LETHAL WEAPON SYNOPSIS:

Mel Gibson stars as a one-man killing machine, a Los Angeles policeman who recently lost his wife and has been acting increasingly unstable. Danny Glover plays a by-the-book homicide detective with an impeccable record and a loving family. Now the two are stuck with each other as partners, investigating a suicide that leads to an international crime ring and ever-increasing danger in this blockbuster action thriller.

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Lethal Weapon, the 1987 action thriller film from director Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, the box office hit was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Sound and spawned a franchise that includes three sequels and a television series.

The Digital and 4K UHD disc release includes both the 1987 theatrical version of the film and the 2000 Director’s Cut which features an additional 7 minutes of footage not seen in theaters.

Directed by Donner (Superman), the film stars Gibson (Braveheart) as Detective Martins Riggs and Glover (Predator) as Detective Roger Murtaugh, along with Gary Busey (Point Break).  The film was written by Shane Black and was produced by Donner and Joel Silver and Silver Pictures.

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OUR FILM REVIEW

The 4K UHD includes both the theatrical and director’s cut - which surprisingly isn’t the director’s preferred cut. The film is a classic to many but to those that may be new to the experience, they may find this film is riddled with cliches - that weren’t quite that back during its release in 87. 

This 4K UHD release is a massive enhancement over the 2012 Blu-ray release in every possible way. The 2160p/HDR10 transfer is top of the line and provides one of best upgrades possibly ever, reading like a film made today with the aesthetics of a film made back in ‘87. That is apart from some natural film grain that gives it the authenticity of a feature that is being manipulated by AI. 

The Dolby Atmos mix provides a better viewing experience than ever before, but for those that want the nostalgia of the original audio tracks - they’re here as well. Either way the film is viewed with this latest release, the final product will absolutely impress all that take the time to watch.

The legacy features from the previous releases haven’t moved over to this latest release and instead we are greeted with two new featurettes. Unfortunately with Donner’s passing several years back, we don’t have the honor of a director’s commentary or any commentary at all in this instance. A limited new set of features which is a bummer overall for this otherwise outstanding release.

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SPECIAL FEATURES ​ 

• A Legacy of Inspiration: Remembering Richard Donner

• “I’m Too Old for This… A Chemistry That Become Iconic”