Gene Hackman and the who’s who of 80s actors return to Vietnam to save his son in the POW Action Adventure Uncommon Valor. New to 4K UHD from Kino Lorber.
The Film
I think my grandfather would have loved this film. That is the greatest compliment that I could have given a Vietnam film. My Grandfather was an Army lifer serving over twenty years, eventually retaining the rank of Sargent Major. Oftentimes, it was grunts calling out inaccuracies or nods of approval. Uncommon Valor is the sort of men-on-a-mission film he loved in war films. One that respected the men that served and gave them an outlet that the end of the war and our society did not.
The Ted Kotcheff action drama feels like an extension of his work on First Blood and a huge counterpoint to the comic book sequel (that he was not a part of), Rambo: First Blood Part II. Both Kotcheff’s films speak to the unresolved trauma that Vets and their Families carried after the Vietnam War. Instead of a Vet pushed too far and his PTSD activated into violence, we have Colonel Jason Rhodes (Gene Hackman), a Marine whose son never returned home. As some of those POWs and those missing in action return home, this pushes Rhodes to begin his obsessive search for his son, finding what could possibly be where he is being held captive. Rhodes brings together his son’s old buddies from the war (Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Tex Cobb, Harold Sylvester, and Tim Thomerson) for a daring rescue mission. At every turn from the moment that Rhodes and company set foot in Southeast Asia, things go from bad to worse. But nothing can stop this band of brothers from bringing back their friend.
Kotcheff and his talented below-the-line crew have made a physically impressive and mounted war film that is compounded by the emotional weight that’s carried through. The aerial work and explosions are some of the best of the era for a war film. Especially in the final action scene, which pulls out all the stops. All shot under the keen, stylish eye of cinematographer Stephen Burum, sharply edited by Mark Melnick, with an evocative score by composer James Horner.
The film is that rare action film that earns its emotional target, finding sincerity without being maudlin or cloying about it. The film’s weapon is its strong script and stronger ensemble cast. Gene Hackman is perfectly cast as the driven Colonel Rhodes, not a superhero man of action but rather a man who is haunted by missing son. The supporting cast all get their own moments to shine and the space to create characters you remember. Though it’s the surprise early performance by Patrick Swayze as the “greenhorn” of the group.
Uncommon Valor is a rare package for a rousing war film. One that is thrilling and manages to find the right emotional chords at the right moment. One that my grandfather would have given his nod of approval to by the end. No higher compliment can be paid in my estimation.
The Transfer
The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is an excellent, near-flawless presentation of the 35mm shot film by cinematographer Stephen H. Burum. There is nary a scratch nor defect throughout the runtime. The image is sharp without any defects or blemishes, with a beautiful active grain structure. The Dolby Vision encoding adds a layer of detail in the black levels and contrast levels that adds to the overall experience and depth of the image. Kino Lorber continues to be one of the best producers of 4K UHD discs in the market.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
NEW Audio Commentary by Films Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Producer Cyrus Voris
NEW Audio Commentary by Author and Critic Douglas E. Winter
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
NEW Audio Commentary by Films Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Producer Cyrus Voris
NEW Audio Commentary by Author and Critic Douglas E. Winter
Being Blaster: NEW Interview with Actor Reb Brown
Reluctant Warrior: NEW Interview with Actor Harold Sylvester
Theatrical Trailer
The first of two Audio Commentaries is an all-new track by Films Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Producer Cyrus Voris. The duo opens the track with their credentials and the opening action scene and a discussion of the work of composer James Horner. Some of the other details include the subgenre of Vietnam POW action films this is a part of and what separates it from most of the genre; the work of director Ted Kotcheff and why he was hired for this film; the development of the film which was originally written by Wings Hauser – and how the credited writer Joe Gayton ended up with the final credit; a discussion of Gene Hackman both his personal and professional life including the fact that Hackman was a Marine; the work of cinematographer Stephen H. Burum; a larger discussion of the action scenes and the lengths they went to ensure safety on a physical effects heavy production – including heavy discussion of the helicopter work; the varied work of Kotcheff in both comedy (Weekend at Bernies, the original Fun with Dick and Jane) and action (First Blood, North Dallas Forty, and this) along with his long term work on Law and Order: SVUworking for close to fifty years; the critical and box office response to the film; a larger discussion throughout of the various actors that appear in the film; the various locations in Los Angles, Hawaii, and Thailand; a larger discussion of anecdotes from the set from various quotes of the actors; and much more. Mitchell and Voris provide a great commentary track along with Mitchell’s patented well researched tracks with a wealth of quotes from the various actors and crew that made the film.
The second Audio Commentary is an all-new track by Author and Critic Douglas E. Winter. Winter opens his track with the fact that this film was the first in the Vietnam POW subgenre that was popular in the 1980s. Some of the details include a larger discussion of the career of director Ted Kotcheff; a discussion of the original screenplay by Wings Hauser, the development of the script by producer John Milius; Milius’s original choice to play the Gene Hackman role; a discussion of the career and work here of Patrick Sawyze; a discussion of the career Gene Hackman – including his career as a novelist of historical military fiction; the critical response to the film and its box office reception; a larger discussion of the spectacular helicopter work and the pilots that accomplished them; how Ross Perot was tied to the POW movement in the 1980s; a larger discussion of the Vietnam movie both POW subgenre and others and the reasons why this particular film became so popular after Uncommon Valor; a larger discussion of the historical facts that are the basis and also inspiration for the film along with just straight history; a larger discussion of all of the various actors that appear and their personal and professional history; a larger discussion of the various locations used in the production of the film; and much more.
Being Blaster: Interview with Actor Reb Brown (29:37) – in this all-new interview with the actor Brown begins with a discussion about being allowed to blow up one of the actual sets/buildings followed by how he got involved in acting. Some of the other details include how he was cast and the role he was initially being brought in for; what he loved about the screenplay; his acting process and how it evolved in the film; the military training and preproduction they did and various anecdotes from the preproduction; stories from making the film on location in Thailand; working with Gene Hackman and the other cast and crew during the production including some great anecdotes; his experience seeing the film opening day in Westwood; stories from Vets years after the release of the film; and much more.
Reluctant Warrior: Interview with Actor Harold Sylvester (49:00) – in this all-new interview with the actor Sylvester begins with a discussion of what he considers one of his favor films. Some of the details include his experience being cast in the film; working with director Ted Kotcheff and the issues he had on the set with him; the collaboration that Kotcheff allowed for the actor; working with producer John Milius; the character work and how it was tied to his own personal history which is discussed in detail; the “helicopter training” that he and Tim Thomerson did and how they shot the film with them actually flying the helicopter; his experiences filming in Thailand why it was not a pleasant experience for him; his experiences filming in Hawaii – including both on and off the set; another film he made that was casted Uncommon Valor; a discussion of each of the cast members – many of which he kept lifelong friendships with; his relationship with the Vets post the film; and much more.
Rounding out the special features are trailers for Uncommon Valor (1:21); Missing in Action (1:41); A Bridge Too Far (3:18); Mississippi Burning (1:37); The Package (2:15); Narrow Margin (2:01); Twilight (2:27); Billy Two Hats (4:00); North Dallas Forty (3:05); Split Image (2:39);
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber has given Uncommon Valor a worthy upgraded 4K UHD edition. Highest Possible Recommendations!!
Gene Hackman and the who’s who of 80s actors return to Vietnam to save his son in the POW Action Adventure Uncommon Valor. New to 4K UHD from Kino Lorber.
The Film
I think my grandfather would have loved this film. That is the greatest compliment that I could have given a Vietnam film. My Grandfather was an Army lifer serving over twenty years, eventually retaining the rank of Sargent Major. Oftentimes, it was grunts calling out inaccuracies or nods of approval. Uncommon Valor is the sort of men-on-a-mission film he loved in war films. One that respected the men that served and gave them an outlet that the end of the war and our society did not.
The Ted Kotcheff action drama feels like an extension of his work on First Blood and a huge counterpoint to the comic book sequel (that he was not a part of), Rambo: First Blood Part II. Both Kotcheff’s films speak to the unresolved trauma that Vets and their Families carried after the Vietnam War. Instead of a Vet pushed too far and his PTSD activated into violence, we have Colonel Jason Rhodes (Gene Hackman), a Marine whose son never returned home. As some of those POWs and those missing in action return home, this pushes Rhodes to begin his obsessive search for his son, finding what could possibly be where he is being held captive. Rhodes brings together his son’s old buddies from the war (Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Tex Cobb, Harold Sylvester, and Tim Thomerson) for a daring rescue mission. At every turn from the moment that Rhodes and company set foot in Southeast Asia, things go from bad to worse. But nothing can stop this band of brothers from bringing back their friend.
Kotcheff and his talented below-the-line crew have made a physically impressive and mounted war film that is compounded by the emotional weight that’s carried through. The aerial work and explosions are some of the best of the era for a war film. Especially in the final action scene, which pulls out all the stops. All shot under the keen, stylish eye of cinematographer Stephen Burum, sharply edited by Mark Melnick, with an evocative score by composer James Horner.
The film is that rare action film that earns its emotional target, finding sincerity without being maudlin or cloying about it. The film’s weapon is its strong script and stronger ensemble cast. Gene Hackman is perfectly cast as the driven Colonel Rhodes, not a superhero man of action but rather a man who is haunted by missing son. The supporting cast all get their own moments to shine and the space to create characters you remember. Though it’s the surprise early performance by Patrick Swayze as the “greenhorn” of the group.
Uncommon Valor is a rare package for a rousing war film. One that is thrilling and manages to find the right emotional chords at the right moment. One that my grandfather would have given his nod of approval to by the end. No higher compliment can be paid in my estimation.
The Transfer
The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is an excellent, near-flawless presentation of the 35mm shot film by cinematographer Stephen H. Burum. There is nary a scratch nor defect throughout the runtime. The image is sharp without any defects or blemishes, with a beautiful active grain structure. The Dolby Vision encoding adds a layer of detail in the black levels and contrast levels that adds to the overall experience and depth of the image. Kino Lorber continues to be one of the best producers of 4K UHD discs in the market.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
The first of two Audio Commentaries is an all-new track by Films Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Producer Cyrus Voris. The duo opens the track with their credentials and the opening action scene and a discussion of the work of composer James Horner. Some of the other details include the subgenre of Vietnam POW action films this is a part of and what separates it from most of the genre; the work of director Ted Kotcheff and why he was hired for this film; the development of the film which was originally written by Wings Hauser – and how the credited writer Joe Gayton ended up with the final credit; a discussion of Gene Hackman both his personal and professional life including the fact that Hackman was a Marine; the work of cinematographer Stephen H. Burum; a larger discussion of the action scenes and the lengths they went to ensure safety on a physical effects heavy production – including heavy discussion of the helicopter work; the varied work of Kotcheff in both comedy (Weekend at Bernies, the original Fun with Dick and Jane) and action (First Blood, North Dallas Forty, and this) along with his long term work on Law and Order: SVUworking for close to fifty years; the critical and box office response to the film; a larger discussion throughout of the various actors that appear in the film; the various locations in Los Angles, Hawaii, and Thailand; a larger discussion of anecdotes from the set from various quotes of the actors; and much more. Mitchell and Voris provide a great commentary track along with Mitchell’s patented well researched tracks with a wealth of quotes from the various actors and crew that made the film.
The second Audio Commentary is an all-new track by Author and Critic Douglas E. Winter. Winter opens his track with the fact that this film was the first in the Vietnam POW subgenre that was popular in the 1980s. Some of the details include a larger discussion of the career of director Ted Kotcheff; a discussion of the original screenplay by Wings Hauser, the development of the script by producer John Milius; Milius’s original choice to play the Gene Hackman role; a discussion of the career and work here of Patrick Sawyze; a discussion of the career Gene Hackman – including his career as a novelist of historical military fiction; the critical response to the film and its box office reception; a larger discussion of the spectacular helicopter work and the pilots that accomplished them; how Ross Perot was tied to the POW movement in the 1980s; a larger discussion of the Vietnam movie both POW subgenre and others and the reasons why this particular film became so popular after Uncommon Valor; a larger discussion of the historical facts that are the basis and also inspiration for the film along with just straight history; a larger discussion of all of the various actors that appear and their personal and professional history; a larger discussion of the various locations used in the production of the film; and much more.
Being Blaster: Interview with Actor Reb Brown (29:37) – in this all-new interview with the actor Brown begins with a discussion about being allowed to blow up one of the actual sets/buildings followed by how he got involved in acting. Some of the other details include how he was cast and the role he was initially being brought in for; what he loved about the screenplay; his acting process and how it evolved in the film; the military training and preproduction they did and various anecdotes from the preproduction; stories from making the film on location in Thailand; working with Gene Hackman and the other cast and crew during the production including some great anecdotes; his experience seeing the film opening day in Westwood; stories from Vets years after the release of the film; and much more.
Reluctant Warrior: Interview with Actor Harold Sylvester (49:00) – in this all-new interview with the actor Sylvester begins with a discussion of what he considers one of his favor films. Some of the details include his experience being cast in the film; working with director Ted Kotcheff and the issues he had on the set with him; the collaboration that Kotcheff allowed for the actor; working with producer John Milius; the character work and how it was tied to his own personal history which is discussed in detail; the “helicopter training” that he and Tim Thomerson did and how they shot the film with them actually flying the helicopter; his experiences filming in Thailand why it was not a pleasant experience for him; his experiences filming in Hawaii – including both on and off the set; another film he made that was casted Uncommon Valor; a discussion of each of the cast members – many of which he kept lifelong friendships with; his relationship with the Vets post the film; and much more.
Rounding out the special features are trailers for Uncommon Valor (1:21); Missing in Action (1:41); A Bridge Too Far (3:18); Mississippi Burning (1:37); The Package (2:15); Narrow Margin (2:01); Twilight (2:27); Billy Two Hats (4:00); North Dallas Forty (3:05); Split Image (2:39);
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber has given Uncommon Valor a worthy upgraded 4K UHD edition. Highest Possible Recommendations!!
Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Edition of Uncommon Valor is out now.
Share this:
Like this:
Discover more from The Movie Isle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.