“Small Soldiers” unexpectedly topped the list of best-selling comedy films on Amazon on its re-release day. No, we haven`t traveled back to 1998 – Paramount Pictures` cult action-comedy has been released for the first time on 4K Blu-ray! You can now purchase this film for just $26 (originally $31). The package includes not only the movie disc but also an exclusive limited-edition steelbook.
Perhaps when discussing 90s films with talking toys, “Toy Story” is the first thing that comes to mind. However, “Small Soldiers” is a truly outstanding movie that deserves to be seen by today`s generation of children as well.
The steelbook edition features a classic showdown stare between the Gorgonite Archer and the Commando Elite commander Chip Hazard on its cover. The interior of the case displays silhouettes of the characters and the GloboTech X1000 microprocessors that transformed ordinary toys into sentient beings.
This edition includes 4K Blu-ray, 1080p Blu-ray, and digital versions of the film. It contains the same special features found on the 2021 Blu-ray release, including a documentary on the making of the movie, a blooper reel, and the official trailer.
The native 4K (2160p) remaster is presented with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, which is very close to the original 2.39:1 ratio from the 1998 release. The film supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision technologies, and the soundtrack is in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
Released in 1998, “Small Soldiers” was often described as a blend of “Gremlins” and “G.I. Joe,” an apt comparison considering it was directed by Joe Dante. The film`s plot revolves around a shipment of action figures equipped with military-grade computer chips, who unleash chaos in a small town. The movie`s practical effects were quite impressive for their time.
“Small Soldiers” also boasted an exceptional cast, including Gregory Smith, Kirsten Dunst, Dick Miller, and Phil Hartman (in his final role). The toys themselves were voiced by talents such as Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella, Ernest Borgnine, and George Kennedy. It`s a shame that “Small Soldiers” never received a sequel, especially given its box office success: with a budget of approximately $40 million, the film grossed an impressive $71 million worldwide.