Blu-ray Debut: SAVIOR (1998)

As the world becomes a more frightening place, the bleak war-torn drama Savior comes to Blu-ray for the first time, thanks to the efforts of Imprint Films. However, it won’t put us back on the right track. If anything, it will simply give us pause to say, “At least things aren’t that bad.”

Presented by Oliver Stone, we follow a mercenary in the Foreign Legion named “Guy”, played by Dennis Quaid, hiding from his horrific past while fighting in the Bosnian War. When confronted with increasingly brutal atrocities, his humanity begins to return.

Savior is not a film I particularly enjoyed. Even on a fundamental level, I think a lot of people will struggle with it, mainly due to the redemption arc of our “protagonist”. I don’t disagree that a person has a right to redeem themselves, should he or she seek it, but does the saving of one life give balance to the senseless taking of several, under heinous circumstances? Guy may end up a better person, but has he paid for what he’s done?

With a name like Oliver Stone attached, one would expect a certain degree of high production value, but Savior does feel low budget, lacking the grittiness and level of details seen in larger war films. However, the film does manage to depict the conflict in a way that makes it difficult for the audience to determine who’s on the “right” side of history, conveying a message about the futility of war.

Dennis Quaid gives a cold performance as the hardened soldier. His stone-faced expression alludes to the desensitisation that many in the armed services develop over long periods of fighting. Armed with a bad American accent, Stellan Skarsgård appears in a supporting role as a fellow mercenary, but one who hasn’t handled the experience as well.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary by director Predrag Antonijević
NEW A Story Once Told – interview with writer Robert Orr (2025)
NEW During the War… – interview with actor Sergej Trifunović (2025)
Archival interviews with actors Dennis Quaid & Stellan Skarsgard, and executive producer Cindy Cowan
Theatrical Trailer
Limited Edition Slipcase

For this first-time Blu-ray release, Imprint have appropriately commissioned two new interviews. Screenwriter Robert Orr gives an intricate backstory regarding how his initial concept for Savior was inspired by his time spent as an American reporter in war-torn Bosnia and the various “characters” he’d met while over there. While many of his original ideas evolved during the movie’s pre-and-post production, the author explains how he’s learned to appreciate the finished product over the years. Serej Trifunović, who appears onscreen in a brief but memorable role, provides a casual reflection on a film that kickstarted his career. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

Savior’s debut on physical HD delivers a solid 1080p presentation in 2.35:1, and despite the bland array of colours, there’s a nice level of contrast, resulting in deep blacks that give depth to the image. LPCM 2.0 Stereo offers solid volume and well-balanced audio during what is often at times as quiet movie. Optional English HOH Subtitles

Unfortunately, I could not sample the DTS-HD 5.1 Surround track due to an apparent fault with the disc. Testing it in three different players, a Sony 4K UBPX700, Laser BD3000, and a PlayStation 4, the result was the same each time, which was no dialogue, but background audio and effects came in loud and clear. I contacted Imprint about the issue, and they were quick to respond, stating they’re looking into the matter internally. Hopefully, it’s an isolated incident.

Savior is, in part, a Serbian story, but it’s not A Serbian Film, thank goodness. Despite the harrowing subject matter, this classic title that flew under the radar in 1998 has been given an impressive release with a retrospective theme.

SAVIOR
(1998, director: Predrag Antonijević)