Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman July 25, 2026

MVD Visual's MVD Rewind Collection imprint is revisiting a couple of their older 1080 releases of Jean-Claude Van Damme films (movies?) with new 4K editions, including this one and Death Warrant 4K (releasing a couple of weeks after this one). This edition features the extended so-called A.W.O.L. cut on the 4K disc, with a "legacy" 1080 disc included.

My now pretty old Lionheart Blu-ray review offers plot information, a list of supplements (repeated below for convenience's sake), and my reaction to the technical presentation.

Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: As regular readers of my reviews know, I tend to shy away from screenshots sourced directly off of 4K discs since they require downscaling to 1080 and SDR, the latter of which tends to pretty seriously skew color values. However, these screenshots are from the 4K disc due to the change in aspect ratio outlined below, though the palette in these screenshots is not accurate. For a better accounting of the color timing, look at the 1080 screenshots in my 1080 review linked to above. The 2K score above reflects that same "legacy" 1080 disc included in this release.

Lionheart is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of MVD Visual's MVD Rewind Collection imprint (with further branding listing this as part of MVD's 4K LaserVision Collection) with an HEVC / H. 265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.85:1. I've mentioned in previous reviews how member submissions here often tend to mistake 2.35:1 and 2.39:1 for some reason, and while 1.85:1 and 1.78:1 aren't mistaken as often in submissions here, that's somewhat hilariously exactly what has happened with the labeling on both the old 1080 release and now this new 4K release. The old release's back cover listed the aspect ratio as 1.85:1 when in fact it was 1.78:1, a mistaken listing which is repeated on the back cover for the 1080 disc in this set. Adding to the comedy, though, the listing of the 4K disc states that it is in 1.78:1 when it is actually in 1.85:1. While technically probably more "correct", there frankly isn't a huge difference in framings, as can be seen in some of the screenshots here where I've attempted to come close to duplicating some of the screenshots of my older 1080 review. The first thing I noticed is a much more observable grain field in the new 4K rendition, to the point that things can be pretty thick and splotchy on a few occasions. That said, this has a much more pleasingly organic look now. I frankly wouldn't argue that the palette has materially changed, even with the blandishments of HDR (no Dolby Vision), though a lot of the outdoor material, like some of the opening desert scenes, pop incredibly well. Detail levels are typically great throughout, especially in less frenetic moments employing close- ups. There is still some very minor age related wear and tear that has made it through the restoration gauntlet (look at the tiny white pinhole toward the right side of the frame in screenshot 2 for an example).

Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

While the older 1080 release did only offer lossy Dolby Digital options on its Extended Cut, it did have a 5.1 mix, which this new version omits, though it ups the stereo ante to lossless LPCM 2.0. There is definitely more energy now in the midrange and low end in particular when compared to the older Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Stereo imaging isn't hugely wide, but there is clear separation, especially in some of the action sequences. Dialogue is presented without any issues. Optional English subtitles are available.

Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K Disc

• Commentary by director Sheldon Lettich moderated by Heath Holland is new to this edition.

1080 Disc

• Theatrical Cut (HD; 1:44:59) and Extended Cut (HD; 1:50:17) are both included on the disc.


• The Story of Lionheart (HD; 47:28) is the first, and longer, of two really fun sets of interviews and production data. This includes Karson, Lettich, Van Damme and several others.


• Inside Lionheart with the Filmmakers and Cast (HD; 25:50) continues with many of the same interview subjects and offers more enjoyable reminiscences.


• Lionheart: Behind the Fights (HD; 10:18) focuses on some of the action scenes in the film.


• Making of Featurette (SD; 8:52) is an archival piece with candid footage and interviews.


• Interview with Sheldon Lettitch (SD; 25:52) is another archival piece with text questions (in both English and German, kind of oddly) followed by Lettitch on screen answering them.


• Interview with Harrison Page (SD; 13:04) is another one like the Lettitch interview, with bilingual text questions followed by on screen answers.


• Behind the Scenes of the Audio Commentary (SD; 5:39) has some footage of the commentary being recorded.


• Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery (SD; 4:45)


• Five Promotional TV Clips (SD; 1:29, 1:03, 1:26, 1:15, 1:24)


• Trailers includes Lionheart (SD; 2:06) and some other MVD Rewind titles.


• Audio Commentary features Sheldon Lettitch and Harrison Page (available on the Extended Version only)

Additionally, a (folded) mini-poster is included in the keepcase. Packaging also features a slipcover.

Lionheart 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's no denying that Lionheart is just kind of flat out silly on its (slightly tear stained) face, but for Van Damme fans it's a chance to see their butt kicking idol in a more reserved, family friendly environment (at least at times, because Van Damme does of course kick some serious butt in the film). The new 4K transfer provides a more organic presentation with some nicely nuanced HDR highlights and typically fulsome detail levels. The new commentary is enjoyable (if unavoidably repetitive compared to the older one on the 1080 disc), and the legacy 1080's supplements are also appealing. For Van Damme fans with a 4K setup, Recommended.