10 Things You Didn't Know About Punisher '89'

[@asterzerodog8971]

I loved Lundgren's performance as The Punisher. It really captures the darker aspects of the character. Very underrated.

[@SteamboatW]

Dolph is a good actor, but his skill is a bit overlooked.

[@GLASSGHOSTHUNTERS]

Dolph Lundgren was terrific in this. Tall, muscular, handsome and looking world weary with eyes that completely lacked any joy or happiness. He captured that bitterness and really felt like he didn't care if he lived or died as long as he was taking vengeance on the criminals.

[@robogreek3157]

Christopher lambert looks just like Thomas jane....and Thomas Jane did play the punisher. Kind of funny

[@brianknapp6215]

​@@robogreek3157I agree with Minty, tho- _War Zone_ was a fun interpretation of the character and the late Ray Stephenson did a good job playing Frank Castle.

[@bigkmoviesandgames]

I feel this is a very unique interpretation of the Punisher that is played well by Dolph Lundgren. It's also a very underrated 80s action film.

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

Is that because it came out in the '90s? 🤔

[@undeadOtter]

@@TravisDoesKayakFishing if you listen at the start, it came out in 1989

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

@@undeadOtter If you look it up, it did not. It was released in 1990.

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

And just so you know, there is a reason both of us are right. The movie was released in Germany in 89. In the US and most places it was 90.

[@undeadOtter]

@@TravisDoesKayakFishing heard

[@Morbid0007]

I really like this movie. I remember frantically hunting for a VHS copy in the early 90s. While I did miss the skull, I feel the movie made up for it with a copious amount of action. Although they weren't regarded as faithful adaptations upon release, time has been kind to Dolph Lundgren's Punisher and He-Man movies; I still enjoy watching them today.

[@jeremykrause153]

If he had the skull on his chest it would have been perfect. It’s still very good movie and a movie that always gets me out of a bad mood.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

The 1989 Punisher starring Dolph Lundgren is a classic. I first watched 1989 Punisher in 2016 and I bought it on DVD that same year which I added it to 2004 Punisher and Punisher: Warzone. Dolph Lundgren gave the best acting performance of his career and he has to be the most realistic and best big screen incarnation to date.

[@ericpanissidi6761]

The group " biohazard" did a song with a sound byte from this movie.hard metal song to.

[@lucidxplorer1266]

I did the same with my 1989 Punisher DVD. I also have all three Punishers on DVD.

[@michaelblaine6494]

“Punishment”🤘

[@danielwilliamson6180]

@@michaelblaine6494 I love the character.

[@spiegeltn]

"I will break you." Dolph's best line ever.

[@OllamhProductions]

The skull issue, I always felt, was explained. The Punisher in this film cared less if he survived or not, he turned down the ballistic vest toward the end. That's the reason for the large skull, to serve as a target for the bad guys to shoot at, which is protected. I think it would have worked better if they had managed to do the sequel with him deciding that he should survive and continue his war against organized crime and wearing a ballistic vest with the skull logo. Granted they didn't think of that at the time, but it would have been a great explanation.

[@johnconnor4040]

I have the comic adaptation of this Punisher film, which addresses the 💀. In the comic, while preparing to storm the Yakuza headquarters with Mob Boss Franco, Castle spray paints the 💀 on his shirt.

[@gregandy4277]

He was the best interpretation of the punisher, hands down. Dark, brooding, methodical, passively suicidal, a cold blooded killer, hardly spoke a word. Just how I would imagine the punisher if I ever met him IRL.

[@kforcer]

Couldn't agree more.

[@orinanime]

Absolutely agreed

[@damienlu7318]

Couldn't disagree more

[@orinanime]

@@damienlu7318 oh really? What makes you think that?

[@PhilosopherOfFafoism]

He was definitely the most pure interpretation. You could tell filmmakers today that less is more with this in mind though and they'd take that as "less happening on screen is more budget spent on butt plugs."

[@suprhero1]

I remember watching this movie on HBO. In 1990. It was amazing. I was 10 years old. I couldn't get enough of it. I missed the ultraviolet. 90s and 80s movies.

[@Luka2000_]

This is an incredibly underrated movie and i always loved it! Dolph made his punisher pretty unique but sadly it went unnoticed

[@kforcer]

Yup. I just wish the full workprint version was more widely available. Those deleted scenes really add something to the movie.

[@waynesolo]

Yeah. It's a good movie.

[@ilovebutterstuff]

I liked Jon Bernthal's portrayal a lot better.

[@Luka2000_]

@@ilovebutterstuff i don't remember asking

[@jasoncase9481]

I really doubt it went unnoticed because RamboRalph4Life talks about this movie being an underrated great movie, I enjoy the movie and talk about this movie, also other persons have reviewed the 1989 The Punisher movie on KZbin so it’s not an obscure movie.

[@ConfusionDistortion]

Lundgrin's Punisher is still the best depiction of the character to me. Bernthal's portrayal is next up. 1989/1990 was a great time to be a Punisher fan, between the work Jim Lee was doing in the comics, and this movie, and the Nes game. Good times back then for sure.

[@robogreek3157]

Nahhh. Thomas jane

[@GhostDrummer]

This is how Jane wanted The Punisher to be like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIjTfGOtqNOcqsUsi=SjUTNyN24j4SOhyk

[@brianknapp6215]

​​​​​@@robogreek3157Jane was good- but the unnecessary comedic elements in the script let him down. (If you can't get enough of Thomas Jane as Frank Castle- look for the Independent fan-film _Punisher: Dirty Laundry_ on KZbin...) If you want to see Thomas Jane at his gritty,, brooding best- I recommend watching the 1998 film _Thursday._ It has a lot of the same mix of offbeat comedy and crime-thriller drama- but the pacing is much better, and director Skip Woods (best known for writing films such as _Swordfish, Hitman,_ and co-writing _X-Men Origins: Wolverine_ ) does a much better job of blending the action with the laughs.

[@1bert719]

"What do you call 125 murders in 5 years?" "Work in progress." Best Punisher on screen. Shame it past everyone by.

[@WarpedLord]

"Who sent you?!?" "Batman." Classic.

[@natew5544]

not everyone

[@johnconnor4040]

"Look, I don't wanna stretch this out, so why don't you tell me where the kids are???"

[@ramonhenderson7484]

My #1 favorite version of The Punisher! High School days 💯🎯🔥🔥

[@orinanime]

I absolutely love this movie. Seen it dozens of times. I love my DVD of it. I hope that one day we get a special edition Blu-ray or some kind of commemorative upgrade. This is my favorite adaptation of the Punisher. I wish more people knew about this movie.

[@geronwilliams4447]

There is a bluray and even a steelbook edition of the punisher

[@orinanime]

@@geronwilliams4447 Yes but last time I checked it wasn't region one or region free

[@leoallan2225]

Yeah, Dolph was the best, the script was pretty good too.

[@brianvalencia7717]

@Mr. Leon I agree. The only drawback was the film was low-budget.

[@Dodgewwwc]

I have the steel book blu ray signed by dolph lundgren

[@paulroman3668]

This is one of my guilty pleasures... Love this, extremely underrated.

[@michaelwolfe9496]

Punisher 89 has got to be the most underrated comic film of all time. I hope this video leads more people to watch it. I do feel removing the skull logo was probably a mistake, but it's a better change than what Fox did with the Xmen costumes in their first movie.

[@jimthar17]

"What did you expect, yellow spandex?"

[@angelripper_420]

The skull logo was on the knives

[@slipknotfan4204]

I wonder if it's possible for a skull to be put on his shirt with the use of CGI.

[@GreatNinjaman]

The Punisher '89 is my favorite version, followed by War Zone. I'm glad you pulled it out, Minty. Many thanks.

[@jerseyheller2263]

I actually liked this punisher, I do agree that they should have had the skull but I do agree it feels more down to earth realistic yet feels criminally underrated as film at the end of the 80s and Dolph Lungren was not a bad punisher for his time and the fact he’s the first punisher with a legit martial arts background made him even more believable as the punisher.

[@geronwilliams4447]

There is a bluray of The Punisher and even a steelbook edition available

[@largol33t1]

I say Lundgren and Thomas Jane did a good job as the Punisher. They got the point across: the Mob messed with the wrong man and wind up paying dearly. Jane's portrayal was good although I give Lundgren a higher score for his martial arts skills. Damn, I didn't know they were really connecting in those scenes. However, Jane did fine showing the dark side of a man who loses everything he holds dear. And sometimes, you need a strong bad guy to bring out the good guy and John Travolta did well as the cruel mob boss Howard.

[@jerseyheller2263]

Above all the punishers Jon Bernthal is the best

[@eclipsehorse8693]

@@largol33t1 I for one loved both versions- I liked how Thomas Jane's Punisher was a bit on the manipulative side and 'punished' a little differently, making Howard Shore kill his wife, his best friend, and his son thru his actions. Lundgren's Punisher was a brooding mess, the way Frank castle was- he was just more on the quiet side, preferring to solve everything with a gun and a grenade.

[@slipknotfan4204]

I think Ray Stevenson is also an excellent Punisher. He looks exactly like Frank as though he's walked straight out of the comics.

[@georgemario6115]

I always loved this movie, it has great cast and plot, a huge plot twist about the real villain and crazy action and choreography! A trully hidden movie gem!

[@KabukiKid]

I remember watching this one back in the day on cable. (I live in the U.S. and yeah, this is very much a forgotten movie.) It was a decent action movie of the time for me and it was sort of exciting to see a character you read in the comics getting his own movie. I do remember that the martial arts sequences were actually pretty well-done and sort of stood out as one of the best features of the movie; I guess it helped that Lundgren was an accomplished martial artist.

[@KenKopper]

This is actually my favorite big screen versions of The Punisher

[@jasonallanson6706]

They just weren't ready for"Comic Book Movies" when this came out. Still my favorite interpretation of the character!

[@scottyjeff39]

Superman, Superman 2 and Batman were pretty successful.

[@Clubber-Slang]

@@scottyjeff39 yeah it was the R rating that didn't click back then. All of us that were 10-sh then are adults now and like it still. Plus, even though I knew who the Punisher was from having the spiderman comic he debuts in, it wasn't nearly as main stream.

[@Cre8Lounge]

@@scottyjeff39 He means Marvel

[@damnedash9526]

I grew up loving this movie because I.loved the comics so much. In my opinion, this movie felt like a comic story arc brought to life and seen through the eyes of an artist like Frank Miller.

[@xsociate23]

I actually fondly remember this movie. My dad (and ok me as well) are huge comic book nerds and when this came out we sat down to watch it together even though I was only 9 at the time. I remember the gritty feel of the movie and while it does have that typical 80's actioner feel, I liked Dolph Lundgren's take on the character. I also really enjoyed the reboots as well. X.

[@anthonybutchelli]

The Punisher #19 where he's in Australia was the first comic I ever bought. So cool to know it was filmed there. My dad bought that for me. We used to sell flowers at the flea market. On a break I found a VHS copy for sale not knowing it ever came out. Went on a quest to find it for rent as The Punisher was, (and is) my favorite comic book character.

[@williamjackson6705]

I saw this movie on video when it was released in the 90`s. I think it suffered from being a low budget film but loved it & it`s serious treatment of the character. I think Lundgren`s interpterion was good. It needed a bigger budget for it`s ambitions. I own the DVD. I thought it deserved a sequel.

[@alanmike6883]

Me too. Took me a while to get the DVD but got it

[@johnpresnell]

I grew up with the Yakin family and remember very well when Boaz was writing the script; he always played the soundtrack to Escape from New York as he did so. I can also tell you that he envisioned Bob Hoskins as the main villain and, at my behest, considered Sam Neill for the lead. Of course he was just an upstart at the time and had no say in casting. However, he’s gone on to become a very successful director, with Remember the Titans being his most successful film to date.

[@J.R8765]

Damn that's interesting.

[@stevenunyabidness]

alan grant killing super mario woulda been a hell of a meme for sure.

[@martinrosendahl9134]

This movie certainly didn't go by unnoticed here in Denmark... I can't remember whether it was successful in the cinemas here but it was a HUGE hit on video rental. I recall it being many of my friends favorite movie at the time. More popular than Batman... Nice to see it getting some attention here. A fine movie imo

[@briantaylorcloe7725]

Wow ... That's great to hear! I wasn't even aware it skipped theatres in the US ... Definitely rented it first weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@akiyajapan]

1) I loved this version of The Punisher. Out of all the films they've made about Castle so far, this one comes the closest to the feeling I got from the comic. 2) Not having the skull is the #1 thing I was disappointed about in this film. Sometimes I think "How hard would it be for me to get that skull CG'd onto Lundgren's chest so I can enjoy the movie more authentically?" The director was 100% wrong -- the skull absolutely mattered, and anyone who says it doesn't wasn't a true fan of the comic. 3) My only real technical beef with the film was the sound effects. I agree with you that the editing and fighting scenes were good and I really applaud Lundgren for his dedication to pull off what could have been a disaster. However, the gunshots seem almost comical at times, as well as some of the fighting sound effects. Making better choices there would've improved the action sequences so much. 4) Forgot to add my 4th point, which is that Louis Gossett Jr. performed wonderfully in this film. I absolutely loved his intensity and when he finally had the face-to-face scene with Lundgren, he really let loose and the frustration and anger felt out of control and genuine. Loved the cast overall. Really, really good movie that could've been great with a proper skull logo and better sound effects.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

The Punisher’s informant friend/guest actor helped the movie, too, in my opinion .

[@akiyajapan]

@@txmetalhead82xk yes, but I would've preferred Microchip for sure!

[@BannedEnt]

Dead Heat was one of my childhood favorites! As was this version of the Punisher! Thanks for making the connection between the 2!

[@sparrow420500]

I watched this movie so much on VHS the tape literally wore out! This is an AWESOME underrated movie, starring and AWESOME underrated actor!

[@DeltaEcho303]

My favorite Dolph Lundgren story is when burglars broke into his home while he and his family were away. As they were grabbing items, they saw photos of him around the house and upon realizing who they were robbing, dropped everything and ran away.

[@SeriusChevy]

Haha is this really a true story 😅

[@za.307]

Dolf can handle himself, I knew guy who did stunt work, a top Muay Thai instructor. He said Dolf was strong as hell but really quick. He wasn't use to low kicks though.

[@drewtodd4129]

Yes it's true. Apparently the burglars left an apology letter. This was in Barcelona I think.

[@brandonlinsey5625]

I think I first saw this movie in maybe 1994/1995, and loved it as a kid. It was a classic. I havent seen it in probably 23 years, ill need to watch it again... Damn i feel old!

[@SkeggsyDAR]

I remember seeing this version of The Punisher on tv here in the UK some years ago (albeit a heavily edited version, even though it was on late at night). I'm a firm believer that most films have some merit, and I remember liking Dolph's interpretation of Frank Castle. Oh and you should definitely seek out Dead Heat, it's a wonderfully entertaining film.

[@paulreilly2304]

For fans of the Thomas Jane version.....he returned to the Punisher role for a 10 minute movie called "Dirty Laundry". It can be found free online.

[@tumblingworm737]

Good tip

[@fox-jake8784]

The Punisher is one of my favorite comic book characters of all time! I always sort've liked him a lot more than Wolverine or Spider-Man because he was more grittier and his story was a lot more tragic, like if Batman would just swallow his pride and use a gun. Also Minty, you need to check out the movie, Dead Heat. its AWESOME!

[@ash8207]

As an 80s kid, I remember this movie very well. I honestly loved it, it was a great adaptation of the Punisher.

[@l-mac5105]

I remember watching this when I was a kid. I really liked it. I think a lot of people don’t know this movie exists.

[@johnnymoraes23]

Amazing movie. Saw it back in 1990, in VHS, and loved it. Killer movie. Killer performance by Dolph Lundgren, maybe his best, to this day, alongside with Rocky's IV Drago.

[@jeremykrause153]

He’s awesome in this.

[@kakabixlis]

I loved that version of this film even with its flaws ,Dolph was fun to watch beating the living mancrap out the baddies ,the Punisher is one of my favorite heroes along with Batman!Mate you should reaaallly check out Dead Heat,i was laughing my arse off with it :D

[@Jtitor177]

I remember it very fondly! I was 8 when it came out, but didn't see it till I was 10 in 1991. And I watched it sooooooo many times! I rented it at Blockbuster with my friend and his parents and watch it with him. I loved it so much that I eventually convinced my parents to buy the VHS tape for me as they knew I already loved the Punisher as I had many of his comics before the movie came out. But they didnt know how violent it was! lol

[@RemyJackson]

The skull logo is on Punisher's face. It appears through the dark circles around Frank's eyes and shaved into the stubble around his mouth. Best seen during scenes when he is meditating

[@BrianMeister]

I was looking for this comment before I posted it myself. More subtle than the skull on his chest, but still noticeable.

[@RemyJackson]

@@BrianMeister I will admit i didn't notice it on my first viewing. But later i started to notice it. He also appears to have soot or black grease across his forehead just under his hairline to outline the top of the skull as well.

[@Sainte305]

I loved this film. I still watch it when I need something different. The Blu Ray is awesome.

[@freemovies3524]

Love ya Minty, you feel like a member of the family.

[@irongiant775]

One of the best casting choices of Frank Castle on film. He had the look, physique and martial arts skill, that no other has replicated. I still hold this dear to my Punisher heart. Also, in case anyone wants a copy Umbrella did a great job restoring it onto Blu-ray, alongside the deleted footage that is included in the disc. It's available on Amazon. It's labeled as "Region B", but I own a copy and it played perfectly fine on my PS4. And lastly, one last thing that I still can't find an answer to after all these years, ever since I first rented this as a kid is: WHY IS THAT GUY RANDOMLY WEARING RED HEELS while on the torture rack (18:37)??

[@retromodernart4426]

He was a pervert who got off on other things in addition to torture. As an example, people like Barry's big ugly husband wear women's outfits and pretend to have been First "Lady" and "Woman" of the Year, all the while swinging their kielbasa in our faces the whole time.

[@MelStaub]

I genuinely loved this film as a kid as well as the Phantom

[@pittsworth]

Alright, you've almost nailed all the classic videos i used to rent when i was a kid except Swamp Thing 2!

[@ryancasey1287]

Another great film miny. Maybe you should do 2004' the punisher with Thomas Jane and John Travolta. But because you mentioned innerspace in this video, I'd definitely like to see a '10 things you didn't know about innerspace' considering that this year marks its 35th anniversary

[@Batman12810]

Our boy Minty has done Intespace- I swear it feels like I grew up watching movies with the guy!

[@emilioburgos1579]

I was growing up when this came out, and still loved the movie. But I 100% agree that not having the skull on his chest definitely hurt the film, and the image of the Punisher. That's too iconic to have left out in my opinion

[@NGMonocrom]

Nice one, Minty. Another personal favorite of mine. Just a fun action flick. Wait! You never heard of "Dead Heat" !? Oh, Minty.... you are missing out on a fantastic movie.

[@torquetheprisoner]

dont worrie i have gave him a link to it so he can check it out on you tube

[@NGMonocrom]

@@torquetheprisoner Nice job, Bro. 👍

[@torquetheprisoner]

@@NGMonocrom hope fully it will blow his mind

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

That's a Wierd Movies With Mark 🎬🎞🎭 ... choice... Joe Piscapo....

[@ArmandoDy]

I actually showed this movie to my home making class on the last day of school. It was on VHS. Some of my friends loved it. For some strange reason I had it in my locker. 👍😉👍

[@Charlie_Rowe]

I remember seeing this when I was 10 y/o. I never understood the hate. I liked the portrayal and it didn't bother with an origin story. Plus...it had 80's Louis Gossett Jr.!

[@KenMasters.]

Fun Fact: Dolph Lundgren was later rumored to play Eddie Brock in the cancelled movie VENOM™ (1997), the role later went to Topher Grace and Tom Hardy two decades each later on.

[@richardlegrand4697]

Wow.,.didn't know Christopher Lambert was almost punisher. Ironically I always thought Thomas Jane looks a lot like Christopher lambert

[@harbl99]

Ironic, given how much Thomas Jane looks like James Purefoy (Knight's Tale, Rome, Ironclad, etc).

[@sifsclub]

I I'm 45 years old and this is my favorite punisher movie and my kids who are now grown still remember watching this with me and now I have a three and five year old who will love this movie as well. My favorite punisher movie.

[@ryecatcher25]

Agreed. Just wish they put a little more.money i to the budget then maybe it woukd have gotten a sequel.

[@michaelmcchesney6645]

I used to read Don Pendleton's Executioner novels when I was a kid. I think it's kind of funny that the book you chose to show is the only one of the first 38 "war against the mafia" Executioner novels Pendleton didn't write. He was in a dispute with his publisher about the ownership of the character and the publisher hired a guy to write Sicilian Slaughter under the pen name Jim Peterson. In the last Pendleton novel, Mack Bolan concludes his war against the mafia by faking his death, accepting a presidential pardon, and starting a war against terrorism with full government support. Pendleton than sold the rights to the character and there have been literally hundreds of Mack Bolan novels and several spin off series in the ensuing 40 years.. I am not sure what Mack Bolan is doing these days but he would need to be in his 80's if he was 30 in 1969 when the first movie came out. I wonder if Marvel ever had to pay anything to Pendleton since they admit the character was based on Bolan.

[@scotthewitt258]

Still have some of the later books. None of my copies from the Mafia Era are still in my possession, though. Started reading when I got ahold of #1 when I was ten or so.

[@michaelmcchesney6645]

@@scotthewitt258I believe the War Against the Mafia novels are available on the Kindle, and at least some are available on Audible. There are probably less-legal ways to download electronic versions of the books as well.

[@jameswelch7403]

One of my favorite movies as a kid The Punisher was and still is my favorite comic book character The Punisher is just BADASS

[@keithosborne6585]

Personally, I feel Dolf was perfect for the part he just seemed to lack the enthusiasm of a guy who's avenging the death of his family. I would like to see him cast in the role again as in an " old man frank" type of plot. It would be interesting as a character arc for the Punisher.

[@Utubesanarc]

Didn't even recognize it was the guy from Rocky. I gotto go with the 2004 version since it had Big Daddy Diesel

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

Thank you for uploading this history!!! I totally LOVE this movie and are FREE on KZbin on various channels. I first saw this movie back in the late 90's on the Big Chuck and Lil John Show in my area!. Two things: 1 in the comic adaptation of the film the Punisher wore a spray painted skull logo toward the end of the comic and the DVD cover for the 89 Punisher movie has the skull logo photoshopped onto the left lapel of his leather jacket.

[@davidsinferno7385]

I remember playing the nes game , definitely one of my favorite marvel characters and have the tattoo. Side note: all of the movies were great to me and yes minty they should’ve used the logo

[@marilynknepper1953]

I love this movie. Great review. Dolph did some great action movies. I Come in Peace, Showdown in Little Tokyo, Red Scorpion.

[@gregoriocruz4530]

I only knew about it, because it was advertised in NES manual for the game. I enjoyed it. I lucked out and found the movie on DVD for $5 at Walmart years ago.

[@paulhumphries9430]

I was in the US marines back in the 80's. I remember when I saw Dolph Lundgren in Rocky 4. I thought he made a good screen presence. Then I remember reading about a Punisher movie coming out with Dolph. I said to myself that's going to be a kick ass movie. Then I didn't hear any more about it. Then in 1991, there use to be Dollar Video movie rental stores. I remember looking for movies to rent. Then I ran across The Punisher. Needless to say, after my surprise, I rented the movie and loved it.

[@trelard]

I have this on DVD. Always enjoyed this version of The Punisher and felt Dolph did a really good job of it. Still watch it occasionally.

[@YouTubeCensorsAndSuppresses]

One of my childhood favorites.

[@cmsweitzer1]

Dead Heat! I remember liking it, kind of a guilty pleasure movie if I remember correctly!

[@eplvn1982]

Absolutely loved and enjoyed your video. It brought back some good memories i had forgotten. Thank you. ❤️

[@RemyJackson]

Punisher: War Zone is based on the comic of the same name, which was known to be more graphic with its vioence. Ray Stevenson is definitly a great actor. Frank Castle, Firefly in GI Joe, and Volstagg in the Thor movies.

[@NordicDan]

Ray Stevenson* But yeah he's a great actor. I first saw him playing Titus Pullo in Rome. Outstanding series that without it we wouldn't have gotten Game of Thrones and Vikings.

[@RemyJackson]

@@NordicDan edited for correction. I thought i had put Stevenson, but i was mistaken

[@kristopherjones7997]

Its trying to like punisher max by Garth Ennis best version of the punisher

[@CarStreetGasGone]

@@kristopherjones7997 what?

[@darth_batman8190]

I totally agree with you about the missing skull logo. I also agree with you about 2004 Thomas Jane Punisher and Punisher Warzone. Great video!

[@konstantinkoverchenko9587]

Dolph killed it as The Punisher. I always wanted to get a hold of the game on the nes. >_< The arcade game that came out later, was incredible. At this point, the character is almost Bondlike with various actors carving their own unique niche into the portrayal of Frank Castle.

[@rossbrumby1957]

He killed it- yeah, 125 in 5 years!

[@navbuoy]

This was direct to video...saw it on TV and was actually impressed with it. Not having the logo was the biggest deal with the movie since at the time it was still one of the better superhero movies out there. 2004 had a lot of source material from the comics and did quite well - was number one movie in Canada for a few weeks on release. 2008 was on steroids! The Netflix MCU is indeed terrifying. All four actors portrayed the Punisher well...dark and gritty....like Death Wish but even meaner.

[@mcgilj1]

I remember Talking about the film how Dolph was encouraged to "get some sun.. You're the hero.." Dolph consciously went the other way looking pale and disheveled. Man who's been living underground for 5 years. A great score as well. I always felt it was very fitting for the character. I am still sad the proposed sequel never happened but was supposed to. I am putting that down to the studio going under.

[@thedad7313]

I loved this film. Some great action set pieces - machine gunning a room full of sword wielding henchmen - and a role that just required Dolph to mumble his lines. Happy times

[@YourGuitarPlayerAndSinger]

I watched Dead Heat so many times on tv in the early 90s, it was kind of a cult classic back in the day

[@9987molly]

I loved this movie as a kid. My brother bought it for me on VHS in Canada in a Blockbuster sale bin when i was 9. Prob was the movie that made me fall iin love with the character. Love the grit feel.

[@cecilwine4806]

If your basis for this Punisher was whether or not he wore a "logo", then you've missed the point. Lundgren's portrayal brought the entirety of his character's past and then present time of a large city together to create a hero for those who lost faith in the systems that were supposed to protect the average person. My view on this is that what happens in this movie is what ultimately brings him to the skull shirt - perhaps given to him by someone near to him that was lost because of those failed systems of protection. I see this movie as his rise to the vigilante he eventually becomes.

[@mcgilj1]

Love this flick

[@canderia]

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie. I love it. I don't understand why it's not better regarded.

[@ve2vfd]

I remember seeing that movie in the theatre and I knew nothing of the character beforehand so I really enjoyed it as a violent action movie. On the other hand my buddy who was a mega marvel nerd and even dressed the part for the movie was super disappointed and would not shut up about the lack of skull... oh well! :)

[@kforcer]

Its funny, I grew up on comics but the lack of a skull never bugged me. In fact, this is my favorite version of The Punisher. I actually think this movie captures the essence of vigilante comics and pulp stories--from The Punisher, to The Vigilante, to The Black Spider or The Executioner--better than just about any other movie. It blows my mind how many people don't dig this movie. Maybe its just a little too intense for some.

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

@@kforcer If a character is otherwise very well represented, a creative choice like that isn't such a big deal. To each thier own, I guess. For some it's like removing Superman's cape I would imagine.

[@kforcer]

@@Axolotl_Mischief I guess that's part of why it didn't bug me; they seemed to capture his essence so well other than that. For me, I'm more annoyed about the armored version of Batman we see in movies. Like you said, these things get to people in different ways.

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

@@kforcer I also intensely dislike the segmented bullet-proof armor look of most Batman movies. Hated the look of Bale's suit design, and Pattinson's looks terrible, too. There's a reason he wears the armor UNDER his suit. Sad most filmmakers aren't smart enough to understand why Bruce does that. They always tend to make Bruce kind of dumb in movies.

[@timeghost82]

I love this Punisher. My next door neighbor had it on video. We watched it almost every day in the early 90s when I was like 9 or 10. Also used to play the Punisher game for Nintendo. That game also flew under the radar. It was one of my favorites

[@ArcherSuh4721]

One of my favorite parts of this movie was the television news report that covers the stories about the death of Frank Castle's family and then about The Punisher. As the newscaster asks about the identity of the vigilante, an image of a black silhouette with a question mark appears that is made out of a picture of Frank Castle that they just showed... my theory is that they figured out The Punisher's identity but couldn't outright say it because they were afraid of lawsuits. Classic movie! And personally I thought it was really well-directed and made the most of its paltry budget.

[@jaywin9048]

I loved this movie so much growing up, i never even noticed he never had a skull. It's not a deal breaker, i can go read Warzone or Armory if it mattered that much.

[@sirfriendzone1228]

This should be mentioned... Kevin Feige loves Jon Bernthal as the Punisher so like the other Netflix/Marvel characters who have already come back, we could see that happen as well.

[@marlonclark1896]

yep

[@warpigroadkill]

I still have this on VHS, brilliant film!

[@caincha]

I remember I liked this movie when it was released. I also remember reading on magazines that the skull logo was a copyright thing - read the same thing about the 89 Batman logo (the bottom of the bat was different and nowadays nobody even mentions it). Quick trivia: there is a Helmet song that starts with the Punisher monologue. Don't know if it qualifies as trivia too but after this movie was released Jim Lee started working on the Punisher comics and he draws the character sort of looking like Dolph Lundgreen.

[@smoos9590]

The Biohazard song "Punishment" starts with the monologue.

[@caincha]

@@smoos9590 yes that's the one! 😃 I typed from memory - and it's been a long while since I've listened to that song lol

[@CarlosLopez-oc9nh]

Thank you for posting this vid, I really liked this movie. Too bad it didn't catch up. And the guy from Red Scorpion as The Punisher it was awesome.

[@harbl99]

"So Punisher, what's your superpower?" "I can accelerate lead to several thousand feet per second." Ah, classic 80s action film aesthetic: muscular sweaty men with guns, women in legwarmers and leotards, gratuitous Japanese decor...

[@vladyvhv9579]

I remember renting this from the video section of the grocery store, and catching it on TV a few times. It's a nice revenge movie. I was actually surprised to find that it didn't have theatrical release. Even not knowing it as a superhero movie, it's really not lesser quality than aciton movies of the same era.

[@donaldjohnson1148]

I remember this movie very well. I actually own a copy on DVD. And 'Dead Heat' is a great mid-level b-horror comedy. One of Treat Willams' better roles.

[@growapairandstopwhining6645]

I am today years old just now leaning about this movie lol..I was born in 1983 and loved comics as a kid. I never knew this even came out. Gonna have to watch it.

[@markelijio6012]

"The Punisher" is the 1989 cult film adaptation with Dolph Lundgren and Louis Gossett Jr. Directed by Oscar-nominated film editor Mark Goldblatt. Written for the screen by Boaz Yakin. It was being backed up by two companies. One being Carolco, which had produced films starting with "The Silent Partner" in 1978 as well as television programs and films of the year. Two being New World Pictures which had previously produced various projects as well as television stuff. Wow that's a lot of everything. Filmed in both Australia and California, the cult film adaptation was now shown on syndication in 1992 and later in 1994 when Paramount Pictures owned the syndication rights.In 2004, they re-do the film with Thomas Jane, John Travolta and more. It was such an extraordinary experience with many kick-ass moments for kids to enjoy.

[@SirGriefALot]

This was better than any modern interpretation of the Punisher. Comic book movies have become disposable CGI cartoons. Hyped up to the moon and instantly forgotten as soon as the next one comes out.

[@feliciajenkins5041]

Dolph Lundgren is a mountain of a man. He was in this movie called Jill the Ripper that was chilling. I like his performances in independent films more than mainstream ones.

[@Milkybetrayal]

Then you should check out Masters of the Universe.

[@jayveedon]

Dark Angel

[@ianbullock1812]

Not only the best punisher movie made so far it one of the the best marvel movies made so far. The first R rated one as far as I know. So underated. It's more rewatchable than most mcu movies

[@GervaissUnscriptedSports]

I feel for the first time seeing the punisher that Dolph Lundgren was a perfect choice back then. Wish the powers to be gave us another one back then. Plus I wish Thomas Jane would have gotten another chance. Also Jon Bernthal deserves a movie loved him in the Punisher series but I felt Netflix or Disney didn't put much faith into it

[@stevenlosh4205]

I mostly agree. I think Tom Jane was very underrated, but when he was cast, I thought it was going to be a nightmare. Then he did Dirty Laundry and revealed he was probably the most passionate about the source material of any of the actors to don the death's head. I also must say that when I saw Ray Stevenson in war zone, I instantly thought,"That's exactly who I pictured when I was reading the comics. That's how Frank Castle should look.

[@stevenlosh4205]

I have to say John Bernthal took me the longest to warm up to, and that series version of jigsaw was just gay, lol. "Frank Castle scratched my face up a little bit and most of all, HE HURT MY FEELINGS!"

[@pong86r]

those knives were badass though! this punisher movie has my favorite dialogue, but warzone is my favorite punisher movie

[@M.E.plusminus]

What an underrated classic from the 80`s - for me it`s the definitive portrayal of The Punisher (Thomas Jane was too lame and friendly as Frank Castle & Ray Stevenson just looked like some sadistic brute).

[@largol33t1]

I have reprints of the original Punisher comics issues 1-5 and I can imagine how shocking they were for audiences. It's dark and really upsetting subject matter because a man sees his family brutally murdered by the Mob. And when he comes to seek revenge, the final chapter of the comic series was every bit as brutal as the name would suggest. Spoiler alert if you haven't read Punisher #4: The Punisher got to the man who ordered the death of his family and to my surprise, he let him live. But he shoved his face through a window so he landed on a police car. The two burned out detectives assigned to investigate him were appalled by what he did. As one remarked, leaving the crime scene "Good lord, 26 men dead in an hour. 26 men!" He asks his partner about the mob boss and his partner said "He'll live but it looks like someone took a jigsaw to his face." Because the Mob stopped causing trouble in the neighborhood the detectives quietly slipped away to a bar for a drink and raised a glass to the Punisher for cleaning up the streets big-time.

[@M.E.plusminus]

@@largol33t1 No need for a spoiler alert... ;) I`ve read every single Punisher comic & own half of them (yeah...mostly reprints). I meant that Lundgren is my favourite actor for this role in the movies so far - he`s tough and cruel if necessary, but he`s not the brutal, sadistic primitive he`s portrayed as in the 3rd movie . I love those first five issues (Mike Zeck`s artwork alone makes that limited series a classic), and most of the other series ...Janson, Lee, Texeira, Romita Jr, every run had its highlights and loads of talents. Un-thinkable that todays Marvel could publish something of that quality. I guess they would portray him as a "ratzi" & white supreRREEEmacist right from the start... and make him commit suicide at the end of the first issue.

[@spek-27]

I remember seeing Punisher on VHS as a kid. I had no idea that it wasn't shown in the theaters though. I remember a whole bunch of kids in my school being really hype to see it. It was one of those movies that you had to see, or else you'd get made fun of.

[@rickyg.4004]

The skull is actually in the movie. The makeup on Dolph's face is applied in a way that's meant to invoke the look of the iconic symbol. Still should have made an appearance on his chest at the least during the final act. I've wanted one of those skull knives since I was a kid. I've had a search saved on Ebay for 10 years or more. Never seen one popup. His homeless informant in the movie is also great. There's a scene in the movie where The Punisher drives a bus through a roadblock. The extra in the background inside the food stand takes an over the top hilarious bump. The stunt man also takes a pretty nasty looking bump through the windshield of the bus. 89 Punisher is easily the best silver screen Punisher. Diminishing returns after that. Outside of the violence and Stevenson, Warzone sucked. Reminds me of those shitty Schumacher Batman films with its neon lighting and campy villains. Parkour rocket dude was a good laugh I guess.

[@solarflare1008]

I still have the DVD 📀. Great 80s classic with a recipe of vengeance with no equal on comics history.

[@KnuckleDuster2004]

I remember I somehow had a vhs copy of this that I watched and loaned out to a bunch of my friends around when Batman came out. Awesome flick...I don't think it was hidden as much as it started as a cult film. If you knew you knew.

[@joshuamelton9148]

I remember watching the 1989 Punisher on VHS back in the 90s. Bring back memories