Sunset (1988) isn’t a bad movie, but it isn’t a great one either. It comes early in Bruce Willis’s career and is often forgotten about while discussing his filmography. Most people immediately bring up films like Die Hard (1988), The Fifth Element (1997), The Last Boy Scout (1991), or even 12 Monkeys (1995) when talking about Willis at his peak. Sunset is usually left as an afterthought in a storied legacy of films, existing in that strange category of movies that many fans know about but very few have actually seen, making it one of the more curious entries in his filmography.
This came at a time when Willis could still experiment with his roles and showcase a wider range than audiences were accustomed to seeing. Before he became firmly established as one of Hollywood’s premier action stars, Willis was willing to take chances on projects that didn’t necessarily fit into a specific mold. Sunset is one of those films. It feels like a movie that is trying to be ahead of its time, almost functioning as a meta-comedy before Hollywood fully embraced that style of filmmaking. Today, audiences are familiar with movies that poke fun at themselves or that comment on the industry, but, in 1988, that approach was far less common.
Where this release from Mill Creek Entertainment’s Retro VHS/Rewind Collection truly shines is in its presentation. The audio transfer is superb and the picture quality makes the movie worth purchasing if you’re a die-hard Bruce Willis fan — no pun intended. Physical media collectors will appreciate the care that went into preserving the film. Even if the movie itself never reaches the heights of Willis’s better-known works, the transfer allows audiences to see it looking better than ever. Releases like this are reminders of why physical media remains important. Films that have largely faded from public conversation can still find new life through quality restorations and dedicated collector labels.
The directing from Blake Edwards (Blind Date; Another Fine Mess; Breakfast at Tiffany’s) never really sets itself apart from other comedies of the era either. Edwards is a legendary filmmaker whose résumé includes classics such as The Pink Panther series and Victor/Victoria (1982), yet Sunset feels surprisingly routine by comparison. There is nothing particularly bad about the direction, but there is also very little that leaves a lasting impression. Much of the movie feels like a run-of-the-mill comedy you would stumble across while channel surfing on HBO late at night or scrolling through Tubi looking for something different to watch.
That said, Sunset feels more suited for completionists than for casual movie fans. While it has enough charm to justify a single viewing, it isn’t a movie that demands multiple revisits. The ideas are more interesting than the final product and the performances are stronger than the script they are working with. In the end, Sunset remains a fascinating curiosity rather than a hidden masterpiece. If you’re a dedicated Bruce Willis fan or someone interested in forgotten Hollywood oddities, it may be worth seeking out. For everyone else, it’s a perfectly watchable film that ultimately fades from memory shortly after the credits roll.
Missing from this Blu-ray release are special features, which is disappointing at a time when physical media is competing with streaming. It could have helped elevate the release by including some archival footage from behind the scenes, some cast interviews, or even a gag reel. The fact that there are none makes this edition lackluster for people who love checking out the information special features offers.
In the end, this may not be worth your time if you’re expecting a special collector’s edition. Instead, it’s a stripped-down release of one of those odd movies in Bruce Willis’ career. However, by all means, if you’re curious, check it out.
Available on Blu-ray June 23rd, 2026.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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