4.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Jobe, the computer-enhanced genius of Lawnmower Man, is resuscitated by Jonathan Walker, a conniving businessman who wants Jobe to create a special computer chip that would enable him to rule the world through a network of computers.
Starring: Patrick Bergin, Matt Frewer, Austin O'Brien, Ely Pouget, Camille CooperSci-Fi | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 1.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Co-writer/director Brett Leonard elected to transform a Stephen King short story about unholy lawn service into a study of virtual reality, creating a minor hit for New Line Cinema with 1992’s “The Lawnmower Man.” It was R-rated entertainment that offered an exotic look at impossible technology for multiplex audiences, luring them in with strange CGI creations and mild thriller elements. Leonard was trying to make something distinctly sci-fi yet somewhat prescient, tapping into the rise of the “cyberpunk” subculture that would eventually become a Hollywood obsession for a good chunk of the 1990s. “The Lawnmower Man” surprised everyone by making money, and New Line wasn’t about to give up on a potential franchise. Of course, they didn’t stick with Leonard, instead putting their box office hopes into the hands of writer/director Farhad Mann, who helmed the pilot episode of “Max Headroom” and, well, “Return to Two Moon Junction.” Leonard isn’t much of a moviemaker, but Mann completely botches the world-building of the first effort, delivering “Lawnmower Man 2: Jobe’s War” (also titled “Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace”), which transforms the dangers and desires of the original picture into terrible kiddie entertainment.
The AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers an older scan of the movie, with some baked-in filtering. Age is apparent during the viewing experience, providing a softer look at frame particulars. Some detail survives, exploring sharp facial features on Jobe and Benjamin's earthier appearance. Sets are reasonably dimensional, showcasing futuristic decoration, and a few trips outside offer deeper backgrounds. Colors are acceptable, securing the bright green hues of Jobe's VR realm, along with his gold supervillain suit. Flashier lighting also delivers primaries, while warmer tones are found with Benjamin's desert home. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in good condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is a little chaotic at times, which is likely an inherent issue for a film that's desperate to seem exciting. Dialogue exchanges are clear, securing technobabble and dramatic efforts. Scoring is aggressive but not overwhelming, offering crisp orchestral instrumentation, working hard to create moods for the picture. Sound effects are active, and low-end is reasonably alert, doing well with explosions. Surrounds push out music and atmospherics, including city bustle and VR tours, with some mild separation effects.
Obviously, when one considers the limitless potential of VR confrontation, a sword fight between Jobe and Dr. Trace immediately comes to mind, right? Mann gets downright goofy for his grand finale, working his way to a resolution that doesn't exactly solve many problems, but remains charged up with heroics and villainy, along with additional time inside the greenscreen-opolis. "Jobe's War" is clearly made for pre-teen audiences capable of being wowed by futureworld wish-fulfillment, as it does little more than provide a noisy distraction for kids, downplaying connections to "The Lawnmower Man" and ideas on corrupt deities along the way, going the video game route to maximize box office potential. Spoiler alert: it didn't work.
2018
2017
1994
1995
Collector's Edition
1992
1994
Limited Edition - 2,000 copies
1983
4K Restoration | Special Edition
1987
1983
I Come in Peace
1990
Remastered
1994
1991
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1985
Roger Corman's Post Nuke Collection
1985
1991
Roger Corman's Post Nuke Collection
1987
Roger Corman's Post Nuke Collection
1988
Warner Archive Collection
1970
Galaxy
1986
1989