Now available on 4K UHD from MVD Rewind is director Sheldon Lettich’s 1990 action favorite Lionheart, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. This director-approved 4K scan and restoration presents the extended “A.W.O.L. Cut,” which runs just under six minutes longer than the original U.S. theatrical version.
I’ve always considered Lionheart one of Van Damme’s best early films. As much as I enjoy Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Double Impact, Lionheart has always been the one I revisit the most. The extended cut only makes an already entertaining film even more satisfying.
The story follows French Foreign Legion soldier Lyon Gaultier (Van Damme), who is stationed in East Africa when he learns that his brother has been brutally burned alive in Los Angeles. After his request for leave is denied, Lyon goes A.W.O.L. and makes the dangerous journey to the United States. His arrival in New York is only the beginning, as he still has to find a way across the country to reach Los Angeles.
Desperate for money, Lyon is drawn into the world of illegal underground street fighting. With the help of fast-talking hustler Joshua (Harrison Page), he quickly attracts the attention of fight promoter Cynthia Caldera (Deborah Rennard), who stages brutal bouts for wealthy spectators. Lyon has little interest in fame or Cynthia’s advances—his only goal is to earn enough money to help his widowed sister-in-law and young niece.
When Lyon finally reaches Los Angeles, he discovers his brother has already died and that his family is on the verge of losing their home. With few options remaining, he continues fighting to support them. Making matters even more complicated, members of the French Foreign Legion arrive in the United States with orders to capture Lyon and return him to military custody.
Lionheart is a predictable but highly entertaining early-’90s B-action film, elevated by Van Damme’s charisma, athleticism, and plenty of memorable fight sequences. While the story follows a familiar formula, it has enough heart to separate it from many of the era’s direct competitors.
MVD Rewind’s latest 4K UHD release is another impressive addition to its LaserVision Collection. The new restoration delivers a sharp, film-like presentation with excellent color and detail. Natural outdoor environments—including the desert landscapes that open the film—and the streets of Los Angeles look vibrant and authentic. Interior fight locations, from the racquetball court to the drained swimming pool, also benefit from the increased clarity and improved contrast. And yes, Van Damme’s famously oiled-up physique practically glistens off the screen.
On the audio side, while MVD’s 2018 Blu-ray included a 5.1 surround mix that is absent here, the included lossless LPCM 2.0 track delivers a clean, full-bodied presentation. Dialogue is clear, the score has plenty of punch.
For longtime Van Damme fans, this is easily the definitive home video presentation of Lionheart and another worthwhile release from MVD Rewind.
Bonus Materials:
- Director Approved 2025 4K Scan & Restoration (2160p – 16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of the extended “A.W.O.L. Cut” of the movie presented in 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio in HDR
- Audio: LPCM 2.0 Stereo (4K + Blu-ray) and 5.1 Surround (Blu-ray)
- Optional English Subtitles
- NEW! Audio Commentary by Director Sheldon Lettich moderated by Heath Holland
- Archival audio commentary by Sheldon Lettich & Harrison Page (4K & Blu-ray)
- ‘The Story of ‘Lionheart’ (Blu-ray, HD) (Documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew including JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME)
- ‘Inside ‘Lionheart’ with the Filmmakers and Cast’ (Blu-ray, HD) (Featuring interviews with cast and crew including JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME)
- ‘Lionheart: Behind the Fights’ (Blu-ray, HD) (Featuring interviews with cast and crew including JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME)
- Archival ‘Making of’ featurette (8:53) (Blu-ray, SD)
- Archival Interview with Sheldon Lettich (25:52) (Blu-ray, SD)
- Archival Interview with Harrison Page (13:05) (Blu-ray, SD)
- ‘Behind the Scenes of the Audio Commentary’ Archival featurette (5:40) (Blu-ray, SD)
- Original Theatrical Trailer (Blu-ray, SD)
- Collectible Lionheart “4K LaserVision” Mini-Poster
- Reversible Cover Artwork (with original Rewind artwork on the reverse side)
- Limited Edition Slipcover (*FIRST PRESSING ONLY)
