Universal Soldier: Regeneration – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

If JCVD answered the question that Jean-Claude Van Damme still had something left in his tank, providing us with an intelligent, thoughtful look at his falling stardom, then Universal Soldier: Regeneration proves that he isn’t just a product of 1990′s action, but a pivotal star in the history of the action genre. It’s something to be really excited for, since he was the best martial arts action star of the 90′s, but due to the changing environment in technology and style in the genre, by the time the late 90s came, he and his style of films felt stale. 1999′s The Matrix changed action films a great deal, whether we like it or not, and 1999 also signaled the end of Jean-Claude Van Damme in American cinemas.

Why did it take so long for a director to figure out that Van Damme wasn’t a by product of a different era, but a genuine action star that just needed a solid film to be in, is beyond me. Like most of the 1990′s action stars, by the 2000′s he “descended” into direct-to-video films, and for many was forgotten as new films and stars rose. God bless nostalgia because with Mabrouk El Mechri’s JCVD where many claimed resurrected Van Damme with a loving tribute to him, and now John Hyams’ action-crazed Universal Soldier: Regeneration, The Muscles from Brussels is 100% back.

The Van Damme Universal Soldier films (1992 and 1999) have been a collective mix of fun and camp. Many prefer 1992′s Universal Soldier over the 1999′s Universal Soldier: The Return, which was JCVD’s last real American theatrical film, since that film was way more comedic, something that added a level of unneeded cheese. With Regeneration, director John Hyams practically reinvents the series by eliminating the camp and the humor, approaching the film with a stoic level of seriousness. Liking the previous films to the Schumacher Batman films and Regeneration to Nolan’s Batman Begins is a fair example of what Hyams done with the film.  Sony wrestled with a theatrical release over letting it go straight to video, and that’s a testament to the level of quality Hyams done with the film.

Right from the get-go,we’re treated to an incredibly staged opening heist and chase, showcasing Hyams solid action direction, something this film will be noted for. It’s true that maybe Hyams is a good copier of Micheal Mann and Paul Greengrass, namely with some carbon copy moments from Heat and The Bourne Supremacy. Maybe for the first time since 1993′s Hard Target has Van Damme worked with a director that outshines him, meaning while Van Damme delivers the goods (because nobody throws a roundhouse kick like Van Damme), the director is the real star. I say good. For a while there, and getting back to my assessment of why Van Damme’s action faded in the 2000′s, is that this quality of film making is really what the doctor ordered for Van Damme.

Prior Universal Soldier knowledge really isn’t needed, as the film focuses on the origins of the UniSol program enough to shed some light into the history, but for fans of the franchise seeing Van Damme go head-to-head with Dolph Lundgren is such a treat, since this is moment that should warm many hearts of 90′s action lovers. Now, the script is fairly tight, yet formulaic, but with some incredible action, all wonderfully directed by John Hyams, Universal Soldier: Regeneration is a much needed blast in a recently stale genre. Action fans should be instantly pleased, yet Van Damme fans should be ecstatic. Will he continue his comeback is yet to be seen, but this film is a welcomed dose of Van Dammage in 2010. Did you ever expect that?

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Shot with that awesome Red camera, the film looks slick yet gritty, just as it was intended. Blacks and blues are the dominant colors used, etching out that typical look for action films now days, and everything is true to the source. Clarity is superb, namely in the facial close-ups, but there’s some blurriness here and there, that’s a bit disappointing. The DTS track is loud, active, and bass heavy, giving home theaters a massive workout. Sony delivers another solid high-def release.

Commentary: Director John Hyams and star Dolph Lundren appear together for an informative talk. Plenty of behind-the-scenes info is dished out with talks of shooting in Europe, the action, and the previous films, making for a great listen for both action and Universal Soldier fans.

Behind the Lines: This HD making-of is decent, as it’s filled with interviews and action set-ups. Running about 15 minutes, we’re treated to a quick, yet thorough making-of.

A few Trailers and Sony’s MovieIQ and BD-Live functions round out the extras.

Conclusion: Regeneration is a blast. Great action, a worthwhile production for both Van Damme and Lundgren to be in, and a solid career-making film for director Hyams.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: