6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.1 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.8 |
A one-man army comes to the rescue of the United States when a spy attempts an invasion.
Starring: Chuck Norris, Richard Lynch (I), Eddie Jones, Billy Drago, Melissa ProphetThriller | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
I can’t believe this is happening here.
Invasion U.S.A., released in 1985 when Cold War paranoia, not terrorism, was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, tells a frightening,
almost predictive story of what looks like a modern-day terror campaign, an endless slaughter of innocent civilians who just happen to be in the
wrong place at the wrong time. “Why? There has to be a reason!” one survivor cries out in emotional anguish. The movie largely ignores rhyme or
reason for the attacks but does fold in a bit of history between protagonist and the film’s primary antagonist, largely for no other purpose than to set
up the inevitable end-film showdown. It's B-grade Cannon/Golan-Globus cinema fodder that's extremely violent and mostly entertaining as a crude
throwback to a time when even cut-rate action could stand on its own and films like this found success with the more crude hammer-and-nails
approach.
Invasion U.S.A.'s 1080p image is by-and-large presentable and filmic. Grain is a little dense and snowy, with notable increases in density in a very hazy scene at the 1:38:00 minute mark. Print scratches and pops are not entirely uncommon but not particularly distracting beyond a couple of shots. Detailing is fairly impressive. Look at the "Captain's" hat in the film's early minutes. There's a good bit of visual complexity in play, including spots of blood after the massacre, light caked-on dirt, and material density to be seen. Skin textures are impressively firm, and viewers will be able to identify practically every strand of Chuck Norris' facial hair. Interiors and exterior environmental details and wear on various firearms are also notably complex. Colors present well with a pleasant neutrality about them. Saturation is good, particularly in daylight. A yellow school bus seen in chapter eight serves as a good example of the color palette's accuracy. Black levels are a little overpowering at times, with nighttime exteriors and dark interiors teetering on crush, such as a scene at the 16-minute mark. The image suffers from no overwhelming encode flaws. This is a very well-rounded and enjoyable presentation from Shout! Factory.
Invasion U.S.A.'s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers a high yield listen. The film opens on the water, with fatigued migrants floating towards Florida from Cuba. Water sloshes about, the boat creaks, and music offer a seamless width and depth, a complimentary full-stage immersion. Moments later, gunfire rips through the crowd on the boat. Shots ring out with frightening zip and depth with engagement all over the stage. Gun battles are regularly similar, with high impact shots and seamlessly busy and well integrated surround usage. Explosions are powerful, sending debris scattering all over the stage with a good, pronounced boom. A scene in which the terrorists blow up several houses in chapter five is a good example, which also includes the rockets zipping through the stage form point of origin to point of impact. Music follows, with wide and deep stage integration and commendable clarity with only a few very brief hiccups in delivery when there are a few slight dropouts or tonally uneven notes. Various environmental supports bring several scenes to fluid life, including out in the swamp in chapter two or in a busy shopping mall in chapter six. The track is consistent in terms of music, action, and environmental construction alike, making full and regular use of the entire sound field. Dialogue is clear and well prioritized for the duration.
Invasion U.S.A. contains an audio commentary, two featurettes, and some additional fluff extras. No DVD or digital copies are included.
Invasion U.S.A. lacks storytelling finesse but it's confident in seizing the opportunity to explode into a parade of violence both against the innocent and against the evildoers. For as extreme as it may be, it's equally gratifying in watching Norris kick butt and blow away anyone and anything that would wrong him or the innocent people around him. It's classic Cannon fodder that genre fans will certainly want to add to their collections, and Shout! Factory's Blu-ray is the film's best home video release ever. Offering strong video and audio presentations as well as a handful of solid supplemental content, the release comes highly recommended.
1986
Collector's Edition
2019
2016
2013
Who Dares Wins
1982
2013
2015
Limited Editon
1981
2016
1987
2020
2016
DVD Packaging
1996
Collector's Edition
1986
Special Edition
1986
1987
2014
1986
2016
2002