As the years pass, film classics continue to reign supreme for cinephiles fond of a bygone era of film. Olive Films is one company among many that are living up to the task and keeping these gems refurbished and available for those interested, and their latest press release includes a multitude of titles for Blu-Ray and DVD, including Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970), the first four classic American Ninja films with Michael Dudikoff, Steve Harris and David Bradley, and The Pride and the Passion (1957).
Of course, given the readership we have here at Film Combat Syndicate, I’ve highlit exactly the title(s) you may well be interested in when they release on August 16. Moreover, if we’re fortunate enough, we will be able to provided a slate of product and film reviews for this amazing and memorable line-up harkening back to a time where Ninja movies were all the rave. Observe the deets just below!
American Ninja (1985), American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987), American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (1989), American Ninja 4: The Annihilation (1990)
These quintessential low-budget 1980’s action films occupy a special place in the hearts of many people who grew up in the era of VHS. Full of cheesy moments and goofs that endeared them to their audiences, Cannon Films’ American Ninja series still packed enough ninja action to launch a wave of martial arts obsession amongst young people across the US. Olive Films is proud to bring these four campy nostalgic favorites to 80’s kids everywhere on DVD and Blu-ray with new, original bonus features.
The first film teams up Michael Dudikoff and Steve James, a duo with uncanny chemistry and charisma. American Ninja 2: The Confrontation, often considered to be the best film of the series, reunites the two stars and director for even more ninja action. Although Michael Dudikoff was not in American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt, he was replaced by the skilled martial artist David Bradley and aided by returning cast member Steve James. Director Sam Firstenberg also stepped aside to make room for Cedric Sundström for film 3. In American Ninja 4: The Annihilation, Michael Dudikoff returned to the series to save the day with David Bradley.The newly produced extras for the releases are as follows:
American Ninja
●Audio Commentary with director Sam Firstenberg
●A Rumble in The Jungle: The Making of American Ninja featuring interviews with director Sam Firstenberg, actors Michael Dudikoff and Judie Aronson, Screenwriter Paul De Mielche and Stunt Coordinator Steve Lambert
●Theatrical TrailerAmerican Ninja 2: The Confrontation
●Audio Commentary with director Sam Firstenberg
●An American Ninja in Cape Town: The Making of American Ninja 2 featuring interviews with Director Sam Firstenberg, actors Michael Dudikoff and Gary Conway, Executive Producer Avi Lerner and Stunt Coordinator BJ Davis
●Theatrical TrailerAmerican Ninja 3: Blood Hunt
●Strike Me Deadly: The Making of American Ninja 3 featuring interviews with Director Cedric Sundström, Executive Producer Avi Lerner, and actor Gary Conway
●David Bradley Audition Tape
●Theatrical TrailerAmerican Ninja 4: The Annihilation
●Last Tango in Lesotho: The Making of American Ninja 4 featuring interviews with director Cedric Sundström and Executive Producer Avi Lerner
●“The Cobra Strikes” Music Video
●Theatrical Trailer