Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 13, 2019

After dealing with zombies in his previous film, “The Dead Next Door,” writer/director J.R. Bookwalter takes on the world of comic books in 1989’s “Robot Ninja.” Such a title promises an outrageous camp-fest, but Bookwalter isn’t in any mood to screw around, getting past a case of the giggles in the first act of the movie, moving into fairly dire psychological areas as the story unfolds, ending up with an incredibly heavy endeavor about a costumed vigilante. There’s tonal bravery and a desire to do something gritty with no-budget entertainment, but consistent tonality eludes the production, which does remarkably well with introductions, but soon doesn’t have anywhere interesting to go.

Leonard (Michael Todd) is a comic book artist watching helplessly as his creation, “Robot Ninja,” is turned into garbage television by his publisher, Kane (Burt Ward). Frustrated with mediocrity, Leonard turns to pal Goodknight (Bogdan Pecic) for help creating a Robot Ninja costume, with hopes to use such heroism to right wrongs and inspire his art. Coming up against thug Gody (Maria Markovic), Leonard meets his match, discovering immense physical pain that carries him to the brink of sanity.

“Robot Ninja” plays it semi-light for the first half, studying Leonard’s irritations as his creative reputation is ruined by the popularity of the comic book television show. He’s not happy with how things are, using the power of his pen to sketch out a darker world for his creation, restoring power that’s been lost due to Kane’s greed. It’s a traditional journey of artistic corruption and sell-out syndrome, and Bookwalter takes it somewhat seriously, keeping Leonard in such a state of shock, he decides to become Robot Ninja, soon squaring off against Gody and her crew, who have a fondness for sexual assault and knocking over video stores.

While “Robot Ninja” has some cheery stretches as Leonard becomes the superhero, it doesn’t take long for his dream to die. Bookwalter builds toward a major show of force from Robot Ninja, who drives in and saves the day, but he doesn’t get a second chance at bravery, soon beaten bloody, dealing with torn flesh that requires self-surgery to repair. The picture switches from cartoony to depressing in an instant, and the screenplay stops moving forward, lingering on Leonard’s suffering and Gody’s villainy, with pace immediately stopped to linger on misery.

Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Intended for the VHS market in 1989, "Robot Ninja" makes the leap to Blu-ray with a fresh 2K scan. The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is impressive for such a low-budget feature, delivering decent detail throughout, picking up on costume nuances and location distances. Facial particulars are present, with vividness found in gore zones as well, picking up on goopy blood and spilled innards. Colors are tastefully refreshed, pumping up the comic book vibe of the movie with bright primaries. Interior decoration also delivers vivid hues, and period costuming is sharp. Delineation is satisfactory, finding frame information during dark stretches of the effort. Grain is managed but filmic. Source is in strong shape, with no significant elements of damage.

Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

While video needs are met with the "Robot Ninja" restoration, audio is a bit troublesome. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is acceptable for this type of movie, perhaps even the best the feature has ever sounded considering its history on VHS. Clarity isn't strong, with muddiness detectable, along with an effort to clear up dialogue exchanges, which leave performances sounding a tad compressed and thin. Scoring is acceptable, handling with an adequate synth vibe (a few beats of damage are encountered), and soundtrack selections fare a bit better, offering heavy metal emphasis. Surrounds are basic, but a few directional effects are appealing. Low-end is limited.

Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

On the Blu-ray:

• Commentary #1 features writer/director J.R. Bookwalter.

• Commentary #2 features Bookwalter and executive producer David DeCoteau.

• Commentary #3 features Bookwalter, actor James L. Edwards, associate producer Scott Plummer, co-creator David Lange, and special makeup consultant David P. Barton.

• "Rebuilding the Robot" (21:01, HD) sits down with J.R. Bookwalter to discuss the resurrection of "Robot Ninja" for its home video reintroduction. Shot on 16mm, Bookwalter had high hopes for the effort's VHS release, but mix-ups and accidents prevented the picture from looking its best. At first dealing with a lost negative (which was eventually found), the helmer was eventually offered a chance improve the movie in certain ways, ordering up new main titles and end credits, and even wading back into the film to deal with faulty edits, production mistakes, and bad color timing, bringing "Robot Ninja" to a visual level Bookwalter seems happy with. Now presented with a 2K scan, the director also shares information on the restoration, with tasteful noise reduction and involved sound work employed to generate a consistent viewing experience.

• "Thank You, Miss Barbeau" (4:43, HD) is brief chat with actress Linnea Quigley, who explores her relationship with David DeCoteau and her move to producing with 1989's "Murder Weapon." The interviewee recalls her initial meetings with Bookwalter and her time acting opposite Burt Ward, a personal favorite. Quigley also describes Bookwalter's directorial presence during the shoot.

• "Contemplating Coleslaw" (5:42, HD) sits down with Scott Spiegel, who recalls how he joined the "Robot Ninja" shoot, and how he takes direction. More Burt Ward memories are shared, including a special magazine autograph from the former Robin, who was reunited with his past thanks to Spiegel. Reflections on "Robot Ninja" are shared, with the subject emphasizing his leniency when it comes to the movie's low- budget, offer Bookwalter praise for pulling off so much with so little.

• "Dr. Goodknight's Neighborhood" (4:44, HD) is a location tour hosted by Bookwalter's young son, Benjamin.

• "The Robot Ninja" (9:39, HD) is a fan film from director Johnny Dickie, who also provides an intro.

• Artwork and Promotional Gallery (4:44) features concept art, comic book pages, newspaper coverage, magazine articles, screening photos, VHS covers and sell sheets, and reissue art for DVD and Blu-ray releases.

• Behind the Scenes Gallery (6:08) offers a glimpse of production work and crew camaraderie.

• Production Still Gallery (4:03) provides images from "Robot Ninja."

• And a Trailer (1:25, HD) is included.

On the DVD:

• 1989 Version (79:45) presents "Robot Ninja" in its full VHS-era glory, with original main titles and end credits.

• 2018 Commentary features podcasters Doug Tilley and Moe Porne.

• "Robot Ninja: Unmasked" (47:54) is part making-of, part fan appreciation documentary, with gathered cast and crew trying to explain what was intended for the picture, and what it ended up becoming. It's candid and humorous.

• Behind the Scenes Footage (30:02) delivers a fly-on-the-wall perspective on the "Robot Ninja" shoot, with commentary provided by Bookwalter.

• Rough Cut Outtakes (10:46) supply alternate angles and tonal changes for a handful of scenes.

• "The Adventures of Robot Ninja" (1:55) is a short clip of the show within the movie, and a few outtakes are included.

• Newscast Outtakes (12:10) are presented.

• Location Preshoots (7:24) cover Bookwalter's early imagery for the feature.

• And the Original 1989 Trailer (3:35) is included.

Robot Ninja Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bookwalter keeps piling on the darkness, all the way to an unexpected finale that fulfills his tribute to the graphic novel landscape of the 1980s, but will likely leave viewers wondering what kind of film they just watched. Ambition is there, and the production, with no money to spend, creates a comic book feel at times. It's an overall arc of ruin that feels incomplete, with silliness, extensive gore, and B-movie polish diluting the ultimate destination of disaster for "Robot Ninja."