Universal Soldier: The Return – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

After two direct-to-television sequels, the Universal Soldier series was headed back to the big screen in 1999, and for Jean-Claude Van Damme fans, this was to be his last theatrical release seen in the U.S. until JCVD graced us with a limited run theatrically. Unfortunately, Van Damme is game in his reprise of Luc Devreaux, but everyone else camps it up. In hindsight, this film is a perfect product for the direct-to-DVD market, making it kind of surprising that it made a theatrical release. Gone are any of the awesome cheese that made the first film, a neat sci-fi action movie. Suffice to say, Mic Rodgers is no Roland Emmerich, as Universal Soldier: The Return is just low rent camp.

Does that mean it isn’t fun? Of course not, because by the balls-out finale, The Return earns some mild fun points, but as an official sequel to the 1992 film, is pales in comparison. The plot follows the end of the UniSol program, with Luc now again human, a single dad, and a trainer for future soldiers. But like any B-movie dealing with the government, there’s a top secret project being developed, aiming to create the ultimate UniSol: SETH (Michael Jai White).

Now there’s plenty of issues here like bad dialogue, the horrible editing and framing of the action scenes, and the SETH character isn’t a good villain, and I blame all of this really on the script. If you create an “ultimate villain”, then don’t make his demise so easily handled, and especially if our hero has to defeat one of SETH’s croonies after he destroys SETH. I’m no spoiling much, c’mon, JCVD is going to win. The script undermines SETH as an ultimate villain with the need to desperately force Bill Goldberg as a new action star. Remember, this is 1999, and at that time, WCW was huge as was Goldberg. He’s fine in a muscle role, but very stiff. But why have his fight with JCVD after Van Damme beats SETH? It’s unfair to Michael Jai White, too, the handling of the action scenes, a fault I guess, not really on the script, as I’ve said Mic Rodgers is no Roland Emmerich, and these poorly edited and shot action scenes prove a big why. White is a talented martial artist, yet the scenes are undermined by the previously stated flaws.

The film really misses some personality, and like I mentioned earlier Van Damme is totally game, as seen in the film’s better scenes with the journalist Erin (Heidi Schanz). But that’s how this film is. With a limp villain (sorry, but at least Michael Jai White shines later in Spawn and Black Dynamite), weak action scenes, and camp dialogue, the film works when JCVD and Schanz are together. Still, even without a presence like Dolph Lundgren from the first film, Universal Soldier: The Return is a low rent, camp action yarn for those seeking some Van Dammage. Too bad, his U.S. theatrical swan song was a whimper instead of a bang.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Far from the best Blu-ray transfers I’ve seen, again, I’m amazed this was a theatrical film. It’s a soft, dull presentation something I’ve seen from direct-to-video releases. Colors are muted, softness present, and blacks are very dull. Again, it’s not horrible or bad, just pretty lackluster given that it was Sony who released it. The audio is better, as it packs more punch, bass, and surround activity. It’s a pleasing track.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: In standard def, this is a short retrospective look at JCVD’s work and life. It’s a nice primer course, if your new to him. But it’s also EPK. You’re better off reading my reviews of his work or his Wiki page.

A Universal Soldier’s Workout: Michael Jai White was in a top notch physic for the film, and here in an interview, he shares how he got into shape.In SD.

Making of: While it is an EPK piece, this short fluff making of is kind of kitsch, making it a quick fun look, with plenty of interviews from cast and crew.

Trailers finish off the extras.

Conclusion: A typical B-level action film, with some standard JCVD flourishes, that make it an okay rent. The Blu-ray is like the film, ho-hum.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: