Cobra Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of “Cobra” offers an authentic yet gritty experience that remains faithful to its original 80's aesthetic. The 1080p/VC-1 transfer, framed in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, brings out the film's raw, urban energy with a reasonably authentic grain structure. The movie showcases deep and maintained shadows which lend a solid sense of depth and intensity, while contrast levels are well-balanced. However, the overall resolution is a mixed bag; while the film looks noticeably improved from its DVD counterpart, fine details are scarce, and some scenes appear barely above average in terms of definition.

The color palette is predominantly subdued, reflecting the film's gritty nature. Skin tones are accurate without showing signs of either ruddiness or anemia, and the transfer captures the movie's dark and somewhat smudged aesthetic. Explosions and other dynamic visuals appear “dirty” but consistent with the film's overall presentation. Despite some background noise, the image maintains a steady filmic texture free of excess noise reduction, edge enhancement, and blockiness. Black levels are decent, and the visible details in nighttime scenes are remarkable given the transfer's limitations.

While specifics such as aliasing, digital smearing, and banding are not evident, there’s no evident restoration work done to enhance this release. While not a showcase for the latest display technologies, this Blu-ray edition provides a workmanlike and faithful representation of "Cobra" as it was initially meant to be seen—gaudy yet authentic. It might not be the go-to disc for displaying modern high-definition capabilities, but it remains a suitable and agreeable option for fans seeking to revisit this urban thriller in a slightly refined form.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray presentation of "Cobra" offers a soundscape that decently balances its action-heavy sequences with the typically over-amped 80s soundtrack. While the audio mix does feel slightly hollow compared to modern standards, it does bring out a reasonable amount of detail and wraparound sonics. Gunfire and metal clashes, though somewhat contained and tame, still rip through the speakers effectively. Explosions and body blows are portrayed with enough realism to satisfy, even if they lack significant clout. The score by Sylvester Levay, coupled with tracks from Miami Sound Machine and Robert Tepper, is satisfyingly delivered, though not spectacular.

The surround channels carry an assortment of atmospheric sounds, providing a satisfactory level of immersion. Directionality is well-maintained with effects smoothly moving between speakers and contributing to a broad front soundstage. Ambient noise, such as supermarket beeps or discrete elements like thunderclaps, feels robust, albeit unnaturally increased in volume at times. Dialogue is consistently clear and center-focused, preserving every bit of Sylvester Stallone's intense delivery without getting lost in the mix.

Though it may not be a track that envelops listeners fully, the overall experience holds up well for an 80s action flick. The presentation effectively utilizes its discrete effects with strong channel separation and a stable mid-range. While the bass response is somewhat weak and hollow, it does manage to provide a mild foundational presence during the action-packed scenes. This track meets expectations without sounding fake or overly artificial, ultimately delivering a satisfactorily engaging audio experience for "Cobra".

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Cobra" deliver a rather lackluster experience. The primary offering is an audio commentary track by Director George P. Cosmatos, which unfortunately falls short of expectations. Cosmatos frequently resorts to simply describing the on-screen action and offers minimal insight into the film's production or creative process, rendering it mundane and largely skippable. Additionally, the vintage behind-the-scenes featurette, clocking in at just under eight minutes, consists mainly of brief interviews with Sylvester Stallone and Cosmatos discussing the plot and production in a superficial manner. This piece feels more like a promotional fluff than a substantive exploration. Finally, the disc includes the film's original theatrical trailer, providing a nostalgic, albeit uninspiring, relic of the movie's initial release. Overall, these extras provide minimal value and do little to enhance the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director George P. Cosmatos provides a mundane track filled with on-screen descriptions.
• Behind the Scenes: Short promotional featurette with interviews discussing the plot and production.
• Cobra Theatrical Trailer: The original preview for the film.

"Cobra" is a quintessential 1980s action film, defined by its spectacular excess and unabashed machismo. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, who previously helmed "Rambo: First Blood Part II," the film exhibits a violent, adrenaline-charged aesthetic. Sylvester Stallone plays Marion 'Cobra' Cobretti, a hardened cop characterized by deadly efficiency and an unyielding demeanor. The storyline revolves around Cobra's battle against a sadistic cult led by the maniacal Night Slasher, a portrayal marked by intense ferocity. However, the narrative remains thin, with characters living as clichéd caricatures in a world rife with over-the-top violence and minimal motivations.

Technically, "Cobra" underscores its era's penchant for excessive action sequences bolstered by pronounced sound effects and dramatic weapon displays. From blinding muzzle flashes to terrifying close-ups of bladed weapons, the film's visual grammar is designed to accentuate its brutality. Car chases and firefights are staged to maximize tension, underscored by a sharply foreboding musical score. This stylistic choice amplifies the visceral experience, making the film both frightful and entertaining. Despite these elements, the movie suffers from a lack of depth and coherence, making it primarily appealing to die-hard genre enthusiasts or Stallone aficionados.

Overall, "Cobra" is a testament to 1980s action cinema's unmistakable style—a blend of exaggerated masculine heroism, relentless violence, and thin plotting. It embodies a straightforward shoot-'em-up spectacle where guns take center stage over nuanced storytelling. While it struggles with narrative coherence and character development, the film's relentless pace and intense action sequences provide a pulse-pounding ride for those willing to suspend disbelief in favor of sheer cinematic mayhem.

Cobra isn't one of the hallmark 1980s pictures, but the argument can be made that it should be. It's not as quotable, memorable, or well made as Commando, Predator, or Die Hard, but its excessiveness in all things deadly and violent really does nicely summarize the decade-in-film. It's a picture that's rough and scary but at the same time comfortable and highly entertaining. Warner's Blu-ray release of Cobra features a 1080p transfer that's quite good, a fundamentally sound lossless track, and a couple of extras.
Recommended.

Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, 'Cobra' is an unabashed ultra-macho action flick that relies heavily on stock characterization and explosive mayhem rather than on ingenuity or an engaging story. Director George P. Cosmatos does fairly well behind the camera, but there's little to make this 80s debacle into a memorable feature, other than it being a bad movie. The Blu-ray also comes with an average audio and video presentation and a weak set of bonus material. In the end, this package is for fans only.

"Cobra," directed by George P. Cosmatos and headlined by Sylvester Stallone, delivers an ultra-macho action experience characteristic of the 1980s. While it may not have achieved the iconic status of contemporaries like "Die Hard" or "Commando," it stands out with its raw and excessive approach to violence, aptly capturing the essence of its era. Despite its reliance on stock characterization and explosive scenes rather than a compelling narrative, "Cobra" manages to offer a blend of roughness and entertainment that resonates with action aficionados.

Warner's Blu-ray release exhibits a commendable 1080p video transfer that effectively showcases the film's gritty visuals. The lossless audio track is fundamentally sound, providing an auditory experience that aligns well with the on-screen chaos. However, the Blu-ray package falls short in terms of supplementary content, offering only a sparse collection of extras that do little to enhance the viewing experience. This limited set of features indicates a somewhat underwhelming treatment for a film from such a celebrated genre.

In summary, "Cobra" on Blu-ray is best suited for ardent fans of 1980s action films. While not outstanding in its technical delivery or bonus material, the film's nostalgic value and intense action sequences provide sufficient reason for enthusiasts to revisit or discover this classic slice of 80s cinema.