The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 23, 2020

In 1993, Andy Sidaris elected to step down from his position as the director behind Malibu Bay Films. He was in his sixties at the time, and perhaps a little weary of the production grind, especially at the rate he was churning out features, spending 1993 assembling “Fit to Kill” and “Hard Hunted.” Instead of giving up the business, depriving fans of broad action and bikini-clad antics, he turned to his son, Christian Drew Sidaris, to take the moviemaking baton, with 1994’s “The Dallas Connection” his second offering as a filmmaker. As semi-sequel to “Enemy Gold,” the new Sidaris offering attempts to downplay ridiculous violence, aiming to be more of a spy picture filled with assassination attempts and double-crossing characters. The helmer tries to keep things familiar with his frequently topless cast, but “The Dallas Connection” suffers from a mild case of creative fatigue.

In France, Hong Kong, and South Africa, prominent scientists are being picked off, leaving only Morales (Rodrigo Obregon) alive, and he’s on his way to Dallas to surrender a special computer chip (one of four) capable of launching a special satellite. Called in to protect the remaining asset and keep the chips safe are Chris (Chris Cannon) and Mark (Mark Barriere), joined by their fellow government spy, Agent Maxx (Samantha Phillips). Looking to break up the protection assignment and claim the chips for nefarious purposes are Black Widow (Julie Strain) and her enforcers, Cobra (Julie K. Smith), Scorpion (Wendy Hamilton), and Platter Puss (Cassidy Phillips), with the gang infiltrating the bars and forests of Texas to help take out the government gang.

While “Enemy Gold” was far from a narrative triumph, barely making time to explain character history and relationships, “The Dallas Connection” is even more abstract when it comes to identifying the two sides of power. There’s the loosely defined government agency called I/WAR (International War Arms Removal) that’s out to collect the chips to help launch a satellite capable of global protection of some sort. And there’s Black Widow, who’s out to make sure the chips don’t fall into Washington, D.C. hands, spending the opening of “The Dallas Connection” executing elaborate assassination schemes that Christian loves to explore in lengthy detail. In South Africa, Cobra drives an R.C. car loaded with explosives under a scientist’s truck (replicating one of the best scenes in 1988’s Dirty Harry mystery, “The Dead Pool”). In Hong Kong, Scorpion teases a scientist with her sexuality during a golf game, making him the ultimate divot with a special bomb ball. These moments are fun, and they remain the most defined sense of threat in the picture, with Christian never all that concerned with stakes once the chips are established.

While previous Sidaris efforts were wonderfully decorated with wild acts of violence, “The Dallas Connection” soon settles down into threat mode. And when that fails, there’s sex to deal with, with a good portion of the film’s midsection devoted to Morales and his attraction to Maxx, giving the production a chance to provide a dream sequence where the agent seduces the visiting scientist. Chris falls for Cobra’s charms (it wouldn’t be a Sidaris endeavor without some hot tub action), and Mark is charmed by Scorpion, generating all the nudity and grinding these movies are known for. That’s all well and good, but “The Dallas Connection” could use a lot more excitement, as it provides few chases and limited shootouts, saving its big bang for the finale. Instead, there’s lukewarm espionage and lengthy tours of a Dallas strip club and a Louisiana horse racetrack. The only time the picture gets weird is a late inning martial arts contest between two men in a gym, and that’s not enough absurdity to power the effort.

The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as sourced from a "4K widescreen restoration," refreshing "The Dallas Connection" for its Blu-ray debut. The results are appealing, offering bright color throughout, from the deep greenery of the forest locations to club interiors, which enjoy stage lighting and signage. Costuming is equally lively, showcasing period fashions and swimwear, with select Body Glove offerings delivering sharp pinks and yellows. Skintones are natural. Detail is satisfactory, securing clear looks at interior decoration and outdoor adventures (involving globetrotting locations) in the woods and around water, most retaining compelling depth. Clothing retains sheerness. Delineation is acceptable, preserving frame information. Grain isn't always consistent, with the occasional blockiness. Source is in decent condition, with some speckling and mild scratches detected.

The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "The Dallas Connection" is clear and inviting, with a slightly wider sense of engagement at times, including limited directional activity. Dialogue exchanges are clean, identifying emotionality and thespian limitations. Scoring is supportive, with distinct synth handling changes in mood. Sound effects are equally exact, with snappy gunfire and heavier explosions during bomb sequences.

The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Intro (2:03, SD) features Andy Sidaris and Julie Strain, with the pair welcoming viewers to "The Dallas Connection." Armed with a few sales sheets and publicity photos, Andy and Strain detail the cast list, making a point to highlight Julie K. Smith's "front porch." Andy concludes the intro without salesmanship, plugging the release of his book, "Bullets, Bombs and Babes," which includes photography from Strain.

• Commentary features Andy and Arlene Sidaris.

• Featurettes (38:39, SD) return to Andy and Strain for an introduction, joined by Lizzy Strain, Julie's little sister. For "Return to Savage Beach," a dissection of coverage is provided, with commentary from Andy and Arlene Sidaris, who break down editorial and production efforts showcased in a scene where star Cristian Letelier must deal with a ninja attack. Location shifts from Hawaii to Louisiana are highlighted, along with stunt work and fight choreography, with actress Carrie Westcott joining the action. Also from "Return to Savage Beach" is more coverage breakdowns, splitting the shoot between a drive in Beverly Hills and previously captured scenes of actress Julie K. Smith dancing inside a strip club. Footage of Smith at Julie Strain's home is offered, tracking the star as she tries on several outfits for her website. A news report on the making of "The Dallas Connection" spotlights the Malibu Bay Films presence in Shreveport, Louisiana, featuring an interview with Arlene, who shares her excitement with the locals. Staying in Shreveport, a study of locations is offered, with a cabin setting recycled in several Sidaris productions. A visit to "Joe Bob's Drive-In Theater" welcomes Andy and Smith to the show, answering questions about character, hot tub motivation, and centerfold casting. And there's a return to Strain's dwelling, where Victoria Zdrock and Nikki Fritz try on outfits, and Lizzy Strain receives a test of direction from Andy as she runs around the property with a gun.

• And a Trailer (1:22, HD) is included.

The Dallas Connection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In the grand scheme of the Malibu Bay Films empire, "The Dallas Connection" is one of their mellowest movies, never really going big enough when detailing spy games or pure action. The ingredients are there (including a jet ski, R.C. toys, and a scene where one character is basically seduced to death), but Christian Sidaris doesn't deliver the wildness his father, Andy, loved to gift his audience. It's entertaining enough, but nothing more.