4 Star

Explosive 90s Action Thriller.

From the writer that brought us Pretty Woman, J. F. Lawton, he gives a story of never underestimate a person’s skill-set. Directed by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) who gets the best out of his long list of famous faces, especially his star Steven Seagal (Mercenary for Justice, Above the Law), who shows off his skills in close quarters fighting. In my opinion, Under Siege is Seagal’s best film by far, he is articulate and moves with fluidity, as he takes out his enemies and does sharp quips. Definitely one to add to your 4K UHD action shelf.

The battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is captained by Captain Adams (Patrick O’Neal, In Harm’s Way, The Way We Were) and for years he has had his favourite chef on board Casey Ryback (Seagal), especially when it is his birthday, as it is today. It is also an important day in the life of USS Missouri, as it has come to the end of its illustrious tours of duty. As she rests in Pearl Harbour, President, George H. W. Bush, announces her retirement and that the Missouri will be decommissioned in California.

Down in the galley, Ryback is busy prepping the Captains’ birthday meal, when he is rudely interrupted by executive officer Commander Krill (Gary Busey. Lethal Weapon (1987), Point Break 4K), who has arranged for food and entertainment to be brought by helicopter. Ryback isn’t happy with this turn of events, and with a bit of pushing by Krill, Ryback strikes the officer, an offence worthy of the brig, but that would need the Captain’s approval, so Krill has him contained in the walk-in-fridge. A rookie Marine Private, Nash (Tom Wood, The Fugitive, U.S. Marshals) is there to see he doesn’t get out.

The helicopter arrives with the all-new caterers, the entertainment, and the special entertainment for the Captain, the ex-Playboy, playmate of the month, Jordan Tate (Erika Eleniak, The Blob (1998), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), who is put into a big cake and awaits the big surprise.

The Missouri is at full steam, on its way to California, as the entertainment gets into full swing, but all these visitors are not what they appear. They are all mercenaries, employed by disillusioned former CIA operative William Strannix (Tommy Lee Jones, Mechanic Resurrection, No Country for Old Men). Deaths occur, and Strannix takes over the ship, while Krill goes and kills the Captain, and all the crew are imprisoned in the forward hold, leaving Nash and Ryback in the kitchen. With bullets flying Nash thinks it’s just celebrations, but Ryback knows better. With a quick call to the Captain, Nash has put his life on the line as Strannix sends a couple of his mercenaries to deal with the problem, but their problem is in the fridge.

With plans to strip the battleship of its missiles on the black market, these mercenaries are in for a shock as Ryback and his new side-kick Jordan take the fight to them.

A great action film that belongs in your home.

Under Siege is available on Limited Edition Blu-ray, and 4K UHD.

Arrow Store

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Andrew Davis
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original lossless stereo audio and a brand new Dolby Atmos mix
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand-new audio commentary with director Andrew Davis and writer J.F. Lawton
• I’m on a Boat (With a Bomb), a newly filmed interview with director Andrew Davis
• One of the Guys, a newly filmed interview with actor Erika Eleniak
• A Tight Ship, a newly filmed interview with actor Damian Chapa
• The Introvision Files, a newly filmed interview with visual effects’ supervisor William Mesa
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
• Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Vern and a serial fiction by Martyn Pedler