John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, first came into our consciousness on the big screen back in 1982. The reluctant hero initially riveted readers in 1972 with David Morrell’s bestselling book of the same moniker. The singularly titled Rambo (from 2008) is out now on a spiffy 4K Blu-Ray upgrade.
It was initially set to serve as a singular story about a Vietnam vet and the troubles that found him when he came home. Since then, it seems like (cinematically at least) Rambo has been all over the globe extoling his unique and brash brand of justice. Rambo: First Blood Part II would arrive in 1985 with Rambo III being added to the collection in 1998. It was widely believed that the third film would serve as a closing chapter for a trilogy that was another feather in Stallone’s franchise hat.
Then, in 2008, Stallone and all involved, did something extraordinary. The superstar got behind the camera to direct the flick, which he also co-wrote. In addition, in a realm where the fourth chapter in a film series is usually a shadow of the first several film’s awesomeness. Nostalgia is one thing, crafting an original story that pulls at those coveted heart strings is another. Toss in an aging action hero with carefully choreographed actions sequences that sizzle and—on paper—you’ve got the makings of a hit. Indeed, it was, banking $113.2 million before all was said and done.
With Rambo: Last Blood hitting theaters September 20, what better way to get all sorts of pumped up for the action by having a 4K Blu-Ray upgrade to the last time Rambo let his muscles, knives, guns and whatever else he has utilized to kill people in the last several decades. First of all, the upgrade is painstakingly pristine and if I was a John Rambo fan without a 4K player or TV, this is a flick that would have me running to the closest electronics store to rectify my lack of highest of the highest grade resolution and sound. It is films such as Rambo that the difference between regular Blu-Ray and 4K Blu-Ray is truly found.
Normally, I like to start by saluting the visual upgrade. But with Rambo, the headline here is the audio mix. Every single bullet shell casing that hits the ground echoes in such a manner that is truly jaw-dropping. The wind through the jungle trees feels as if you might need to close a window because it is just so darn realistic. For those of us who have speakers surrounding the viewing area, those types of audio moments are palpably priceless. Of course, the video upgrade is sensational with colors popping off the screen in a menagerie of visual delights to long to detail and give it justice. Given the specific locale of this film (the jungles of Burma), the 4K video upgrade serves like the most high-definition of postcards possible.
Rambo finds Stallone’s iconic character working in northern Thailand as a longboat operator near the Salween River. Although something about it has him none too eager to take this gig, he winds up saying “yes” and taking a group of Christian missionaries into Burma. If you recall, back in 2008 and for some years after, that Southeast Asian nation was embroiled in a vicious civil war. His instincts were spot-on as the missionaries are captured by the notorious National Army warriors. What’s a dark hero to do? Arm himself to the “T” and bring along a group of battle tested and ready pals to head into the war zone and liberate those good Christians.
The Rambo 4K Blu-Ray special features are all terrific. Of course, the audio commentary track (only available on the theatrical cut) is as insightful as it is entertaining. Yes, there are two cuts for this flick and before all is said and done, you’re going to want to witness both. There is about eight minutes of additional footage in the extended cut, for those of you keeping track.
It’s a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon featurette is a compelling look at how Stallone and his filmmaking team sought to bring back a character that may could see as a dinosaur and someone whose cinematic clock has run past its prime. Equally as insightful is Rambo: To Hell & Back, which is a production diary by Stallone. If you’re a fan of the legendary actor, this featurette will only enhance those feelings. If you are indifferent to the superstar, his Production Diary will at the least give on a solid appreciation for his cinematic smarts and at the most, bring you into the fold of fierce fans.
We love it when featurettes look at the score and given the integral role that music plays in Rambo, do not miss A Score to Settle: The Music of Rambo. Hearing and seeing how the score came together is as enlightening as it is entertaining and a smart move on Stallone’s part to shine a spotlight on this realm of the production.
The Weaponry of Rambo gets into the nitty gritty of exactly what this professional warrior would bring to a battle of this magnitude. It’s impressive. A Hero’s Welcome: Release and Reaction takes viewers back to the film’s debut and those initial reactions and Stallone’s honest and endearing reaction to all the love.
Showing Stallone’s compassion is a sensational (albeit a bit difficult to watch) featurette on the strife that has plagued by beautiful country of Burma for far too long. Legacy of Despair: The Real Struggle in Burma is an important video documentation of the real locale of this fictional story and how the people of that great nation are the ones suffering the most due to the lack of any kind of compassion for its people by the government of that war torn nation.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: B+