Rent Die Hard (1988)

4.3 of 5 from 453 ratings
2h 7min
Rent Die Hard Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
Bruce Willis stars as New York City Detective John McClane, newly arrived in Los Angeles to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia). But as McClane waits for his wife's office party to break-up, terrorists seize control of the building. While the terrorist leader, Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his savage henchman (Alexander Godunov) round up hostages, McClane slips away unnoticed. Armed with only a service revolver and his wits, McClane launches his own one-man war.
Actors:
, , , , , , , , , Bruno Doyon, , , , , , , , , , Hans Buhringer
Directors:
Producers:
Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver
Voiced By:
Chuck Riley
Narrated By:
Chuck Riley
Writers:
Roderick Thorp, Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza
Others:
Richard Edlund, Don Bassman, Frank J. Urioste, Richard Overton, Kevin F. Cleary, Stephen H. Flick, John F. Link, Al DiSarro, Brent Boates, Thaine Morris, Al Overton, Richard Shorr
Studio:
20th Century Fox
Genres:
Action & Adventure, Thrillers
Collections:
12 Films of Christmas Past, Award Winners, Getting to Know..., Getting to Know: Al Pacino, Heist Movies: Masterminds and Mavericks, Holidays Film Collection, Santa's Film Wishlist for Grown-Ups, The Biggest Oscar Snubs: Part 2, A Brief History of Film..., The Instant Expert's Guide, The Instant Expert's Guide to: Robert Aldrich, The Ultimate Christmas Films Collection, Top 10 Movie Marriage Proposals, Top 100 AFI Thrills, Top Films
BBFC:
Release Date:
22/10/2007
Run Time:
127 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
Czech, Danish, Dutch, English Hard of Hearing, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Interactive Menus
  • Scene Access
  • Multiple Language Subtitles
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Filmography-Biography
  • Featurette
BBFC:
Release Date:
19/11/2007
Run Time:
127 minutes
Languages:
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Italian DTS 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1
Subtitles:
Danish, English Hard of Hearing, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
(0) All
Bonus:
  • Commentary By Director John McTiernan And Production Designer Jackson DeGovia
  • Scene-Specific Commentary By Special Effects Supervisor Richard Edlund
  • Personal Scene Selections
  • The News Casts Featurette
  • Interactive Still Gallery
  • Trailers And TV Spots
BBFC:
Release Date:
14/05/2018
Run Time:
127 minutes
Languages:
English Audio Description, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
B
Bonus:
  • Commentary by Director John McTiernan and Jackson De Govia
  • Scene Specific Commentary by Richard Edlund

More like Die Hard

Reviews (5) of Die Hard

A classic of 1980s action films - Die Hard review by RP

Spoiler Alert
06/02/2012

A classic of 1980s action films. While the ever-lengthening chain of sequels became more and more disappointing, this - the first and best – is really quite good. Yes, we know it's all rather far fetched, but Alan Rickman makes a wonderful villain and Bruce Willis (still with hair) does a good job as a tough but lone cop fighting against the odds. When the action begins it is non-stop – right to the last minute, which in an 'action' film is exactly as it should be: no soppy romantic interludes, no lengthy speeches, no wasted time. The goodies are good, the baddies are bad, everyone knows their place. The director, John McTiernan, had previously directed Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Predator', but this is no muscle-bound 'Arnie' film – the central cop character, while physically fit, is no superman. The film is a little dated after close to 25 years but holds up well. If I have a reservation it isn't about the violence that is portrayed but that there is a little too much f-ing and blinding for my taste. 4/5 stars – highly recommended. It's a great film.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

The original but not the best - Die Hard review by JD

Spoiler Alert
23/03/2012

This is for all those wanting total escapism done with a swagger and a wry smile. I am a die hard fan of this genre. The later die hard films have more spectacular scenes but they all make you leave smiling.

0 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

Essential Christmas Film - Die Hard review by GI

Spoiler Alert
05/12/2021

Whether Die Hard fits into your personal idea of a Christmas film or not it's definitely one that is best watched over the Christmas period, it feels odd to watch it at any other time. This is a film that is a key action film and set a standard which has been followed ever since. But it's not action for action's sake and the film has a real panache, it never takes itself seriously and there's a good deal of humour liberally spread throughout. It made a star of Bruce Willis and cemented his wisecracking, cynical screen persona ever since. More importantly it brought Alan Rickman to a wider public audience as an actor of significant skill and personality. The story takes place on Christmas Eve when NYPD officer John McClane (Willis) arrives in Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bodelia) for the holiday. He joins her at the Christmas party taking place in the large hi-rise building of the company where she is one of the top executives. But soon after his arrival the building is taken over by a ruthless team of raiders led by German terrorist Hans (Rickman). Their motives are unclear but appear to be political and in the confusion of their arrival John manages to slip away and then becomes a serious problem for Hans as he continually frustrates their plans. The action set pieces are mostly chases throughout the building which is portrayed like a labyrinth with bursts of violent action when John has to escape the raiders attempts to catch and kill him. The humour comes from his sarcastic abuse of Hans and the mostly comic incompetence of the police surrounding the building outside. Overall this is exciting, tense and good fun and it remains a firm Christmas favourite and it's always a joy to watch at that time making a nice contrast to the Christmas romcom etc.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

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