Small Soldiers (4K UHD Blu-ray) Steelbook review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Rating: PG-13
 Film:  4/5
 
 Plot
When teenager Alan (Gregory Smith) buys a set of Commando Elite action figures, he's unaware that they have been programmed with military technology. The toys, including leader Chip (Tommy Lee Jones), spring to life and start taking their directives seriously, beginning by "killing" their enemies, the toy Gorgonites. But Archer (Frank Langella) and the Gorgonites won't go down without a fight. Alan gets caught in the middle of the war, as does his neighbor and crush, Christy (Kirsten Dunst).
 
My Thoughts
The 4K UHD Steelbook release of Small Soldiers is a nostalgic gem that revitalizes Joe Dante’s toy-driven action-comedy with stunning clarity. Dante, the mastermind behind Gremlins, captures much of that same anarchic, playful magic here, blending sharp satire with family-friendly chaos. The tale of the militarized Commando Elite battling the monstrous Gorgonites is a wildly entertaining romp, bursting with humor and heart.
 
Dante’s love for classic cinema is woven throughout, with a ton of Easter eggs referencing older movies—keen viewers will catch nods to Frankenstein, The Dirty Dozen, and more. These clever touches add depth for cinephiles, while the fast-paced story and sharp dialogue keep the film a blast for all ages. It’s simply a ton of fun to watch, whether revisiting or discovering it anew.
 
The 4K transfer is a revelation, showcasing the film’s practical and CGI effects, which hold up impressively for a late-’90s production. The detailed puppetry and animatronics, particularly the Gorgonites’ expressive designs, shine in 4K, with vibrant colors and enhanced textures elevating the action. The stellar video is complemented by a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track that delivers punchy, immersive sound for the film’s explosive set pieces and Jerry Goldsmith’s lively score.
 
Video 8.5/10
Audio 8.5/10  (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 Special Features: 
 

• Steelbook Packaging
• A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Small Soldiers
• From the Cutting Room Floor: Bloopers
• Theatrical Trailer
• Blu-ray + Digital Copy
  
  

 Conclusion
 This 4K UHD Steelbook is a must-own for fans of Dante, ‘90s nostalgia, or just a great time. It’s a vibrant tribute to a film that’s as clever as it is chaotic, presented with care and flair. Highly recommended.
 

 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[SRW1000]

Thanks for the review, David.  I've never watched this movie, but now you have me interested.

Would you say this is more Gremlins Joe Dante, or Gremlins 2 Joe Dante?

[David Vaughn]

Thanks for the review, David.  I've never watched this movie, but now you have me interested.

Would you say this is more Gremlins Joe Dante, or Gremlins 2 Joe Dante?

It's tamer than both of those movies, but I will say that both my wife and I laughed a ton. It was a fun movie and the Easter eggs are outstanding. It's a movie that can definitely be watched more than once for that reason alone. It's been so long since I've watched either of those movies, I'm not sure I could give a good comparison. Off the top of my head I'd say it's closer to Gremlins than the sequel. 

[Paul Heroy]

I don't recall hearing of this movie. And I never saw either Gremlins movie. The trailer looks fun... and I caught a glimpse of Phil Hartman! That's gotta be worth something all by itself, seeing him. 

[bmoney]

Never seen this but always wanted to. Looking forward to it. Thanks