The original Kickboxer is on 4K now as an Amazon exclusive steelbook 25th anniversary edition. Where doest he time go? It feels like I just discovered Van Damme movies on VHS. The first one I’d see in a theater was Universal Soldier. So even with DVD and Blu-ray, this is the best I’ve ever seen Kickboxer look.
The film boasts bright, sunny scenery in Thailand with some beautiful images of local temples and nature. When Kurt Sloane (Van Damme) trains at magic hour, his silhouette is a deep shadow against the majesty of the temple.
Some noticeable surround sound effects include the Muay Thai gym Kurt goes to first. All the gym bustle surrounds.
The international version on disc 3 is full frame but looks like a film scan, not VHS. The only two additions I noticed are a dramatic scene with Eric (Dennis Alexio) in the hospital and another when he inquires about Master Xian (Dennis Chan)’s Tai Chi, but that doesn’t account for the five minute difference so there’s more.
Four new interviews and two full commentaries give thorough recollections of the film. Van Damme talks about his famous dance scene in his interview.