Audio/Video. The 2.35:1 ratio presentation is just as good as the excellent part three transfer. Colors are bright and blacks are dark and there is a really good level of detail throughout. I did not really notice any issues, save for a little noise when they encounter the Chinese slave ship. It is a minor nit in what is a really good looking transfer. It doesn't take long for the transfer to show its worth, the opening scene with the flamethrower guy is rather vibrant, showing off both color and black levels.
Audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and it performs admirably. Much like the part three mix, this sounds really good, makes nice use of the surrounds, has always clear dialogue, and excellent explosions and resonating gunshots.
Extras. There is a commentary featuring Richard Donner, producer J. Mills Goodloe, and associate producer Geoff Johns. This is the best one of the bunch with the three discussing all aspects of the production and not letting much down time seep in. Too bad the others were not this good. There is also a behind the scenes bit that runs thirty-one minutes and covers the entire series, hosted by Danny Glover. Finally you have the original trailer to round out the package.
Disk 5: Bonus Material
This fifth disk contains four new documentaries covering the series.
Psycho Pension: The Genesis of Lethal Weapon. Running 24-minutes, this featurette gives a fascinating look at filmmaking in the 1980s, the more freewheeling nature of everything. There are interviews, new and old, with Donner, Glover, Gibson, and writer Shane Black, among others. It is really interesting to watch this.
A Family Affair: Bringing Lethal Weapon to Life. This 30-minute featurette looks at the creation of the characters and the world of the film. Interviews with all of the players reminisce on life on the set, relationships and collaborations. I was particularly intrigued by the talk of the scene centering on Riggs suicidal nature.
Pulling the Trigger: Expanding the World of Lethal Weapon. Home video proved that they had big franchise potential. This takes a look at how they had to go about making the world bigger, creating new obstacles and problems for the characters. Even mentions how Riggs was supposed to be killed, as written in the original screenplay; of course, that didn't happen. This runs 30-minutes.
Maximum Impact: The Legacy of Lethal Weapon. Initially focusing on the fourth entry, this 22-minute featurette takes a look at the lasting legacy the series have. They reminisce on the social issues and the effects the films have had on the cast members. I love when Gibson talks about working with Jet Li.
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
Thanks for writing this, Chris. I love these movies (even 3 & 4), but 2 will always be my favorite one. Of course, the first one (like the first Die Hard) set the tone for cop buddy movies and action flicks right up until right now.
Unlike Murtaugh, I will never to be old for this stuff.
2 - Scott
Great write-up. Can't wait to get my hands on this. LW is my favorite movie series, especially 1 and 2. Riggs and Murtaugh were two amazing characters and watching them is always a load of fun.