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30 Aug 2024

Tough lessons: The legacy of The Substitute

Glenn Cochrane

STACK Senior Editor

They say that you should accept no substitutes, but they weren't talking about one of the best direct-to-video franchises of the '90s; 'The Substitute', which spanned four movies and is now available in an all-new Blu-ray collector's edition.


At a glance
  • Direct-to-video classics

  • Presenting the new Substitute Blu-ray collection

  • The Substitute (1996)

  • The Substitute 2: School's Out (1998)

  • The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All (1999)

  • The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option (2001)


The late '90s and early '00s were strewn with direct-to-video movie franchises. The term "DTV" was often viewed as a mark of inferiority, signalling a place where studios could offload their lower-quality titles, avoiding the higher risks associated with theatrical releases.

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But it was also a profitable means of churning out quick turnaround sequels to successful big-screen flicks. These instant video hits were the perfect add-ons for those awesome 5 for $5 specials at the local video store and made for kick-ass movie nights.

Some great DTV examples that have gone on to cult status include sequels to Hellraiser, From Dusk Till Dawn, Darkman, The Land Before Time, and Bring it On. It was a time before streaming platforms and, as the years pass, fans look back on many of these titles with affection.

The Substitute series has aged particularly well and is worthy of the latest deluxe Blu-ray treatment featuring a limited edition 3D lenticular hardcase and art cards

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Its blend of uncompromising action, gritty realism, and social commentary while subverting the classic teacher-underdog sub-genre has elevated it above others.

So, let's take a brief look at each of the instalments - which include two worldwide firsts - and the various bonus contents that ViaVision's new release has to offer.

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The Substitute (1996)

Tom Berenger (Platoon) headlined the original film, which told the story of an enigmatic, tough-as-nails mercenary who goes undercover at a rough suburban high school to find the teenagers responsible for a vicious assault on his girlfriend. Together with his mercenary buddies, he sets a trap to catch the ringleaders.

It was directed by Robert Mandel, who made iconic films like F/X (1986), Big Shots (1981) and School Ties (1992) and was written by cult icon Roy Frumkes (Street Trash, Document of the Dead).

Co-starring Ernie Hudson (The Crow), Diane Venora (Baz Lurhmann's Romeo + Juliet), Glenn Plummer (Speed), Marc Anthony (Bringing Out the Dead), and Luis Guzmán (Carlito's Way), the movie struck an immediate chord with audiences, earning a dedicated fanbase and remaining a notable example of '90s action cinema.

Special features and technical specs:

  • 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray

  • Aspect ratio 1.78:1

  • Audio LPCM 2.0 stereo

  • Optional English HOH subtitles

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The Substitute 2: School's Out (1998)

Originally intended as a direct sequel with Tom Berenger, this second instalment was re-written and re-cast when Berenger declined to return.

Becoming sequel in name only, The Substitute 2 was a reimagining of the first movie, with Treat Williams taking over the lead as a mercenary who goes undercover as a teacher at a dangerous urban high school to investigate the murder of his brother.

But don't let the recycled story put you off, because this sequel is an absolute banger that pulls no punches and is more brutal and uncompromising than the original. Williams' character turns the school halls into an after-hours battleground, leaving a path of destruction in his wake. It's so much fun.

Special features and technical specs:

  • 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray

  • Theatrical trailer

  • Aspect ratio 1.78:1

  • Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 + LMCM 2.0 stereo

  • Optional English HOH subtitles

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The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All (1999)

This exclusive worldwide first on Blu-ray is an under-appreciated gem, which sees Treat Williams return, this time going undercover to expose a college football steroid abuse scandal.

It's an absurd premise that's made all the more ridiculous by Williams' character now having a teacher's degree in order to facilitate his relentless crusade against bad students. But it's this level of absurdity that makes The Substitute 3 all the more fun.

Fans of action movies will be sold on the fact that director Robert Radler is also the guy behind bangin' classics like Best of the Best (1989), Best of the Best 2 (1993), Showdown (1993) and T.N.T (1997).

Special features and technical specs:

  • 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray

  • Theatrical trailer

  • Aspect ratio 1.78:1

  • Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 + LMCM 2.0 stereo

  • Optional English HOH subtitles

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The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option (2001)

Another worldwide first on Blu-ray, this fourth instalment in the collection also includes an audio commentary by director Robert Radler.

Treat Williams is back, with support from a few familiar faces such as Bill Nunn (Do the Right Thing), Patrick Kilpatrick (Minority Report), and Angie Everhart (Bordello of Blood). This time he's embedded in an elite military school in a deadly cat-and-mouse game against a clandestine gang of neo-Nazis.

Now retired, he's recruited by an old army buddy to expose a suspected white supremacist group called The Werewolf Unit, potentially led by faculty members. He takes on the assignment, teaming up with another army pal, who also happens to be a martial arts teacher, and unleashes hell upon the sinister organisation.

Special features and technical specs:

  • 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray

  • Audio commentary by director Robert Radler

  • Theatrical trailer

  • Deleted scenes

  • Behind-the-scenes footage

  • Aspect ratio 1.78:1

  • Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 + LMCM 2.0 stereo

  • Optional English HOH subtitles

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