6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
An evil Oriental Dragon Lady injects three martial arts fighters with a serum that turns them into zombie-like assassins, and she sends them out against her enemies.
Starring: Ronald L. Marchini, Michael Chong, Joshua Johnson (I), Ron Ackerman, Mari HonjoThriller | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.38:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (96kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
There are many odd details and turns to 1976’s “Death Machines,” but the fact that it was marketed as a futuristic thriller is perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the feature. It’s simply not one, arriving as a thoroughly 1970s-styled martial arts demonstration with unstoppable killer motivation. Director Paul Kyriazi has a vision for his picture, which is a nice change of pace from the fight film norm, giving “Death Machines” some real teeth for 1976, managing an orgy of violence that includes bar brawls, bazooka attacks, and mass murder, sold with a certain style of stunt-heavy gusto that makes the effort enjoyable, even when it doesn’t exactly make sense. Kyriazi is out to give audiences a joy ride of nonsense, and he accomplishes his goal, delivering screen aggression that keeps on coming, while the cast is filled with all types of bruisers and cowards, making conflicts highly amusing.
Listed as "Scanned and restored in 4k from 35mm Techniscope camera negative," the AVC encoded (2.38:1 aspect ratio) "Death Machines" viewing experience delivers a level of brightness and sharpness that helps to appreciate the madness Kyriazi is trying to summon. Detail is excellent throughout, securing examination of set decoration, stunt work, and individual performances, with close-ups especially vivid. Costuming also showcases encouraging textures, delivering the period mood. Colors are alert and secure, offering sharp primaries and trendy hues on outfits, while greenery is ideal. Skintones are natural. Grain isn't pronounced, but filmic qualities remain. Delineation is largely inviting. Source is clean, without major points of damage.
The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is handed quite a workload, with layers of drama and music competing for attention. It's a harsh listen at times, with sharp highs as action emerges, while scoring efforts are intentionally strong. Music keeps its shape and direction, but synth stings can be very aggressive at times. Dialogue exchanges aren't threatened, maintaining expositional needs and emotional escalation. Sound effects are juiced up but add some proper thwacks and thumps. Atmospherics are limited. A mild amount of hiss is detected.
It's difficult to penalize "Death Machines" for lukewarm performances, as most of the actors are trying their best to make absurdity feel authentic, while the script endeavors to take Frank's journey of limb loss as seriously as possible, giving him an arc of revenge that leads to a showdown finale. But the real stars of the show are the Death Machines, who put in an impressive effort to come across as early Terminators, absorbing body blows and bullets as they march into the danger zone. It can be a silly picture, but it's never a dull one, almost constantly delivering some form of mayhem to keep the feature trucking along, reaching a conclusion that keeps options open for a sequel that sadly never arrived. Kyriazi certainly deserved a second shot with the Death Machines and their limited tolerance for those trying to kill without their permission.
2019
1974
2011
1978
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1984
2018
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2014
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Limited Edition to 3000
1973
2009
1978
1978
Gritos en la noche / Screams in the Night
1962
2018
1972
2011
2021