An overlooked, underrated, suspense/action thriller, "TOY SOLDIERS", has just been released from COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  Louis Gossett, Jr. is the dean at the Regis School, an academy for those students too unruly to be schooled e elsewhere.  Sean Astin and Will Wheaton are two spoiled, rich kids who find a chance for glory and an avenue to vent their rebellious nature, when terrorists take over the school.  "TOY SOLDIERS" plays kind of like a poor man's "DIE HARD" in private school, but it's got plenty of fun, and even a few surprises.  The acting, especially by the late-Denholm Elliot as the headmaster, adds some class to an otherwise "B" film.

For some unknown reason, COLUMBIA TRISTAR has chosen to release this title in full-frame only.  Some scenes appear tighter than usual, probably due to cropping.  The studio has presented anamorphic widescreen transfers for some titles far worse than this, so its decision here is questionable.  The fact that "TOY SOLDIERS" is actually a fun and enjoyable film, makes the"full-frame only" decision even more dumbfounding. Colors are decent, although the image lacks the definition found in many superior COLUMBIA TRISTAR releases. There is some artifacting as well.

A Dolby 2.0 surround mix is offered, but there is virtually no surround use here. However, there are some directional effects within the front soundstage. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

No trailer or other features are offered.