Cobra Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory’s release of "Cobra" delivers a commendable 2K-sourced 1080p HD transfer that stands out as an appreciable improvement over its predecessors. Utilizing an archival interpositive scanned on the Lasergraphics Director, this new transfer showcases a significant upgrade in grain structure, clarity, and color fidelity. Despite the film's historically soft appearance, the updated presentation boasts a more natural look with stable and strong film grain. Black levels are deep, bolstering the film's gritty aesthetic without succumbing to artifacting or digital smoothing. Skin tones have been rendered realistically, maintaining the grungy, dark ambiance synonymous with the original cinematography.

The enhanced details and textures reveal subtle nuances previously obscured in older transfers. This clarity is particularly evident in lower-lit scenes where prior releases tended to falter. The effective management of colors across various lighting scenarios accentuates crucial elements such as the red-lit furnace lair scenes, providing vibrant and realistic visual contrasts. Notably, Scream Factory’s encoding on a BD-50 disc, with an average video bitrate nearly double that of Warner’s earlier BD-25, ensures that compression issues are minimal, allowing for an overall cleaner and crisper visual experience.

Furthermore, the aspect ratio remains true to its original 1.85:1 format, with the depth of field varying subtly to highlight the directorial intent. Although there are minor instances of contrast inconsistencies, these appear tied to the film’s inherent photographic style rather than flaws in the transfer process. Overall, this 2K remaster by Scream Factory does justice to "Cobra’s" raw visual style, presenting it with improved fidelity and richer detailing that was absent in previous Blu-ray editions.

The Blu-ray release of "Cobra" delivers an impressive audio performance, equipped with both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track. The 5.1 track, encoded at 24-bit with a bitrate of 4252 kbps, offers superior depth and ambient sound, creating an engaging auditory experience. Environmental sounds such as engine roars, gunshots, and fight sequences are highlighted effectively through the rear channels. Despite its front-heavy nature, the 5.1 mix occasionally lacks the deep low-frequency extension found in modern action films. However, the composer Sylvester Levay’s electronic score, featuring throbbing bass, steel guitars, and rhythmic synths, harmonizes well with the on-screen action, securing an immersive sound stage.

Moreover, the dialogue clarity on both audio tracks is commendable, even with Stallone’s sometimes mumbled delivery. The dialogues are prominent without any noticeable pops, cracks, or hisses. Explosions and other critical moments provide occasional bass heft, enhancing the overall dynamic range without overshadowing other elements. The 2.0 stereo track serves purists looking to experience the original sound design as it was upon initial release but might fall short in enveloping the viewer compared to the 5.1 mix.

Both soundtrack options stand out in preserving the robustness of the audio for home viewing. The 5.1 mix particularly excels in utilizing rear channels to build an ambient environment, reflecting the chaotic essence of the movie effectively through balanced music and sound effects. Thus, regardless of your choice between the immersive surround sound of the 5.1 mix or the traditional 2.0 stereo, "Cobra" offers a balanced and high-fidelity audio presentation that enhances its dynamic and action-packed scenes.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cobra" are a robust collection, providing a thorough dive into the making of the film and the experiences of its cast. Notably absent is Sylvester Stallone, but new and vintage interviews offer rich insights. Director George P. Cosmatos' audio commentary from a prior release is somewhat dry, heavy on narrative descriptions but still offering valuable production details. The interviews with Brian Thompson, Marco Rodriguez, Andrew Robinson, Lee Garlington, and Art LaFleur are particularly engaging, with each actor recalling unique anecdotes and providing candid reflections on the film's tumultuous production. The vintage featurette offers a nostalgic glimpse behind the scenes, while the trailers and still galleries round out the package effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director George P. Cosmatos' narrative-heavy track.
• Stalking and Slashing: Brian Thompson discusses his role and experiences.
• Meet the Disease: Marco Rodriguez talks about auditioning and on-set stories.
• Feel the Heat: Andrew Robinson reflects on script changes and tension.
• Double Crossed: Lee Garlington shares light-hearted filming memories.
• A Work of Art: Art LaFleur provides his perspective on the shoot.
• Vintage Featurette: EPK featuring cast and crew interviews.
• Teaser Trailer: Early promotional material.
• Theatrical Trailer: Release trailer with music and voice-over.
• Still Galleries: Includes production photos, posters, and lobby cards.

"Cobra" (1986) encapsulates the quintessential 80s action flick, replete with larger-than-life characters, over-the-top violence, and endlessly quotable one-liners. Sylvester Stallone stars as Lt. Marion "Cobra" Cobretti, a tough-as-nails detective assigned to the LAPD's "Zombie Squad." Equipped with a pearl-handled Colt .45 and a laser-sighted submachine gun, Cobretti takes on the Night Slasher (Brian Thompson), a maniacal cult leader bent on societal domination. The film's plot is straightforward: after Ingrid Knutson (Brigitte Nielsen) witnesses one of the Night Slasher's murders, Cobra is tasked with protecting her and eliminating the threat.

"Cobra" stands out for its exaggerated, almost caricatured depiction of 80s action tropes. From Cobretti's form-fitting jeans and oversized sunglasses to his habit of cutting pizza with scissors, every aspect of Stallone's portrayal oozes machismo. The film is littered with high-octane action sequences, including extended shootouts and visceral chase scenes. Thompson's portrayal of the Night Slasher, with his steroid-enhanced physique and deep voice, adds an extra layer of menace. However, character development is almost non-existent, with minimal backstory provided for either protagonist or antagonist, leaving audiences to focus solely on the spectacle.

While the film's technical aspects, such as its new video remaster and pulsating soundtrack, do justice to its cult status, Cobra is laden with shortcomings. The vertical editing style—reminiscent of MTV—renders some scenes disjointed, sacrificing narrative coherence for stylistic flair. Critics have noted that many potentially poignant scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. Despite these flaws, director George P. Cosmatos manages to inject sufficient style and flair into the action sequences, making "Cobra" a memorable—albeit flawed—entry in Stallone’s extensive action movie repertoire. Whether viewed as a guilty pleasure or a cult classic, "Cobra" remains an essential piece of 80s action cinema.

"Cobra," directed by George P. Cosmatos and starring Sylvester Stallone, is an unapologetically 80s action thriller that reveled in Stallone's hyper-masculine "bad boy cop" persona. With its high-octane violence, paper-thin villains, and plot contrivances, it captures the era's quintessential action movie formula. Scream Factory's Blu-ray release breathes new life into this cult classic with a fresh high-definition video presentation that emphasizes a redder tint, yielding a filmic look with pleasing grain. The audio, available in both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0, resonates well for a middle-budget 80s production, providing a gratifying auditory experience.

The release features numerous new interviews that offer insight and context, though notably lacking Stallone's input, which some fans may find disappointing. However, the added depth and candid recounting of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from other cast and crew members give an engaging perspective on the film's creation. While the absence of deleted scenes or an extended cut might be a letdown for some aficionados, the existing special features sufficiently compensate with their enriching content.

The "Cobra" Blu-ray by Scream Factory is a must-have for Stallone devotees and fans of 80s action films. Despite criticisms regarding its plot thinness and violent nature, "Cobra" prevailed as a box office success and endures as a nostalgic gem. This Collector’s Edition, with its superb video and audio improvements, solid bonus features, and stylish packaging including a slipcover, is a testament to the film's enduring fun. Highly recommended for those wanting to relive Stallone's gloriously over-the-top action escapades.