entry into the Best Foreign Film Oscar category – a difficult drama about a young boy being bullied at school with only his younger sister being effective at serving as his surrogate. Strong messages universal to the childhood experience are brought forward in Wandel’s disturbing, effective piece, new on Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0 French with English subtitles) with the director’s short “Les Corps Etrangers” as a special feature….Eric Rohmer’s THE MARQUISE OF O… (113 mins., 1976, PG) also joins the Film Movement catalog this month. Rohmer’s film follows a widow (Edith Clever) who decides she will marry the father of her unborn child, provided he comes forward. Set in 1799 during Russia’s invasion of Italy, this period piece and comic drama co-stars Bruno Ganz and comes to Blu-Ray with what’s billed as a new “HD digital restoration” (1.33, mono, German with English subs) and supplements including archival interviews featuring Rohmer and Ganz.
Coming in June from Film Movement is Robin Campillo’s RED ISLAND (117 mins., 2023), a French import about a young boy living among locals and French military forces in 1970s Madagascar. Campillo’s commentary is included plus an essay from critic Sam Cohen in Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.37, 5.1/2.0)…THE WAIT (99 mins., 2023) is another contemporary release, this one a Spanish horror thriller with Victor Clavijo playing a groundskeeper whose life spirals after he takes a bribe from a local hunter. Guiterrez provides a commentary along with a VFX reel and a critical essay from Rob Hunter in Film Movement’s forthcoming Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0 Spanish with English subtitles).
Jorge Martinez de Hoyos, a veteran of “The Magnificent Seven,” finds himself trying to start over with his old girlfriend in TIME TO DIE (89 mins., 1966), a vintage Mexican western from a young (21 in fact) Arturo Ripstein. Film Movement presents this flavorful, character-driven piece (1.37, Spanish with English subtitles) with extras including a video intro from Alex Cox, commentary by Ripstein and co-star Enrique Rocha, and a 20-page booklet featuring essays by Carlos Guiterrez and Erica Shultz…Fans of classic softcore and the “adult movie”’s eventual transition to hardcore will find Wiktor Ericsson’s documentary A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES (82 mins., 2025) worthwhile. This profile of legendary sexploitation director Joe Sarno and his wife Peggy comes to Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0) with bonus interview clips later in June.
ACTION: THE OCTOBER CRISIS OF 1970 (87 mins., 1973) is the latest from Canadian International Pictures. This explosive documentary by Robin Spry captures the tension between French and English Canada and the worldwide attention that followed after Quebec separatists kidnapped a pair of political figures and issued a manifesto – leading PM Pierre Trudeau to issue the country’s War Measure Act. A dizzying array of archival materials, news footage and interviews create a you-are-there doc remastered in 2K by the National Film Board of Canada (1.33, mono). CIP’s Blu-Ray, available June 24th, also features an alternate French language track; new commentary by Justine Smith; a commentary comprised of archival interviews with Robin Spry; interviews with NFB curator Mac St-Pierre and professor Zoe Druick; and an additional Spry documentary, “Reaction: A Portrait of a Society in Crisis” (58 mins., 1973).
LOVE CRIME (106 mins., 2010) pairs up Ludivine Sagnier with Kristin Scott Thomas in Alain Corneau’s film, a thriller about a cutthroat exec (Thomas) who gets more than she bargained for after hiring a seemingly naive assistant (Sagnier) who gets her revenge after Thomas takes one of her ideas and doesn’t credit her. Commentary from Travis Woods is included in IFC’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA French with English subs) plus a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Katie Rife’s liner notes…Also coming next month from IFC, SLEEPING BEAUTY (101 mins., 2011) is Julia Leigh’s revisionist, modernized take on the classic fairy tale with Emily Browning in the lead role, one that’s reconfigured as a sex worker in the contemporary age. Commentary from Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and a booklet with notes by Esther Rosenfield are on-tap in IFC’s upcoming Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA).
Yellow Veil Pictures New Releases: Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansy’s way, way offbeat RATS! (85 mins., 2022) comes to Blu-Ray in a features-packed special edition. Multiple commentaries, a music video, featurettes, deleted scenes, and an essay from Justine Smith try to put this nearly inexplicable tale of an emo guy dealing with all kinds of crises – not of his own doing – into proper context (1.66)…HEAVIER TRIP (96 mins., 2025; Music Box Selects) is the sequel to the Finnish comedy “Heavy Trip,” here with the returning band members needing to get out of a Norwegian prison in order to save a “family-run reindeer slaughterhouse.” This Finnish/Belgian co-production debuts on Blu-Ray from Doppelganger (2.39, 5.1) with an English dub, Finnish subtitles, several featurettes, trailers and teasers.
Shudder releases Jenna Cato Bass’ GOOD MAMA (92 mins., 2021) on Blu-Ray this moth as well – the story of a black single mother who moves in with her domestic worker mom while the latter cares for a white “Madam” that’s harboring a secret. Commentary, interviews, notes from Jourdain Searles and a 1080p (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) transfer are included in Shudder’s new Blu-Ray…Due out June 24th from Shudder, BLOOD QUANTUM (98 mins., 2019) offers a twist on the usual zombie formula as an outbreak of the undead doesn’t include members of the Red Crow’s Mi’gmaq reservation, who find themselves taking on white corpses in Jeff Barnaby’s 2019 movie. Shudder’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) features a new commentary by Scout Tafoya plus behind-the-scenes footage, still gallery, and Barnaby’s short film “File Under Miscellaneous.”
WHAT WE LEFT UNFINISHED (71 mins., 2019) is a documentary examining the struggle for art and state-funded movie-making during Afghanistan’s Communist period. Mariam Ghani’s picture is a compelling piece offering restored footage from a handful of unfinished movies, shot between 1978-91, that stopped production due to government interference. An introduction from the director, interviews, and a 32-page booklet with Ghani’s writing are included in Dekanalog’s now-available Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA)…Coming from Big World Pictures late next month is a Double Feature pairing of documentaries THE MONOPOLY OF VIOLENCE (86 mins., 2020) by director David Dufrense, combined with Jean-Gabriel Periot’s A GERMAN YOUTH (93 mins., 2015), a look at West Germany’s student movement in the mid 60s and its impact on the country’s future. Both are presented in 1080p (1.78/1.85) with Dolby Digital mono sound, trailers, two additional shorts by Periot, and booklet notes by critic Filipe Furtado.
ETR Media brings viewers the 2022 “mokumentary” UNDERDEVELOPED (107 mins.), an “Office”-styled look at a failing production company. “Office” vet David Koechner is on-hand plus Thomas Ian Nicholas, Samm Levine and Tom Arnold with ETR’s Blu (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) including commentary, extended interviews and the trailer…Due out June 24th from ETR is SATAN WANTS YOU (90 mins., 2023), a documentary about the 1980s “Satanic Panic” that swept the nation after a bestselling book named “Michelle Remembers” was released, telling the story of a Satanist-raised woman named Michelle Smith, who recounted her (allegedly) horrendous upbringing to psychiatrist Larry Pazder. ETR’s Blu-Ray (1.78, DTS MA) is out later next month.
New from Cartuna, WHEN YOU GET TO THE FOREST (72 mins., 2022) is an animated feature about an overwhelmed young woman trying to get away from it all when she takes a trip into the forest – where she hits her head and wakes up in a fantastical setting, complete with a talking cat. Cartuna’s Blu-Ray offers a 2:1 transfer, 2.0 stereo sound, a Making Of, production diaries, and director/writer commentary…Brainstorm Media’s upcoming release of CONSUMED (89 mins., 2024) profiles a young married couple who run into a crazed hunter trying to take out a Wendingo. Mitchell Altieri helmed this 2024 indie with Courtney Halverson, Mark Famigiletti and Devon Sawa, with Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA) including over an hour of SFX and behind-the-scenes footage, a video interview with creator creator Jim Ojala, and commentary with Altieri and writer David Calbert.
PHYSICIAN, HEAL THYSELF (78 mins., 2023) hails from Memory and Telus, presenting a documentary portrait of Gabor Mate, the “celebrated expert” on addiction, stress, and trauma. Asher Penn directed this feature-length portrait of Mate, on Blu-Ray this week (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA) with bonus scenes and a Live Q&A included with Mate and Penn…Kani Releasing brings the longest movie ever produced by a South Asian director at the time of its release to Blu-Ray: BATANG WEST SIDE (301 mins., 2001), a sprawling study of Filipino immigration to Jersey City and its wintry confines. Interviews with director Lav Diaz, actor Joel Torre, actress Gloria Diaz and others power Kani’s upcoming disc (1.85, 2.0).
Factory 25 new releases include LOUDER THAN YOU THINK (90 mins., 2023), a portrait of the group Pavement and especially its drummer, Gary Young, who helped re-establish “low fi” as a sound aesthetic while offering bombastic, often drug-induced antics on-stage. Deleted scenes, interviews with Young, a commentary with director Jed. I Rosenberg, and a 32-page booklet are included in Factory 25’s Blu-Ray (1.78)…The music of Crass is detailed in CRASS: THE SOUND OF FREE SPEECH – THE STORY OF REALITY ASYLUM (95 mins., 2023), a documentary by Brandon Spivey about the “confrontational” group and its role in the genesis of the punk music movement. Deleted scenes, extended interviews and a 28-page booklet comprise Factory 25’s upcoming Blu-Ray (1.78).
Icarus Films’ Blu-Ray of THE HUMAN PYRAMID (93 mins., 1961) is included in a new release alongside director Jean Rouch’s follow-up, THE PUNISHMENT (64 mins., 1963), each in new 2K transfers (1.33, French mono with English subtitles)…Finally, Magnolia’s Blu-Ray of SEVERANCE (96 mins., 2006, R) shouldn’t be confused with the hit Showtime series as this British indie follows a group of employees at an international weapons manufacturer whose getaway weekend at their President’s posh new digs results in murder and mayhem. A new commentary with director Christopher Smith and co-writer James Moran is moderated by Kim Newman and is included here alongside a long line of archival extras (commentary, deleted scenes, interviews, featurettes, EPK materials) in Magnolia’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA).
Also New & Noteworthy
THE ALTO KNIGHTS Blu-Ray (123 mins., 2024, R; Warner): Raise your hand if you knew “Goodfellas” writer Nicholas Pileggi reunited with star Robert DeNiro last year. Turns out few people were aware of the very existence of “The Alto Knights,” a not inexpensive Warner production that finds DeNiro playing both crime boss Frank Costello and associate Vito Genovese, the latter failing to believe Costello’s overtures that he wants to leave the family business so to speak. A gang war ensues, but the good intentions are undone by pedestrian direction from Barry Levinson, who hasn’t turned out a decent movie in forever, and a tired DeNiro performance. Maybe with an infusion of energy in its star and director this might’ve worked 20, 30 years ago, but “The Alto Knights” looks and plays like a museum exhibit instead of a movie. Warner’s Blu-Ray (2.39) includes a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and a Digital HD code.
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD Blu-Ray (88 mins., 2025, PG-13; Universal): Better acted than most, this intriguing yet fundamentally undernourished supernatural (or is it) thriller offers a determined performance from Danielle Deadwyler as a Mom whose family is tormented by a black-clad spirit out in their farmhouse. Sam Stefanak’s script was likely aiming much higher than where this feature ultimately goes, with director Jaume Collet-Serra favoring atmosphere and mood over heavy shocks – but it’s all for naught, the picture preferring to remain a mystery until a heavy-handed ending complete with a tag for the suicide prevention hotline. Universal’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 7.1 Dolby TrueHD) includes two featurettes and a Digital HD copy.
A BETTER PLACE Blu-Ray (86 mins., 1997; Smodcastle/MVD): Kevin Smith “presented” this acclaimed, low-budget indie drama about a young high schooler (Robert DiPatri) who’s saved from a first-day confrontation with a bully by a troubled classmate (Eion Bailey). Their turbulent relationship hits upon issues of bullying, mental health, teen suicide and firearms – among other elements – in Pereira’s 1997 picture, now restored by MVD in a Director’s Cut 2K transfer (1.5, 5.1 DTS MA) with ample extras. These include a new intro by Pereira; archival commentary; the “2001 version” of the movie, in standard def (85 mins); vintage intros from Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier; deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, and other extras from its previous DVD release.
NEXT TIME: Warner Archive new releases! Until then, don’t forget to drop in on the official Aisle Seat Message Boards and direct any emails to our email address. Cheers everyone!