Reviews (18)

A small gem
This film plays a bit like an 80s French Connection. Sylvester Stallone stars in a low-key role that works very well but didn't seem to resonate with audiences the way his Rocky did. He's quieter, human, and intense.

Nighthawks (a rather nonsensical title) concerns international terrorist Wulfar (Rutger Hauer's American film debut), now persona non grata among major terrorist networks after an overdone IRA-commissioned bombing in London, fleeing to New York in order to garner maximum publicity and sell himself back to major terrorist organizations. Sensing the terrorist-for-hire's power play hopes, and guessing that New York would be the likely target, a British Interpol officer travels to the city in order to brief chosen police officers in counter-terrorist tactics as part of ATAC (Anti-Terrorist Action Command).

Part of the chosen officers include Sgt. Deke DaSilva (Stallone) and his partner Sgt. Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams). Both are reluctant to change duties and are not serious about training, and DaSilva has reservations about risking civilians in a hostage situation.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse through New York that features a couple of exciting and well-filmed sequences. While it seems a bit far-fetched that DaSilva and Fox would bump into Wulfgar one night in a crowded disco, the action scenes make up for it and highlight New York locations well. Especially memorable is the hijacking of the Roosevelt Island tram car. (I can't look at it today without thinking of this film).

The performances are solid across the board. Stallone is engaging in the lead and is quieter than we're used to. The supporting cast includes veteran character Joe Spinell as a surly police lieutenant, Lindsay Wagner as DaSilva's estranged wife, the dusky Persis Khambata as Wulfgar's ruthless aid, and Nigel Davenport as Hartman, the Interpol officer. Rutger Hauer is perfect as the sly and suave terrorist. His talents would be highlighted in films like Blade Runner, Flesh and Blood, and The Hitcher over the years, though unfortunately he seems to have fallen to straight-to-video material in the last 10 years.

The DVD is a little bit underwhelming. For one, it's not in widescreen, which is a real shame. The full-screen treatment does not do justice to the NYC locations, especially the aerial shots of the tram and the ATAC chopper, or the opening subway encounter. The picture is good but rather grainy, and the sound is fine, better than the VHS version. The extras include some cursory production notes and the original, rather underwhelming trailer. Overall, I'd recommend this DVD for fans of the film because of the very reasonable price. The picture and sound are better than the VHS, and it's a good pickup for a small early-80s gem. Keith Emerson's score is easily one of his best. Hopefully it will one day be released to CD.

One of the few gems in Stallone's action film catalogue
A first-rate thriller 'Nighthawks' begins with a bang (literally!) and never lets ups. A top-notch cast, great use of New York City locations and a story that becomes more riveting as it develops further distinguish it. This film was made and released in 1981, a few short years before Sylvester Stallone would begin making his blockbuster mainstream action films like 'First Blood', 'Cobra' and continuing the 'Rocky' series. He has portrayed a variety of "heroes" on film but all of them pale in comparison to the character of Deke DaSilva, the New York City policeman he brings to life here. 'Nighthawks' has a plot that is timelier than ever before and DaSilva is the kind of hero that everyone is hoping for amidst all the concern over the threat of terrorism striking again in America - or anywhere else for that matter.

Stallone is aces as DaSilva and Billy Dee Williams as his edgy partner Matthew Fox is equally as good. DaSilva and Fox are fervently committed to their assignment to the NYC police force's decoy unit working the graveyard shift. Rutger Hauer plays a consciousless terrorist named Wulfgar who in the beginning of the movie plants a bomb in a London department store during midday. Moments after the bomb explodes he calls the international press to claim responsibility for his terrorist faction. Days later, when Wulfgar is considered more of a liability than an effective member of the team by his faction, he relocates to NYC to demonstrate his own brand of intimidation through violence. Interpol agent Peter Hartman, played by the British film actor Nigel Davenport, arrives in NYC to train a newly organized anti-terrorist task force of the city's police force. DaSilva And Fox are assigned to the unit and they initially object vehemently to it but later accept it after a few trials and tribulations with Hartman. Eventually the two policemen pick up the trail of the murderous and destructive Wulfgar who continually evades capture until the climax of the film - one of the best surprise endings you'll ever see in a movie.

The story is the real star here with action taking a secondary stage. In the beginning we see DaSilva and Fox in their urban setting capturing some deadly would-be muggers then switching immediately to London and Wulfgar planting a bomb in a busy store during the same day. The parallel we're supposed to draw is that the pair of gritty and municipal minded police officers will face their biggest challenge in attempting to capture the slick, conniving and elusive international terrorist. And the story's progression is perfect, never moving too quickly or filled with illogical leaps of reasoning. Each filming location is well chosen and used to great effectiveness, with the tramcar sequence a memorable standout. Despite being made in 1981 'Nighthawks' contains no noticeable elements that date it too terribly, even the disco scene remains surprisingly contemporary in appearance (except for the fashions maybe).

Other noteworthy items include the then hugely popular Lindsay Wagner, of television's "The Bionic Woman", who appears briefly in the beginning as DaSilva's unlikely love interest, an upscale clothing fashion designer; character actor and cult favorite Joe Spinell is cast as DaSilva's and Fox's superior, Lt. Munafo, appearing in some of the film's key scenes. For a double feature pair this with either 'Cliffhanger', another superior Stallone action vehicle, or 'The Package', a Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones movie with a vaguely similar theme.

WARNING: Soundtrack altered for Universal DVD release!
This happens to be one of my favorite films/guilty pleasures (the flick on its own easily rates 5 stars), but just wanted to make sure that fans knew that this new Universal DVD release has a *severely* altered soundtrack from the theatrical and earlier home video/DVD releases. This is so unfortunate, as I was excited about finally (for the first time ever) being able to see 'Nighthawks' in widescreen. While the picture hasn't been remastered for this edition, it is a noticeable improvement over the 2001 GoodTimes DVD full-screen release. However, in one of the truly key scenes of the film - where DaSilva (Stallone) discovers Wulfgar (Hauer) in the club - the songs 'Brown Sugar' by the Rolling Stones and Keith Emerson's amazing cover of the Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm a Man' are completely removed and replaced with the lamest possible generic, 70's-era stock music. Words cannot describe how this soundtrack change alters the entire mood of the scene ... it's simply not pretty to watch and is a painful bastardization of the original release. Just wanted everyone to be aware of this change on the new DVD release - I had no idea until it was too late. For those looking for the intact original, theatrical release on DVD, I would sadly still have to recommend seeking out a copy of the (now out-of-print) GoodTimes release. The picture may not be quite as clear as the new Universal DVD, but at least you're getting the Director's complete version of the film. Apparently, the world STILL awaits a definititve DVD version of this minor masterpiece ...

Get this new Widescreen version.
Stallone has some of his best work here. A good movie with a view on terrorism that was ahead of it's time. Most of the other reviews refer to a substandard release from another company called good times video, that is full screen and often comes in a musty DVD case, bad times. This one is a nice new widescreen release.

One of Sly's best (No cheeky comments in this review!!)
NIGHTHAWKS has got to be one of my fave Stallone movies. I know I've taken the mickey out of him on numerous occassions, but this is pretty good, despite being a bit dated. Directed by Bruce Malmuth (HARD TO KILL) and with music by Keith Emerson of ELP, NIGHTHAWKS is a fast paced and exciting thriller which will have viewers overlooking its plot inconsistancies.
Rutger Hauer plays Wulfgar, a terrorist who heads to NYC to play a game of cat and mouse with the cops. Cops Deke DaSilva (Sly) and Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams) are assigned the task of tracking him to London and New York to stop his reign of terror. Unfortunately Wulfgar always manages to remain a step ahead of them... most of the time.
There's not much of a plot, but from the opening credits NIGHTHAWKS hooks the viewer. Early on we get to see the almost unrecognizable Sly in drag... until the beard gives him away. There are also some great stunts at the climax where Wulfgar has a group of cable car passengers held hostage. The movie also co-stars the late Persis Khambatta (best known as the bald alien Ilia in STAR TREK 1) as Wulfgar's partner; an especially delectable Lindsey Wagner as Sly's girlfriend and last but not least; as a fashion designer, Jamie Gillis; ... Why he hasn't won a slew of Oscars is beyond me.
The DVD quality is actually pretty good, the picture is sharp and the sound clear. The few extras include the movies trailer and subtitles. But at this price it's a good bargain for those who want to update their VHS copies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After making his action-hero debut in 1988's Above the Law, Steven Seagal followed up with this typically formulaic action thriller, in which the ponytailed crime fighter is shot full of bullets and left for dead after he uncovers a powerful circle of corrupt politicians. After seven years in a coma, he returns to consciousness and is nursed back to health by--surprise, surprise!--a gorgeous woman, played by Seagal's then wife Kelly ("don't hate me because I'm beautiful") LeBrock. Once in peak condition, snarlin' Steve sets out to satisfy his hearty appetite for revenge, and the bone-crunching action kicks into high gear with the requisite chases, hand-to-hand combat, and escalating body count. This is one of Seagal's best vehicles, establishing the star's screen persona before it grew stale in later films. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (19)

THE GOOD OL DAYS OF STEVEN SEAGAL
AFTER SPENDING 7 YEARS IN A COMA, A COP [STEVEN SEAGAL] GOES AFTER SOME CORRUPT PEOPLE THAT KILLED HIS WIFE. THIS MOVIE SHOWS THE OLD STEVEN SEAGAL THAT ACTION FANS REMEMBER AND LOVE. THIS MOVIE HAS GOOD ACTION AND A LOT OF EXCITEMENT, WHICH IS MISSING FROM A LOT OF SEAGAL'S RECENT MOVIES. FOR FANS OF SEAGAL, THIS SHOULD BE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.

Best Seagal flick of all time
Many reviewers will not give credit where credit is due. Seagal is a master in his art, and a good actor with great on screen presence. Hard to Kill is Seagal's best film ever. This is an action film, when was the last time an action film was supposed to be completely realistic. In this movie Seagal's character is Mason Storm, a high ranking detective who is violently murdered along with his wife by hitmen (fellow LAPD detectives) whom are corrupt and close-knit with an up and coming senatorial candidate Vernon Trent, after he learns of Seagal secretly taping a planned hit of his while undercover at a dock (beginning of the movie). The bad guys think Storm is dead when he suddenly appears to be alive but in a coma. Storm's best bud and fellow detective keeps it a secret for 7 years until Storm awakens from the coma. From there it's pure action as he both tries to escape the grasps of the bad guys once again and heal, and deliver some much deserved payback. Hence the name "Hard to Kill". To any Seagal fanatic, this is his best film ever, hands down. Everyone else who is just an action movie buff might not think so, but then they truly don't understand what Seagal is all about including his great martial arts backround and poise. This flick is great suspense and adreneline with a stupendous story, so grab the nachos, popcorn, snowcaps, goobers, sodapop or whatever, and hit the lazyboy and relax, and get ready to see an awesome film. If you're new to Seagal, start with his first flick "Above the Law", then this one, and go from there. If you want to see a most horrible Seagal film, see one of his latest flicks "Half Past Dead" Seagal gets a bad rap due to his more recent films in the mid 90's till now when he gained a lot of weight and picked and directed bad scripts and screenwrites while resting on his early accomplishments. Hard to Kill, however is pure action, and you can take that to the bank!

Hard to Watch...
Don't get me wrong, I love these types of films but this one took WAY too long to get going. Once it did nothing great really happened. LOTS of broken wrists and arms but no really interesting action sequences. This director is no substitute for Andrew Davis. From what I've seen of Seagals movies, I rate Under Seige and Above the Law as his finest moments, and both were under the direction of Andrew Davis...

Great Action Scenes!
Hard to Kill is an entertaining movie filled with some very impressve action scenes, ok acting and an interesting story though sometimes the dialogue is a little corny but the action scenes are the best part of the movie and I recommend Hard to Kill to fans of action movies.

Not what I remembered, but...
I had these memories of Hard to Kill being an awesome movie. Back in the late 80's it was, but according to today's standards it's pretty tame stuff. Maybe we're all spoiled. I no longer consider this one of his best movies (-1 star). I liked him in The Patriot and Glimmer Man, for instance. Nevertheless, this movie has a place in action film history. Back in the late 80's, early 90's Steven Seagal was the premiere action star. So this movie is a must-have as one of the better Seagal films (4 stars). It's a classic action film of days gone by. Although you can still see Seagal in his latest efforts playing the same role, this file was his second and was one of the two that put him at the top. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A small gem
This film plays a bit like an 80s French Connection. Sylvester Stallone stars in a low-key role that works very well but didn't seem to resonate with audiences the way his Rocky did. He's quieter, human, and intense.

Nighthawks (a rather nonsensical title) concerns international terrorist Wulfar (Rutger Hauer's American film debut), now persona non grata among major terrorist networks after an overdone IRA-commissioned bombing in London, fleeing to New York in order to garner maximum publicity and sell himself back to major terrorist organizations. Sensing the terrorist-for-hire's power play hopes, and guessing that New York would be the likely target, a British Interpol officer travels to the city in order to brief chosen police officers in counter-terrorist tactics as part of ATAC (Anti-Terrorist Action Command).

Part of the chosen officers include Sgt. Deke DaSilva (Stallone) and his partner Sgt. Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams). Both are reluctant to change duties and are not serious about training, and DaSilva has reservations about risking civilians in a hostage situation.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse through New York that features a couple of exciting and well-filmed sequences. While it seems a bit far-fetched that DaSilva and Fox would bump into Wulfgar one night in a crowded disco, the action scenes make up for it and highlight New York locations well. Especially memorable is the hijacking of the Roosevelt Island tram car. (I can't look at it today without thinking of this film).

The performances are solid across the board. Stallone is engaging in the lead and is quieter than we're used to. The supporting cast includes veteran character Joe Spinell as a surly police lieutenant, Lindsay Wagner as DaSilva's estranged wife, the dusky Persis Khambata as Wulfgar's ruthless aid, and Nigel Davenport as Hartman, the Interpol officer. Rutger Hauer is perfect as the sly and suave terrorist. His talents would be highlighted in films like Blade Runner, Flesh and Blood, and The Hitcher over the years, though unfortunately he seems to have fallen to straight-to-video material in the last 10 years.

The DVD is a little bit underwhelming. For one, it's not in widescreen, which is a real shame. The full-screen treatment does not do justice to the NYC locations, especially the aerial shots of the tram and the ATAC chopper, or the opening subway encounter. The picture is good but rather grainy, and the sound is fine, better than the VHS version. The extras include some cursory production notes and the original, rather underwhelming trailer. Overall, I'd recommend this DVD for fans of the film because of the very reasonable price. The picture and sound are better than the VHS, and it's a good pickup for a small early-80s gem. Keith Emerson's score is easily one of his best. Hopefully it will one day be released to CD.

One of the few gems in Stallone's action film catalogue
A first-rate thriller 'Nighthawks' begins with a bang (literally!) and never lets ups. A top-notch cast, great use of New York City locations and a story that becomes more riveting as it develops further distinguish it. This film was made and released in 1981, a few short years before Sylvester Stallone would begin making his blockbuster mainstream action films like 'First Blood', 'Cobra' and continuing the 'Rocky' series. He has portrayed a variety of "heroes" on film but all of them pale in comparison to the character of Deke DaSilva, the New York City policeman he brings to life here. 'Nighthawks' has a plot that is timelier than ever before and DaSilva is the kind of hero that everyone is hoping for amidst all the concern over the threat of terrorism striking again in America - or anywhere else for that matter.

Stallone is aces as DaSilva and Billy Dee Williams as his edgy partner Matthew Fox is equally as good. DaSilva and Fox are fervently committed to their assignment to the NYC police force's decoy unit working the graveyard shift. Rutger Hauer plays a consciousless terrorist named Wulfgar who in the beginning of the movie plants a bomb in a London department store during midday. Moments after the bomb explodes he calls the international press to claim responsibility for his terrorist faction. Days later, when Wulfgar is considered more of a liability than an effective member of the team by his faction, he relocates to NYC to demonstrate his own brand of intimidation through violence. Interpol agent Peter Hartman, played by the British film actor Nigel Davenport, arrives in NYC to train a newly organized anti-terrorist task force of the city's police force. DaSilva And Fox are assigned to the unit and they initially object vehemently to it but later accept it after a few trials and tribulations with Hartman. Eventually the two policemen pick up the trail of the murderous and destructive Wulfgar who continually evades capture until the climax of the film - one of the best surprise endings you'll ever see in a movie.

The story is the real star here with action taking a secondary stage. In the beginning we see DaSilva and Fox in their urban setting capturing some deadly would-be muggers then switching immediately to London and Wulfgar planting a bomb in a busy store during the same day. The parallel we're supposed to draw is that the pair of gritty and municipal minded police officers will face their biggest challenge in attempting to capture the slick, conniving and elusive international terrorist. And the story's progression is perfect, never moving too quickly or filled with illogical leaps of reasoning. Each filming location is well chosen and used to great effectiveness, with the tramcar sequence a memorable standout. Despite being made in 1981 'Nighthawks' contains no noticeable elements that date it too terribly, even the disco scene remains surprisingly contemporary in appearance (except for the fashions maybe).

Other noteworthy items include the then hugely popular Lindsay Wagner, of television's "The Bionic Woman", who appears briefly in the beginning as DaSilva's unlikely love interest, an upscale clothing fashion designer; character actor and cult favorite Joe Spinell is cast as DaSilva's and Fox's superior, Lt. Munafo, appearing in some of the film's key scenes. For a double feature pair this with either 'Cliffhanger', another superior Stallone action vehicle, or 'The Package', a Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones movie with a vaguely similar theme.

WARNING: Soundtrack altered for Universal DVD release!
This happens to be one of my favorite films/guilty pleasures (the flick on its own easily rates 5 stars), but just wanted to make sure that fans knew that this new Universal DVD release has a *severely* altered soundtrack from the theatrical and earlier home video/DVD releases. This is so unfortunate, as I was excited about finally (for the first time ever) being able to see 'Nighthawks' in widescreen. While the picture hasn't been remastered for this edition, it is a noticeable improvement over the 2001 GoodTimes DVD full-screen release. However, in one of the truly key scenes of the film - where DaSilva (Stallone) discovers Wulfgar (Hauer) in the club - the songs 'Brown Sugar' by the Rolling Stones and Keith Emerson's amazing cover of the Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm a Man' are completely removed and replaced with the lamest possible generic, 70's-era stock music. Words cannot describe how this soundtrack change alters the entire mood of the scene ... it's simply not pretty to watch and is a painful bastardization of the original release. Just wanted everyone to be aware of this change on the new DVD release - I had no idea until it was too late. For those looking for the intact original, theatrical release on DVD, I would sadly still have to recommend seeking out a copy of the (now out-of-print) GoodTimes release. The picture may not be quite as clear as the new Universal DVD, but at least you're getting the Director's complete version of the film. Apparently, the world STILL awaits a definititve DVD version of this minor masterpiece ...

Get this new Widescreen version.
Stallone has some of his best work here. A good movie with a view on terrorism that was ahead of it's time. Most of the other reviews refer to a substandard release from another company called good times video, that is full screen and often comes in a musty DVD case, bad times. This one is a nice new widescreen release.

One of Sly's best (No cheeky comments in this review!!)
NIGHTHAWKS has got to be one of my fave Stallone movies. I know I've taken the mickey out of him on numerous occassions, but this is pretty good, despite being a bit dated. Directed by Bruce Malmuth (HARD TO KILL) and with music by Keith Emerson of ELP, NIGHTHAWKS is a fast paced and exciting thriller which will have viewers overlooking its plot inconsistancies.
Rutger Hauer plays Wulfgar, a terrorist who heads to NYC to play a game of cat and mouse with the cops. Cops Deke DaSilva (Sly) and Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams) are assigned the task of tracking him to London and New York to stop his reign of terror. Unfortunately Wulfgar always manages to remain a step ahead of them... most of the time.
There's not much of a plot, but from the opening credits NIGHTHAWKS hooks the viewer. Early on we get to see the almost unrecognizable Sly in drag... until the beard gives him away. There are also some great stunts at the climax where Wulfgar has a group of cable car passengers held hostage. The movie also co-stars the late Persis Khambatta (best known as the bald alien Ilia in STAR TREK 1) as Wulfgar's partner; an especially delectable Lindsey Wagner as Sly's girlfriend and last but not least; as a fashion designer, Jamie Gillis; ... Why he hasn't won a slew of Oscars is beyond me.
The DVD quality is actually pretty good, the picture is sharp and the sound clear. The few extras include the movies trailer and subtitles. But at this price it's a good bargain for those who want to update their VHS copies. ... Read more

Description

A hilarious trilogy about the "science of sexology". This is some seriously entertaining Foreplay! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Why isnt it available??
Why have the studios not cottoned onto the fact that fan's of this excellent TV series is in large demand. I've been looking for the videos and all sorts, there just not available here in the UK. Bring it out on DVD on all regions so I can get a one for my so desperate mum!! It'll make her day to own just on not alone a whole series or even all the episodes!!. The studios could make alot of money from its fans, we all want to own it! All you have to do is produce it and tell all the fan clubs including the UK one that Gale Gwent runs.
what an overall FANTASTIC programme...an absolute classic.

Put Beauty and the Beast TV on DVDs!
This show was so unusual in that it inspired fans to help others for charity, read more literature, listen to classical music, and also brought out hidden talents, ie writing, drawing, creativity! This is a show that definitely needs to be released on DVDs. Fans have worn out their tapes watching them over and over. We need our show to be put out on DVD! Vincent and Catherine demand it.

I LOVE this show. Please put every episode on dvd.
I love this show, and I hope they will put it on dvd. I hope they put every episode on dvd, instead of only first season like they did with the vhs tapes. If you like/love this show please vote to put it on dvd. They put so many dumb shows out, but not this great show. Why?? ... Read more