Robot Jox: Blu-Ray Review
Arriving this week on Blu-ray for the first time courtesy of Shout! Factory is the sci-fi/action/political satire flick “Robot Jox”, directed by Stuart Gordon (“Re-Animator”, “From Beyond”, “Dolls”). I remember seeing “Robot Jox” during its initial theatrical run back in 1990. It had only pulled in just over one million dollars nationwide back then, so not a whole lot of people can say that they saw this one on the big screen.
Let me start of by saying that “Robot Jox” is in no way a good movie. This is bad, really bad. However it does have its charms for a film about warriors fighting each other in giant robots to settle international disputes. Gary Graham (“Alien Nation” TV series) is Achilles, veteran robot warrior who has reached his 10th and final fight in his contract.
When a bleacher filled with spectators are killed while Achilles attempts to save them, he decides not to take part in a re-match against his Russian opponent Alexander (Paul Koslo). With Achilles now out of the battle, this leaves the test tube created fighters to compete for the opening. Athena (Anne-Marie Johnson) is clearly the front-runner.
Despite everything that is wrong with “Robot Jox”, fans of b-movie sci-fi like myself have a soft spot for this one. Thanks to Shout! Factory, the film has never looked better. The stunning HD transfer is near perfect. There is also a new interview with Paul Koslo in the bonus features. If you are a fan, this release is a must buy.
Bonus Features
• Audio Commentary With Director Stuart Gordon
• Audio Commentary With Associate Effects Director Paul Gentry, Mechanical Effects Artist Mark Rappaport, And Stop-Motion Animator Paul Jessel
• Brand-New Interview With Actor Paul Koslo
• Archival Interviews With Director Stuart Gordon, Pyrotechnic Supervisor Joe Viskocil, Associate Effects Director Paul Gentry, Stop-Motion Animator Paul Jessel and Animation & Effects Artists Chris Endicott And Mark McGee
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage
• 2 Still Galleries
• Trailers
By: Marc Ferman