This collection features the three action-packed Missing in Action classics starring screen legend Chuck Norris (A Force of One, Code of Silence). Missing in Action (1984) – American servicemen are still being held captive in Vietnam—and it’s up to one man to bring them home in this blistering, fast-paced action/adventure. Following a daring escape from a Vietnamese POW camp, Special Forces Colonel James Braddock (Norris) is on a mission to locate and save remaining MIAs. Aided by a beautiful State Department official (Lenore Kasdorf, L.A. Bounty) and a former Army buddy (M. Emmet Walsh, Blood Simple), Braddock amasses top-secret information and state-of-the-art weaponry. Now this one-man army is prepared to blast his way into Vietnam…but will he be able to blast his way back out? Directed by Joseph Zito (Invasion U.S.A.) and featuring James Hong (The Perfect Weapon) and David Tress (Stone Cold).
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985) – Chuck Norris returns as Colonel James Braddock in this intense, action-packed prequel to the original runaway hit. Captured during a daring mid-air rescue operation, Braddock and his men are imprisoned by the insane Colonel Yin (Soon-Tek Oh, Good Guys Wear Black), who stops at nothing to break their spirits. Held captive in a godforsaken jungle, death seems the only escape. But like a cunning tiger waiting for the right time to pounce on his prey, Braddock seizes the opportunity to spring into action…and becomes a one-man fighting machine dead-set on freeing his men at any cost. Directed by Lance Hool (Steel Dawn) and featuring Steven Williams (Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday) and Professor Toru Tanaka (Catch the Heat).
Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988) – When Colonel James Braddock (Norris) is told that his wife and 12-year-old son are still alive in Communist Vietnam, he mounts a one-man assault to free them. Armed with the latest high-tech firepower, Braddock fights his way into the heart of the country and ends up battling his way out with several dozen abused children in tow. Struggling to protect the kids while outmaneuvering the sadistic Vietnamese officer General Quoc (Aki Aleong, V: The Series), Braddock ignites the jungles in a blazing race for freedom. This is the final chapter in the slam-bang Missing in Action trilogy, featuring Keith David (They Live) and directed by Chuck’s stunt coordinator and brother, Aaron Norris (Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection).
For thoughts on the Missing In Action Trilogy, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Kino Classics presents the Missing In Action Trilogy with a tremendous upgrade for all three films in the form of a new 1080p master transfer in their original 1.85:1 sourced from new masters. The first two films in the trilogy are sourced from a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative while Braddock: Missing In Action III is sourced from a 2K scan of the 35mm Interpositive. These three transfers share many of the same qualities, and they will be discussed as a unit with any differences pointed out. The first two films were previously put out by MGM over a decade ago, and the first and third films were released by Shout! Factory over five years ago. We do not own any previous release, but our research leads us to believe these new presentations blow them out of the water.
All three of these transfers retain the perfect amount of nice, natural film grain absent of any compression artifacts or other such damage. Each film is practically pristine with no noticeable instances of damage or dirt seemingly overlooked. The films feature some splendid colors within the jungle environments that radiate off the screen with immense vibrancy. Skin tones look natural, and the presentation offers up solid black levels. There is also a grand amount of fine detail such as scrapes and perspiration that should please fans of these films. Subtle facets of different uniforms and locations stand out more than ever before. The third film looks slightly softer in this regard, but all three stand tall with their new restorations. Kino Classics has saved these action favorites from dated masters.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Rays come with top-notch DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio tracks that serve all three films exceedingly well. Dialogue and the varied environmental noises are represented in perfect harmony with all competing elements. All of the sound effects and music appear to be faithful to the intent of the original creative vision. Bombastic explosions and the plentiful shower of bullets coursing through the air are brought to life with a vengeance. This collection brings great vibrancy and clarity to the triumphant score. Even with the strength of this element, nothing ever overpowers any key dialogue or other important information. These discs maintain an impeccable sense of fidelity that is appreciated. They show no discernible age related wear and tear such as hissing or popping. There are also optional English (SDH) subtitles included for these feature films. Kino Classic has knocked it out of the park on this front.
Special Features
- Missing In Action Audio Commentary: Director Joseph Zito delivers a commentary track moderated by Filmmaker Michael Felsher in which he discusses working with Cannon Films, how he convinced the studio to completely change their release strategy, his relationship with Chuck Norris, bringing back performers from previous projects, shooting in the Philippines, the philosophy to telling a Vietnam story and more.
- Missing In Action II Audio Commentary: Director Lance Hool delivers a new commentary track moderated by Historian/Filmmaker Daniel Kremer in which he discusses the journey to this film, how it ended up becoming a sequel instead of a franchise-starter, his rift with Cannon Films, the history of the franchise, the stunts in the film and more.
- Braddock – Missing In Action III Audio Commentary: Action Film Historians Mike Leeder and Arne Venema provide a very entertaining commentary track in which they discuss how the idea for this sequel came about, the production style of Cannon Films, shooting in the Philippines, the background of the ensemble and more.
- Interview with Screenwriter James Bruner: A 26-minute interview with the screenwriter in which he discusses getting into screenwriting, how he got to know Chuck Norris, the complicated path to the screen, the incomprehensible cuts instituted by Cannon Films and more that is worth a watch.
- Trailers: There are trailers provided for Missing In Action (1:41), Missing In Action 2: The Beginning (1:38) and Braddock: Missing In Action III (1:30). There are also trailers provided for Good Guys Wear Black, A Force Of One, The Octagon, An Eye For An Eye, Code Of Silence, Hero and The Terror, and Delta Force 2.
Final Thoughts
The Missing In Action Trilogy feels a bit like a second-class Rambo, but that does not stop it from being big, loud fun. Chuck Norris plays a cartoonishly effective soldier who seems like he could win the war all on his own. Each film is effectively a fantasy, and if you can go along for the ride then you should appreciate him taking out two-dimensional antagonists. The third film is easily the weakest of the three, but even if has a few moments of fist-pumping violence. You know exactly what you are getting with these films, so do not expect legitimate artistic greatness. Just sit back and shut your brain off. Kino Classics has provided three new Blu-Rays featuring an amazing A/V presentation and a couple of worthwhile supplemental features. If you are a fan of the trilogy, these presentations are the best they have ever looked on home entertainment. Recommended
Missing In Action Trilogy is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
