I remember how hyped I was for The Long Kiss Goodnight in 1996. It seemed like Total Recall on Earth. An assassin with amnesia was a strong hook, and I’d actually liked Geena Davis as an action hero in Cutthroat Island. The film did considerably better than the pirate movie, though probably not enough to justify the $4 million spec script sale and production.
Nearly 30 years later, the film holds up in a 4K UHD from Arrow. The crisp winter action is bright and clear in the white snow, with film grain still visible. When the action extends into night, that white snow is set against a deep black winter sky with no stars.
The Long Kiss Goodnight has an aggressive surround sound mix too. The automobile accident that jogs Charlie Baltimore (Davis)’s memory has the crash, glass breaking and even her landing in the snow in the rears.
Winter wind provides background ambians. Then all the gun blasts and helicopters whirring fill the room.
The filmmakers did extensive bonus features in the past and those are still included. New commentaries feature critics. Walter Chaw balances the history of the tlanet leading up to this movie and analyzes the film in the context of female action heroes.
Bloodhaus hosts Joshua Conkel and Drusilla Adeline are a little broader touching on other movies that owe a debt to this, it’s use of tropes like soundtracks and Harlin’s horror elements
They got a new interview wtih Yvonne Zima all grown up. She remembers auditioning against Mara Wilson, and they have her audition tape. Also her memories of Davis changing a single word to add more context to dialogue is insightful.
Stunt co-ordinator Steve Davidson goes throu each stunt setup. Makeup artist Gordon J Smith discusses making a Geena Davis mask for the stunt double and the details are fascinating, with photos.
Josh Nelson’s video essay focuses on the amnesia trope and brings in subsequent movies too.