Vice Squad (1982)

Description

Vice Squad (1982) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
“Hollywood after dark — where the real danger begins.”
Format: 4K Ultra HD | ️ Release Date: May 13, 2025
️ Label: Kino Lorber | ⏱️ Runtime: 97 minutes | Rated: R
Genres: Action • Crime • Drama

️ 4K Video – 3.5/5

Kino Lorber’s 4K disc presents Vice Squad in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a native 4K scan (2160p, SDR). While it’s an upgrade in resolution, it’s not necessarily a total visual overhaul. Despite being sourced from a new StudioCanal restoration, several issues persist:

• Mild yellowish hue impacting overall tone and primary colors
• Grain often appears noisy or mushy, especially in darker scenes
• Light smearing visible, particularly during the end credits
• No Dolby Vision or HDR included on this release

While better than the 2019 Blu-ray in some areas, the 4K transfer suffers from consistency problems. Image stability and color timing (aside from the hue) are solid, but the presentation lacks the fine, crisp detailing expected of a modern 4K master.

️ Codec: HEVC / H.265
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Disc Type: BD-100
Region: Free

Audio – 5.0/5

Two audio options are included:

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 – Expands the soundscape slightly, especially in the final act
• DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono – The preferred track for authenticity; clean and balanced

The 2.0 mono track is identical to the previous Blu-ray, and arguably the best way to experience this gritty 1982 urban thriller. Both tracks deliver clear dialogue and intense ambient noise, critical in this street-level nightmare.

Subtitles: English SDH included

Special Features – 5.0/5

This 3-disc collector’s set is stacked with content across the 4K disc and two Blu-rays.

4K UHD DISC:

• ️ Commentary #1 – New with critic Steve Mitchell, focusing on LA’s transformation and the film’s raw authenticity
• ️ Commentary #2 – Archival with director Gary Sherman & producer Brian Frankish, a nostalgic and revealing conversation

Blu-ray Disc One (Film):

• Both commentaries duplicated here for Blu-ray viewing
• TV Spots / Trailers / Radio Spots

Blu-ray Disc Two (Bonus Features):

• Tracking the Beast (59 min) – Gary Swanson reflects on his role and on-set experiences
• Of Poltergeists and Neon Lights (73 min) – Gary Sherman’s in-depth retrospective
• Hollywood Magic (63 min) – Producer Brian Frankish on bringing the project to life
• The Roots of Reality (45 min) – Actress Beverly Todd on authenticity and tension
• Catching a Killer (59 min) – Actor Pepe Serna on early life and career
• Princess Driver (25 min) – Michael Ensign discusses LA street filming
• Hollywood Streetwalking (12 min) – Then-and-now look at filming locations
• ️ Reversible Cover – Vintage poster art
• Slipcover – Included with original pressing

Final Verdict – 4K Score: 4.0/5

✅ PROS:

• Native 4K scan with region-free disc
• Two strong audio options
• Excellent archival extras, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes stories
• Gritty time capsule of LA’s darker corners, captured with authenticity

⚠️ CONS:

• No HDR or Dolby Vision
• Visual inconsistencies and color balance flaws
• Grain structure can be distracting

BOTTOM LINE:
Vice Squad is a bold, brutal ride through the sleazy underbelly of early ‘80s LA — and while the 4K doesn’t completely outperform the previous Blu-ray visually, the depth of bonus content and authenticity in tone make this a must-own for cult film fans.

Highly recommended — but this one’s not for the faint of heart.