Rambo Blu-ray Review
Holographic Cover
Score: 76
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
The Blu-ray of 'Rambo' offers an outstanding video transfer and historically great lossless soundtrack, though the film itself is divisive and overly violent.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 76
Rambo's Blu-ray 1080p high-definition transfer in 2.35:1 aspect ratio delivers a pristine, detailed, and richly contrasted image with some intentional grain and muted colors for a gritty look. Bright whites and deep blacks enhance dynamic range, although a few shots show minor noise and posterization.
Audio: 82
Rambo's DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack delivers an unparalleled audio experience with bombastic, aggressive dynamics, room-filling bass, and immersive spatiality that transforms any space into a warzone with meticulous sound placement, deep rumbles, and precise surround effects. Truly reference quality.
Extra: 72
Utilizing advanced Blu-ray features, including a frank and engaging commentary by Stallone, this package offers impressive HD extras like six in-depth featurettes on production challenges, music scoring, and weaponry, plus a poignant look at Burma's conflict, making it a comprehensive binge for fans.
Movie: 61
Rambo delivers relentless, ultra-violent action with superb AV quality. Its Blu-ray boasts top-tier extras despite lacking narrative depth. Stallone's depiction of Rambo comes full circle, offering fans conclusive emotional resolution, albeit with questionable political undertones and intense carnage. Highly recommended for die-hard fans.
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Video: 76
The Blu-ray presentation of "Rambo" delivers a near-reference quality transfer with remarkable vividness and attention to detail. Encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and framed in the original 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the transfer retains the film's gritty aesthetic with impressive visual fidelity. The source material is pristine and exhibits a consistent grain that adds texture without detracting from the clarity. Close-up shots are particularly noteworthy, offering pore-revealing skin textures and intricately rendered elements like foliage, mud, and debris. Colors, while intentionally muted to match the earthy, gritty tone of the film, are vibrant where needed—especially the striking reds and dynamic oranges from explosions and visual effects.
Furthermore, the contrast is slightly elevated, enhancing the dynamism of bright scenes and maintaining remarkable depth in darker sequences. Blacks are deep with ample gradation, although some scenes do exhibit a slight brightness that may skew black levels towards gray. This minor drawback does not significantly impact the overall viewing experience. The presentation excels in detail, capturing everything from the individual fibers of clothing to the glistening gore of action sequences. Night scenes, despite some minor shadow delineation issues, offer rich depth and maintain clarity under challenging lighting conditions.
Overall, this Blu-ray transfer provides an immersive visual experience. The visual elements are meticulously treated to maintain a consistent stylized look that befits the film’s atmosphere. Occasional instances of noise and posterization are noted but remain inconsequential against the predominantly high-quality image. The combination of robust contrast, stable color palette, and intricate detailing ensures that "Rambo" presents itself in stunning high definition, making it a visually compelling addition to any Blu-ray collection.
Audio: 82
The Blu-ray release of "Rambo" features an extraordinary DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel lossless soundtrack that stands as a paragon of sonic excellence. Lionsgate has delivered a visceral, reference-quality audio experience that captures the raw intensity and immersive brutality of the film. The dynamic range is astounding, with low-frequency effects providing thunderous, room-filling bass that hits with palpable force. Explosions, particularly the climactic detonation of the WWII bomb, erupt with such power that the tremors ripple beneath the floor, creating an incredibly realistic aftershock effect. Meanwhile, gunfire delivers sharp, penetrating bursts that reverberate throughout the listening environment, encompassing the listener in a true multi-dimensional battlefield.
Surround sound implementation is nothing short of exemplary. The 7.1 configuration effectively places the viewer at the center of the action, with precise and pinpoint steerage that spreads seamlessly across a wide and detailed soundstage. Rear channels are attentively utilized to create an all-encompassing acoustic environment, with ambient details such as rainstorms, insect chirps, and jungle foliage enhancing realism without detracting from the film’s relentless intensity. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible amidst the cacophony, centered firmly without being overpowered by the constant barrage of kinetic effects. The score is faithfully rendered, enhancing emotional resonance during critical scenes and blending harmoniously within the wider soundscape.
Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is designed to drive home theater systems to their limits, offering a high-caliber auditory assault that perfectly complements Stallone's bombastic sound design. Whether it's the thundering crashes of Rambo's .50 caliber machine guns or the gut-wrenching explosions that punctuate the film's climactic moments, the audio presentation ensures an adrenaline-fueled experience that both audiophiles and action aficionados will relish thoroughly. With every channel firing on all cylinders, "Rambo" sets a new benchmark for lossless audio on Blu-ray.
Extra: 72
The Blu-ray release of "Rambo" is packed with an array of bonus materials that will delight fans. Sylvester Stallone's engaging and detailed commentary track is the highlight, offering deep insights into the production process, the challenges of filming in Burma, and the narrative decisions made to reflect the brutal realities of the conflict. This commentary can also be accessed via the Picture-in-Picture Bonus-View option, which includes supplementary mini-featurettes. Additionally, seven well-crafted featurettes cover various aspects of the production, from the resurrection of the Rambo character to the intricacies of its editing, sound design, and weaponry. Fans can also view four engaging deleted scenes that add further context to the film's dramatic moments. Overall, this package showcases Stallone’s commitment to authenticity and his dedication to shedding light on real-world issues.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: With Sylvester Stallone
- 4 Deleted Scenes: Extended scenes adding depth to character interactions
- It's a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon: Origins and development of Rambo’s return
- A Score to Settle: The Music of Rambo: Insight into Brian Tyler’s aggressive score
- The Art of War: Completing Rambo: Editing and sound design challenges
- The Weaponry of Rambo: Detailed exploration of film’s firearms
- A Hero's Welcome: Release & Reaction: Premiere reactions and real soldiers’ viewpoints
- Legacy of Despair: The Struggle in Burma: History and humanitarian crisis in Burma
- Rambo Series Trailer Gallery: Original trailers for all Rambo films
- MoLog: Interactive BD-Live feature
- Digital Copy: Transferable version for portable devices
Movie: 61
Sylvester Stallone returns to the role of John Rambo with a vengeance, delivering a brutally visceral and violently uncompromising entry in the renowned action franchise. Set amidst the chaotic backdrop of Burma's civil war, Stallone pulls no punches in depicting the savagery and moral complexities of war. With a sparse but effective narrative, Rambo guides a group of Christian missionaries into the heart of conflict only to lead a disparate team of mercenaries to rescue them when they are captured. The film’s portrayal of violence, while unrelenting, serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that warriors face, thoroughly aligning with Rambo's mythos of raw and unsanitized carnage.
Technically, 'Rambo' does not disappoint. The Blu-ray release showcases exceptional audio-visual quality, with Jerry Goldsmith's iconic theme reinforcing nostalgia while ramping up the tension. The action sequences are skillfully crafted, blending a breathless pace with an intense display of combat techniques and brutal realism. Stallone’s direction imbues each violent encounter with palpable suspense, making every moment impactful. While the cast performances, led by Julie Benz and Paul Schulze, are competent, they mainly provide a grounding counterpoint to the film’s relentless intensity.
'Rambo' marks a fitting, emotionally resonant conclusion to the saga, bringing full circle the character's journey from the tortured Vietnam veteran of 'First Blood' to a warrior who finally accepts his nature and purpose. It delivers a potent mix of nostalgia and catharsis, addressing the moral weight of violence while satisfying long-time fans with its call-back elements and thematic continuity. Despite criticism for its stark brutality, this film stands as a robust testament to Stallone's enduring appeal and dedication to the character, providing an indelible chapter in Rambo’s storied legacy.
Total: 76
The Blu-ray edition of "Rambo" offers an exceptional experience that ranks among the best in terms of audiovisual quality and supplementary content. The video transfer is nothing short of spectacular, delivering sharp and vivid images that genuinely bring the high-intensity action to life. The lossless soundtrack stands out as historically great, capturing every explosion and dialogue with pristine clarity, immersing the viewer fully into Rambo's world. Additionally, the Blu-ray is replete with extensive and informative supplementary sections that will delight fans and provide deeper insights into the making and impact of the film.
While "Rambo" primarily serves as a celebration of Sylvester Stallone's illustrious career, it nonetheless offers a fulfilling conclusion to the character of John Rambo. The narrative arc resolves in a manner that ties back to the enduring themes of the franchise, providing a satisfying sense of closure. Although some may find the film's excessive violence off-putting, fans of the franchise will cherish its raw and unfiltered portrayal of one of cinema's most iconic action heroes.
In conclusion, the "Rambo" Blu-ray excels on technical fronts, delivering an outstanding visual and auditory experience bolstered by rich supplemental features. While the movie itself may polarize audiences with its intense and graphic content, it undeniably stands as a fitting tribute to Sylvester Stallone's career and the storied journey of John Rambo. For enthusiasts of high-quality home media and long-time fans of the series, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.
avforums review by Chris McEneanyRead review here
Video: 90
Contrast, like the palette, has been doctored in post production and some shots exhibit that white-glare on faces, but this is a stylistic choice from Stallone to maintain the hot, hazy and moist atmosphere...
Audio: 100
Reaching the parts that other soundtracks can only dream of, this one is bound to jumble-up your internal organs and leave you feeling very definitely shaken and considerably stirred....
Extras: 90
Taken as a whole, this is a smart and honest account from Stallone and his editors about how the film was put together and how the miles of footage that Sly caught with up to eight cameras just for some...
Movie: 60
The film may not be very good in conventional terms - let's be honest, thereisn'ta story - but somehow this remains an ultra-powerful statement about violence for violence sake and the cruelty that those...
Total: 90
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Detail is excellent, be it on the wood and sticks and hay that make up some of the villager's dwellings, or the material of the clothing worn by the missionaries (look at the stitching in the white hat...
Audio: 100
This entire soundtrack provides room-filling sound that is focused in the front but finds its way into the rears to truly engulf the viewer in the experience of hearing it again, sounding so good it's...
Extras: 90
It's a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon (1080i, 19:44) looks at the origins of the story, the skepticism of brining the character back after such a long layoff, and other ideas for the story....
Movie: 100
Stallone's portrayal of Rambo in the film's final minutes is one of the most gut-wrenching and well-acted scenes in cinematic history, his breakdown playing in stark contrast to the previous ninety minutes...
Total: 100
His ordeal as a man in First Blood, not knowing his place in life, wondering what it is he's become (or has always been), is resolved in this film, and the ending was absolutely better than I could have...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
There is a bit of grain, but otherwise the image is very detailed and quite three-dimensional....
Audio: 100
Dialogue (if you can call it that) is not overwhelmed by all of the din and is well-rooted in the center channel....
Extras: 60
Finally, "Legacy of Despair: The Struggle in Burma" (11 minutes) is the best of the bunch, illuminating the continued struggles in the country in much better fashion than 'Rambo' itself....
Movie: 20
It's easy to forget that the original 'First Blood' was a very restrained film, one less about visceral thrills than it was a serious examination of the cost of Vietnam on both America and the soldiers...
Total: 80
'Rambo' is a film that seems to exist more to celebrate the career of Sylvester Stallone than to stand on its own as a worthwhile cinematic adventure....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 90
Contrast was slightly elevated which made bright scenes appear more dynamic while obscuring fine detail and detectable delineation within whites....
Audio: 96
Gunfire and explosions had a tactile and dynamic impact that could be felt from any point in the room....
Extras: 80
Resurrection of an icon featurette (HD) Ascore to settle: The music if Rambo featurette (HD) The art of war: Completing Rambo featurette (HD) The Weaponry of Rambo featurette (HD) A heros welcome: Release...
Movie: 50
But when the aid workers are captured by ruthless Nationalist Army Soldiers, Rambo leads a group of battle-scarred, combat -hardened mercenaries on an epic, last ditch mission to rescue the prisoners -...
Total: 79
Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor Outlaw Audio Model 7700 seven channel amplifier B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier Canton "Ergo"...
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden
PlotJohn Rambo, a disenchanted Vietnam War veteran, leads a solitary life in northern Thailand, trapping snakes for local entertainers and ferrying locals in his old boat. Haunted by his violent past and the specter of war that never seems to leave him, he is approached by a group of Christian human rights missionaries. These idealistic workers seek Rambo’s help to guide them up the Salween River into war-torn Burma, where they intend to provide aid to the Karen people, who are suffering under the brutal rule of the sadistic Major Tint and his Burmese army.
Despite his initial reluctance and cynical view of their chances, Rambo is persuaded by Sarah, a missionary, to take them into Burma. However, soon after they arrive, Rambo's fears prove justified; the missionaries are taken hostage by Major Tint's forces. The incident propels Rambo to reverently consider a renewed sense of purpose. When a pastor associated with the missionaries hires a group of mercenaries to rescue the captives, Rambo decides to join the rescue mission. Setting aside his long-held aversion to fighting, Rambo embarks on a perilous journey into the heart of darkness, determined to confront the horrors of war once again to save the captives.
Writers: Art Monterastelli, Sylvester Stallone, David Morrell
Release Date: 25 Jan 2008
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Germany
Language: English, Burmese, Thai