Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 15, 2019

It’s not easy to make a movie that involves a killer animal. Certain viewers are quite sensitive to violence committed against creatures, forcing filmmakers to maintain concentration on a proper tone while exposing horrors to helpless animals. For 1993’s “Man’s Best Friend,” writer/director John Lafia (“Child’s Play 2”) seems well-aware of the problems he’s facing with the material, which pits a genetically modified Tibetan Mastiff vs. several people who choose abuse over care, triggering the dog’s killer instinct. Instead of crafting a grim survey of pain, Lafia goes bright and somewhat silly with “Man’s Best Friend,” which emerges as an enjoyable genre exercise in good taste with problematic material. It’s not exactly lighthearted, but the picture has a ripping pace and plenty of savage moments, with the helmer largely understanding when to play the severity of the moment or just give in to the absurdity of it all.

A television news reporter trying to make her mark, Lori (Ally Sheedy) is curious about the happenings at the EMAX Research Facility, finally finding a way into the guarded campus when an employee is ready to expose what’s going on behind the gates. When that informant is mysteriously killed, Lori elects to infiltrate the building anyway, discovering an animal testing lab, with Max, a massive dog, making a connection to the journalist. When owner Dr. Jarret (Lance Henriksen) returns to work, Lori escapes with Max, bringing the pooch back home, where her boyfriend, Perry (Fredric Lehne), disapproves of the dog’s presence in the house. While Lori falls in love with Max, she’s not aware that he’s really a “genetic crossbreed,” representing DNA cocktail of sorts that makes him a powerful protector or deadly weapon. Out of Dr. Jarret’s control, Max is missing his medicinal balance, counting down to a psychotic episode as he unleashes his powers on the morons who choose to abuse him.

“Man’s Best Friend” showcases its understanding of the titular relationship with a neat main title sequence that collects images of dogs in various states of loyalty and distress, highlighting through paintings and drawings the problematic union. It’s a vivid opener (supplying an unusual display of credit effort for a B-movie), and it gets the picture up and running right away, launching into the problems at EMAX, focusing on a young employee ready to give up company practices to Lori, only to become the dog’s first victim while checking in on the powerful animal. Lafia doesn’t waste any time getting to the goods, setting up the prison of EMAX, the canine’s violent potential, and the power of Dr. Jarret’s secretive ways, with the feature’s goals solidifying in the first ten minutes. It’s welcome storytelling economy, giving “Man’s Best Friend” some room to play as it tracks Lori’s “rescue” of Max, bringing the seemingly helpless dog home after experiencing his protective instincts with a potential mugger.

“Man’s Best Friend” isn’t candied, but the movie often gives the impression it was intended to be a PG-13 viewing experience for young teens (the score sounds like it was pulled from a “Beethoven” sequel). Its current R-rating fits loosely, but there is violence to enjoy, especially with Max’s displays of power and aggression toward vicious types who try to assert their dominance through abuse. We watch as Max is maced by a mailman, playing up the vocational cliché, with the letter carrier finding his chemical useless against the genetically enhanced dog. A junkyard creep promises Lori comfort for Max when she realizes that keeping him home won’t work out, only to reveal himself to be a monster toward the pooch, also experiencing Max’s rage. And there’s Perry, Lori’s lover and a man who can’t stand Max, trying to find a way to get rid of him. The real question of “Man’s Best Friend” remains with villainy, as the titular character is a man-made aggressor with a range of survival abilities (including camouflage). He’s meant to be a problem. However, the screenplay often sides with the dog, making humans even worse, creating a strange viewing experience at times, as Max is a threat, but also the hero of the tale.

Perhaps reading too deeply into “Man’s Best Friend” isn’t the best option. The feature is just fine as junk food cinema, and Lafia understands that, showcasing Max’s mating interest with a neighboring collie, which is treated as pure comedy. There are two cops on the case who show limited patience for the whole situation, acting hostile toward Dr. Jarret, who wants Max taken alive, concerned that his million-dollar experiment will be terminated by a couple of empowered goons. Henriksen seems determined to show he’s in on the ridiculousness of the production, giving a wildly broad performance that’s intended to supply a true antagonist for a movie that’s stocked full of them.

Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "New 2K scan of the original film elements." "Man's Best Friend" may seem like an odd choice to receive a new scan, but fans of the movie are likely to be very pleased with the results. Detail is excellent, isolating animal fur and bodily harm. Costuming is fibrous, ranging from crisper news reporter wear to suburban comfort, with softer bedroom attire. Close-ups deliver appealing facial textures, showcasing makeup applications. Color is balanced and enjoyable, with flashes of deep red for bloodshed, and period hues are defined with style choices, from clothing to lighting, which favors a warmer palette for domestic adventures. Greenery is sharp. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and filmic. Source is in strong shape.

Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track is generally a loud, active event, giving the horror picture some compelling oomph to go along with its display of animal mayhem. Dialogue exchanges are crisp, securing antagonistic conversations and more animated acts of alarm. Dog barks and assorted acts of animal communication are also deep. Scoring is full and sharp, showcasing pleasing instrumentation and emphasis throughout. Surrounds are lively, giving a sense of lab life with test subjects, Max's POV while chasing victims, and neighborhood activity. A few panning effects are noted, creating a tighter environment for listeners. Low-end offers some weight for attack sequences and car crashes.

Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director John Lafia.

• T.V. Spots (:50, SD) present two commercials for "Man's Best Friend."

• And a Theatrical Teaser (1:06, SD) and Theatrical Trailer (1:32, SD) are included.

Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Man's Best Friend" gets fairly wild at times, with the super-dog capable of producing acidic pee, while his version of a cat chase doesn't end well with a creature who quickly takes to a tree for safety (it's the movie's centerpiece sequence). Lafia makes something of a cartoon, but blood is often splattered, and the film doesn't fall apart. "Man's Best Friend" is entertaining, and it's impressive to see the endeavor remains approachable considering all the animal abuse that occurs during the run time. It's not mean (the fantasy aspects of the material are well-established), and while the feature may be a little confused here and there, Lafia wants to give his audience a proper genre ride, and one that's committed to a swift pace, with plenty of supercharged dog action.