MEN OF WAR (Perry Lang, 1994)

[Jox]

It's now official: MVD will release MOW in the US on December 10, including special features by me
https://customers.mvdb2b.com/s/MenofWar ... MVD15651BR
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.ph ... st22459240

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• NEW! Introduction by Director Perry Lang
• Featurette: "An Unsafe Place: Making Men of War" (HD, 12:48)
• Raw Footage / Dailies of Select Scenes from “Men of War” (SD, 09:45)
• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer (SD, 01:47)
• 2-Sided Artwork
• Collectible Mini-Poster
• Limited Edition Slipcover (first pressing only)

[Moltisanti]

Very nice! Got the German steelbook years back but I’d get this, too. Wonder if MVD has a deal to do more Dimension titles or if this is a one-shot type deal.

[Jox]

As far as I know, MOW has been with Lionsgate for a little while now.

[Dida]

Do you know if it will be Region free?

[Jox]

Can't say for sure but according to previous MVD releases it should be region-free.

[Jox]

Here is the Amazon pre-order link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHHBH7KT

[Jox]

Review
https://forthehellofitreviews.wordpress ... on-blu-ray

MVD release back cover:

[Jox]

EDIT:
This US edition is region-free by the way

[Krom]

I definetly need this for Christmas

[Dida]

I will receive my copy today or tomorrow. I can't wait.

[Jox]

Already? I gotta ask for my complimentary copy...

[Jox]

MVD edition review:
https://themovieisle.com/2024/12/03/blu ... ollection/

The Transfer

The transfer is a beautifully imperfect perfect picture. There’s something to the image that appears to be remastered but not restored that gives the film an added oomph. Men of War on Blu-ray feels and looks like it’s been transferred from a well-loved, often screened but impeccable kept 35mm print. There are slight imperfections, flecks of dirt … that work FOR THE FILM. It gives that midnight movie feel to the entire film. The image retains the sharpness and clarity one expects but the look with those added imperfections, again I’ll say this to be clear, adds to the film’s charms and that loving 35mm print look.


The Extras

Introduction by Director Perry Lang (0:36) – an all-too-brief introduction to the film and the location where they filmed.

An Unsafe Place: Making Men of War (12:53) – this archival making-of featurette is quite comprehensive at only 13 minutes hosted by Lundgren collaborator Jeremie Damoiseau. It covers the inception – work of John Sayles; the preproduction – attaching Lundgren, changes made by the producers to the script, the director that almost made the picture; production in Thailand – shooting in real 35mm Anamorphic, the difficulty with getting to the locations and the trouble that held for the production, a few anecdotes from the production and just how dangerous the shoot was; and release of the film – how Miramax (as per usual) botched the release after buying from Sony; and more.

Raw Footage / Dailies of Select Scenes (9:44) – pulled from a VHS dub of dailies this consists of various pieces of raw footage from the Opening Scene; hiring the crew; the bazooka distance scene; the fight at the club; the final showdown. Each of the scenes that are covered features some alternate shots and moments. Unfortunately, this does not have any of the production sound and plays with the score from the film.

Photo Gallery (7:36) – the gallery consists of 91 production stills, poster art, and behind-the-scenes photographs that run automatically with the score from the film. The gallery can be paused but unfortunately does not have navigation features.

Theatrical Trailer (1:47)


The Final Thought

Men of War is a true cinematic surprise, though armed with a Sayles script, it should not shock any cineaste. Highest possible recommendations!!!

[Jox]

https://insidepulse.com/2024/12/06/blu- ... s-edition/

The Video 2.35:1 anamorphic. You’ll see Dolph sweating in the jungle. The Audio is LPCM 2.0 Stereo. There’s also a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix. There’s also a Spanish LPCM 2.0 dub. The explosions are at the right volume. The subtitles are in English and Spanish.

Introduction by Director Perry Lang (0:36) has him point out the fishing village in Thailand is now a major tourist attraction.

An Unsafe Place: Making Men of War (12:53) is a vintage featurette. Film Scholar Jeremie Damoiseau places it as the best of Dolph’s films since so much is top notch including John Sayles’ script. He explains how the project happened. The script turned from a single character to a buddy flick to a mercenary group. He brings up how the end duel was changed so watch this after the movie. The film went straight to video in the US even though Miramax promised it would get a theatrical release.

Raw Footage / Dailies of Select Scenes from “Men of War” (9:44) has Dolph in Chicago, the chess game with the Colonel, fights in the jungle and more. There’s no sound to the shots.

Photo Gallery (7:36) includes press photos, behind the scenes shots, lobby cards, posters, newspaper ads from around the world. We also see the original cover from when it was John Sayles’ script. There’s even the ad from when they sold the VHS cassette to rental stores.

Theatrical Trailer (1:47) shows how Dolph ends up on the island.

Collectible Mini-Poster is suitable for framing. You can be part of the Dolph revival.

Limited Edition Slipcover is only available for the first pressing.

The script turned from a single character to a buddy flick to a mercenary group.

I hope this is not what comes through in the featurette because that's not true or what I'm saying...



EDIT:
According to DVDcompare, this has the unrated cut (and with lossless audio)
http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=30068

[Jox]

My interview / featurette on the making of MEN OF WAR, originally made for the 2016 German Blu-ray, is now featured on the new US edition available tomorrow (and region-free).

I also provided a tape of rough footage that was sent to distributors who had licensed the film, and a gallery of stills and artwork, plus an intro from director Perry Lang.