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The Movie:
Hilarious. Priceless. Terrible. These are three of the many single words that I would use to illustrate "Rangers", one of those action pictures that seem to run on cable at around 10 at night. One of those films where it looks like many of the action scenes were shot in the director's backyard and several scenes look like stock footage. After a title sequence that looks wonderfully 80's, we're launched into the story itself.
A group of commandos is sent to bring back a terrorist from an unnamed country, but find out that the group knows they're on the way. After a few remaining members barely make it out, they find out that they'd been set-up, or something like that. One of their rangers they thought they'd left behind is actually working for the bad guys and suddenly comes back looking for revenge. Every other line is some other variation on, "you have no idea what I've been through!" or "the mission! We must not forget the mission!". Every action-movie cliche is spoken at some point throughout the film - but what makes it occasionally unintentionally hilarious is the straight-faced, wooden acting that attempts to take every single like incredibly serious.
Ok, so there are occasionally some decent production values (a few respectable explosions), but as with all of these low-budget action films, the script seems to have been made up along the way. Obviously, these films don't cost a great deal and can end up being bought for cable or home video release (as Fox has done with this film and the equally terrible monster picture "Python").
The storyline almost doesn't even matter in a film like this one (nor do a few continuity errors) - the movie simply attempts several old-school, low-budget action sequences (according to the commentary, apparently some of the final action sequences are new, but many are actually cut in from a different action movie altogether). Corbin Bernsen recieves top billing for, according to the commentary, three hours of work. The director and the main actor discuss their work on the film's commentary track and thankfully seem fully aware what they've created.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Rangers" is presented in it's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and, like all Fox titles, it is anamorphic. Unfortunately, unlike most Fox titles, the budget and other possible problems make this look less appealing than most new films. Sharpness and detail are only fair - most scenes either have a "flat" or slightly soft look, especially some of the dimly lit areas.
There's other flaws that I found more irritating, though. Grain seemed to be rather mild in a few scenes, and print flaws were noticable every so often throughout the movie. Slight speckles and some larger marks were occasionally apparent. Shimmering and pixelation were minor, but still visible, as well.
Colors are rather murky and heavy at times, but still manage to look respectable. Overall this is an okay presentation from Fox, but nothing too stunning.
SOUND: For a film that's going straight to video, it's suprising that "Rangers" still is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. What's not suprising though, is that the budget on the film obviously made for a less-than-impressive audio experience. During the film's action sequences, the surrounds mainly offer the incredibly cheesy score rather than sound effects, with few exceptions (a helicopter or two flying by). Audio quality has a bit of a cheap, flat feel to it, but otherwise is fine, with fairly clear (if somewhat unnatural sounding) dialogue.
MENUS:: The main menu has slight background animation, and the scene selection menu has motion images.
EXTRAS:
Commentary: The commentary by director Jay Andrews and actor Matt McCoy. One of the more amusing tidbits is that Andrews offers early on that he goes under several different names for his various directorial efforts (wonder why?). Aside from some positive comments about the cast that they worked with (at least trying to be nice), the two seem to know what they've made here, occasionally joking about the limits of the production and goofing on the story itself. Funny stuff, and far more entertaining than the movie itself as the two seem to be having a lot of fun.
Also: Cast and crew info, trailer.
Final Thoughts: If you're one of those folks who likes to have a laugh or two at a bad film, you might find "Rangers" worth a rental. Otherwise, I'd recommend staying away from the film.
Film Grade
The Film Zero *
DVD Grades
Video 83/B = (332/400 possible points)
Audio: 85/B = (340/400 possible points)
Extras: 79/C+ = (237/300 possible points)
Menus: 75/C = (150/200 possible points)
Value: 70/C- = (210/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1269/1600
DVD GRADE:C+/79%
FILM GRADE: Zero *
DVD GRADE: C+
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