By Robin E. Simmons
ROBOCOP (1987) UHD Steelbook [Limited Edition]
Director Paul Verhoven’s Hollywood debut instantly became an enduring sci-fi/action classic when it landed on the big screen in the summer of 1987. Verhoven’s peerlessly exciting and kinetic visuals are matched by a terrifically insightful script by co-writer Ed Neumeier and exceptional special effects by Rob Botkin (The Thing) and Phil Tippett (The Empire Strikes Back).
The story is set in a not too distant future Detroit. Heroic cop Alex Murphy (a terrific Peter Weller) is gunned down in the line of duty only to be resurrected as a RoboCop – a cybernetic mix of spare human parts and Motor City’s steel and the latest defense against crime weaponry designed by the all-powerful OCP Corporation.
As RoboCop’s memories of his former life as Murphy resurface, only his ex-partner (Nancy Allen) stands beside him to fight against the merciless thugs responsible for his death, as well as the nefarious top-level OCP executive orchestrating the chaos from above.
This thrilling, motional and unexpectedly hilarious satire of a future
“law and order” society that is all-too believable in view of the current rise of militaristic police forces.
The definitive (uncensored) 4K UHD Blu-ray director’s cut is packed with a trove of fascinating and watchable bonus features of which the following is only a sample:
“Split screen comparisons between the Director’s Cut and Theatrical Cut and the edited for TV version.
“Two isolated score tracks comparing the Original score with the Final Theatrical mix.”
“Disc Two: The Theatrical Cut.”
“Commentary by director Verhoven, executive producer Jon Davison and writer Ed Neumeier.
“Director’s Cut Production Footage, raw dailies from the filming of the unrated gore scenes (presented in 4K (SDR).”
“Extensive image galleries.”
“The Boardroom Storyboard with commentary by Phil Toppett.”
“Four deleted scenes.”
“RoboCop: Creating A Legend (1987), Villains of Old Detroit, Special Effects.
“Then & Now: three archive featurettes from 2007 featuring interviews with cast and crew.”
“2012 Q&A with the Filmmakers, a panel discussion with Verhoven, Davison, Neumeier, Milner, Allen, star Peter Weller and animator Phil Tippett.”
“RoboProps, a fun tour of super-fan Julien Dumonia’s collection of original props and memorabilia.”
“More Man Than Machine: Composing RoboCop, a tribute to composer Basil Poledouris,”
“44 Page Limited Edition Collectible,”
“Commentary originally recorded for the Theatrical Cut and re-edited for the Director’s Cut.
“Disc One: The Director’s Cut.”
And about a dozen more bonus features make this an outstanding set worth owning. From Arrow Video. Recommended.
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