F/X and F/X2 are getting a new release from Kino Lorber

I do have fond memories of 1986’s F/X, aka F/X Murder By Illusion. Back then my fascination in special effects coupled with a action thriller hit all the right buttons. Throw in the always excellent Brian Dennehy and there was lots of fun to be had.

It is great to see that Kino Lorber is re-releasing both the original and sequel so hopefully it will get a few new fans.

I also talked about the film in an episode of the podcast I do, After The Ending.

Check out the release details below.

F/X (1986)

Color 109 minutes 1.85:1 Rated R

Bryan Brown (Tai-Pan) and Brian Dennehy (Gorky Park) command the heart-pounding action in this first-class thriller, crackling with excitement. Rollie Tyler (Brown) is the best special effects artist in showbiz, but this time it’s not the studios seeking him out… it’s the Justice Department. His assignment: to stage the assassination of an important underworld witness. And after he pulls the illusion off—making the informant disappear—Tyler is dumbfounded to learn that he’s being pinned for the murder. Double-crossed and now hunted by those who hired him, Tyler quickly learns that he can trust no one… and the only thing left that can save his life is his unequaled mastery of illusion.

This top-notch actioner features wonderful performances by Diane Venora (Heat), Cliff De Young (Blue Collar), Mason Adams (The Final Conflict), Jerry Orbach (TV’s Law & Order) and Tom Noonan (Manhunter) and great direction by Robert Mandel (The Substitute).

F/X2 (1991)

Color 108 Minutes 1.85:1 Rated PG-13

Bryan Brown (Cocktail) and Brian Dennehy (Legal Eagles) are back as Rollie and Leo in an all-new action-thriller that continues the F/X saga with stylish wit, unrelenting suspense and amazing high-tech action. Five years after his first deadly adventure, Rollie Tyler (Brown) has left the special effects business and now designs sophisticated electronic toys for a living. But when his girlfriend’s ex-husband, a police detective, persuades him to devise an illusion to capture a serial killer, Rollie is once again lured into the lethal world of make-believe. And soon, he finds himself trapped in a murderous maze of deceit and treachery in which he must depend on his ingenious tricks and his friendship with detective Leo McCarthy (Dennehy) to expose a terrifying underworld conspiracy… but only if he can stay alive.

Cult filmmaker Richard Franklin (Psycho II, Link) directed this top-notch sequel, featuring wonderful performances by Rachel Ticotin (Total Recall), Joanna Gleason (Boogie Nights), Philip Bosco (The Dream Team) and Kevin J. O’Connor (Deep Rising).

F/X (1986) | F/X2 (1991) – Limited Edition 2-Disc Release
• On-camera interview with F/X Director Robert Mandel
• The Making of F/X and F/X 2 Featurettes
• F/X and F/X2 Theatrical Trailers
• O-Card Slipcase
• Optional English Subtitles