The only female soldier (Lisa Eichhorn, Cutter’s Way, Yanks) in a military experiment designed to simulate POW torture conditions falls victim to the commanding officer (Anthony Zerbe, The Omega Man, Farewell My Lovely). He justifies his insidious actions upon her as a training technique. When Logan (Tom Skerritt, Big Bad Mama, Alien, Fighting Back) rebels with her and tries to dust out the others, it causes an all out war! Will anyone survive the opposing force? Also starring Richard Roundtree (Shaft, Earthquake, Man Friday), John Considine (Doctor Death Seeker of Souls, Welcome to L.A.), and directed by action veteran Eric Karson (The Octagon, Black Eagle), now see this taut action film (aka “Hell Camp”) from a brand new HD master.

For thoughts on Opposing Force, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/iTQfj0MHFHQ?t=4745]

Video Quality

Opposing Force debuts on Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer derived from a new 2019 HD master. The presentation is quite terrific throughout with only a fleeting mark against it. This transfer retains the natural film grain of the presentation which brings about a more robust level of detail. This film does exhibit a soft look at times, but by and large this picture is replete with fine detail. Distinct features are easily noticeable in closeup such as stubble and perspiration.

Colors are quite impressive in this one with some vivid hues in the environment popping off the screen. Instances of print damage have been spruced up quite with only the occasional specks visible. Clarity and detail is great with skin tones that look natural. Black levels could potentially be a bit stronger when it comes to their depth, but there was not too much crush spotted. Some of the nighttime scenes lack precise detail and look a touch milky. This new presentation from Scorpion Releasing gives this a great second life.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that represents this one well. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear even during more frantic moments within the camp. Environmental sounds such as gunfire and helicopters are rendered well alongside everything else. The score used in the film provides the appropriate atmosphere for this story that maintains a firm fidelity. There is not much evidence of wear and tear as you have no instances of distortion or drop-outs. All of the sounds appear to work together in harmony. Scorpion Releasing has given this film a pretty solid audio presentation. This release includes English SDH subtitles.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Eric Karson provides a pretty steady and informative commentary track in which he reflects on the film, the moments that were cut from the film, memories of the performers, the response from the audience and critics, the challenges during production and more.

Extended Ending Scene: A six-and-a-half minute unused ending is provided here which tries to put a button more on the fallout from the events of the film.

Trailers: The two-minute trailer for Opposing Force is provided here. There are also trailers provided for Death Before Dishonor, Night Visitor, Johnny Cool and The Killing Time.

Final Thoughts

Opposing Force is a bit of a rough watch, but it is difficult to look away from this bleak and believable portrait of the toxicity that can grow out of a little bit of power. Out of this darkness comes elements of revenge which provides a level of catharsis. The performances suit the narrative, and the film does not bubble over into full-blown exploitation, which is appreciated. Scorpion Releasing and Ronin Flix have released a new Blu-Ray with a strong A/V presentation and some cool special features. If you are aware of what the movie is offering and it still sounds interesting to you, it is not a bad watch. Recommended

Opposing Force 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: Scorpion Releasing and Ronin Flix have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.