Demolition Man [Blu-Ray]

Marco Brambilla

BY Serena WhitneyPublished Aug 11, 2011

When it comes to early '90s action films, some age like fine wine, while others age like Crystal Pepsi. Demolition Man is unfortunately apart of the latter group. In 1993, director Marco Brambilla and Hollywood heavyweight producer Joel Silver unleashed this futuristic thriller, which had a budget that could have cured world hunger, to the pre-nostalgic Gen-X generation, with mediocre box office returns. The tale of an ultraviolet gangster (played by Wesley Snipes) and the cop who stopped him (Sylvester Stallone) awakened in a future devoid of conflict, many Gen-Xers foolishly deemed the film an "underrated gem" for its comedic timing, portrayal of Taco Bell as fine futuristic dining and Sandra Bullock's sassy, cute performance as chaos seeking, naive cop Lenina Huxley. Sadly just like 1994's Time Cop, fans will discover that the film's cinematic and dated depiction of the "future" is far too campy and off-putting to watch with a straight face. The Blu-Ray transfer is fairly impressive and the set designs and cinematography are much sharper and defined. Unfortunately, the same can be said for Snipe's Dennis Rodman-inspired locks and outfits, Sandy Bullock's extremely pin-thin eyebrows, Sly Stallone's vacant glances and the glamorized set of a sewer system that will make true film aficionados cringe with embarrassment. Despite its obvious flaws, there are still moments that never get old, such as John Spartan's orgasm face while having cyber sex with Huxley and Denis Leary's one-note rantings, making this film enjoyable, in a Showgirls kind of way. Demolition Man's only key special feature is a recycled commentary track from 1997 with director Marco Brambilla and producer Joel Silver, which will unfortunately disappoint true fans who were desperately looking for a clear cut answer as to how people in the future use three seashells instead of toilet paper.
(Warner)

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