Why Robocop Still Looks Like a Billion Bucks

RoboCop (1987) is a sci-fi classic that still feels fresh today. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it’s a brutal yet darkly funny exploration of corporate greed, media control, and lost humanity.
In this video essay, we break down the film’s groundbreaking cinematography, practical effects, sound design, and iconic characters like Alex Murphy, ED-209, and the ruthless executives at OCP. Discover how RoboCop’s low-tech approach and sharp satire continue to resonate decades later.
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[@dhkim3986]

This movie, Predator, Terminator and Bloodsport has to be my favorite movies from the 80's.

[@azrulrhm]

You forgot Rambo, first blood!

[@Icantfkingsleep]

And "the thing" i still dont know if macready live or died.

[@NSAspyvans]

forgot Aliens and Blade Runner

[@Gubalicious]

Well obviously he didn't forget them otherwise he would have listed them. He listed HIS favourite movies.

[@grisflyt]

@@azrulrhm Rambo's a horrible movie. Stallone wanted to inject a political message even though it makes no sense. Why would rural people mess with a veteran? They, as a rule, supported the war and the ones serving. Of course, Stallone wouldn't deny himself and went on to save imaginary POWs and praise warlords and p*dophiles (the mujahideen) as holy warriors. I don't care what message Stallone wants to send, but it has to make sense. Also, I'm not big on p*dophiles. In this case, it's not just Stallone. The entire Western world think p*dophiles are a step up from Muslim Puritans (the Taliban). I don't. The originally Taliban rose up against the p*dophiles. And America's longest war ended in defeat because of its insistence on arming and supporting the p*dophiles. "Neglecting human rights violations to support political interests has its price. They failed in protecting the Afghan Bacha Bazi boys, therefore, they failed to protect human rights. This is directly connected with the Taliban overtaking Afghanistan again vowing to ban Bacha Bazi which resonated among impoverished Afghans who showed support."

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I rewatched this a few years ago and was blown away by how well it holds up

[@FilmSpook]

Likewise. I prefer watching practical effects over CGI, most of the time.

[@rockntrolling]

same here. so much media from the 80s and 90s can now only be watched for nostalgia, and to get some chuckles at the bad effects. but i was really impressed at how much it holds up. the writing is impressively good, and the messages are even more relevant today, than they were then.

[@Panzerfisting]

I watch this film at least once a year since i first saw it in my childhood

[@greenleaf1635]

I watch it a couple of times every year. Just can't get enough of it.

[@scots2129]

I saw it in the theaters when I was a kid, and rewatched it every few years. Movies like this, and books like The running Man (not the movie) Early predict the future that we are now heading towards

[@astroguster5522]

The casting was stellar too. Every actor looks like they could live next door to you

[@commotiocordis1037]

I've been struck by this idea as well numerous times over the past couple years in rewatching older films. Somewhere around 2000, casting really changed and you stopped seeing as many "normal" looking people. I can't quite describe it, but there does seem to be something there.

[@astroguster5522]

@commotiocordis1037 I think it's another reason why the Sopranos did so well as a series

[@finkamain1621]

@@commotiocordis1037 Movie posters and covers also just became a bunch of the cast standing around because some people will only see a of they recognize and actor

[@JohnnyFiction]

No digital has ever quite matched that gorgeous super 35 look

[@omh186]

Not true

[@johnlinsky19]

What is super 35, please elaborate.

[@TSD4027]

@@johnlinsky19 Its a 35mm film format

[@enriquedossantos3283]

@@omh186 on paper you correct, i think it boils down to the talents of the cinematographer and post team

[@scp-507]

Good for you Except this wasn’t shot on Super 35, it was shot on the standard Academy 35 that allowed audio recording on the side of the film.

[@DEKANIEVES]

It is understated how important the sound design was to bring life to robocop, from every step to his subtle yet strong movements. What otherwise would feel like a plastic suit, feels like a man transformed into a tank. Elevated by the impeccable use of perspective and the careful lighting that only Verhoeven used to its full potential, it did not matter how fancy the suit got in later entries, only one man knew how to present it.

[@Cre8Lounge]

It won an Oscar for best sound

[@Nebol]

Basil Poledouris (who also made the music for Conan the Barbarian) was the right choice. That epic recognizable RoboCop theme can't be beat, accompanying the thuds of RoboCop marching.

[@L1VE3V1L]

His gun sounded like a goddamn canon. Unforgettable. Sound is HALF the experience. Never forget that. A lot can be done in that space to sell it. Foley artists never get enough cred.

[@th3mous380]

@@Nebol Basil wrote the score for Starship Troopers also but The Anvil of Crom must be one of the best themes ever.

[@Danbotology]

Doof! Doof! Doof! Oh lawd he comin'!

[@hmmmmmm...k]

"It's ridiculous because reality is". Nailed it.

[@Gneeznow]

5 years ago I would be incredulous at such a statement, but here in 2025 I'm like wtf this is redic every damn day

[@hmmmmmm...k]

@@Gneeznow Verhoeven knew all along

[@bastiangugu4083]

Paul Verhoeven made some outstanding films. For me, RoboCop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers are his greatest works. I saw Total Recall and Starship Troopers in the cinema and was floored. He is a master of subtle worldbuilding, I think. The remake of Total Recall is a pale imitation.

[@wolfcrow]

I agree. His films have so much personality and unique points of view.

[@EbonyPope]

@@wolfcrow I love Robocop 2. While you can notice that it is not the same director it was a more than worthy sequel. Especially Cain and his design were absolutely awesome. I really don't get why people complain about it. The third part I get it. But the second? It was still a blast.

[@EbonyPope]

I love Robocop 2. While you can notice that it is not the same director it was a more than worthy sequel. Especially Cain and his design were absolutely awesome. I really don't get why people complain about it. The third part I get it. But the second? It was still a blast.

[@planetdisco4821]

The most unnecessary remake ever made is total recall. It was just an excuse for the director to yet again dress his missus up in latex lol. Also in the reboot the elite live in a post apocalyptic England and lord it over a place referred to as “The Colony” aka AUSTRALIA. As an Aussie both descended from convicts and indigenous people and whom generations of my family were used as canon-fodder by the British you have absolutely no idea how much this enraged me. Plus the Schwarzenegger TR is one of the greatest movies ever made ffs. What the hell were they thinking…

[@EbonyPope]

@planetdisco4821 I agree with the first part but let's not act like snowflakes here. It's a dystopian future. And Australia was actually used as a colony to get rid of convicts. I see no need to be offended.

[@s52pana]

My favorite is that whenever you see robocop walking, there is a electric buzzing sound. And when he walks makes a turn, he turns his head first and then his torso. Looks like an actual robot

[@krohnhardt]

The buzzing was unfortunately removed in Robocop 2 (not even talking about R3).

[@s52pana]

@krohnhardt no way. Haven't seen the sequels in a long time. Can't believe they took it out

[@dct124]

That damn police captain was a stellar actor. I don't recall seeing him in other movies but he left a very strong impression. You knew he meant business.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

He was the desk sergeant in "My Science Project"

[@movieknight68]

I think he is in Miracle Mile as well

[@Gubalicious]

Yeah, i always got the feeling that even though robocop was on the force that police captain was still in charge 😁

[@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns]

He was like Richard Pryor's serious twin.

[@successsystem2468]

​@@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns😂

[@paulh9156]

My Mom took me to theatre to see robocop when i was 7yrs old, we almost didn't make it through the murphy execution scene (probably was a little heavy and violent for a 7yr old) but she decided we should stay. Its one of my earliest memories and still one of my favorite movies. Miss you mom ❤️

[@casperfriendlyjp]

Wow‼️ My Mom took me to this one and Alien, etc. 😂 ! I was too young also? And amazingly I loved and enjoyed the horror movies with her❣️ Miss her too🌹✌️❤.

[@josephprins1258]

Same, my dad took me and my sister to see this movie. Great memories.

[@Nightweaver1]

I also first saw RoboCop when I was 7, only it was on HBO. My mother let me watch it when I was that young because she trusted my intelligence and maturity. And like you, my mom is also not with us anymore. And I miss her so much.

[@marscaleb]

I really appreciate the way you manage to avoid showing any of the truly gruesome images from this movie, without making apparent that you are cutting them out. That's some good editing.

[@listen2thedude]

Over 40 and playing the Robocop game on PS5. It’s so amazing to relive the movie as him.

[@koopatroopa187]

That game was worth full price just to walk around Old Detroit making Robocop thump thump thump walking noises.

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@koopatroopa187indeed yes indeed😊

[@JamesScholes]

I completed it lastnight. Awesome game and so many references to the original RoboCop movies - especially the first one.

[@stevenshizzle]

When I was in the first grade circa 1991, I went thru a phase where all of my assignments would be signed "ROBOCOP" instead of my real name. Eventually the teacher called my father and I had to stop this. So then as an outlet, whenever my parents took me out in public I would walk like Robocop with heavy steps and sound effects coming from my mouth to imitate the "cachunk" sound of each step. I do that to this day (just kidding).

[@010101110100]

And that boy’s name was.. Robocop

[@killerdoritoWA]

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

[@successsystem2468]

😂

[@lewisheasman]

Jk? No you're not. You still do it

[@puichiung2959]

"Dead or alive, you're coming with me".

[@kikon78]

For me, maybe being influenced by the child that watched this before it was allowed to, is up there with the greatest cinema ever made. It is a perfect movie and it's capacity to still be relevant, gorgeous and witty after almost 40 years and a zillion views (by me) makes it up there with the best.

[@Thesmartestmanalive81]

Facts. I saw this film at theatre at 5 years old. Almost Too young to even know what I was watching.

[@undertow2142]

I watched robocop 2 when I was 10 years old alone late at night. The only time a movie scared the shhh out of me. Lol

[@CFChristian]

Same with Top Gun. I had no idea what was happening but the scenes had all stuck with me growing up.

[@kentallard8852]

for more subtext: the ED-209s profile mimics a Vietnam War Huey gunship and its designer is named *McNamara* - the Vietnam War secretary of defence

[@craigstege6376]

He was also responsible for a doctrine that saw people with mental disabilities drafted for frontline combat.

[@willumbermarchant5510]

'Macs Morons'

[@dmitrymikheev7899]

@@willumbermarchant5510 sure, Forrest Gump included

[@Pana_DoP]

I´m proud to say that I met Jost Vacano once on the "German Camera Awards" (Deutscher Kamerapreis). He became his Lifetime Achievement Award and I was also nominated for best cinematography in a short. Robocop has always a place in my heart! Verhoeven, Vacano, Poladouris, Tippet, and the List goes on with legendary names!

[@Pana_DoP]

@@SqueakingSquid I´m only a Fanboy of this specific Movie. And just wanted do tell my loose connection to it. What´s your Story?

[@Flint-Dibble-the-Don]

​@@Pana_DoPI was born a poor black child.

[@GrumblingForesight]

Rewatched this just last week and was amazed at how good everything about it is. I was also surprised to notice that, thanks to the 4K remaster, I can now notice that Robocop’s armor plates have that titanium rainbow sheen. Thats so accurate.

[@KodiAdmin]

My wife and I watched the original yesterday and aside from the stop motion and the green screen falling scene at the end, the movie still looks great and it's story telling is so far ahead of it's time, it almost hurts all modern movies combined! They'll never make another movie quite like this one!

[@WojciechSterna-h4x]

This movie is a masterpiece. It is almost 30 years old but is just so so well made.

[@jayxtacee5695]

At this point, RoboCop is almost 40 years old, not 30. It was released in 1987

[@Flint-Dibble-the-Don]

This movie was wild in the theater with my parents at 8 years old.

[@pigilinlin1309]

🤣

[@leroykincaide]

This film was a huge inspiration and bold step for cinema at the time. I just love how it dared to make its own statement with its own footprint on the story it wanted to tell. The wave of toys and memorabilia at the time when this come out in the 80s was nuts, this film is a true masterpiece in its own right and still looks as solid as it did back then.

[@Nebol]

You're right ofcourse, however the world has changed. ED-209 evoked sheer terror in me at the time, meanwhile today my son watches ED-209 and just snickers at its stopmotion movements.

[@pepe_da_prawn]

Absolute genius of a movie. Why it’s my favourite, has so many themes running throughout the movie. While being seamless. Films today can’t even be made with one cohesive theme

[@successsystem2468]

💯

[@DrCheeks]

I always loved that the luxurious aspirational car ad was for a car with SUX in the title.

[@Svante]

One of my top 10 movies, of all time. Most 80:s movies, looks more expensive than modern ones. The cinematography was more epic, as they really took advantage of the sets and locations. And they knew how to light dark/night scenes, so you could actually see everything. These days night scenes are so damn dark, that you can barely see what's happening. Today movies often looks more like TV productions, with a cheap digital handheld look...

[@bjornh4664]

"These days night scenes are so damn dark, that you can barely see what's happening." Yes! So many times squinting at a dark screen today, trying to figure out the action.

[@mrmaxaxl]

I love the thumping sound effect when Robo walks arround 😊

[@WanderlustZero]

*thump... thump... thump...thump* ...'What is this shit?'

[@ScientificGlassblowing]

I'll buy that for a dollar!

[@Danny-sd5vm]

I still remember watching this movie as a child and how much it stayed with me. The scene where RoboCop goes back to his home was heartbreaking.

[@aavavertu229]

If you haven't watched the movie in a while, highly recommend!

[@The-Travel-Man]

They shot on Film, that about says it all. No digital will match the look and the aesthetics of film stock.

[@SnakePlisskin.]

Exactly films nowadays dont even look like film

[@88TIMES]

The extent to which Paul Verhoeven’s dystopian masterpiece-parallels our current reality suggests an almost prophetic foresight. From the integration of robotics, to society’s unapologetic obsession with sensationalism, the film serves as a stark reflection of where we imminently stand today. Yet, such biting satire and self-deprecation seem nearly impossible in our present cultural climate, where ideological rigidity prioritizes shielding from offense over meaningful critique. But without the willingness to risk offense, no profound exploration or artistic innovation can occur. It’s such an important cinematic moment and, despite initially being dismissed as cartoonish, carries a valuable lesson-a warning about the very future we'll inevitably arrive at. This is precisely why I find this era so fascinating and such a rich source of inspiration for my music.

[@leroilapue15]

Movies like Robocop, Terminator and many more 80s classic remind us our current times could of been prevented had we payed attention to the lessons...instead we doubled down on consumerism and ignorance

[@diegolastra]

Between Robocop and Starship Troopers, it’s clear that Verhoeven understood a lot of things about where our society was heading that not many people understood at the time.

[@saml302]

I was with you up until "the willingness to risk offense" part. sounds a little too much like complaining about cancel culture, which is and always has been ridiculous.

[@jased8727]

Cancers are well documented to prophesize future and warnings alot through media and satire, George Orwell 1984 great example. Great Director with great vision I hope soon I can remake Robocop 2 and trust me it will lead into something bigger.

[@88TIMES]

​@@jased8727 I actually enjoyed RoboCop 2. While not as groundbreaking as the original, it still had its moments. Irvin Kershner, who previously directed The Empire Strikes Back, understood how to respect an IP-building on A New Hope by deepening its characters, themes, and stakes while staying true to its essence. That kind of reverence is missing in modern adaptations - so I'll grant him kudos for that at least.

[@TheEliasNoel]

Perfect video, I’m rewatching this tonight! Thank you. On a side note god bless my parents for letting me watch this when I was five.

[@wolfcrow]

You’re welcome! I watched it when I was nine and it sent shivers down my spine.

[@RaquelFoster]

The finish line of the Dallas Marathon is at OCP Headquarters (which is actually Dallas City Hall). The club scene was filmed at The Starck Club. Dallas was arguably the birthplace of MDMA production/distribution in the late '70s. The Starck Club opened in 1984 and was a hotspot for electronic music and MDMA. MDMA was legal until May 1985. RoboCop was filmed in 1986. The war on drugs got out of control. They passed the "crack house law" and RAVE Act then prosecuted club owners arguing that the clubs were drug-related businesses even if the owners had nothing to do with selling drugs. It destroyed the music scene. I'm friends with a guy who went to prison for 10 years.

[@lowlowseesee]

damn, thank you

[@ThinkDifferentish]

The scene where Murphy was gunned down with shotguns may have traumatized me when I was a kid. That scene and the scene in The Fly where dude's leg gets melted were truly horrific.

[@sinbad8982]

Ive rated about 5000 movies on letterbox that I have seen over my 50 odd years and about 1% of them is a perfect 10. You better believe Robocop is there! A pop culture masterpiece

[@gempursuharto]

Considering the first time I saw this movie on a laserdisc in a VHS/Beta era of the late 80s, I remembered the film quality was amazing and so futuristic.

[@d36williams]

5:21 that PVC shortcut feels so authentic and suggests the house (and probably all the glamorous interiors of the movie) are built with shody tricks

[@jaymzx0]

Good eye! What was that, anyway? Some sort of cubby for a fake fireplace?

[@FilmSpook]

👍🏾👍🏾Detroit is my home city, and I am still waiting for our first real Robocop. 😂 Beautiful Video Essay, as always, Sareesh, for one of my all-time Favorites! Much Luv and Appreciation for you, my Good Brother. 🙏🏾

[@wolfcrow]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FilmSpook]

@@wolfcrow Very welcome! Your artistry, great intelligence and insight are Pure Gold and very inspirational. Cheers

[@KomodoKebab]

The videogame that came out a year or two ago really seemed to capture the feeling of the first film about as well as could ever be hoped, it was a realy treat.

[@RaulMeatFactory1975]

Missed it on the big screen, too young, caught it on VHS a year or two later, loved it then and now.

[@decoyfox]

Verhoeven was unmatchable, loved every film he ever made

[@Psmitty97]

Even Showgirls?

[@decoyfox]

@Psmitty97 especially show girls!

[@aidanlynn]

Back when people knew how to actually shoot a movie.

[@domainmojo2162]

That cover pic... I always thought that was one of the greatest images in 80's movies. So expansive, so clear, so clean, with great complimentary colours and a pleasing contrast.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Minor correction: Weller has been clear that even though it was extremely difficult, he loves the movie and character dearly, and absolutely is happy he did it. He doesn’t go out of his way to say it was a bad experience. There’s a great extended Q&A from a film festival on YT, i recommend checking it out. Weller is a brilliant mind, and it’s great to hear him discuss this film in great detail with such affection.

[@barochoc]

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched this now, but I was 12 when it was released and I wasn’t allowed to watch it, but I managed to see it. Jaw dropping doesn’t cover it. Other than the disturbing scene where Murphy is literally shot to pieces, this move was absolutely glorious and Robocop was mesmerising. So, recentlyI showed this to my 12 year old son. I naturally forwarded through the Murphy execution scene. My son was in disbelief that this movie was released/made when I was his age. He genuinely thought I was winding him up. He checked online and looked at me is disbelief. He has a talent for art, drawing etc… and his imagination was blown by Robocops suit. With CGI nowadays it’s rare to see effects or costumes that are so good. This move will still look good in another 20-30 years. In fact, I won’t be surprised if many directors ditch CGI and dive back into the old school way. I sincerely hope they do, because the memories last much longer.

[@stubz1369]

Check out the cut and style of the suits at 1:16. And men's fashions at OCP corporate in general. None of it would be that out of place today. Compare that with styles a decade later. There was a ton of cocaine in the movie too. OCP's corporate motto was 'Courage, Strength, Conviction', but you could call it 'Ambition, at any price'. Feels more relevant than ever.

[@ABCRE2]

Absolutely. It was definitely a theme not only here but also in another Verhoven film Total Recall.

[@sdot7117]

I could watch Robocop once a year for the rest of my life.

[@turtleanton6539]

Im doing ut😊

[@sdot7117]

@ 😄🙌 Dead or alive you’re watching with me 😆🤜🤛

[@elasmojones]

It's an interesting approach. With all the TV spots, commercials, stop motion, PoV cams. You're always being reminded you're watching a movie.

[@THEBLACKBELT]

1:44 Although that is the most common aspect ratio the movie is presented in, Paul Verhoeven preferred the aspect ratio of 1.66 :1 which is the ratio he framed the movie in while filming. You can see it on the Criterion DVD and LaserDisc versions of the movie.

[@myMotoring]

The robo suit actually made Peter Weller moved like a robot. He can't walk naturally as the suit restricted his movements.

[@NarcissistAU]

Props to Weller, the guy nailed it. Hell, he welded it. Him and the whole team. Brilliant stuff.

[@igodreamer7096]

Great analysis, wolfcrow man! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@jonathandodd6712]

My Father-in-law worked on this movie. He was on the design team. The one thing I remember for sure he made was the OCP logo. There were some other things he did, but I can’t remember. The logo changed throughout the sequels. He says he remembers working with the design team on the robo suit, and originally there was no holster for the gun in his leg….some year later we were at a wedding and Peter Weller was checking in. The two got to talk and catch up. It was awesome to see!

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

Woah, that is cool. I remember a Grey shirt with the logo went around. I had the poster of the building with the logo.

[@FLORIDIANMILLIONAIRE]

This is no low tech it's a technology and world we still cannot replicate this day and age with all the advanced robotics

[@64offsuiter]

This, total recall, predator, terminator alongside duel (spielberg, thriller) and the omen series of films really kept you on edge. Great decade for thrillers/sci-fi/horror

[@anon_y_mousse]

Practical effects hold up better than CGI. Though, they are getting better at generating images that look practical, they're still not quite there in certain aspects. However, I had no idea that this was filmed in Dallas and I've both seen this movie dozens of times and been to Dallas dozens of times. I'll have to pay attention to the skyline more next time I watch it.

[@rockntrolling]

0:11 I just noticed that for this heat vision effect, they just painted the skin of the person lol

[@1simo93521]

They used a skin tight 'morph suit'

[@PatrickPease]

Very clever

[@Nightweaver1]

Still one of the most impressive and memorable movies ever made, and I've seen a lot of films in my 45 years. This was a favorite when I was a child in the '80s, and it still is now.

[@jefflanghornephoto]

Phil Tippet is an absolute master. His work on Star Wars is incredible. We cannot lose sight of the old practical effects and their importance, even today when you can use CGI. I've started feeling a lot of modern movies are a bit soulless and way over the top because they can just put anything in as opposed to working with a more "real" feel.

[@theindexfinger3434]

That soundtrack, iconic.

[@NSAspyvans]

Paul Verhoeven was the greatest creator of dark comedy and commentary on American capitalism and violence. No one could ever make movies like him. also, the music in Robocop 1 is amazing now that I think about it.

[@RealityLifeHumanity]

Still the best of the series and the reboot!!!! The sound of him in the shooting range when everyone stops to watch him still in my memory!!

[@Xredator]

Tippet also created Mad God, probably named after himself... definitely check out, it's a full feature practical/old school effect showcase, a pleasure to look at.

[@EnterpriseKnight]

6:30 "The film's future is an exagerated version of today" *coff*coff*COFF*coff*COFF

[@schalkvanheerden315]

The hyper violence makes Robocop difficult to watch, it's a film that asks a lot of its audience but gives a lot in return.

[@FilmSpook]

Difficult for who to watch?? Someone who has never seen a film before? 😂Not difficult for most people to watch, these days, due to desensitization, *and even in 1987 most people who saw it were not shocked or too surprised,* as the violence fit the story and made sense. People clearly knew it was R-rated and violent BEFORE watching the film. I saw it on VHS in 1988 at 12 years old, and it wasn't difficult for me, hehe...

[@leegarner4592]

A superbly prescient film. Still one of my all-time favourites.

[@JasonHauser125]

I remember seeing the theater trailer for this and thought the name was SO dumb; Robo-Cop! That's stupid. Some years later I actually saw it, and it's still one of my favorite films to this day. Every aspect has held up incredibly well.

[@LonChera-1]

I still revisit this movie few years and still just as entertaining

[@SuPeRNinJaRed]

In an interview Tarantino claimed that no good movies were made in the 80s but I think he said that on opposite day...

[@madjoe8622]

I was 14 when robotcop came out. I don't know if it was a box office success, but trust me, we all wanted to see it and everybody (at our age) that saw it thought it was amazing. I saw it on VHS and I agreed.

[@ganiniii]

I watched it so many times! I was 7 when it came out and couldn't watch it because that year I saw Predator and had nightmares and parents took control of the movies I could watch. Saw it first when I was 13. Murphy's killing scene is both brutal and devastating. Its brutal but not dumb too. The movie is very well knitted together. That scene they blow his hand off before leaving him between life and death when he's rushed to the hospital when they cut to surgery you hear medical staff discussing they can save his other arm but Bob Morton says something along the line "don't. we'll make hi full mechanic". I was mind blown by those little things that when I thought about it I would think that makes perfect sense although it sounds so cruel and also gives that sense this is happening in the future these guys have the technology to decide whichever organic part they'll keep. 13 year old me was definitely impressed. The commercials! They were so outlandish, original and one of the reasons Paul Verhoeven was one of the first director names I would recognise. So ahead of its time. I particularly like the sunscreen add "They say 20 sec of californian sun is too much..." before smearing herself of that sunscreen that like tge car or any other stuff being sold has a number in its name... lol that's so funny because that's who we are. People think it's cool to name things the 600X or the 2000X and Paul was playing with that on different levels. That mindless brain rot program always on with no theme whatsoever other than boobies and that "I'd buy that for a dollar" line... everything seemed so outlandish but coherent. I don't really like action movies much these days but Robocop is a masterpiece that you can see took a lot of people a lot of work to do.

[@tyeshabx2810]

great video! tysm for 🏆 one of my most favorite movies of all time!

[@swissnikk8412]

One of my absolute all time faves! Top notch Verhoeven ❤

[@r4v3rbr]

Beautiful review and commentary of a very particular masterpiece.

[@Mechadondada]

I visited Dallas a couple years ago and made a point to visit Dallas City Hall, aka OCP headquarters. It was surreal for me because I’ve seen Robocop about as much as I’ve seen any other movie.

[@discasting]

One of the best films ever made. The satire of Robocop never ceases to intrigue me. By the way, how about doing similar video on David Cronenberg's classic Videodrome? It is also very bleak look into future (and humanity in general) and also has some great practical effects.

[@whatistau]

Paul Verhoeven is very unique and his infuelnce is very very underrated and overlooked.

[@AllenRReid]

A big scene was also shot at the George R Brown convention center in Houston.

[@GoldEdition42]

I had a VHS with tapings of Die Hard, Predator, and Robocop on it. Incredible piece of my childhood.

[@obviousquest]

I know Unicorn Heads when I hear it! I've used this track for its low-hanging-fruit purposes of zen camping montages, so I'm amazed you thought to use it to take us a step back from an ultra violent movie while still grounding in the feel of an 80s soundtrack.

[@johngrotefeld6302]

District 9 has some of this kind of humour: "Remember, a smile is cheaper than a bullet..."

[@annguyenz]

The sound track was legendary!!!

[@PluralFish]

It is a brilliant movie . Rare to see compelling sustainable story lines and competency in actors . 10 out of 10

[@SimianEncounter]

I think the thoughtfulness and subtlety of Robocop, historically, have been downplayed as a consequence of its image as an ultra-violent action movie. It always played as a surprisingly intelligent satire for me, using the vehicle of an action movie to deliver its commentary. The absurd elements of the film lend to that angle incredibly well and help to maintain its sincerity.

[@jamesc6363]

One of my all-time favorites. Brilliant movie and the soundtrack is spot on. It's such a pity the sequels fell apart, but what an impossible movie to follow. It was amazing.

[@JHobartMusic72]

These movies just make me want to go back to when I was a kid in high school again. Late 80s-early 90s was my favorite time in life. I was 15 when Robocop came out, I had my Nintendo NES 8 bit, my best buddy Mike to play Contra with, everything is always “new and awesome” as a kid. This movie looks every bit as new as it did then.

[@Psmitty97]

Yeah, the 80's and 90's were an epic time. Definitely miss it. I was 16 years old when it came out. Saw it the first day it was released, almost by accident

[@JHobartMusic72]

@ yeah man we were the same age basically so you know exactly how things were. It’s hard to explain to people unless they lived it. I was thinking about how everything is dead now. Remember how awesome going to the mall was…I’m from a small town so we would have to drive to Saginaw MI to the closest mall and they had places we never had anywhere else. A computer store called Babbages that had ALL of the newest tech in computers, huge arcade with the newest games, toys R Us with all the newest consoles and games, you had to actually buy physical tapes or CDs for music. I’m a lifelong musician and I have the most insane tech and software for it today and I would give it all back to just go back to the late 80s-early 90s and stay there; or at LEAST do everything over the RIGHT way. That’s a crazy tangent but any time I get on some subject from back in the day that’s what it reminds me of,

[@BenJames_76]

A brilliantly observed review of one of my favourite films. Despite RoboDoc 4hr DVD covering everything, there was still lots to be gained from this video. And I love the background music, what is it? It really capture the cold, dystopian feel of the film. Thanks for making this.

[@killerdoritoWA]

No over the top explosions or CGI, practical effects, and memorable characters makes it one of my favorite movies. Verhoeven prescient future world where corporations and CEOs are the actual city’s government should’ve been a warning in addition to amusing.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Robocop was WAYYYY ahead of its time. Haunted me as a kid.

[@2020-v3e]

That ambient music would fit perfectly in this movie

[@thunder2434]

Many don't get that Verhoven made a social critical satire (as most Verhoven movies are, as another good example see Starship Troopers) with drama mingled with dark comedy relief often then shockingly and abruptly interrupted by body horror or bloody murder, not an actual pure action hero movie the way most were expecting. So it grips you, makes you laugh and then a jumpscare more like horror movies pace. I think the film is simply brilliant and probably Verhovens best.

[@WeskerXM96E1]

It was a amazing time to grow up during the 80s with these awesome films!! Also I've just been playing the Robocop game and it's really good!

[@akshayde]

Robocop is Goated. Top 5 hands down

[@echoesthroughmyeyes333]

This is one of my favourite movies of the 80's.. just excellent and blows all the CGI crap out the window today

[@gowankommando]

I absolutely love the Verhoeven trilogy of dystopia: Robocop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers

[@neonpop80]

“Role models can be important for a boy” as Murphy lives up to the model his son wanted him to be. This is my favorite movie of all time

[@Mithrevan]

Wow. New favorite KZbin Channel right here.

[@ryanscottnix]

Great treatment of this movie. Really well done!

[@RibsTouching]

I was thinking about this a month ago. It looks beautiful now and then.

[@ToTheTopwithCarlosNavarro]

Excellent! I will have to watch again and buy on DVD for special features.

[@Arturo-p1g4y]

The soundtrack is AMAZING.