Review: Double Dragon
Blu-ray: Double Dragon (1994)
Ahhh….the 90βs.Β Almost feels like yesterday when movies based on video games were the hottest property in movieland.Β Superhero films were still a rarity, aside from the odd blockbuster, so the big screen heroβs were found in arcade machines or 8 & 16 bit consoles.
From 101 Films comes 1994βs Double DragonΒ on Blu-ray for the first time.
Based on the popular 80βs video game of the same name,Β Double DragonΒ is one of those huge budgeted, directionless adaptations of a video game. Suffering from having to make a coherent story from a game where all you do is…kick…punch…walk…repeat.Β The filmmakers have had to concoct a story that warrants a 90+ minute film.
Set in a post apocalyptic future where gangs rule the streets, we followΒ Jimmy LeeΒ and Billy Lee, played by 90βs pretty boy Scott Wolf and martial arts expert Mark Dacascos (who is criminally underused).Β They stumble across a plot by futuristic villain Koga Shuko, hammed up brilliantly byΒ Β Robert PatrickΒ (with shocking bleached blonde hair) who is seeking the missing half of an ancient medallion that gives the wearer super mystical ancient Chinese powers.Β The Leeβs become mixed up in this βadventureβ and must protect the medallion from falling into Shukoβs evil hands. Cue lots of running around the wastelandβs (a well dressed L.A. that looks quite epic) avoiding mutants and ‘bad dudes’ that Shuko has recruited to chase down the Leeβs and then take over the city. They are aided by a very easy on the eye Alyssa Milano and a good sense of fun. The only shame here is that casting someone as talented as Dacascos in a kidβs film limits his ability as a martial artist.Β Go watch the under rated action movie βDriveβ or the manga live action βCrying Freemanβ to see him at his bone breaking best.
The tone of this film is very odd, shifting from kid friendly action scenes with aΒ Power RangersΒ vibe to biomechanical mutants and post apocalyptic wasteland gang scenes that reference more adult films likeΒ Mad MaxΒ or The Warriors.Β Visually the film is good, using a lot of early 90βs CGI which dates it awfully but shots of the devastated cityscapes are excellent, also the practical FX are nice.Β WithΒ Double DragonΒ being based on a video game it at least has some faithful nods to the source material; from the characters trademark red and blue costumes to the games first boss Abobo having a major role.Β I must also mention a little cameo from horror hero Michael Berryman, it just made me smile.
This film is a mess like theΒ Super Mario BrosΒ film from 1993, the struggle to convert a simple concept into a big movie is lost in the bonkers plot and confused direction.Β However, as an example of Hollywood throwing the entire bank at a property in a vain attempt to βcreateβ a blockbuster based on popular culture, it stands as a historic curiosity.Β See alsoΒ Mortal KombatΒ (1995) and Street Fighter (1994)
The picture is bright, colourful and detailed showing off a gorgeous 1080p HD transfer with very little to gripe about.
Sound is deep and clear, the films soundtrack is littered with 90βs rock and techno which gave my speakers a good workout throughout the film.
No special features sadly.
Another great release of a nice little obscurity from 101 Films.
Review by Ramrod (co-host of 60 Minutes With) from a disc kindly supplied by 101 Films.