Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Road House 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 15, 2022

In the 1980s, actor Patrick Swayze was climbing the career ladder, enjoying supporting roles in minor hits and misses. When 1987’s “Dirty Dancing” became a surprise smash success and cultural phenomenon, Swayze suddenly had career opportunities, presenting Hollywood with a chance to define a new leading man. In 1989, Swayze locked into hero mode, gravitating toward tough guy parts in “Next of Kin” and “Road House,” with the latter specifically built to take advantage of his physicality, good looks, and more sensitive screen appeal. And it works, rather wonderfully, finding Swayze in his element as cooler supreme Dalton, a philosophical destroyer of bodies and breaker of hearts who takes on villains with surgical skill, trying to remain “nice, until it’s time to not be nice.” There’s goofiness galore, but director Rowdy Herrington commits to a certain brawler vibe to the picture, giving it a special screen energy, and there’s always Swayze, perfectly cast here as a man of action, helping to keep the feature superbly entertaining and different than the competition, making something unique with Dalton.

The screenplay by David Lee Henry and Hilary Henkin aims to replicate western formula with Dalton’s arrival in Missouri, strolling into the Double Deuce bar with Eastwood-ian presence, preparing to transform a destination for destructive morons into a proper nightclub. The plot is simple, pitting Dalton against local businessman and creep Wesley (Ben Gazzara), who wants to control the community, but “Road House” is best soaking up the atmosphere of threats and confrontations, resulting in more than a few bar brawls that bring delicious mayhem to the feature. Dalton handles himself with the fury of a martial artist and the focus of a monk, trusting in the power of patience as he plays mind games with mouthbreathing antagonists and corrupt employees. There’s sex appeal as well, as Swayze generates plenty of chemistry with co-star Kelly Lynch, playing a local doctor falling for the sophisticated cooler. It’s hard to resist much of “Road House,” which piles on absurdity but doesn’t become a parody, as Herrington sells this collection of broad violence (including a monster truck attack!) and fuming goobers with determination, putting in the effort to turn this 1989 release into the finest drive-in film of the 1970s.

For additional analysis and information, please read:

A 2009 Blu-ray review by Dustin Somner.

A 2016 Blu-ray review by Jeffrey Kauffman.

Road House 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Road House" has been a popular title on Blu-ray, released a few times over the years, including a 2016 Shout Factory disc. Vinegar Syndrome returns to the title with a UHD release, sourced from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. The HDR viewing experience aims to give the feature its best home video presentation, and that's been achieved, especially when it comes to color, which delivers vibrantly during the viewing experience. Bar lighting secures powerful primaries, especially neon signage, and costuming offer real presence, enjoying period hues, including hot pinks and deep reds. Greenery is distinct, along with woodsy interiors on bar and barn tours. Skin tones are natural. Hair color has real pep, dealing with the atomic blondes in the cast. Detail is excellent, with a full sense of skin particulars, including textured close-ups. Bar visits offer depth, along with community activities. Costuming maintains strong fibrousness. Blacks are deep throughout, doing well with shadowy encounters, and highlights are comfortable, with brighter sunlight and hotter bar lights. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Road House 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA offers crisp dialogue exchanges, handling varied performance choices and moments of dramatic emphasis. Scoring offers sharp instrumentation, with distinct orchestral cues, and the soundtrack selections are heavier, also pushing out band performances for more circular engagement. Low-end is decent, handling violent events and thumpier tunes. Atmospherics capture bar bustle and community movement.

Road House 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (42 pages) offers essays by Sean T. Collins and Cristina Cacioppo.

Blu-ray Disc #1

• Commentary #1 features director Rowdy Herrington.

• Commentary #2 features fans Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier.

• "Henchman #2" (24:40, HD) is an interview with actor Anthony De Longis, who shares his audition story, finding those in charge unimpressed with his martial arts abilities. Location shooting is recalled, dealing with stunts and Patrick Swayze's fanbase, and an identification of facades is presented, as the Double Deuce and assorted town businesses were built in California. Physical action is detailed, following director Rowdy Herrington's leadership, with fight scenes growing intense while sticking with choreographed moves, creating a special atmosphere of violence. Co-stars are fondly recalled, and the cult longevity of "Road House" is analyzed.

• "I Did It My Way" (30:44, HD) is a video conference interview with second unit director Charlie Picerni, who details his wayward early years, getting close to criminal activity before he was pushed to California to pursue work as a stunt performer. Making his way up the ladder, Picerni became a stunt coordinator, eventually breaking into features with his time on "Die Hard," which secured the "Road House" gig for him. Fight choreography is celebrated, with the interviewee working to rough up moves, giving the picture a harder edge, and he praises the cast, who took direction well. Career ups and downs are tracked, with Picerni staying with producer Joel Silver for a few more endeavors. Technical challenges on "Road House" are shared, along with appreciation for Patrick Swayze's presence and talent.

• "Ain't Nothing Gonna Kill Me But Me!" (21:22, HD) is an interview with actor Travis McKenna, who tracks his early years as a bouncer, making him a natural fit for "Road House." The interviewee describes his physical condition at the time, easily handling the stunt requirements of the part, also shooting down producer Joel Silver's doubts about his abilities. McKenna offers love for Patrick Swayze and respect for director Rowdy Herrington, sharing memories from his contributions to the movie, which the helmer accepted. Stunt scenes and ice breakers are recalled, with McKenna extremely happy with his time on the film, making friends and contacts that lasted throughout his career. He closes with an amusing anecdote about meeting Bruce Springsteen.

• "Blonde Ambitions" (19:12, HD) is an interview with special talent coordinator Laura Lee Kasten, who kickstarted her career working for Playboy Magazine, offering movie producers access to actresses willing to do nudity. Pulled into a small part as a nurse, Kasten recalls her time on-set and her interactions with Patrick Swayze, whom she praises most highly. The interview identifies the "Laura Lee Girls" who were brought in to play the women of the Double Deuce, with a few of them using this opportunity to join the industry full time. Stunt work is highlighted, and memories from the premiere are shared, with Kasten expecting the film to be a major hit. Kasten closes with praise for producer Joel Silver, who helped her career along the way, getting her into location work.

• "Fightin' Man" (14:01, HD) is an interview with actor Roger Hewlett, who shares that 40 minutes of "Road House" was cut to get the film into fighting shape, losing much of his part. Working as an educator, Hewlett eventually found his way to the movie business, in awe of his co-stars, reporting on their generosity and personality. Hewlett is the only brave one to honestly comment on Patrick Swayze's temper, as he was periodically reprimanded for making mistakes. Stunt demands are recalled, with physical contact common during the shoot. The interviewee also identifies a few of the deleted subplots removed from the feature.

• Still Gallery (6:00) collects poster art, publicity shots, and film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, HD) is included.

Blu-ray Disc #2

• "I Thought You'd Be Bigger" (63:14, HD) is the making-of for "Road House," featuring interviews with film editor Frank Urioste, cinematographer Dean Cundey, director Rowdy Herrington, stunt coordinator Charlie Picerni, widow Lisa Niemi Swayze, and actors Terry Funk, Kelly Lynch, Joe Doe, Marshall R. Teague, Red West, Kevin Tighe, and Julie Michaels.

• "A Conversation with Director Rowdy Herrington" (29:38, HD) is an extended discussion of "Road House" with the helmer.

• "Pretty Good for a Blind Boy" (9:23, HD) explores the music of "Road House," offering interviews with director Rowdy Herrington, widow Lisa Niemi Swayze, and actors Red West, John Doe, Marshall R. Teague, Kevin Tighe, Kelly Lynch, and Julie Michaels.

• "On the Road House" (17:23, SD) is a 2006 making-of featurette, featuring interviews with director Rowdy Herrington, musician Jeff Healey, fight coordinator Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, and actors Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, and Marshall R. Teague.

• "Pain Don't Hurt" (22:29, HD) examines the stunts of "Road House," featuring interviews with director Rowdy Herrington, stunt coordinator Charlie Picerni, widow Lisa Niemi Swayze, cinematographer Dean Cundey, and actors Terry Funk, John Doe, Marshall R. Teague, Kelly Lynch, and Julie Michaels.

• "Remembering Patrick Swayze" (15:07, HD) is an appreciation piece featuring interviews with director Rowdy Herrington, stunt coordinator Charlie Picerni, widow Lisa Niemi Swayze, cinematographer Dean Cundey, and actors Red West, Terry Funk, Marshall R. Teague, Kelly Lynch.

• "What Would Dalton Do?" (12:27, SD) collects thoughts on "Road House" from real-life bar coolers.

• EPK Interviews (11:00, SD) deliver thoughts and promotion from fight trainer Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, director Rowdy Herrington, and actors Patrick Swayze, Ben Gazzara, Kelly Lynch, and Sam Elliot.

• EPK Profile (2:41, SD) celebrates star Patrick Swayze.

• BTS Footage (3:44, SD) showcases monster truck mayhem and stunt work from the "Road House" shoot.

Road House 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Technical credits are solid in "Road House," including colorful cinematography by Dean Cundey, and stunt work is excellent, adding some real bruising encounters to the endeavor, giving it a level of physical realism. The music is extraordinary, with the late, great Jeff Healey and his band providing hard- rocking blues and some amusing moments as Dalton's old pals. Performances are fully committed to the vibe of the film, with support coming from Sam Elliot, who brings some heart and attitude to power up the feature's second half. And there's Swayze, who dominates the picture, making the movie his with passion and precision, going above and beyond for a premise that other actors would sleepwalk through. "Road House" is silly, no argument there, but it remains focused on its craziness, giving a backwoods, bar-busting actioner an almost operatic touch, which makes the effort so much fun to watch.