Invasion U.S.A. (1985) from Vinegar Syndrome
When a group of Cuban refugees is brutally murdered by a Soviet Operative named Mikal Rostov (Richard Lynch) it is the start of a much bigger situation. It seems the USSR is attempting to invade the United States through Miami.
A former CIA Agent, Matt Hunter (Chuck Norris) is asked to come out of retirement. Hunter declines, he is content to live his retirement in peace. That peace is shattered when Rostov, looking for Hunter because of the danger he possesses in stopping the invasion, kills Hunter’s friend, John Eagle (Dehl Berti), thus unleashing Hunter onto the Soviets!
The invasion goes forward with guerrilla fighters storming the beaches on Miami. They target a shopping mall and Americans doing shopping. But one thing they did not count on, Hunter was there and ready to strike!
A Cannon film through and through, Invasion U.S.A. hits all the beats one would want from a Cannon Film. Violent. Check. Random and unnecessary nudity. Check, A total badass hero that says some pretty awesome one-liners. Check. This film might be the most Chuck Norris film of all time. Norris knows what his fans wants and he delivers in spades, or rocket launchers rather.
Joseph Zito who was coming off the box office hit Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter does seem to understand what the audience wants. Zito doesn’t allow the film to slow down for logic or too much exposition, he gets right to the meat of the story and builds nicely to an all out one man against a lot of dudes war.
Grade: B
Invasion U.S.A. Video Quality
Like a kick to a commie’s nards, Vinegar Syndrome brings Invasion U.S.A. home with an incredible new 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negative. I have the film that was previously released in 2016 on blu-ray and this new scan is breathtaking. Colors pop. Facial and clothing detail look stunning. The Florida swamps and beach’s look as clear as ocean water. This is a great transfer.
Grade: A+
Invasion U.S.A. Audio Quality
The sound of exploding bodies has never sounded more squashy and awesome. A thumping 5.1 DTS-HD MA brings the fight home better than ever. Dialogue is clear, the sound effects are astounding. The music gives the right vibes, it’s what a home video action movie should be.
Grade: A
Invasion U.S.A. Extras
Three Commentaries: with Director Joseph Zito, author Austin Trunick and the last features Joseph Zito and moderator Michael Felsher
Operation Invasion USA: A fun and insightful interview with Director Joseph Zito. He waxes about the making of the film and how he wanted to build on his success from Friday the 13th.
Writing the Real Thing: An interview with writer James Bruner, he charts his path to Invasion U.S.A. from dealing with Norris and Cannon Films.
The Stories We’re Telling: Editor Dan Lowenthal gets his chance in the spotlight as he discuss his career, which started in Adult films and how he met Zito to help with Friday the 13th.
Heroic Moments: Composer Jay Chattaway talks about getting his chance with film on Invasion U.S.A.
It’s in the Eyes: Actress Melissa Prophet gives a candid interview, expressing disappointment with her performance and how she had to be “shorter” than Chuck Norris. It is my favorite on the disc.
Do You Like Talking? Actor James Pax gives a more flattering remembrance of his time on Invasion U.S.A. and talks about how he has become a writer now.
Cannon Carnage: Make-up effects legends, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger give insight into their work on the film.
Loose Cannons: Is another interview with James Bruner that appeared on Shout’s release in 2016.
TV and Theatrical Trailer
Also included with the special edition is a rigid cardboard slipcase featuring new artwork. Also included is a 26-page, great looking booklet by author Austin Trunick
Grade: A+
Invasion U.S.A knows exactly what it is. A kick-ass, take no prisoners action film with blood and guts. And honestly, that’s all one could ask for. A fun performance from Chick Norris makes this a mid-80’s slice of action cheese that delivers on exactly what it is. Vinegar Syndrome knocks it out of the park with incredible audio and video, and a ton of extras.