Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Code of Silence Blu-ray Movie Review

Chuck Norris has made many movies. Not enough of them are quality product. Arguably, the best of the bunch is 1985’s “Code of Silence,” where Norris goes full Eastwood as gruff cop trying to stop organized crime in the city of Chicago, caught between pronounced evil and a crooked police force. Director Andrew Davis handles the creative assignment well, crafting an exciting actioner that’s atmospheric, no-nonsense, and brings out the best in Norris, who’s not exactly creating dramatic highlights here, but the tough guy role manages to meet his lowered thespian requirements, keeping the star active and intimidating.

Code of Silence Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Unfortunately, the AVC encoded image (1.88:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Code of Silence" isn't a remaster for 2017, using what looks to be the same source as the 2012 Blu-ray from MGM. It's an adequate transfer, but an older one, with detail satisfactory, just never remarkable, encountering a degree of softness. Textures are passable with close-ups, taking in leathery facial particulars, and Chicago sights are preserved with decent distances. However, sharpness isn't there, tightening the feature's HD possibilities. Colors are agreeable, though it's a flatter palette with autumnal, Midwestern hues. Skintones are suitably drained, but some richness is missing. Delineation is acceptable. Source is clean.

Code of Silence Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Kino Lorber has traded a mono mix for a 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound event, and the results aren't drastically different. It remains a frontal listening experience (surrounds are quiet), though it handles with a wider sense of engagement, offering a slightly louder take on the film's action and antagonisms. Clarity is agreeable, handling dialogue exchanges from a variety of unique actors, offering a crisper read of accents and idiosyncrasies. Scoring is compelling, with decent instrumentation, providing slightly deep turns of funk and sharper synth stings. Sound effects are blunt but effective, with louder gunshots explosions, supplying a mild low-end.

Code of Silence Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Andrew Davis.

• Interview (10:02, HD) with writer Michael Butler explores the screenplay's rather ambitious origins, initially shaped as a possible installment of the "Dirty Harry" franchise, with Butler already in with Clint Eastwood due to his involvement with "The Gauntlet." Eastwood didn't respond to the work, including the addition of a robot partner, putting the project into limbo for years before its eventual resurrection, with initial interest in Kris Kristofferson in the lead role. "Code of Silence" eventually found its way to Chuck Norris, and while Butler is quick to point out the differences between his script and the final product, he seems awfully happy with the picture, praising Davis and his quest to make a Chicago- based actioner.

• Interview (9:47, HD) with Ron Dean is a casual conversation with the actor, who was a Chicago local, making him an easy fit for Davis and his urban vision. In fact, Dean has an extensive history of playing Chicago cops, also familiar with the locations used in the feature. Dean also share some interesting anecdotes about his co-stars, reminiscing about his time with Norris, Dennis Farina, and Ralph Foody.

• Interview (12:58, HD) with Molly Hagan is a delightful chat with the actress, who breaks the ice with an amusing anecdote about having an ear infection during her audition, making it seem as though she was completely invested in the work when all she was trying to do was hear properly. From Chicago, Hagan was surprised to return to the area for "Code of Silence," but the thrill was too much for the new actress, who's unfamiliarity with movie sets and star sensitivities from Norris got her into trouble. Hagan also discusses her time with Farina, tending to her own stunts, and dealing with the police robot.

• Interview (12:28, HD) with composer David Michael Frank goes the more traditional route, initially covering career origins before finding his way to Davis and the rare opportunity to score an action film. Frank recounts his influences at the time, using work from Tangerine Dream to guide the score, and he details critical tonal shifts and creative choices he managed to pull off. Frank also discusses highlights from the feature, and his comfort with Davis, who gave the composer a chance to do something different.

• And a Theatrical Trailer is (2:38, HD) included.

Code of Silence Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Kino Lorber isn't resurrecting an out of print title in "Code of Silence," but merely adding some supplementary heft to a release that was previously issued with only a theatrical trailer. Picture and sound quality are roughly the same, making this release ideal for those who are looking for a little more information on the making of "Code of Silence," including time with the director. Sadly, there's no Chuck Norris to be found in the extras, but the information provided is enlightening and, especially with Hagan, highly entertaining.