Road House – 4K UHD BLU-RAY

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In contrast to many renowned filmmakers who typically started as editors or cinematographers, it’s unusual for a gaffer (leader of a movie’s electrical team) to become a director. However, this is precisely what transpired with Rowdy Herrington. With just one low-budget film, ‘Jack’s Back’, which he had also written, and his potential recognized by the 1980’s influential producer Joel Silver, he was given the opportunity to direct Road House. This offer came during a late-night meeting on the set of Die Hard, which was in production at that time.

In the 1980s, Silver and Jerry Bruckheimer were among the producers who significantly boosted the popularity of action films. They produced movies like “48 Hrs”, “Commando”, “Lethal Weapon”, and “Predator”. Silver had a knack for discovering talent and creating impressive lineups, including one led by the late Patrick Swayze. Known for his roles since the early part of the decade in films such as the patriotic “Red Dawn”, Swayze became a household name with the release of “Dirty Dancing” that year, which was popular among girls. If “Dirty Dancing” was his film for the ladies, then “Road House” was undoubtedly his movie for the boys. This film tells the story of a bouncer hired to bring order to a rowdy bar, but encounters a crime boss who controls the town. The action includes numerous intense fist fights, beautiful women led by Kelly Lynch, and exciting stunts – essentially, it’s a larger-than-life Saturday night movie!

In essence, the story revolved around a setting similar to a traditional western, but instead of cowboys and horses, it featured characters arriving in souped-up cars at a place reminiscent of a saloon bar, referred to as the Roadhouse. The plot was unexpectedly graced by Ben Gazzara, an actor renowned for his work in serious human dramas with John Cassavetes, taking on the role of an aloof character amidst the chaos. Interestingly, many actors involved were known more for their martial arts skills than their acting abilities – even Red West, a former security guard of Elvis Presley, had a minor role.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the brilliant combination of Silver & Herring, which transformed Saturday nights into an exhilarating rollercoaster ride back then. It may have only garnered a modest $30 million at the box office initially, but its enduring charm paved the way for Joel Silver to breathe new life into this classic, casting Jake Gyllenhaal as the protagonist in a remake that truly deserved a grand cinema release rather than a direct-to-streaming premiere on Prime Video.

Released on 4K UHD there’s wealth of bonus features that includes:

This Limited Edition 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY includes:
– High-definition video presentation in Dolby Vision (compatible with HDR10) at 2160p resolution
– Multiple audio options, including original stereo sound and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound
– Subtitles for the hearing impaired in English
– A reversible case featuring both original and new artwork by Mark Bell
– A double-sided foldout poster showcasing new artwork by Mark Bell
– A coaster with the Double Deuce logo
– A collector’s booklet containing production notes.

DISC ONE – FEATURE AND EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)

  • Audio commentary with director Rowdy Herrington
    • Audio commentary with Road House fans Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier
    • A Conversation with Director Rowdy Herrington, an interview with the director about the genesis and making of the film
    • ‘Pretty Good for a Blind White Boy’: The Music of Road House, a featurette on Michael Kamen’s score and blues musician Jeff Healey’s performance in the film
    • Remembering Patrick Swayze, a tribute to Road House’s iconic lead actor
    • On the Road House, a featurette where cast and crew members look back on the film’s success
    • Patrick Swayze Profile featurette
    • Original theatrical trailer
    • Image gallery

DISC TWO – EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)

  • I Did It My Way, an interview with second unit director and stunt coordinator Charlie Picerni
    • Henchman #2, an interview with actor and stuntman Anthony De Longis
    • Blonde Ambitions, an interview with actor Laura Lee Kasten
    • Fightin’ Man, an interview with actor Roger Hewlett
    • Ain’t Nothing Gonna Kill Me but Me, an interview with actor Travis McKenna
    • Pain Don’t Hurt: The Stunts of Road House, a featurette on the stunts seen in the film
    • What Would Dalton Do?, a featurette where professional bouncers show their appreciation for the film
    • Selected interview soundbites
    • On the Set, archival behind-the-scenes footage

Among all these, each one shines, yet the exceptional feature could be the brilliant idea embodied in the insightful commentary track by Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier. This bonus track, on its own, elevates the DVD collection to a must-have for any action movie enthusiast.

Here’s the Road House trailer…….

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2025-05-17 02:23