Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Biggest Embarrassment Is Being Given A Second Chance
Despite generally appearing in high-octane action films such as The Predator, Terminator 2, and Commando, Arnold Schwarzenegger also led several screwball comedy films in his heyday, including 1990’s Kindergarten Cop. Despite the film serving as a silly and awkward outing, Kino Lorber has announced a 4K re-release with brand new audio commentary from the production team.
The 4k release of Kindergarten Cop retails on the Kino Lorber site for $39.95, but is currently marked down to $26.57. Kino Lorber currently touts a rapidly expanding library of over 4,000 feature titles, with new and exciting 4k releases arriving on the scene each year. To commemorate this momentous occasion, two brand new audio commentaries have been recorded to accompany the film under the special features option.
Unfortunately, Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s trademark accent will not be featured on these Kindergarten Cop audio tracks. The new commentary has been recorded by film historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Josh Nelson, and Samm Deighan, who dive into the relevance and importance of Kindergarten Cop within film history. Those looking to hear Schwarzenegger’s thoughtful audio narration are welcome to seek out the self-produced audiobook for his latest autobiography, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.
Kindergarten Cop was directed by Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman and serves as the second of many collaborations with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film’s plot centers around LAPD detective John Kimble, who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher in order to lure out a dangerous drug dealer. Before long, Kimmel becomes immersed in his role as a mentor to the local youth and begins to lose sight of his initial mission.
Much of the humor in Kindergarten Cop is derived from Schwarzenegger’s hulking stature juxtaposed beside small children, as well as his character’s gruff exterior being tested against the innocence of his students. Schwarzenegger apparently enjoyed working on the film so much that he has revisited the subject matter before, in the form of the animated series Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten. In the series, Schwarzenegger voices Arnold Armstrong, an undercover kindergarten teacher who moonlights as the superhero Captain Courage.
A direct-to-video legacy sequel to Kindergarten Cop was released in 2016, starring Dolph Lundgren, highlighting just how much fanfare seems to be attached to the brand despite the original film receiving mixed reviews from critics. Obviously, without Arnold Schwarzenegger’s involvement, the events of Kindergarten Cop 2 are largely inconsequential to the overall brand of the film, though fans of the franchise may soon find themselves lobbying for a 4k release of the sequel as well.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best comedy work is showcased in films such as 1997’s Batman & Robin, or Twins with Danny DeVito. While most fans aren’t overly enthusiastic about Schwarzenegger’s foray into the child and family-friendly world of Kindergarten Cop, some have revered the film as something of a cult classic. The 4k release is slated to ship out on January 23, though pre-orders are available now for any mega-fans who wish to see the film restored in stunning picture quality.
