Plot: What’s it about?
When I was planning this review, I started to go down the list of Kevin Costner films and I got to thinking “I wonder which film it was that got him noticed.” Little did I know that I had the answer in my hand. Yes, it was 1987’s No Way Out that really put him on the map. A loose remake of The Big Clock (unbeknownst to director Roger Donaldson), we find this political thriller that, even several decades after its release, still manages to pack a punch. This would open the door for Costner to do films like The Untouchables, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, JFK and The Bodyguard in subsequent years. We’ll do our best to give him a pass with films like Waterworld and The Postman, though. Looking to the film itself, however, we find this political thriller that shows me just how much I despise politics. These ego-driven jerks are literally allowed to get away with murder and it boils my blood at how many of them are corrupt. It’s showcased here. Let’s get started.
Lt. Cmdr. Tom Farrell (Kevin Costner) is a decorated hero. His recent act of bravery while saving a crew member on a ship has caught the eye of Secretary of Defense, David Brice (Gene Hackman). Brice, along with his right hand man, Scott Pritchard (Will Patton) intend to use Farrell as a liaison between the Defense Department and the CIA. It just so happens that Farrell meets a young socialite, Susan Atwell (Sean Young) and the two being a steamy affair. Farrell has genuine feelings for her, but soon finds out that Atwell is the mistress of Brice. Things go awry when Brice finds out that she’s got a lover and he accidentally kills her in a fit of rage. He reaches out to Pritchard who immediately concocts a cover-up scheme involving a fabricated Russian agent – Yuri. To add fuel to the fire, Farrell is put in charge of the investigation. He now has to solve the murder, keep his name out of the mix and avoid any connection lest he’ll be charged with the crime.
This is one of those movies that I remember my parents watching and thinking to myself “that’s a grown-up movie.” And I simply thought it wasn’t for me. Decades later where I’m supposed to have more wisdom, I forgot how much I enjoyed this. I only remembered a handful of scenes from it and I won’t divulge those here, but it’s got some great acting. This is Costner’s film, no doubt about it, but the performances from Will Patton, Gene Hackman and, yes, even Sean Young do make for a well-rounded, tense film. Shot in and around Washington D.C. area, I actually live in Annapolis, MD where a few of the scenes were shot. I’ll need to check those out next time I’m out. Nevertheless, this managed to keep up the tension for most of its 114 minute running time and it makes for a very pleasant viewing experience. Director Roger Donaldson would go onto direct Tom Cruise in Cocktail the next year and give us gems from the 90’s like Species and Dante’s Peak to boot. No Way Out is a solid film from a decade gone by, but it’s simply not to be missed.
Video: How’s it look?
It’s been, literally, about three decades since I last sat down and watched this film. I mention that as I really have no idea of the picture quality the last time I saw it, so I’m approaching this with the mindset that I’d not seen it before. Kino’s 4K offerings aren’t too shabby and I’m willing to bet that this is the best the film has ever looked on disc. The new 4K image was struck from the original camera negative and though some of the opening shot’s stock images might get the film started on the wrong foot, it quickly redeems itself. Flesh tones seem a bit on the more naturalistic side and it’s odd to see Kevin Costner with a lot more hair (and a much slimmer physique). Detail has been improved and the film seems to have a lot more balance. The 1.85:1 HEVC 4K image does get a boost from Dolby Vision as well giving us a good, well-balanced transfer that’s more than welcome. It’s a good-looking image.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The disc comes equipped with two DTS HD Master audio tracks, one a 5.1 mix and the other a more simplistic 2.0 offering. I chose the 5.1 mix as I like something coming out of my plethora of speakers. By and large this is a dialogue-driven film, but Maurice Jarre’s score does add a lot of tension and excitement to the film. Jarre’s other notable scores include Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, not exactly “B” movies. That said, the audio does sound a bit thin in places, though it wasn’t really distracting. Vocals seem warm and natural with surrounds offering just a touch of ambiance throughout. It’s a nice mix and I doubt an Atmos track would have added much, if any, more.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Disc One (4K)
- Audio Commentary – The film has been around for decades on disc and the commentary track from Director Roger Donaldson has always been present. And, truthfully, it’s a great track that discusses the plot (evidently Donaldson didn’t realize he was essentially making a remake of The Big Clock), shooting in and around D.C. and the like. It’s a fact-filled track that’s sure to please if you’ve never given it a listen.
- Audio Commentary – Evidently Criterion isn’t the only studio that produces new commentary tracks for catalog titles. Kino has done it again and it’s a sign that they actually care about the discs they produce and aren’t just out to cash in on adding a “4K’ to the title. In this new track we find filmmaker/critic Steve Mitchell and writer/actor Richard Brewer as they discuss the film, profess their love for the studio and go into the ins and outs of this thriller from decades past. Hearing anything new is always a pleasure for me and this one is a decent track. It’s not to be missed.
Disc Two (Blu-ray)
- Audio Commentary – This is the same track found on the 4K disc.
- Audio Commentary – This is the same track found on the 4K disc.
- Film Stories – Aside from the commentary tracks, this is the only feature of substance. Running nearly 40 minutes it’s a vintage interview with Roger Donaldson who, once again, regales us with the history of the project, working with established actors and the challenges of shooting in the nation’s capital as well as the film’s score. If you’ve listened to the commentary tracks, it’s a bit redundant, but if you only want to invest 38 minutes of your time – this is as good a place as any to do that.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
I hesitate to use the cliche “taut, political thriller…” but here we are. And there’s nothing wrong with that phrase. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed this movie and it did make Kevin Costner a star. It’s got great performances all around and it’s nice to see this new 4K offering cover all the bases. For fans of the film or the genre, this is a no-brainer.
