Arriving on 4K UHD this week is the 1998 action thriller Knock Off, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. From the late ’80s through the early ’90s, Van Damme’s career surged from modestly budgeted martial arts fare like Bloodsport and Kickboxer to major studio productions including Universal Soldier, Timecop, and Street Fighter. One of his more entertaining studio-era entries remains Sudden Death, a shameless but enjoyable Die Hard-inspired spectacle.
However, a series of personal and professional struggles soon strained his studio relationships, and his subsequent projects reflected diminishing budgets, quality, and box office returns. Knock Off became one of the casualties of that downturn and stands as one of his final theatrical releases of the late ’90s and early 2000s, aside from Universal Soldier: The Return. Director Tsui Hark, who had previously helmed Double Team with Van Damme, returned to Hong Kong filmmaking after this project, reportedly dissatisfied with his experience working in the United States.
In Knock Off, Van Damme plays Marcus Ray, a Hong Kong entrepreneur dubbed the “King of Knock Offs” who longs to legitimize his business. His partner, Tommy Hendricks (Rob Schneider), is focused on keeping their operation afloat while coordinating a fashion show for “V-Six” jeans. When Marcus witnesses the abduction of his adopted brother during an annual rickshaw race, the film launches into a frenetic chase sequence that culminates in both men being arrested. It is soon revealed that Tommy is an undercover CIA operative who has been using Marcus to uncover a larger criminal conspiracy.
While Knock Off delivers a handful of energetic action set pieces, the film itself feels uneven and frequently incoherent. The editing is choppy, tonal shifts are abrupt, and several performances lack conviction. Even Paul Sorvino appears disengaged, lending the impression of an actor simply fulfilling a contractual obligation. Though not the weakest entry in Van Damme’s filmography, it may be among his least enjoyable theatrical efforts. Devoted fans of “The Muscles from Brussels” may still find moments of enjoyment, but for this viewer, the experience proved more frustrating than fun—even with an appreciation for much of his earlier work.
On the technical front, MVD Rewind’s new 2160p presentation is sourced from a 16-bit scan of the original camera negative and presented in HDR-10. The restoration is impressive, with vibrant colors that make the Hong Kong locations particularly striking. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is equally robust, offering an immersive soundscape, even if the score occasionally overwhelms certain scenes. Supplemental features include newly produced interviews with producer Moshe Diamant and writer Steven E. de Souza.
While Knock Off may not convert skeptics, collectors and longtime Van Damme enthusiasts will likely appreciate the care afforded to this release. As a home video package, MVD Rewind has delivered a strong technical presentation—even if the film itself remains a divisive chapter in the actor’s career.
Bonus Features:
DISC 1: KNOCK OFF 4K – SPECIAL FEATURES:
- HD Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of the film presented in its original 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio in HDR
- Audio: English DTS 5.1 Surround LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
- Optional English Subtitles
- Archival Audio Commentary by Action Cinema Experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- Collectible Knock Off “4K LaserVision” Mini-Poster
- Reversible Cover Art
DISC 2: KNOCK OFF BLU-RAY – SPECIAL FEATURES:
- High Definition (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 2.35:1 aspect ratio
- Audio: DTS 5.1 Surround & LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
- Optional English Subtitles
- Archival Audio Commentary by Action Cinema Experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- NEW! Interview with Steven E. de Souza (HD, 40:51)
- NEW! Interview with Moshe Diamant (HD, 18;24)
- Archival 2020 interview with writer Steven E. de Souza (HD, 9:49)
- Archival “Making Of: Knock Off” featurette (SD, 23.15)
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Special Features May Not Be Rated, Closed Captioned Or In High Definition.
