FROM BLUE UNDERGROUND
Review by Josey, the Sudden Catđ
William Lustig is probably best-known to grindhouse fans as the maniac behind Maniac. Of late, though, he’s folded-up the director’s chair to be the Big Cheese at Blue Underground, one of the better boutique video companies dedicated to restoring a variety of cult classics, including many of his own. Two such films - Maniac Cop 2 and Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence - may not be as notorious as Maniac, though they’re arguably more polished, more skillfully directed and - considering the subject matter - more ridiculously fun.
Lately, Blue Underground has been giving some of their more “prestigious” titles the 4K UHD treatment and re-issued them with treasure troves of bells & whistles, such as new & vintage extras, CD soundtracks and lenticular covers. Available separately, the 4K editions Maniac Cop 2 and Maniac Cop 3 are lacking some of the accoutrements that make some of those other sets exemplary. However, the transfers for both are excellent.
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| Looks like she's warming up to him. |
Maniac Cop 2 will never be mistaken for a great film, but is undeniably enjoyable due to its anything-goes attitude. After revisiting the original’s climax, it’s full speed ahead with everyone’s favorite undead enforcer, Matt Cordell (Robert Z’Dar), still seeking revenge on those who framed him. The story’s full of plot holes and implausibilities, but so conceptually amusing and fast-paced that we don’t much mind. The film is given considerable heft by an impressive cast of familiar faces, including cult heroine Claudia Christian and perennial tough guy Robert Davi in a rare leading role.
Davi and Z’Dar return for Maniac Cop 3. Though the law of diminishing returns certainly applies to this sequel, it’s hardly the train-wreck Lustig himself continues to claim. In fact, he actually quit mid-production, hence the infamous pseudonym, Alan Smithee, listed as director. But while the noticeably-padded story is more contrived - and sometimes threatens to take itself a little too seriously - the film still has its share of wild moments. The extended climactic car chase, with Cordell behind the wheel while engulfed in flames, is a particular highlight.
If anyone reading is wondering to themselves, “What about the original Maniac Cop?” Someone else apparently owns the rights, so it looks like fans will have to wait for the 4K of that one. But that shouldn’t stop anyone from grabbing these two, especially since Maniac Cop 2 is the best film in the series. Even without seeing the first film for context, it isn’t difficult to figure out why Matt Cordell is still plenty pissed.
EXTRA KIBBLES
Maniac Cop 2
4K & BLU-RAY COPIES
BACK ON THE BEAT: THE MAKING OF MANIAC COP 2 - An excellent 40 minute retrospective doc featuring director William Lustig, writer-producer Larry Cohen, actors Robert Davi, Claudia Christian & Robert Z’Dar.
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By William Lustig and Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn (who was apparently planning a remake of the original Maniac Cop).
CINEFAMILY Q&A - Following a screening, the director answers questions and has some amusing anecdotes.
ISOLATED MUSIC SCORE
DELETED SCENES
TRAILERS
POSTER & STILL GALLERY
Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence
4K & BLU-RAY COPIES
WRONG ARM OF THE LAW: THE MAKING OF MANIAC COP 3 - Revealing 25 minutes retrospective doc featuring director William Lustig (who doesn’t sugarcoat his hatred of the film), writer-producer Larry Cohen, producer Joal Sousson, actors Robert Davi, Caitlin Dulany, Gretchen Becker & Robert Z’Dar.
ORIGINAL SYNOPSIS - Text summary of writer Larry Cohen’s original script, which was considerably different.
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By “Alan Smithee.”
DELETED/EXTENDED SCENES
TRAILER
POSTER & STILL GALLERY
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