Screen legends Burt Reynolds (Hustle, Heat) and Liza Minnelli (Cabaret, Arthur) team up in the high-voltage action-comedy Rent-a-Cop. He’s a hardbitten detective who’s seen it all. She’s a high-class hooker who’s done it all. When a hotel drug bust goes deadly wrong, circumstances throw them together to track down a ruthless cop-killer—before he gets them first. Tension mounts as Minnelli finds herself pursued through the seamy twilight world of Chicago’s backstreets and Reynolds finds himself battling against a man for whom killing is an art form. Building up to a breathtaking climax, the gags move as fast as the bullets as Minnelli and Reynolds pitch themselves against almost insurmountable odds. Directed by Jerry London (Killdozer, Shōgun) and featuring the fully loaded cast of James Remar (48 Hrs.), Richard Masur (Shoot to Kill), Bernie Casey (Sharky’s Machine), Robby Benson (Walk Proud), John P. Ryan (Runaway Train), Michael Rooker (Cliffhanger) and music icon Dionne Warwick.

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Video Quality

Rent-a-Cop debuts on Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 from a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. For any fan who has been waiting for this one, the results are tremendous. This transfer does not showcase any digital tinkering as you have the natural film grain present and impeccably resolved. We did not spot any moments that appeared clumpy or swarming. The presentation does not exhibit hardly anything in the way of softer shots or specks of damage. Overall clarity and detail are in rare form as you unlock so much texture in the outfits and production design. Skin tones seem natural across the ensemble. Colors are a standout part of the presentation with favorable saturation in all locales. Black levels are strong with crush never becoming an issue even in the darkest moments. Kino Classics has treated this one much better than we ever expected.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that delivers a prime listening experience. There do not appear to be any major signs of age-related wear and tear to hinder the track, and we cannot be more impressed. Dialogue sounds pretty clear and consistent with most exchanges coming through without issues. Environmental sounds such as gunfire and the ambiance of the dance floor are rendered admirably alongside various locales. The score and soundtrack maintain a swell fidelity within the mix. The audio presentation is in as good of shape as the video side of things. There are English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Film Historian/Critic Lee Gambin and (eventually) actor Richard Masur provide a great commentary track in which they discuss the production of this film, where the cast and creative team were in their careers, the location shooting, the cast and characters, the state of action movies at the time, the release and audience reception to the film and much more that is very enlightening.

Trailers: This disc provides the two-minute trailer for Rent-a-Cop. There are also trailers provided for Fuzz, Heat, White Lightning, The Longest Yard, Hustle, Gator, Stick, Malone, and Breaking In.

Final Thoughts

Rent-a-Cop is your pretty standard “buddy cop” formula with one of the cops being exchanged for a real razzle-dazzle girl. It is familiar, but there is fun to be had in the familiarity if you have at least a modicum of affection for the performers. Liza Minnelli is playing to the cheap seats, but we admire her dedication to the role. Burt Reynolds is nowhere near his prime in this one, but he rises to whatever the script asks of him. Some of the jokes land while others wither on the vine, but the film is still worth a watch in both instances if you like the ensemble. Kino Classics has brought this one to Blu-Ray with a fantastic A/V presentation and a nifty commentary track. If you are a major Burt Reynolds fan, this release will put a smile on your face. Recommended

Rent-a-Cop 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.