BADass SINema Unearthed - Blu-ray 4K UHD Review

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Chuck Norris, soaked in a profile of shadows, standing atop a red bluff in the Southwest might be one of the most striking images in Lone Wolf McQuade, an action flick which prides itself in showing the rugged manliness of one man’s individualism against a crazy force of criminal activity.  

Newly remastered from a new 2K scan from the original interpositive by Scorpion Releasing, Lone Wolf McQuade continues to be a cut above the rest of Norris’ film output and delivers a Norris action vehicle that is free of its 1983 shackles, thanks to some incredible chase sequences, a cool Southwest setting, and some fine western themes courtesy of composer Francesco De Masi.

Directed by Steve Carver (Big, Bad Mama) and co-starring Kill Bill’s David Carradine, Never Say Never Again’s Barbara Carrera, Penitentiary’s Leon Issac Kennedy, and A Boy And His Dog’s L.Q. Jones, Lone Wolf McQuade is the story of Texas Ranger J. J. McQuade (Norris) who, while carrying a blackbelt, refuses to fight for money.  He likes to keep it simple; however, his world is going to get complicated pretty damn soon. {googleads}

When he denies a public battle royale with Rawley Wikes (Carradine), but keeps his steady eye on the lonely lips and hips of Lola Richardson (Carrera), he finds himself tacking on more than he expected thanks to some heavy firepower as some bad, dudes - namely Falcon (Daniel Fisherman) and Wikes - are selling guns and ammo to terrorists all over the world.

You see, Wikes is an arms dealer and, when McQuade’s daughter, Sally (Dana Kimmell), ends up in the hospital after being witness to one of his dealings in El Paso, McQuade, driving his ‘83 Dodge Charger, finds himself (and his large .44 Magnum revolver) joining forces with local Texas State Trooper Kayo Ramos (Beltran) and FBI Special Agent Jackson (Leon Isaac Kennedy) in an effort to put an end to the gun running.

Lone Wolf is an ex-marine.  He lives alone, has a wolf for a pet, and doesn’t want ANY woman messing with his beer.  It’s a perfect fit for Norris, who makes the most of a chance to break the Kung-Fu mold with this action flick.  Apparently, neither Norris or Carradine wanted a stunt person working as them for their scenes and it shows with some gritty realism courtesy of close-ups during crazy jumps from trucks, gunplay, and rapid-firing gunplay.

Carradine as the bad guy isn’t messing around.  Fortunately, neither is Norris.  And when these two squinty-eyed fellas start butting heads, there are no innocent bystanders.

Lone Wolf McQuade, written by B.J. Nelson, is now on blu-ray thanks to Scorpion Releasing’s new 2K scan from the original interpositive.

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Blu-ray Details:

Home Video Distributor: Scorpion Releasing
Available on Blu-ray - May 19, 2020
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

Legendary renegade Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade (Norris) is fierce with his gun - but lethal with his black belt! When his teenage daughter's life is threatened by hijackers attempting to steal a truck full of weapons and ammunition, the job becomes personal for McQuade. Uncovering a colossal arms-smuggling outfit that is selling guns and ammo to terrorists all over the world, McQuade comes face to face with its kingpin, Rawley Wilkes (Carradine) - a world-renowned martial arts expert who has never lost a battle! Does the Ranger have what it takes to save his daughter and his honor - or has he finally met his match, and ultimately his demise?

Video: 

The New 2K scan from the interpositive is a thing of pristine glory as, what was once muddied and unclear, bounces back into focus with fine details and crisp shadows.  The American Southwest absolutely comes into focus and pops thanks to the new 1080p transfer.  Framed with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, Lone Wolf McQuade looks pretty solid for a film shot in the 1980s. Some shots, due to the era of the day, are fuzzier than others but the image is reasonably well defined with crisp contrasts and solid textures. Colors are solid. Blacks are, too. Surprisingly, there's enough fine detail on display to make this seem revelatory for those used to the previous releases.

Audio:

This release comes with an explosive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• There is a new commentary with the film’s director, Steve Carver, actors Robert Beltran and L.Q. Jones, and producer Yoran Ben-Ami.  It is moderated by C. Courtney Joyner.  

Special Features:

Outside of the new 2K scan from the interpositive and the new audio commentary, there are new interviews with Leon Issac Kennedy, L.Q. Jones, Robert Beltran and Yoram Ben-Ami, as well as a Theatrical Trailer.

• Leon Issac Kennedy Interview
• Jones Interview
• Robert Beltran Interview
• Yoram Ben-Ami Interview
• Theatrical Trailer

Blu-ray Rating:

	Movie
	Video
	Audio
	Extras
Overall Blu-ray Experience

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[tab title="Film Details"]

MPAA Rating: PG.
Runtime: 107 mins
Director: Steve Carver
Writer: B.J. Nelson
Cast: Chuck Norris, David Carradine, Barbara Carrera
Genre: Action
Tagline: When Norris meets Carradine all hell breaks loose!
Memorable Movie Quote: "I understand you're very good with your hands and feet."
Theatrical Distributor: Orion Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: April 15, 1983
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: May 19.2020.
Synopsis: Texas ranger J.J. McQuade (Chuck Norris) likes to work by himself, until a Latino state trooper, Kayo Ramos (Robert Beltran), needs his help to find out who hijacked a U.S. Army convoy and hurt Ramos' daughter. With the help of FBI agent Jackson (Leon Isaac Kennedy), the team tracks down drug trafficker and arms dealer Rawley Wilkes (David Carradine). After Wilkes kills a federal agent, McQuade battles the criminal using all of his skills and training, including guns and martial arts.

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