Disclaimer: The 'OOP' edition of this release is still in stock since there were leftovers following our 2025 Labor Day sale. Available for a limited time only.
Sold Out / OOP
Whatever It Takes is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era. This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video store, The Archive in Bridgeport, CT.
Unique to this line, each hand numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
These releases will ONLY be available on our website and at participating indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. This slipcase edition is strictly limited to 5,000 units and may be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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Neil is a DEA agent on the brink of suicide after a mistake while undercover leads to the accidental death of a young girl. In order to help Neil, his partner Dave agrees for the two of them to go back undercover on a federal case involving the distribution of a new highly addictive steroid that is having grave consequences for its users. Once undercover, Neil finds himself immersed in the body building culture and soon falls for his new personal trainer, Marla. The stakes get higher as Neil moves deeper undercover and sets his sights on taking down the leader of the drug dealing ring, the charismatic and ruthless Paulie Salano.
A perfect example of the type of action movies that lined the video store shelves back in the 90s, WHATEVER IT TAKES, is an exceptional shoot 'em up, complete with fistfights, explosions, and beautiful women. Starring kickboxing champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Bloodfist) in one of his best roles, and co-starring comedian turned actor Andrew "Dice" Clay (Brain Smasher...A Love Story), Michael Bailey Smith (2006's The Hills Have Eyes), and the always entertaining Fred "The Hammer" Williamson (Vigilante, From Dusk Till Dawn) in one of his more villainous roles. Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present the Blu-Ray debut of WHATEVER IT TAKES newly restored in 4K from its original 35mm camera negative.
directed by: Brady MacKenzie
starring: Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Fred Williamson, Andrew Dice Clay
1998 / 101 min / 1.85:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:
• Region Free Blu-ray
• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative
• “Going For Control” - brand new interview with actor Don “The Dragon” Wilson
• “I Am A Classic” - brand new interview with actor Fred Williamson
• Double-sided poster
• Limited edition of 5,000
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.195 / 5 from 200 reviews.
Whatever It Takes, part of the Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, offers a restored 4K Blu-ray with a limited edition of 5,000 units. Customers appreciate the great looks, action, and cast, along with the top-notch extras and packaging. However, opinions on the film itself are mixed.
Review topics: ["fit","looks","packaging","movie","box","acting","film","transfer","release","performances","energy","artwork","dialogue","interviews","flick","wilson","cast","turn","watch","store","lord","slipcover","thriller","fun","romp","sequences","take","visuals"].
"A decent 90's action film, with a good cast, and a well written storyline with good pacing. A little bit of cheese in places, but it fits well. Transfer is good, looks great on the screen. Two good interviews in the extras, and a very nice looking slipcover."
"Whatever It Takes is a fun martial arts action film that delivers exactly the kind of fast-paced entertainment fans of the genre are looking for. The fight choreography has good energy, and the movie keeps things moving without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity. The features included with this release are a nice bonus, adding context and extra value for collectors and longtime fans. They help make the package feel more complete rather than just a barebones release. The slipcover looks great and gives the release strong shelf presence. The artwork fits the action-heavy tone well and feels like a premium addition for collectors. For fans of classic martial arts cinema and dragon-era action vibes, this is an easy and entertaining watch that delivers plenty of nostalgic charm."
"Another fantastic VSA release. More Don the Dragon action!!"
"Entertaining lil flick, great transfer"
"Dice clay in a movie. It might be trash but I need to know"
"A fun, hard-hitting slice of 90s martial-arts action with solid fights and classic genre charm. A perfect pickup for action fans."
"Great 90s action"
"Outstanding early VSA, non of the current ‘martial arts obsessed’ rubbish !!"
"This is another good hide gem action film that people either have not seen or have forgotten about. And this movie is well worth adding to your collection"
"Beautiful package with slipcover and transfer"
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