Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Death Ring Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 6, 2021

1992’s “Death Ring” is a fairly routine riff on the “The Most Dangerous Game” premise, but for those who grew up during the age of the video store, the picture has a certain notoriety, participating in the practice of misleading marketing to help attract some attention to bottom shelf viewing options. The cover art blasted actor billing in bold: “NORRIS. MCQUEEN. SWAYZE.” Such last names conjured dreams of a pre-“Expendables” romp with a few of cinema’s most sandpapery leading men. Alas, it was merely a ruse to secure a rental, with unsuspecting folks soon forced to watch a film starring Chad MCQUEEN, Mike NORRIS, and Don SWAYZE. It’s a significant comedown from the real deal, but the sons and brother manage to deliver some entertainment with “Death Ring,” which is really The Mike Norris Show, taking a story credit and the leading man role to showcase his presence as an actor hero, kicking and punching his way through a basic but diverting B-movie.

Matt (Mike Norris) is an ex-military man struggling to find his place in the world. He’s not comfortable with his girlfriend, Lauren (Isabel Glasser), who makes more money than he does, putting a strain on their relationship. While trying to work out their future together, the twosome are interrupted by a pack of enforcers led by Ms. Ling (Elizabeth Fong Sung), who’ve been tasked to kidnap the couple and return them to an island compound owned by Danton (Billy Drago). A man of mystery, Danton has organized a manhunt on his property, bringing in Iceman (Victor Quintero), Mr. Chen (George Kee Cheung), Apache (Henry Kingi), and Temple (Donegan Smith) to act as hunters for the expensive event. Matt is the prey, sent into the island to survive the night, with Lauren kept as collateral, making sure the target follows through on the game. Overwhelmed by the situation, Matt relies on his Green Beret training to protect him from the predators, while back in San Diego, pal Skylord (Chad McQueen) begins his investigation into what happened, coming across some dangerous individuals as he inches closer to the truth.

The director of “Hell Comes to Frogtown,” R.J. Kizer takes command of “Death Ring,” working from a screenplay by George T. LeBrun. The team aren’t dealing with much dramatic weight, more focused on establishing the players in this sicko game, including Matt, who’s introduced as a competitor in a special “Survival of the Fittest” race, destroying the competition, much to the delight of Lauren and Skylord, who earned that nickname due to his helicopter flying abilities. Matt is a tough dude, but he has a weak spot, and that’s emasculation, feeling low when he can’t find work capable of paying him more money than Lauren. His earning potential is apparently his personality, unable to recognize what a loving, supportive partner he has in Lauren, bringing their relationship to the edge of ending when his anxieties about manliness get the best of him. Admittedly, it’s not a bad place to start for the character, and as ridiculous as his woes are, there’s something more to Matt than just brawn, which is clearly displayed during an early barfight scene, taking care of a drunk making moves on Lauren. She may be the breadwinner in the relationship, but he has the low impulse control and heavy fists, maintaining his manly power, which is quickly rewarded with post-fight sex.

Danton is the heavy, but he’s not especially dangerous. He’s the mastermind of “the game,” charging rich men a small fortune to hunt an unarmed man around the island, treating the occasion with the elegance it deserves, including a pre-launch dinner that offers the supporting players a chance to introduce themselves. The hunters are aggressive types, stereotypes really, and they all share a common interest in taking a human life, with Danton toasting the occasion with glasses filled with snake blood. Drago is here to make the most of out his part, hamming it up like crazy as his fiddles with his fingers and creeps around the frame, laboring to become the most interesting performance in the movie. He wins the contest with his overacting, but “Death Ring” is big on emphasis, not skill, watching Norris try to replicate his father’s steely screen presence, and McQueen seems to be doing some sort of Mickey Rourke impression as Skylord, enjoying his own subplot as the pilot slips into detective mode. Swayze doesn’t show up until later in the feature, offering a bit more restraint in a small role as an unwilling island resident.

“Death Ring” (which isn’t the name of the contest, but a literal piece of jewelry) takes a few odd turns during the run time, including a visit to secretive Satanists who don’t want Skylord nosing around in their business. It’s a weird addition to the story that doesn’t go anywhere of note. The picture works best as a simple actioner, following Matt as he prepares for battle, channeling his military might to take on the hunters, who come after him one at a time. The prey is forced to dodge throwing stars and spears, slapping around foes with half-speed martial art moves, probably wishing his only issue was income disparity with Lauren, who has her own challenges inside the compound. Danton follows the progress of the hunt through microphones, maintaining taunting distance from Matt, who tries to keep himself out of reach on the island, and the script makes it clear the hunters aren’t on friendly terms either, adding an additional layer of violence to the endeavor.

Death Ring Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Death Ring" is listed as a "new 2K master" of the movie. Detail comes through nicely, exploring facial particulars on this motley crew of actors. Island tours are dimensional, and interiors show off decoration and signage. Costuming is fibrous, from casual survival gear to lacier lingerie. Colors are strong throughout, with natural skintones and primaries on clothing, including deep red outfits on Ms. Ling. Greenery is exact. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Death Ring Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers a balanced, wider listening experience for "Death Ring." The picture isn't especially ambitious with sound, but dialogue exchanges are crisp and clear, handling sometime mumbled performances choices well. Scoring offers a defined presence, with sharp synth. Sound effects are also clean, with bullet hits and body blows. Subtitles aren't included.

Death Ring Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (2:46, SD) is included.

Death Ring Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Kizer offers efficient direction, trying to cover for his lack of budget (fake walls are quite noticeable), and he provides acceptable escalation with Matt's challenge of survival, securing faint suspense with his deadly encounters, which make up the second half of the film. "Death Ring" works in its own smaller ways, and while it certainly would be a more interesting endeavor with the well-known versions of SWAYZE, MCQUEEN, and NORRIS, the production gets by with the JV squad, who work to make this professional opportunity count, sweating to earn that hilariously deceptive billing.