Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 4, 2021

After trying to extend the fear factor and concepts that originated in David Croeneberg’s “Scanners,” producer Pierre David delivered DTV two sequels that strived to keep a good thing going. When viewers weren’t completely won over by the follow-ups, David moved to spin-offs, transitioning to “Scanner Cop” and its sequel, “Scanner Cop II,” with the former his directorial debut. The chilly weirdness of Cronenberg’s creation is missing, replaced by cop show plotting, but David has made sure the gore remains, presenting two features with plenty of volcanic staring contests and body- bleeding horror.

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Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Scanner Cop

• Commentary features We Hate Movies.

• "Outside the Law: The 'Scanner Cop' Revolution" is a two-part making-of for "Scanner Cop" and "Scanner Cop II."

• "Part One" (22:09, HD) explores the creation of "Scanner Cop," featuring interviews with producer/director Pierre David, fan Simon Barrett, "Scanner Cop II" director Steve Barnett, stunt coordinator Jeff Pruitt, special effects artists Ted Haines and James Rohland, and actors Richard Grover, Hilary Shepard, and Mark Rolston. Enormous love for David Cronenberg is shared at the beginning of the featurette, with most of the interviewees offering their appreciation for the original "Scanners." Sequels to the original movie are discussed, and David's mission to make the picture is tracked, with the title collecting major pre-sale money at the Cannes Film Festival. Thoughts on actors Richard Lynch and Daniel Quinn are shared, with the latter remembered for his method acting, keeping clear of his co-stars. Locations are examined and a stunt mishap is explored, with Pruitt taking a hit while jumping through a wall. Special effects are analyzed, pointing out various tricks and "gags" to give the endeavor enough graphic content. And the video release of "Scanner Cop" is recalled, doing well in the hot VHS rental market, though Shepard still seems disappointed there wasn't a theatrical release.

• And a Promotion Video (4:22, SD) is included.

Scanner Cop II

• Commentary features director Steve Barnett.

• "Outside the Law: The 'Scanner Cop' Revolution" is a two-part making-of for "Scanner Cop" and "Scanner Cop II."

• "Part Two" (22:09, HD) explores the creation of "Scanner Cop II," featuring interviews with producer Pierre David, fan Simon Barrett, director Steve Barnett, special effects artists James Rohland, Jeff Farley, and Tom Irvin, composer Richard Bowers, and actors Patrick Kilpatrick, Khrystyne Haje, and Stephen Mendel. Barnett details his Roger Corman origins, using these connections to help hire crew for "Scanner Cop II." Working with a Dracula vs. Van Helsing idea, the production played up the vampiric aspects of the material, with the helmer crediting Kilpatrick for his intensity and improvisation skills. Casting is analyzed, celebrating the hiring of Robert Forster, and locations are explored, generating enough eeriness to motivate the actors during extensive night shooting. Special effects are dissected, looking at technique and design, and the death of the franchise is recalled, with Haje especially eager to keep going. The featurette closes with a celebration of actor Daniel Quinn, who passed away in 2015.

• And a Trailer (1:28, HD) is included.

Scanner Cop 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Perhaps unlikely choices for the UHD treatment, "Scanner Cop" and "Scanner Cop II" look superb, securing a sharp look at periodically grisly events. Vinegar Syndrome gives fans of the series a gift with these releases, which also feature an interesting two-part documentary, providing an understanding of production achievements and franchise ambition.