Red Dawn (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving this week on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is 1984’s “Red Dawn”. For those who are not familiar with the history of cinema. “Red Dawn” is most notable for being the first film to be released with a “PG-13” rating after films like “Gremlins” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” outraged parents with the MPAA’s “PG” rating. It also marks the first on screen appearance of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey before they would make it big together with “Dirty Dancing” in 1987.
Set in an alternate history timeline, a small Texas town finds itself being invaded by the Soviet Union, Cuba and Nicaragua during the onset of World War III. With the town under siege (as well as other parts of the country), it is up to a small group of high school students to fight for their families and country. “Red Dawn” sports a who’s who of young 80’s stars. Swayze and Grey are joined by C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, and Charlie Sheen.
Shout Factory has released a solid Collector’s Edition here. Although much of the bonus features include archival footage, “Red Dawn” packs a new 70 minute feature with interviews from the folks behind the film. This is worth the purchase alone for fans of the 80’s war flick.
Bonus Features
- NEW “A Look Back At Red Dawn” – A 70 Minute Feature Including Brand-New Stories From Co-Star Doug Toby, Casting Director Jane Jenkins, Production Designer Jackson DeGovia And Editor Thom Noble
- Archival Featurette: “Red Dawn Rising”
- Archival Featurette: “Training For WWIII”
- Archival Featurette: “Building The Red Menace”
- Archival Featurette: “WWIII Comes To Town”
- Original Theatrical Trailer
By: Marc Ferman