Blu ray review: Three by Chuck Norris from Kino Lorber

Three Chuck Norris action dramas, sold separately, are available on blu ray from Kino Lorber’s classics division. These three films are the ones that made Chuck Norris a top action star and are also important films in the American action movie sub-genre.

GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK (1978)

After many years of playing small parts, Chuck Norris starred in a film called Breaker Breaker (1977) that brought him some notice. However, it is Good Guys Wear Black that made him a star. Directed by Ted Post (Hang Em High, Magnum Force), Good Guys Wear Black features Norris plays a disgruntled Vietnam vet who uses his skills to investigate a group that is killing off members of a Special Forces team. Although Norris balked at doing martial arts films, despite his skills and the popularity of the Bruce Lee movies, he accepted that this film was a solid narrative with some martial arts scenes, and not just a series of fights. The supporting cast includes such as Dana Andrews, James Franciscus, and Jim Backus. Anne Archer co-stars. The film was made on a million dollar budget and grossed $18 million despite difficulties finding a distributor. Kino’s blu ray is a brand new 2k master featuring an audio commentary by action film historians Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, an interview with director Ted Post, and a documentary on the making of the film. The blu ray is available here: GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK

A FORCE OF ONE (1979)

A Force of One had a budget nearly triple of Good Guys Wear Black, and grossed over $20 million. While Chuck Norris movies were already settling into dramas that were more action than narrative, something the actor wanted to avoid, the box office success made a difference. This time Norris is a martial artist hired to go after a serial killer who is murdering cops. Jennifer O’Neill co-stars with a supporting cast that includes Clu Gulager and Ron O’Neal. Norris appears to have settled more comfortably in the role and seems more grounded and confident than in Good Guys Wear Black. Kino’s blu ray is from a brand new 2k master with commentary by action film historians Mike Leeder and Brandon Bentley, an audio commentary by the film’s director, Paul Aaron, and a documentary on the making of A Force of One. The blu ray is available here: A FORCE OF ONE.

THE OCTAGON (1980)

This time Chuck Norris must battle his Asian half-brother (Tadashi Yamashita) who heads a group of ninja terrorists. A dollop of vigilante authenticity is offered by the inclusion of noted western baddie Lee Van Cleef (For a Few Dollars More) in a supporting role. While the narrative is more detailed here, the action sequences are very well choreographed. A strong drama filled with action and excitement. Kino’s blu ray is from a brand new 2k master with commentary by action film historians Mike Leeder and Brandon Bentley, an audio commentary by the film’s director, Erik Karson, and a documentary on the making of The Octagon. The blu ray is available here: OCTAGON.

Again, these three films are sold separately and each is recommended as representing Chuck Norris’ effective burst onto the scene and becoming a star. His cult status came much later, but these are the films that initially made him popular.