The First Power

a Classic Action thriller from 1989 with Lou Diamond PhillipsLou Phillips is Detective Logan who goes after serial killer Patrick channing played by Jeff koberJeff kober got his inspiration to play the character from serial killer Richard ramerizwho was on trial during the making of the film in 1989I remember watching this film on VHS back in the daylooking at it now these days, some scenes are funny and ridiculous especially the possession sceneswhere Patrick comes back as an evil spirit and possesses some people to tease Loganoriginal released on DVD over 15 years ago by MGM with only a theatrical trailer as an extrathis MGM DVD is out of print nowso better to buy this new reissue by Kino lorber who has released the film on both dvd & Blu-raywith new interviews with Lou Diamond Phillips & Jeff koberthe interview with Lou Phillips is very interesting and detailed goes for 30minsLou talks about his involvement with the whole film, doing his own stunt workand also working with other stunt men in the film, working with Jeff kober & Tracy Griffithalso working with his friend David maddenhe also talks about lots of memorable behind the scenes stories etcthere's also interview with Jeff kober similar interview to Lou Diamond Phillips interviewgoes for about 20minsboth interviews are on both the dvd & Blu-ray versions so you choose which version to buyI bought the dvd cause it was cheaper cost than the Blu-ray, amazon had the dvd cheaper price $10the Blu-ray was close to $18the new Digital remaster 1:85:1 transfer from Kino lorber does look excellent pretty Good sharp & clear qualityobviously the Blu-ray version would be better cause it's High Definition transferbut each to their own5 stars for each format based on new interviews & new picture transfers of the film

This movie has always been so good, I'm glad it's getting the love it deserves.Lou Diamond Phillips, Jeff Kober and Tracy Griffith are all awesome in this.It's definitely a creepy movie and still translates amazingly well.Not only are there some scary, amazingly effective scenes, there are also some impressive stunts, all done practically.Something you don't see too much of in today's cinema.Then the whole thing is topped off with an equally creepy, off-kilter score by the legend Stewart Copeland!The picture is definitely improved from all previous releases.I'm so used to seeing this on VHS and cable television so this blu-ray viewing was really special.Both the picture and audio are great.We also get special features:A 32 minute interview with the iconic Lou Diamond Phillips, where he shares some interesting stories from the making of this movie, as well as a few others.There's also a 17 minute interview with actor Jeff Kober, where he shares some amazing insights and the details behind his approached to researching and shaping his character.And lastly, the original theatrical trailer.Blu-Ray comes with a reversible sleeve, with new cover art on one side and the original theatrical poster on the other.This release is quality, I thought it was a Shout Factory release until I popped the disc in.Apparently it's a team-up with Kino Lorber and Scorpion Releasing.Great job on this!As always, great pricing from Amazon too.

I'm sorry that I cant say I love it, but it's about the "first power" Starring; Lou Diamond Phillips-The Officer / Tracy Griffith plays a psychic / with the Bad Guy Jeff Kober. Kober go's in deep with devil so to come back from the dead. Which gives Luo Diamond and his partner a hard time to catch him because he can jump into other Body's. Tracy Griffith who's a plays a psychic who has to convince Luo that he is fighting more then a human but a dead man backed by the devil with power's, so Luo seek's her help. Tracy's sister is Melanie Griffith and the Mother of both Tippi Hedren from that film "The Bird's" A Classic

This is for the bluray release. I have loved this movie since seeing it in the theatre. When this arrived in the mail I was so surprised to see it included interviews with the two main stars. I expected it to be like other releases, short and not very informing. I was so wrong. The interviews were informative and complete. They offered many insights into the making of the film. They were a joy to watch. Why the studio did not mention these interviews in the advertising of the bluray is a mystery. Not only do you get a beautiful transfer of the film, but, the bonus of these outstanding interviews. There is also a theatrical trailer. So if you are a fan of this film or a newcomer, I recommend this release. I would buy it quickly because the dvd version disappeared quickly and sellers were asking way to much.

Lou plays a cop who thinks the pentagram killer's murders are finally over after he's executed, but really, the terror has only just begun. As he scrambles through LA trying to re-capture the Satanic madman, it becomes clear that this killer has...the First Power. If you haven't seen this film, it's definately worth a look, depending on where you stand with religion. No I'm not a Satanist, I'm a Christian, but I didn't take this film to heart. Anyway, this is another good vs. evil movie that may appeal to some. Final note: ignore the negative reviews from so-called expert critics and give it a look, but a friendly warning: certain scenes and images are very creepy and disturbing, plus if you have a weak stomache, I can't recommend it. It's also creepy enough to create some wicked nightmares. You've been warned!

The culmination of Satanic Panic.

Saw this in the theatre nearly 30 years ago. Both principal actors are pretty good and some good footage, like when the guy jumps off the building, lands on his feet and runs away. Also enjoyed the sci fi elements of old Catholic mythology.

Have been looking for this disc for so long. Thank you for the re- release!A little creepy but I love a good scary movie!

Take a pinch of Wes Craven's 'Shocker', a dash of Jim Isaac's 'Horror Show' and a few slices of 'The Exorcist III' - mix, shake and viola! Instant 'The First Power' - a highly derivative but surprisingly sly action/horror hybrid that benefits from a knowing screenplay and top drawer action setpieces' that elevate it above other direct to video junk of its kind.Detective Russell Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips on full action hero duty) is a gun toting LA cop and taking down serial killers is his speciality. Logan's latest case is satanic nut job Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober) - dubbed 'The Pentagram Killer' by the media and luckily for our hero, he's about to hit the gas chamber for his various crimes against the state. However, Channing has made a pact with the devil (stick with me!) and gained himself something called The First Power - which gives him instant immortality. Now tasked with a body hopping Channing who can take the image of anyone, Logan is forced to team up with psychic Tess (Tracy Griffith) and the two are pitched in a demonic battle with a madman who can never die...Writer/director Robert Resnikoff obviously knows this is all pure bunkum and peppers his script with knowing winks and subtly amusing banter, which lead Diamond Phillips spews out with equal aplomb. So good is Lou that at times I assumed he thought he was in a comedy, so dry is his wit and for me this greatly benefited this thoroughly routine thriller that can't make up its mind whether its horror or action. It tries to walk the line of both, but sorta bails midway through going full throttle down the the action route - with some fine car chases and gunfights... Supporting turns from Mykelti Williamson and Tracy Griffith give the movie extra oomph and luckily the main villain is portrayed quite memorably by Kober, adding up to a decent ride. Sure horror fans may feel a little short changed, but on the whole I was taken by its silly premise and dedication to over the top action hijinks.88 Films' UK Blu-Ray release sports a very fine transfer (it seriously looks like it was made yesterday) with robust audio, ensuring those bullets zing by and explosions go the full 'ka-boom!'. Sadly, there are little to no extra features (bar a great late '80s-centric trailer) which apparently the US Kino Lorber edition does rectify with interviews, etc. - so if you want to delve deeper, that maybe the one to go for. All in all, I was pretty happy with this release from 88 Films (that illustrated artwork on the cover is a highlight) and would recommend if in the right frame of mind for a bout of silly cop on devil shenanigans.

A homicide detective hunts and catches a serial killer who comes back after he has been executed as the killer has made a deal with The Devil for immortality. Daft and over the top but very enjoyable horror thriller with a good performance from Lou Diamond Phillips who keeps it all going as Detective Logan, the typical cliched tough L.A. cop. Completely ridiculous but a fun watch for horror fans in what is now a probably forgotten film from 1990 given a new lease of life on bluray in a terrific new print.

PLOT...Detective Logan (Lou Diamond Philips) believes he's saved LA from the satanic serial killer Patrick Channing whom the media have dubbed the pentagram killer, unfortunately for Logan Channing has made a pact with the devil and has gained THE FIRST POWER, immortality. Now tasked with stopping a dead man who can take the image of anyone at anytime, Logan buddies up with a beautiful psychic Tess (Tracy Griffith) to prevent Channing from carving up more innocent citizens and claiming his revenge on Logan.This is another very cool retro VHS gem re-released by 88-films, a long lost classic horror thriller that's very different to your usual slasher line-up, I wouldn't say really its so much a slasher movie though just more of a supernatural horror thriller, it sort of more reminds me of Wes Cravens Shocker but with slight changes of course, the movie does have bloody scenes but no major stand out moments, its just a fun fast paced chase thriller trying to stop a killer, plenty of shoot-outs etc, the cast is good Lou Diamond Phillips (young guns) is a good lead as Logan the cop, and Tracy Griffith (Skeeter, sleepaway camp 3) is absolutely gorgeous in this movie, what a 90's hottie. the effects and stunts are all good throughout the movie and the soundtrack score is cool and helps carry the movie. This is another cult gem worth checking out and adding to the collection for sure especially as it now looks so good in HD.Good high definition transfer by 88-filmsNo features though apart from a trailer and an interview which is inside a 4 page booklet.Reversible sleeve with different art.Region B only, 99-mins, 1990.English language only.

I can only assume whoever it was at 88 films who decided to release this under their "slasher classic" category had a sense of humour. This film is totally devoid of anything to do with slasher films(no slashing). In fact i can see no reason for the 18 certificate, if released today it would get a 15 at worst. Can i have 1 hour 39 minutes of my life back? I will leave the final comment to John McCarty who in his official splatter movie guide volume 2 called this film a turkey - although that's a bit unfair on turkey which i enjoy.