Hudson Hawk (Special Edition): Blu-Ray Review

In the late 80’s to early 90’s, Bruce Willis went from television star to bonified movie star after kicking ass in 1988’s Die Hard and the 1990 sequel, Die Hard 2. He also voiced the adorable baby in the surprise comedy hit Look Who’s Talking in 1989 (which spawned its’ own sequels).  In 1991 the star gave us one of the most notorious flops of his career with the action-comedy Hudson Hawk.  While the year prior Willis was cast in the disaster Bonfire of the Vanities, it was Tom Hanks that was front-and-center there. With Hudson Hawk, Willis had to carry this mess on his own, which he also co-wrote. Having revisited the film for the first time in nearly three decades with Kino Lorber’s new Special Edition release, I have to say, Hudson Hawk is not as painfully bad as I remembered. Director Michael Lehmann was an interesting choice to helm such a big project. Prior, his only two features were the cult favorites, Heathers and Meet the Applegates, two wickedly dark comedies.

Eddie “The Hawke” Hawkins (Willis) has just gotten out of prison and all he wants to do is go straight. He may be one of the best thieves in the world, but he has no desire to go back to prison. His life as an honest man gets cut short however, when he is blackmailed into steal three hidden items from Da Vinci that have that can make those who posses them quite powerful in a political/financial way. Darwin and Minerva Mayflower (Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard respectively) want that power. Eddie’s best friend Tommy (Danny Aiello) and an undercover nun named Anna (Andie MacDowell) are the only two people he believes he can count on.

Hudson Hawk is absolutely silly stuff with some very weird transitions. Like when Eddie goes from a chase to a date with Anna in a matter of seconds. That also is part of the film’s charm. All the actors play their roles like cartoon, and I can appreciate that more now. While not considered a Bruce Willis classic, Hudson Hawke is definitely a one-of-a-kind big studio action film that would never get made today.

Kino’s new Special Edition Blu-ray includes an audio commentary by director Michael Lehmann and a 30-minute featurette, plus other bonuses. For those who are a fan of all things Willis, you may want to revisit Hudson Hawk.

Blu-ray Extras:

• Audio Commentary by Director Michael Lehmann
• The Story of Hudson Hawk: Featurette with Star Bruce Willis and Executive Producer Robert Kraft (29:56)
• My Journey to Minerva: Featurette with Actress Sandra Bernhard (10:57)
• Hudson Hawk Theme by Dr. John: Music Video
• Deleted Scenes (5:38)
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English Subtitles

By: Marc Ferman