Red Scorpion

One of Dolph Lundgren's best starring films (which I know isn't saying a whole lot, but still), Red Scorpion is one of the most overlooked action gems from the 80s. Lundgren plays a Soviet Special Forces Lieutenant in Africa that turns against his fellow Soviets when he realizes that he's been fighting on the wrong side all along. That's pretty much it story wise, but what Red Scorpion delivers in terms of direction (by Joseph Zito, who helmed the Chuck Norris action cheese-fests Missing in Action and Invasion USA, as well as horror favorites The Prowler and Friday the 13th Part 4), action sequences, and makeup effects from the great Tom Savini more than makes up for any of its other shortcomings. Red Scorpion also has the dubious honor of being produced and written by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, which in itself makes it worth seeing regardless. Synapse Films went out of their way to pack enough special features into this Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack (they usually do) as well as beautifully restore the film's picture as well. All in all, if action movies are your thing, check out Red Scorpion, you'll be glad that you did.

It is rumored that Jack Abramoff earned roughly ten million dollars (after taxes) in his first and apparently only movie production. In other words, he was already a wealthy man before entering the political world of Washington, DC. Abramoff even wrote the screenplay along with another member of his family, Robert. Alas, this movie concerning the Cold War battles fought within the African hemisphere leaves much to be desired. Dolph Lundgren was still somewhat a major name in 1989 and could basically carry the movie all by himself. As matter of fact, that's precisely what he does! Red Scorpion was modestly successful only because of his involvement. Lundgren plays the role of a Russian special ops soldier who eventually sees the light and becomes an arch foe of the evil USSR. Character actor M. Emmet Walsh is a journalist willing to take great chances to get the story out about the viciousness of the Soviet empire. T.P. McKenna, Carmen Argenziano, and Brion James fill out the rest of the "name" cast. The plot makes little sense. It is the never-ending violence and action scenes which might halfway satisfy an unsophisticated audience. No, this movie doesn't even come close to winning any major motion picture awards.Who should see this so-so action film? I would recommend only those who find the Jack Abramoff aspect of particular interest. Perhaps it might help one better understand his ultimate fall from grace. The man didn't create a cinematic masterpiece. Nonetheless, he deserves credit in sensing how best to make sure it turned a healthy profit.David ThomsonFlares into Darkness

I see you, witcho fine ass self. Watched this movie with my daughter and can say we will be watching it again. And again. And again.The story is alright and the bushman character is endearing but let’s be real — we all know why we’re really watching this movie.

This is the kind of film I enjoy, as it gives your plenty of fight scenes and a story as well. The price is great too.

Was glad to put this DVD in my collection!

Haven't seen this in nearly 30 years! Synapse is one the better niche distribution companies and am pleased that I've added this one to my collection!

Great purchase

The best russia had to offer ends up stranded with the people he was sent to kill and after being cared for by them he see the error of his ways and decides to the Russian army needs to be stopped ...even if he has to do it himself!This movie came out long before the Last Sumuria FYI.

A Russian soldier is sent into infiltrate a rebel African army but turns against his Russian masters when he learns he has been lied to. Daft but fun 80's action film with Dolph Lundgren on fine form in an early lead role that's more for adults than Rocky 4 and Masters Of The Universe. Suspend all disbelief as you normally have to in these types of movies as Lundgren takes on the entire Russian army with a little help with terrific action coming across a bit like a Russian Rambo as Dolph Lundgren attempts to become the next big 80's action star after Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

I loved this movie as a Kid! If my memory serves me well it was released back in 1988, and it was a nice little, full blown Action Movie. When i saw this was now on Blu ray, and not seeing it for about Ten years, i just had to get it. The Blu ray is a good Picture but not Great as some scenes were still grainy, but it is old and good enough! As for the Sound quality, that is excellent. Like i already said i love this Action Movie!!! It is up there with Stallone's Rambo and Arnie's Commando, a classic One Man Army Action Adventure. One thing i never got though, was how Dolph Lundgren was never Huge in the Movie scene! He was in Rocky 4 which was a smash, Red Scorpion was a Hit at the time, plus other Movies, he even Starred alongside Brandon Lee in the 90's Movie Showdown in little Tokyo. This Guy had the Looks, Physique, Stature, could actually do Karate and could Act, so where it all went wrong i'll never know. Very pleased this is out on Blu ray and even more pleased Dolph is back in the Expendables 1 and 2, good to see him on Big Screen once again!!! but why the wait?

Dolph Lundgren's First Action Film & Probably His Best. Arrow Video Have Released A Superb HD Transfer Of This Cult Action Favorite. A Classic Over The Top 80's Violence.Extras:Slipcase With Front WindowReversible Sleeve With Original & Newly Commissioned Art Work (x4)Double-Sided Fold-Out PosterCollector's BookletIntroduction To The Film By Dolph LundgrenUK Exclusive Audio Commentary With Director Joseph ZitoAll Out Of Bullets: Dolph Lundgren Remembers Red Scorpion - 30 Mins (Approx.)Music With Muscles: Composer Joe Chattaway On The Soundtrack - 20 Mins (Approx.)

This is one of those films that I loved as a kid. I can remember seeing this film on channel five and loving every minute of it. I taped it and I must have watched it over a dozen amount of times. I first saw Dolph Lundgren in the fourth Rocky movie as the bad villain, but this time we get to see him as the good soviet. It's a film full of action and Dolph Lundgren's earliest best after Rocky IV.

really good film, probably one of Dolph's best films. the US release came with a booklet and reversal cover and the DVD version of the same film which is also region free, the bonus with this version over the UK release by Arrow is this version has slightly better video quality and better Audio quality with DTS 5.1 MA.Recommended!!!pictures of this release are included.