Rambo III Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Rambo III" by Lionsgate boasts a 2.35:1 framed, 1080p high definition transfer, exhibiting remarkable visual fidelity compared to its predecessors. The film appears crisper, sharper, and brighter than "Rambo: First Blood Part II," benefiting from a cleaner and more detailed presentation. This transfer allows every bead of sweat on Sylvester Stallone's face to be clearly visible, and the high level of detail extends to the wear and tear on gear, finely textured desert scenes, and lifelike close-ups. A fine layer of grain persists throughout the movie, adding a natural filmic texture that is unobtrusive, except during some dark, underground sequences where it becomes heavier.

Color reproduction is robust and natural, with earth tones from the desert environment to the military attire being perfectly rendered. Both night and day scenes maintain incredible clarity, with shadows well-defined and no significant loss of detail or excessive noise. Skin tones are natural and consistent, even under the harsh lighting conditions prevalent in many scenes. Minor imperfections are noticeable within the original print, such as occasional scratches, soft background elements, and minor visible damage towards the film's climax in Afghanistan. These do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of "Rambo III" is commendable. Black levels are deep, and the image contrast is accurately balanced, offering a pronounced three-dimensional quality to the visuals. Although some minor issues like contrast wavering and edge enhancement appear intermittently, fans will appreciate the superior video quality resulting from Lionsgate's meticulous efforts. This re-release captures the gritty intensity of "Rambo III" with an outstanding level of detail and color accuracy that enhances the film’s immersive action sequences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Rambo III" presents a noticeable step up from its predecessors, specifically "Rambo: First Blood Part II." The rear channel presence has been significantly improved, offering an enhanced and immersive soundscape. Notably, in action sequences, this mix excels with precise directional audio and imaging. For instance, helicopter sounds transition seamlessly from the rear to the front, creating a vivid auditory experience, particularly in Chapter 4. Echoes in cavernous scenes and reverberations in close-quarter locales also benefit from the surround channels. Gunfire in the third act is punchier and more defined, though explosions could leverage better subwoofer engagement. Dialogue clarity remains a strong suit, ensuring a comprehensible narrative flow amidst the chaos.

Despite these enhancements, the sound design does occasionally falter. Ambient sound scenes feel sparse where added ambience could have enriched realism. The inconsistency appears in audio panning and directionality; battle scenes are sharply defined while conversational scenes seem less engaging. Consequently, this inconsistency hinders the track’s overall cohesiveness. Treble tones are stable, although the LFE support remains somewhat reserved, leaving explosions sounding underwhelming compared to similar titles like "Predator" or "Commando." Nonetheless, the track reliably conveys the intensity of Rambo’s exploits.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix of "Rambo III" doesn't revolutionize 1980s action film audio, it delivers a robust and satisfactory experience for fans of the franchise. The improvements in surround sound usage and dialogue clarity add notable value, even if some aspects remain uneven. It stands as a solid high-definition sound mix that admirably handles a mid-80s B-grade action film's demands.

The Blu-ray release of "Rambo III" features a mix of insightful and somewhat dry extras, headlined by director Peter MacDonald's feature-length commentary. MacDonald provides a candid account of the film's troubled production, from the firing of its original director to the logistical challenges he faced. Though occasionally tepid and interspersed with moments of silence, the track delivers valuable insights for dedicated fans. Complementing the commentary is "Land In Crisis," a documentary that deeply explores the historical context of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the sociopolitical implications of Rambo's role in the narrative. Additionally, the "Out of the Blu Trivia Track" offers an engaging stream of tidbits related to almost every facet of the film's making.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Peter MacDonald's candid take on the production challenges and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Land In Crisis: Documentary on Afghanistan's history during the Soviet invasion and Rambo's influence.
• Out of the Blu Trivia Track: Continuous stream of interesting facts about various aspects of the film.

Rambo III," despite its shortcomings, remains a visually impressive spectacle on Blu-ray. The movie plunges John Rambo into the Soviet-Afghan war, echoing Cold War themes and adding depth to the character's struggle for redemption. Though the plot feels formulaic and often pales in comparison to its predecessors, the film thrives on relentless action sequences and Sylvester Stallone's steadfast portrayal of the titular character. However, the narrative is burdened by a lack of originality and moments of unintentional humor, rendering it a somewhat uninspired sequel in an otherwise storied franchise.

The film opens with Rambo at a Bangkok monastery, attempting to escape his violent past. This semblance of peace is short-lived as he is drawn into a mission to deliver weapons to Afghan rebels and rescue his captured friend, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna). While the personal stakes lend some emotional weight, the plot quickly devolves into a series of repetitive action beats featuring explosive arrows and endless gunfights. The filmmakers miss the opportunity to leverage Afghanistan's distinct terrain for novel battle scenarios, opting instead for recycled tactics from earlier films in the series.

On a historical front, "Rambo III" intriguingly intersects with real-world conflicts, yet fails to construct a compelling narrative around this backdrop. The portrayal of the Afghani rebels is underdeveloped, serving primarily as plot devices to highlight Rambo's internal conflict and sporadic humanitarian instincts. Despite moments imbued with Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score and glimpses of Rambo’s vulnerability, the film's clunky script and formulaic pacing overshadow its attempts at a deeper message. "Rambo III" offers adrenaline-fueled entertainment but falls short of the nuanced storytelling and character-driven drama that marked the original "First Blood.

"Rambo III" may be the weakest entry in an iconic action franchise, suffering from a lackluster script and repetitive action sequences. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the latest Blu-ray release redeems itself through significant technical enhancements. The video transfer is notably superior, offering crisp visuals that are sure to enhance the viewing experience for fans. Complemented by an above-average lossless audio track, every explosion and gunshot is delivered with immersive clarity and impact. The technical quality here clearly surpasses the earlier "Rambo: First Blood Part II" Blu-ray, providing a richer audiovisual experience.

The supplementary material on this Blu-ray edition includes features similar to those seen in “First Blood Part II,” delivering a few valuable insights but lacking substantial new content. However, given its attractive price point, this release represents a worthy addition to any collection, especially for devotees of the franchise. These enhancements make up for some of the film's narrative flaws, ensuring that “Rambo III” can still captivate audiences, even if it doesn't stand out among its series peers.

In conclusion, "Rambo III" struggles with uninspired storytelling and ultimately pales in comparison to its predecessors. Nonetheless, this Blu-ray release mitigates these issues with its impressive technical execution. While it may not be essential viewing for casual fans, avid collectors and long-time followers of the Rambo saga will find value in this high-quality presentation. Recommended for those who appreciate excellent audiovisual fidelity in their physical media collections.