Universal Soldier (1992) Retrospective / Review

[@OliverHarper]

Get Universal Solider on Blu-ray here goo.gl/6SQG1W Get the Universal Soldier Soundtrack here goo.gl/GFfcDV

[@ThisPageStaysREAL]

Best line of the movie is Dolph in the market saying "see! they're everywhere" after shooting the guy xD

[@TheJurnalyst]

Good stuff... Good stuff.

[@eltoro747]

Wow, since you like Dolph you MUST do a Silent trigger retrospective review!

[@michaelmyers3709]

@@eltoro747 Silent Trigger is awesome, probably Dolph’s last really good film.

[@METALHEADNYC]

Underrated sci-fi action movie. Sure it does have moments of cheese but for a 1992 film it still had it's moments of genuine darkness and really good action that made up for it. I've seen much worse action films. No masterpiece, but a solid action film.

[@nemospodcast6766]

PHANTOM He definitely has other good movies I actually like Godzilla and Independence Day Was one of the biggest hits in the world! 2012 Wasn’t bad the patriot was great I hope I get the chance to work with him

[@Mailed-Knight]

I like the cheese.

[@Mailed-Knight]

@David Nash I agree Dolph is the best part of US. Don't think I've seen the first Kickboxer or Lionheart. Might have to seek 'em out.

[@notimportant3686]

lungren has never been more intimidating and scary

[@MrCarpen7er]

Who? It's Lundgren you idiot

[@LiLTailormade]

Rocky IV says hi

[@notimportant3686]

@@LiLTailormade it's a close 2nd... not that close though

[@MrCarpen7er]

*Lundgren

[@danielmartini3229]

fun fact, Dolph is a chemical engineer himself from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm

[@kadrinathug]

Just saw it again after 30 years,geez,its better then I remember ! Very well shot.

[@DonDarkz]

It's a great film, so underrated imo

[@spo0ky_katja726]

One of my favorites! Dolph is, for me, at his best here. Van Damme really excelled at subtle humor and, hey, I'll never complain about seeing his butt 🤣

[@GOVAUS1]

The 'restaurant' scene when they think he ain't gonna pay and Lundgren's supermarket scenes are one of a kind. oh, and the truck that transported them - epic.

[@theinternetgavemeaids5393]

Love the soldiers rappelling down the damn, awesome shot. Really show’s how programmed the soldiers were and how they just followed orders.

[@armand531]

"I'm all ears"

[@vanyadolly]

My sister and I still joke about that 25 year later.

[@cwrichardson3]

You're not Dolph is.

[@huseyinates3085]

Emmerich claimed in one interview that this film was his worst effort, ironically it is his only good movie..lol

[@Nitrobotti]

Hüseyin Ates Nah. I think Stargate and Independence Day are just as good. The Patriot is also directed by Emmerich and that one is easily his best film. It's even scored by John Williams!

[@arthurbunsch3067]

Stargate was great,but Independence Day sucked.

[@lovipoekimo176]

Stargate and Independence Day were a lot of fun.

[@itaybashan3757]

Aside from the three already mentioned, 'The Day after tomorrow' was also a good film

[@swagner15333]

He has several good movies, but this one is probably my favorite. I really like The Patriot but it could have easily been cut down to a shorter run time. Cut it down to 2.5 hours by cutting out most of the sappy love scenes with Ledger and running most of the slow motion at normal speed. And probably a lot of the beginning. As long as the scene with the guy finding his family murdered and he shoots himself stays in, I wouldn’t miss any scene if it was cut. Maybe the recruiting scene with the preacher joining up and declaring the epic line,” a shepherd must attend to his flock and at times, fight off the wolves”. That would def be missed.

[@RedUncle]

I've loved Universal Soldier since the day of its release - thank you for reviewing it!

[@brucestro18]

Love that line in the diner scene: “I just want to eat!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@RS-do1of]

Great scene and great line... “The food is good”

[@scaccu]

@@RS-do1of "i know, i'm the one who did it" (sorry if it's not the original line but i'm used to the dubbed italian version).

[@RS-do1of]

scaccu the original English response is much better...fuckin A it is. The question is, how you gonna pay for it?

[@Typanoid]

I loved this film. In fact, the Terminator'esque elements worked in its favor for me, since I liked the "humanoid machine" elements from the Terminator series at the time and wanted to see some more of that without it being another Terminator film (Terminator 2 perfectly book-ended that series) - this was a nice alternative with reanimated dead soldiers acting in a cold, efficient, machine-like manner, without being a complete copy. And you got a little bit of martial arts without making it a typical martial-arts film.

[@Mailed-Knight]

Dolph Lundgren is the most underrated action star of the 80's and 90's.

[@grahamharper8114]

Ally Walker was gorgeous in this film.

[@NICK666565]

Graham Harper Agreed

[@JoelCraike]

Yes she sure was its a pity she didn't get naked in the movie lol

[@socialjusticewarrior2316]

@@JoelCraike hahahahaha

[@alucard624]

Day of Reckoning was brutal as hell compared to the other films. I personally liked it a lot more than the one right before it.

[@alucard624]

I love your reviews. Just about every review you've done and continue doing is stuff from my childhood. Watching these videos is like a great trip down memory lane and has inspired me to go back and watch a lot of these films that I haven't seen in years. This movie is awesome. I had forgotten just how many veteran character actors are in this film. Dolph and Van Damme were great in this as well as in the much later sequels. I had also forgot how hot Ally Walker really is. Haven't seen her in anything in years.

[@alucard624]

I share your feelings in regards to how action films are made today. I'm so sick of the whole shaky cam "you are there" feeling that just about all action movies made today have. I want to actually follow what is going on and not feel like I need some Dramamine to figure out what's going on. I miss the days of actually being able to see what the heck is going on in not only an action film, but in many films made today in general. Shaky cam does not substitute for actual storytelling folks.

[@fersanthevaultdweller2024]

Rewatching it on Nov 2022, holds up well and yea doesn't require a sequel just an awesome stand alone with great SFX and action

[@chalino19]

'Oh Shit!' - Goldberg

[@nickm8874]

hahaha

[@theechothief5594]

I love your channel, Oliver. Few KZbinrs out there completely operate on the same wavelength as I do when it comes to film, but you get it man. The way you Nerd out over every component and aspect of the filmmaking process makes me feel like I'm not alone. Keep it up, Oliver! You have a loyal fan here : )

[@MaximilienNoal]

Your reviews are so great, you deserve way more subscribers, views, and recognition ! :)

[@sebastiaanvos9418]

true... Very very true

[@dartharmis5562]

An underrated classic

[@stewmurray47]

"you're gonna hurt Hank????" Hehe another fantastic retrospective Ollie!! One of my favourite Van Damme/Lungren movies....I totally agree that a montage of successful Unisol missions at the beginning would have been a great touch. Still a classic movie that i'll always have a soft spot for. Thanks for sharing, i want to watch it now lol

[@seanmac9578]

For real, the Hyams direct to video sequels are the best thing about the franchise. Loved Regeneration and I really enjoy Day of Reckoning.

[@Horrorfreak106]

Do you know what would have been cool? If it still took place in the Vietnam era but it was JCVD and DL fighting against each other in the jungle.

[@jordana4910]

Great review as always Oliver! You're definitely a pro at getting me to go back and re-watch all of these nostalgia trips. :)

[@kd84afc]

If you do another Van Damme movie, do Hard Target... Top review again

[@kd84afc]

@David Nash I agree those are his best efforts, especially bloodsport or Lionheart which is called A.W.O.L in the UK, I've always liked hard target especially because it was also John Woos first American movie

[@alanescareno9748]

It looks good. Universal Soldier is great film.

[@syphonfilter8372]

When you think about it, this is actually a very sad film. It shows the faith that soldiers place in their nations only to be "betrayed" and used. To be consumed and exploited. I can't imagine it but both Van Damme's and Lundgren's character must be going through hell during this story.

[@EliasAlucard]

Dolph Lundren is awesome in this movie, totally badass, and very funny too (people who don't laugh at Andrew Scott's antics, don't have a sense of humor). Dolph should have received an Oscar for this role. Van Damme was good too. It's a shame this film didn't become a huge box office success, very underrated movie. And yeah, it certainly is a cheap Terminator 2 knock off, but in a good way. Definitely a 90s classic.

[@cubanref9670]

My Father and I were always laughing at Dolphs antics. 🤣😂

[@DigitalSlurm]

Day off work today, spent most of it watching your retrospectives. Plus inspired me to buy Dark City! Can't believe I missed that one. Awesome stuff mate. Keep it up.

[@jamesdenofantiquity]

They filmed a scene for the third installment at the defunked gas stations just across from my college in downtown Dallas, TX. We watched them do several takes and saw some of the stars. Unfortunately it was before cellphones so we just watched but did not get any pictures.

[@superultraboy]

Very nice! I completely agree with Regeneration which was quite the surprise and exactly what fans wanted. Keep up the great work.

[@PAGO4EVER]

I just realize something, instead calling them Universal Soldiers, "WINTER SOLDIERS", get it....lol

[@jaymorpheus11]

Woah, this is a great review, it's not just a rant.

[@MSJChem]

Great review, I like how you give a detailed review including the music, games, etc.

[@darthwatson8274]

"You're discharged, Sarge"

[@Kamandi1971]

such an underrated film its a fun flick saw it theaters 1992 opening weekend

[@lilpenny1982]

JCVD was offered a lucrative deal from Hollywood after Time Cop but he wanted more money and rejected the deal. Hollywood didn't adjust the deal and cancelled it instead.

[@CliffuckingBooth]

15:10 Problem is if you look closely you will see 80% are their doubles. But they've been there done this so its ok and its spectacular stunts non the less

[@dejabu24]

it was one of my fav movies when I was a kid

[@dirkb9788]

My favorite Van Dammen film.

[@Corporal_Hicks]

I love the movie

[@RandomAssaultPodcast]

I found this for $4 at a second hand store and I loved it, and right afterwards I was like 'I'm going to see if Oliver reviewed this' lol

[@Duality-Mode]

Random Assault Podcast That's great to know.

[@erisi236]

I would really like to see a review or even a commentary on Regeneration, I loved that movie

[@Ilnath]

This is your best review so far. Would love to see you do a full review of Regeneration and day of reckoning

[@dezzlok]

Everyone loves "Universal Soldier."

[@maverickslb80]

I love your channel and reviews! Keep up the great work. Love RoboCop and other great classics.

[@moabsmithbey9583]

Dude you do the best review on movies.

[@henryhill6637]

One of best action movies ever .

[@RetroreviewsPlus]

My friends and I went to see this at the theater everyday after school for a week plus that weekend and a total of 12 times all together

[@DemonBoy3223]

Oliver, I have some possible choices for a Retrospective/Review: Titan A.E. (maybe?) The Abyss V: The Original Miniseries (1983)

[@DDaSilva1980]

He should review these too : 48 HRS Nighthawks Sharky's Machine The Driver Rolling Thunder Sorcerer Bullitt Dirty Harry Magnum Force The French Connection Death Wish The Seven-Ups Marathon Man Hard Times (aka The Streetfighter) Mr Majestyk Prime Cut

[@robdcollector2808]

...2019 and this is still such a great movie!!!

[@JoelCraike]

2020 and its still such a great movie!!!

[@northpaul3276]

@@JoelCraike 2021 and you know its still great

[@mikesutton381]

In the same ilk as Starship Troopers this. Silly but great entertainment! Loved this when I was younger!! Another slice of chilhood served up with fantastic editing and great points!

[@RallyDon82]

the kill when scott he forces the needle into the head of one of the doctors is definitely memorable.

[@richdeal9795]

Great Review Oliver

[@Dylan-cu4ty]

If you like this movie, highly suggest *Universal Solider: Day of Reckoning.* Van Damme, Lungren, and Scott Adkins.

[@OliverHarper]

Maximilien Noal thanks man!. Spread the word!

[@ikonoklastification]

olly i love your channel. Could you do the best of the best movies

[@larryking7255]

Loved the video Oliver. I had no clue this was a Roland Emmerich movie. As always, keep up the great work.

[@igg3937]

Van Damme's best film.

[@Pelimuistelot]

This movie is one of my all time favourite Action / Sci-Fi movies, and of course one of my favourite Van Damme movies. Too bad the sequels were not as good.

[@benryr3806]

"Capture Luke Devro with minimal damage...*shifts into drive*Oh shit! One of the funniest scenes in all of film

[@ClassicBoxingMatches]

I loved this as a kid, saw it a few times. But then I watched it recently as an adult and it didn't do much for me... The premise is still cool

[@top6ear]

You did a good job, you should do this professionally .

[@OliverHarper]

Thank you very much Jake!. Im still applying for jobs here in the UK but nothing yet Im afraid. In most cases its who you know unfortunately to get a job.

[@top6ear]

Oliver Harper it's not easy, I am a photographer and the jobs are rare, try Canada or the USA, your accent will be an anomaly there. But DO NOT give up.

[@jib6984ify]

@@OliverHarper so true unfortunately.

[@brajeshsingh2391]

the lead actress is pretty good in this movie. She does provide the acting and holds the movie together. She was given a good role, as good as Van Damme and Lundgren.

[@CaptainCanuck1975]

This is one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies.

[@tommytoploader]

Great review as all ways. Special props for two things, mentioning how good Dolph is as the heavy, i think he's great in this and shows he's actually a talented performer and not just euro muscle. Secondly mentioning Bodycount! Love em and Bodycount in the house is a Ipod fave.....You should seriously check out White House Down, i was shocked at how enjoyable it was. Way better then Olympus Has Fallen and for my money Emmerich's best film.

[@eddfan13]

I feel The Patriot is more forgotten than Universal Soldier.

[@joejitsu034]

“I’m all ears!” Haha I always remember that bit 😂

[@tnikiforov]

quite alot of the audio effects made by chris franke in unisol can be heard on Babylon 5

[@GrumpierZman]

COD: Universal Soldier.... I WOULD PLAY THAT.... FPS STYLE :D

[@bobcharlotte8724]

enjoying these but i would recommend watching your audio levels. i always seem to increase the volume once you begin talking and lowering it towards the end after you finish. otherwise is good stuff :)

[@LudeandLude]

Hey Ollie my friend. You forgot about the quest. That was actually Van Dammes last theatrical until JCVD.

[@luisvilla799]

LudeandLude na knock off with rob sneider

[@Johny40Se7en]

Under rated film, great review.

[@jefffaulkner4576]

5:05 Dolph Lundgren's acting debut was "A View to a Kill" as a Russian bodyguard.

[@RaikenXion]

This first movie is still the best, Regeneration was good also proper gritty which was refreshing. Day of Reckoning was alright I guess Van Damme finally passed the torch on now, but Davereux could still have beat that guy, its like he just allowed him to kill him at the end. But he can still be brought bk cause look how many times they brought bk Dolph Lundren's character.

[@toqtaqiya]

I watched it again a while ago and really liked it.

[@sfighter991]

Great review as always.

[@leonfdawson]

Sick ass review of a sick ass movie.

[@Entedeficción]

Where is your review, dude?

[@lovipoekimo176]

When you started playing music from this movie and heard that distinct sound that Christopher Franke uses in Babylon 5, I suspected that Franke made the score and lo and behold, he did!!

[@nefariousgremlin7554]

Glad someone else recognized it, I was hearing so many of the synth cues from Babylon 5 that it was weirding me out.

[@brenntantor1634]

Speaking of Stargate, when will you do a LOOOOONG retrospective review about it? There are a LOT of things to talk about with that movie!

[@superitgel1]

Great movie! Loved it. Didn't know it had so many sequels :D

[@Splackavellie85]

Fun fact: Matt Battaglia, the lead actor in Universal Soldier II and III, is the same guy that played a fire man who dated Phoebe in Friends.

[@mightymigzlifestyle]

Do you have a retrospective video on Hard Target, Time Cop or Double Impact too?

[@carmelosgro6413]

van dam's career decllined after he did "the quest"

[@RallyDon82]

Also anyone notice that Roland Emmerich manages to make all his movies seem epic on the big screen yet look made for TV when the same movie is viewed at home, he is alone in managing this feat as far as i know.

[@alucard624]

White House Down was pretty awesome actually, and definitely felt in parts like a throwback to an earlier era of action films. I liked it a lot more than Olympus Has Fallen, which I personally thought was one of the stupidest and most audience manipulating films I've seen in years.

[@DENVERTZ007]

Επισημη προβολη στις Αμερικανικες Κινηματογραφικες αιθουσες:10 Ιουλιου 1992.Σκηνοθεσια:Ρολαντ Εμμεριχ.Ειναι γνωστος για τις ταινιες επιστημονικης φαντασιας,οπως η"Μερα Ανεξαρτησιας"του 1996,το..."ανεκδιηγητο"..."10.000 Π.Χ.",αλλα και για το προσφατη πολεμικη ταινια"Μιντγουαιη".Σεναριο:Το υπογραφουν οι:1-Ριτσαρντ Ροθσταιν:Εχει υπογραψει σεναρια,για τις συνεχειες του"Παγκοσμιου στρατιωτη"2-Κριστοφερ Λειτς:Εχει υπογραψει σεναρια για πολλες τηλεοπτικες σειρες στις δεκαετιες 80,90 εως το 2010.2 απο αυτες ειναι η περιφημη"Η Πενταμορφη και το τερας"του 1987,με τους Λιντα Χαμιλτον και Ρον Περλμαν το 1987,και το περιφημο"CSI"του 2007.3-Ντιν Ντεβλιν:Εχει γραψει σεναρια για ταινιες του Ρολαντ Εμμεριχ,οπως το"Stargate"του και το "Γκοτζιλα"του 1998,αλλα και για την ομωνυμη τηλεοπτικη σειρα"Stargate SG 1"του 1997 με πρωταγωνιστη τον διασημο απο το"Μαγκαιβερ"Ριτσαρντ Ντι Αντερσον.Μουσικη:Κριστοφερ Φρανκ.Εχει γραψει μουσικη για τηλεοπτικες σειρες,οπως την περιφημη αστυνομικη περιπετειωδη σειρα"Walker Texas Ranger"απο το 1993 εως το 2001,και ειναι 196 επεισοδια με το Τσακ Νορις.Tο περιφημο τραγουδι"Bodycount in the house"το ερμηνευει ο Ice T με το οομωνυμο συγκροτημα.Διαρκεια ταινιας:102 λεπτα.Η ταινια γυριστηκε στην Αριζονα στις εξεις τοποθεσειες:Κιngman,Chloride,Sedona,Hualapai Indian Reservation(οι σκηνες με το λεωφορειο που πεφτει στον γκρεμο και καταστρεφεται)Cottonwood,Prescot,Bagdad,Verde Valley,Ashfork,Clarkdale,Veterans Administration Medical Center-500 n.Highway 89(οι σκηνες που ο Λουκ Ντεβερο επισκεπτεται αρρωστους Βετερανους του Βιετναμ)Prescott,Φραγμα Χουβερ που βρισκεται στα συνορα Αριζονα Νεβαδα.Τα γυρισματα αρχισαν στις 12 Αυγουστου 1991 εως τις 30 Οκτωβριου.Κοστος παραγωγης:23.000.000 δολλαρια.Μερικες ενδιαφερουσες πληροφοριες για την ταινια:Ο Ζαν Κλοντ Βαν Νταμ και ο Ντολφ Λουγκερν,ηθελαν να προωθησουν αυτη την ταινια στις Διεθνεις Κινηματογαρφικες εκδηλωσεις των...Καννων,εκτος συναγωνισμου φυσικα.Φανταστειτε να ηταν εντος και υποψηφια για τον "Χρυσο Φοινικα"τι θα γινοταν.Και εξω απο την αιθουσα των προβολων,οι 2 τους αρχισαν να τσακωνονται.Επενεβησαν οι φρουροι για να τους χωρησουν,και τελικα αποδειχτηκε οτι ο καβγας ηταν..."στημενος"αποκλειστικα και μονο για την προωθηση της ταινιας!Οι σκηνες του Βιετναμ γυριστηκαν στο γηπεδο "Kingman"της Αριζονα,αφου πρωτα φτιαχτηκε το αναλογο σκηνικο που να θυμιζει ζουγκλα του Βιετναμ.Κατα την διαρκεια της παραγωγης,ο Ζαν Κλοντ Βαν Νταμ και ο Ντολφ Λουγκερν εγιναν φιλοι.Το 1ο σεναριο ειχε τιτλο"Κρυσταλινοι Ιπποτες".Αυτη ειναι η 5η ταινια του Ρολαντ Εμμεριχ σαν σκηνοθετη.Ειχε γραφτει στην αρχη ενα πιο..."σκοτεινο"σε περιεχομενο σεναριο,που ηθελε τον χαρακτηρα του Αντριου Σκοτ(Ντολφ Λουγκερν)να σκοτωνει ολους τους μαρτυρες πολιτες σε οτι αφορα την αντιτρομοκρατικη επιχειριση στο φραγμα,αλλα κατι τετοιο δεν εγινε.Γενικως ειναι μια ωραια περιπετεια που εχει αποκτησει ηδη cult διαστασεις,και ακολουθησαν συνεχειες οσο για τον κινηματογραφο,αλλα και για την τηλεοραση,που ομως δεν μπορουν να συγκριθουν με την πρωτοτυπη.Μια απο τις καλυτερες ταινιες του Ζαν Κλοντ Βαν Νταμ.Και δεν χρειαζεται να εχει..."πομπωδη θεαμα"αλλα βασησ τους χαρακτηρες,η μαλλον καλυτερα εξισορροπει τους χαρακτηρες και την δραση.Αξιζει τον κοπο να την παρακολουθησετε...

[@thejon93rd]

I think you're a bit too harsh on Day of Reckoning. I thought those strobe-light sequences were simply an immersive way of putting you into these brain-washed characters' mind-sets. The action sequences were phenomenal, especially the sports store scene, and the story was quite interesting. I loved how the film felt like a horror movie at times, with scenes like that creepy Penguin-looking guy showing the main character footage of "himself" killing his best friend, as well as the entire opening first-person perspective sequence, all of it gave the movie an added layer that I hadn't seen from many action films previously. Scott Adkins made for a great lead and it was interesting to see JCVD cast as a villainous character; which is the type of role I'd love to see him get more of, as he was easily the best part of the highly-mediocre Expendables 2 movie. My only problem with the film was the final fight between Adkins and Van Damme, it just felt a bit anti-climatic compared to what we'd seen previously, but besides that, Day of Reckoning is easily my favourite Universal Soldier movie and one of the finest direct-to-video releases I have ever seen.

[@qu7aker1]

This was a must watch for me and my little brother on tv when we were growing up, I didnt think the sequel was that bad but I havent watched it since then :P

[@78Bigtank]

Awesome review keep up the great work

[@DemonBoy3223]

It would be nice if Roland Emmerich had come back to make a _Universal_ _Soldier_ sequel. Keep it more in style of the original; Continue the story-lines and character arcs for the main characters, especially Luc Deveraux's; Maybe have a "UniSols vs. drones" theme to it; Use as much practicals as possible, instead of using CGI; and like _Halloween_ _H20_, have it act as the final chapter to the franchise.

[@Grizabeebles]

Considering HALO and a lot of other recent games and movies make extensive use of the "super-soldier" trope, Universal Soldier is - in my opinion - a must-watch on how to do the exposition and world-building of such a scenario well.

[@Nugzz187]

How much effort do you put in mate??loads by the look of things..great stuff pal,keep them coming.

[@OliverHarper]

:D cheers. I try to provide a high quality product when it comes to my retrospectives.

[@indianajohns8943]

I rented this soooo many times when I was a kid.

[@richflu4774]

Granted, this is 7 years old, but you really ought to update it with an epilepsy warning...

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

I love this retrospectives. Always get some new interesting information on beloved classics. Only part I don’t like is the long winded and detailed story summary. It seems to me that it really serves no one...people who have seen the movie already know the plot and people who still didn’t watch get major spoilers.

[@sbi168]

Great film and Chris frankie score on b5 is legendary!

[@reneirjumiller1368]

The movies in 80s,90s and early 2000 is very good.But today; no good.

[@earlzander3767]

reneir jumiller true💯