Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 30, 2021

1991’s “Martial Law” turned out to be a hit in the VHS marketplace, immediately triggering plans for a sequel. However, for 1992’s “Martial Law II: Undercover,” star Chad McQueen is replaced by Jeff Wincott, with producers aiming to bring more power to the party, but, once again, they don’t value contributions from co-star Cynthia Rothrock nearly as much. The actress returns to fight form for a new adventure into the L.A. underworld, and once again Rothrock emerges as the most exciting element of the movie, giving “Martial Law II: Undercover” entertainment value as her character takes out nasty men and bad guys. I’m not sure why the moneymen insist the series is about anyone else but her.

Promoted to detective, Sean (Jeff Wincott) is ready to make a difference in the L.A.P.D., only to realize corruption is present in the ranks. After the death of his friend, Sean sets out to prove it was murder, sniffing around Spencer (Paul Johansson), a crime lord trying to pass himself off as a respectable businessman. Joining the fight is Billie (Cynthia Rothrock), who goes undercover as a bartender in Spencer’s nightclub, learning more about the villain’s secret ways.

“Martial Law II: Undercover” benefits from a better villain, with Spencer a creepy man of manipulation, working his way into the L.A.P.D. through devious means. He’s an oily yuppie with a henchman in Tanner (Evan Lurie), a bulky fighter with distinctly early-‘90s hair, giving the heroes a few more options when it comes to confronting criminal activity. As plots go, the sequel offers a more consistent understanding of evildoing, with Spencer’s infiltration of the police generating effective twists and a darker tone for the feature, giving Sean and Billie something more to do than simply wait for problems to come to them, with the pair targeting Spencer’s place of business, keeping Sean on the outside while Billie gets to know those closest to the creep during her time undercover.

Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Martial Law II: Undercover" leans more into '90's style than the previous installment, finding colors favoring a cooler palette of deep blues and reds, found in nightclub settings and backroom action lighting. City lights offer varied hues, and skintones are natural. Greenery is appealingly bright. Delineation is consistent, dealing with darker outfits and shadow play. Detail comes through with crisp facial particulars and fashion choices, including silkier eveningwear and thick sport coats. Grain is heavier but film-like. Source is in good condition.

Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix doesn't provide a crisp understanding of dialogue exchanges, but dramatic offerings are understood with a slight dullness. Scoring is sharper, exploring synth stings and bass slaps, along with a crisper sound for hot sax. Sound effects are basic, but body blows and gunfire are appreciable.

Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Under the Law: How a Hit Became a Franchise" (19:06, HD) reunites with producer Steve Cohen, star Cynthia Rothrock, and stunt coordinator Jeff Pruitt to discuss the making of "Martial Law II: Undercover." With the success of the original film, the producers provided a bit more budget and time to create a sequel, with Cohen taking on producer duties, while Kurt Anderson was promoted to the director's chair. The conversation examines the hiring of Jeff Wincott, who replaced "Martial Law" star Chad McQueen, but for reasons nobody wants to share, and with the new actor in play, Rothrock's presence was dialed down. Additional casting and body oil choices are recalled, while Pruitt was handed more responsibility the second time around, also sharing some BTS video he recorded during production. Rothrock explores her growing comfort as an actor at the time, and the trio do their best to explain some of the hair choices in the movie.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:49, HD) and a Video Trailer (1:31, SD) is included.

Martial Law II: Undercover Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Martial Law II: Undercover" gets loose with numerous fight scenes, showcasing martial arts power from Wincott and Rothrock, with the latter delivering thrills with her rubber-legged takedown of violent men. The sequel really should be about Billie and her heroism, but "Martial Law II: Takedown" isn't ready to give Rothrock a spotlight, though she takes it anyway, giving a weirdly bleak picture (yowza, that ending) the electricity it needs to improve on the original.