Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Soldier Boyz Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 19, 2017

Once the figure of youthful idealism in 1988’s “Platoon Leader,” Michael Dudikoff returns to duty in 1995’s “Soldier Boyz,” maturing into a gruff leader of a makeshift military force. Losing all semblance of wartime commentary to march ahead as a boomy actioner, “Soldier Boyz” goes the “Dirty Dozen” route, mixing combustible personalities and mercenary challenges, with director Louis Morneau making sure to blow something up every 15 minutes, keeping the audience awake as they’re forced to endure clichés between blasts of jungle-based hostilities.

When the daughter of a powerful businessman is kidnapped by Vietnamese warlord Vinh Moc (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) while accompanying U.N. emergency supplies, the distraught dad turns to Major Toliver (Michael Dudikoff) for help getting her back. Currently serving a stint in prison, Toliver agrees to the rescue mission, bringing along a ragtag group of inmates to provide backup. Dropped into Vietnam, the group must learn to get along before they can save the day, battling Vinh Moc’s forces as they attempt to retrieve the young woman.

There’s nothing inventive about “Soldier Boyz,” and Morneau knows it. He’s committed to providing a constant stream of violence, with the opening of the picture detailing the takedown of the U.N. plane, which is torn apart and ransacked, introducing the first of many explosions that give the production some scale, even if it doesn’t have much money to work with. The plot is a basic men-on-a-mission offering of disparate personalities forced to work with one another for temporary freedom, only here the group dynamic is forged in a prison environment, adding elements of racism and sexism (Jacqueline Obradors portrays the lone female of the gang) to the mix, creating layers of animosity to go with the primal urge to survive deadly situations. Dudikoff digs into the gruff leader routine with aplomb, though he’s not exactly the most physical presence in the movie, watching as the younger characters blast away baddies, take on snakes, and deal with their foreign surroundings. It’s not the most accomplished cast, but antagonisms register as intended, along with begrudging respect as the mercenaries manage to save the lives of others along the way.

Soldier Boyz Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is certainly an improvement over "Platoon Leader," but, again, this is not a refreshed view of "Soldier Boyz," which offers a brighter, more appealing viewing experience, but retains a degree of softness the showcases age. Detail isn't grand, but there's some texture with locations, which retain their expanse and depth, and facial particulars are passable, delivering on sweaty appearances. Colors are acceptable, great with jungle greenery and orange explosions, and costuming brings out varied hues. Delineation is agreeable, preserving evening action. Source is clean, without elements of damage.

Soldier Boyz Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA offers a more pronounced push of action, leading with heavy amounts of gunfire and explosions, which come through without distortion, retaining a sharper sense of chaos. Dialogue exchanges are defined to satisfaction, handling different dramatic interpretations and skill levels, keeping hushed and barked encounters balanced. Scoring delivers satisfactory instrumentation. Atmospherics are comfortable, selling changes in environment and group activity.

Soldier Boyz Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:48, HD) is included.

Soldier Boyz Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Soldier Boyz" is basic action fare, refusing to get political or even emotional as the unit burrows deeper into enemy terrain. It's not a haunting offering of drama, but there's an escapism factor that difficult to deny, as Morneau realizes how active he needs to keep the picture to hold attention. The effort is filled with shootouts, character deaths, and assorted cruelties, and while Vinh Moc isn't the most advanced villain, Tagawa is strong in the role, giving something for the mercenaries to battle against. Amazingly, the film was turned into a 1997 CD-Rom game that recycles much of the movie, and perhaps this the proper format for the thickly-sliced pleasures of "Soldier Boyz," permitting the viewer to join the mission and blast away baddies alongside Toliver. The feature isn't magic, but maybe for those who just need the simple comfort of a faraway conflict, a clear goal, and a host of cantankerous personalities biting at one another for 90 minutes, this endeavor might scratch the itch.