The beloved 1998 action-comedy, `Small Soldiers,` has impressively shot to the top of Amazon`s best-selling comedy charts following its highly anticipated debut on 4K Blu-ray. Marking its first-ever release in this high-definition format, the Paramount film, which features rival factions of sentient toys, is currently available for just $26 (originally $31) at both Amazon and Walmart. This affordable release also includes a special limited-edition steelbook case.
While Disney`s `Toy Story` often comes to mind first when recalling 90s films about articulate toys, `Small Soldiers` stands as an equally compelling and genuinely excellent movie. Much like its animated counterpart, this live-action gem is well worth revisiting or discovering for new generations.
The stunning steelbook cover art depicts an iconic confrontation between the Gorgonite Archer and the Commando Elite leader, Chip Hazard. Inside, the case showcases silhouettes of the characters alongside the GloboTech X1000 microprocessors, the technology responsible for animating these toys. This comprehensive edition includes the film on 4K Blu-ray, 1080p Blu-ray, and a digital copy. It retains all the special features from the 2021 Blu-ray release, such as a behind-the-scenes documentary, a blooper reel, and the original theatrical trailer.
The film`s native 4K (2160p) remaster is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, closely matching its original 2.39:1 theatrical presentation from 1998. Visual enhancements include support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, while audio is delivered in crisp DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
Released in 1998, `Small Soldiers` was aptly characterized as a blend of `Gremlins` and `G.I. Joe,` a fitting description given its director, Joe Dante. The film`s premise revolves around a batch of action figures, inadvertently equipped with advanced military-grade computer chips, wreaking havoc in a quiet town. Notably, its practical effects were highly praised and cutting-edge for the era.
The film boasted an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Gregory Smith, Kirsten Dunst, Dick Miller, and the late Phil Hartman in his final on-screen role. The memorable toy characters were brought to life by an equally star-studded voice cast, including Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella, Ernest Borgnine, and George Kennedy. Despite its critical acclaim and respectable box office performance—grossing over $71 million worldwide against an approximate $40 million budget—it`s unfortunate that `Small Soldiers` never received a sequel.