7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A Chicago cop is caught in the middle of a gang war and corruption in his own department.
Starring: Chuck Norris, Henry Silva, Bert Remsen, Mike Genovese, Nathan DavisCrime | 100% |
Action | 41% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.88:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Standard Edition
1983
1988
1990
Limited Edition to 3000
1992
2016
2001
1981
2014
1991
2004
2K Restoration
1979
2013
2015
2016
Ruslan
2009
2015
1995
2009
2019
2017