Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Lone Wolf McQuade Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 13, 2020

Chuck Norris was destined to become a big screen action hero, testing the waters with small productions looking to do something with his physical prowess and steely stare. He was a martial arts hero hunting for the right project to bring him to the next level of fame, and while efforts such as “An Eye for an Eye,” “The Octagon,” and “Silent Rage” did what they had to do for the star, it would be 1983’s “Lone Wolf McQuade” that would forever change how the industry and fans would perceive Norris. Newly scruffy and irritable, the actor submits to director Steve Carver’s vision for a fresh take on old Sergio Leone business, delivering a satisfying Eastwood-ian riff on The Man with No Name. “Lone Wolf McQuade” has issues with ridiculousness, but it’s one of Norris’s better pictures, with Carver’s spaghetti western itches fully scratched by his leading man, who seems to enjoy the challenge of creating a performance with as little dialogue as he can possibly get away with.

A man of few words, Texas Ranger McQuade (Chuck Norris) lives alone, dealing with the criminal scum that infiltrates his state. New to town is Wilkes (David Carradine), a slimy arms dealer who’s recently graduated to bigger crimes after stealing from the Army to fund his lifestyle. When Wilkes’s violence reaches McQuade’s daughter, Sally (Dana Kimmell), the Ranger sets out to figure out exactly what the villain is up to. Accepting a partner in Ramos (Robert Beltran), McQuade hits the streets of El Paso, making his way through creeps and opportunists as he begins to understand the bigger picture in play, while Wilkes gets bolder in his evildoing, making the fight personal.

Carver isn’t kidding with the Leone love, slapping an Italian-style main title sequence on “Lone Wolf McQuade,” while encouraging composer Francesco De Masi to amp up the Morricone-style flavoring. It’s not homage, it’s more replication, with Carver translating European cowboy swagger to Texas, with McQuade a man of little patience for anyone not interested in law and order. It’s a fun start to a satisfying feature, and one that introduces broad villainy in Wilkes, making the baddie a martial arts expert as well, leading to an inevitable conclusion. There’s romance as well, with Wilkes’s lover, Lola (Barbara Carrera), showing instant attraction to the ranger, giving the picture some level of emotion it doesn’t entirely need. “Lone Wolf McQuade” is more at home with macho posturing, with McQuade speeding through shoot-outs and chases, giving Carver a few chances to show off some enjoyable stunt work. The more superhero aspects of the screenplay are too much (including McQuade’s supercharged truck and his Popeye-esque power-surge reaction to beer), but the production finds a proper level of intimidation to work with.

For additional analysis, please visit Casey Broadwater’s 2012 review.

Lone Wolf McQuade Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Lone Wolf McQuade" was previously issued on Blu-ray in 2012, and now Scorpion Releasing elects to bring the title back to the market with a "Brand new 2K scan from the original interpositive." The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation definitely looks more cinematic, with refreshed colors delivering bright, blue Texan skies and warmer environments for outdoor adventures. Costuming secure sharp blues and red, and skintones are natural throughout. Detail is strong, supplying a sharp view of interior clutter with McQuade's work and living spaces. Outdoor action is dimensional, surveying mountain ranges and industrial areas. Facial surfaces are intact, capturing all the sweaty looks this movie loves to share. Costuming is fibrous, highlighting McQuade's denim outfits and Lola's unexpectedly sheer clothing. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Slight wobbling is periodically detected.

Lone Wolf McQuade Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix leads with triumphant scoring cues, keeping the Leone love going with sharp orchestral sounds and subtle additions, such as whistling. Music supports the action without overwhelming it. Dialogue exchanges protect most dramatic efforts, though some conversations are on the quiet side, threatened by atmospherics. Sound effects are clear, handling snappy gunfire, louder explosions, and dense body blows.

Lone Wolf McQuade Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (7:27, HD) with producer Yoram Ben-Ami isn't a deep probe into the "Lone Wolf McQuade" shoot, with the interviewee very happy about everything. He shares background information, getting his start in Israel before working for Otto Preminger, who pushed the young man to try his luck in America. Having a hand in the creation of "An Eye for an Eye," Ben-Ami and director Steve Carver had a rapport with Norris, encouraging him to return for "Lone Wolf McQuade." Casting achievements are noted, especially Norris's professionalism, but, again, Ben-Ami isn't trying to start something with this chat, repeating how "nice" everyone was. Some talk of on-set atmosphere is shared, along with a fire emergency. Ben-Ami closes with an anecdote about seeing the picture in Westwood when it opened, purchasing a strange amount of tickets.

• Interview (10:15, HD) with actor L.Q. Jones is breezy chat with the veteran, who recalls his initial hiring, putting faith into director Carver's abilities, who was "ready for it." The interviewee shares memories of co-stars (noticeably missing is David Carradine), with special praise for Norris, who set the tone for professionalism. Jones mentions his own dedication to the work and marvels over the longevity of "Lone Wolf McQuade" (a feature he isn't entirely in love with), which was responsible for a good chunk of his fan mail for a few years. There's a brief discussion of timing, with Carver and Norris trying to pull off a career change with the picture, and Jones explores his interests in comedy.

• Interview (9:46, HD) with Robert Beltran briefly explores the actor's introduction to the "Lone Wolf McQuade" project, receiving a simple offer through his agent. An assessment of Carver is supplied, with Beltran trying his best to respect the director's focus on preparation. The interviewee provides his thoughts on co-stars, learning from Norris and falling in love with Barbara Carrera. Beltran shares an amusing story about his work with squibs, and his experience with Aaron Norris, Chuck's sibling, and the stunt coordinator on the picture. He also mentions being periodically recognized for "Lone Wolf McQuade," finding fans all over the world.

• Interview (11:47, HD) with the always charismatic Leon Isaac Kennedy delves into his hiring for "Lone Wolf McQuade," becoming a "demographic choice" for the studio. Recalling a pleasant shoot, Kennedy details tension with a sequence that involved rappelling down a mountain, secretly hoping Norris would turn down the stunt, allowing him to bow out as well. The interviewee explores his love of Bruce Lee, pulling stories about the legend out of Norris. Carver's directorial drive is shared, and co-stars are fondly recalled. Sequel plans are also highlighted, with Norris eventually taking the McQuade vibe to "Walker, Texas Ranger."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:25, HD) is included.

Lone Wolf McQuade Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's hard to hate a film where the hero is an unrepentant slob, living in a filthy house, working in a dirty office, and driving a mud-caked car. It's the little ideas that make "Lone Wolf McQuade" connect. Carver can't quite bring the feature over the top, caught up in plot dealings few viewers will care about, but he's mostly on the money with his love letter to Leone, keeping Norris out front and sweaty while he tries to add some Italian style to an American B-movie.