Commando Blu-ray Review

The 1080p, 1.85:1 high-definition transfer of "Commando" on Blu-ray is notable for its distinct upgrade over previous VHS and DVD versions, marking a significant improvement in visual quality despite the source material's age and inherent limitations. The image, while not able to compete with the finest transfers available today, greatly surpasses expectations set by its analog predecessors. Detail, clarity, and color fidelity have received a substantial boost, bringing a renewed vibrancy to the film's palette, albeit with a somewhat pastel hue reminiscent of its late 70s and 80s contemporaries. However, issues such as minor speckle presence, consistent grain, and occasional softness do detract from an otherwise impressive restoration. Night scenes display improved black levels, though some technical flaws, particularly around blue screen effects, become more pronounced in this high-definition format.

A critical assessment reveals that "Commando's" transfer struggles with certain aspects, notably in areas of shadow detail where delineation falls short, often absorbing details into darkness or conversely, presenting an unnaturally brightened image. The contrast levels tend to hover in mediocrity; blacks never fully deepen and whites lack the pop seen in newer Blu-ray releases, leading to a slightly faded overall appearance. Persistent issues of softness further mar the image fidelity alongside a grain structure that can become distractingly sharp due to the high definition presentation. Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray edition shines when it comes to reproducing vivid colors and explosions with much-improved saturation and without the tint issues of past releases. The textures of skin, hair, and clothing are particularly well-rendered when not affected by softness or grain, offering a view into the potential of what this transfer could have been in its best moments.

While the Blu-ray release of "Commando" does not set a new standard for catalog titles within the high-def realm and even exhibits setbacks such as unresolved black levels and intrusive edge enhancement, its achievements in color saturation and detail enhancement are commendable. The overall presentation significantly exceeds that of standard definition formats, presenting a cleaner transfer free from egregious artifacting or noise. Although falling short of an exemplary high-definition release due to its various visual compromises, this version of "Commando" is nonetheless an appreciable improvement over its previous incarnations, providing fans a reason to upgrade despite its inherent limitations stemming from the original source.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track of "Commando" on Blu-ray offers a mixed bag of auditory experiences that cater to a broad spectrum of expectations. On one end, it impresses with a powerful presentation that brings James Horner's iconic score to life with vigor, harnessing the essence of the '80s through its saxophone and synthesizer beats. The surround sound channels are diligently employed, immersing the audience in a fulsome environment of helicopter fly-bys, heavy gunfire, and the resonance of Arnold Schwarzenegger's punches. The track does an admirable job of enhancing the film's inherent cheesiness with nostalgic sound effects, despite some of them coming off as dated. However, it's not without its flaws, as some sequences reveal minor issues like ambiguous wind sounds during quieter moments, hinting at potential discrepancies in audio design or source limitations.

On the critique side, while the effort to update "Commando's" audio for a modern audience is evident, it falls short of the transformative experience seen in other remastered classics. Critics point out a front-heavy soundstage and lackluster engagement of the rear surrounds, aspects that detract from the potential immersiveness of a 5.1 mix. Additionally, technical shortcomings such as dialogue prioritization and occurrences of air hiss suggest a missed opportunity to fully rejuvenate this beloved title. The presence of these imperfections raises questions about the resources and dedication allocated to this project by Fox, especially when compared to the more ambitious remastering efforts by other studios.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on "Commando's" Blu-ray edition presents a considerable upgrade over older formats, promising an entertaining listen filled with nostalgia-inducing elements and a dynamic score, it simultaneously exposes the limitations and challenges of working with outdated source material. Fox's approach appears to aim for a balance between authenticity and modernization but reminds us that even with technological advancements, the outcome is heavily dependent on the origin's quality and the extent of investment in the remastering process.

The Blu-ray release of "Commando" offers a rather scant selection of extras, focusing primarily on its 1080p theatrical trailer and an assortment of 1080p trailers for other films such as "Alien vs. Predator" and "The Transporter." Unlike its Director's Cut DVD counterpart, which is rich with features like director's commentary, a featurette, deleted scenes, and a still gallery, this high-definition offering feels meager. The inclusion of D-Box compatibility provides a unique, tactile cinematic experience for those equipped with the necessary hardware, yet this singular addition hardly compensates for the overall lack of substantial content. The strategy employed here suggests a potential future release with more depth, which could alienate early adopters and fans enthusiastic about supporting high-definition formats, highlighting a missed opportunity to deliver a more fulfilling package to the film's audience.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer
Additional Trailers for Alien vs. Predator, Behind Enemy Lines, Phone Booth, Planet of the Apes, and The Transporter
D-Box Motion Code

"Commando," released in the midst of the 1980s action movie boom, perfectly encapsulates the era's penchant for over-the-top spectacle, muscular heroes, and an arsenal large enough to outfit a small army. This Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle, synonymous with the decade's peace-through-superior-firepower mantra, presents the quintessential 1980s action film experience in high definition on Blu-ray, elevating the visual and auditory experience beyond its original theaterical and VHS releases. Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Colonel John Matrix—a retired special forces soldier thrust back into action to save his kidnapped daughter—is both iconic and emblematic of the period's archetypal action star: all brawn, brash one-liners, and barely contained violence against a backdrop of global political intrigue.

The movie's plot is as straightforward as they come, serving merely as a conduit for Matrix to deploy an array of weaponry against increasingly improbable odds. Yet, it is this simplicity, coupled with Schwarzenegger's charismatic delivery of memorable one-liners amid non-stop action sequences, that cements "Commando" as an enduring favorite among fans of the genre. The Blu-ray presentation does justice to the film's dynamic visuals and sound, making every explosion and cheesy catchphrase resonate with newfound clarity. While the film undoubtedly carries the scent of 1980s machismo—complete with dubious fashion choices and a guns-blazing mentality—it remains a nostalgic trip for aficionados and a testament to the era's unapologetic embrace of action for action's sake.

Despite its age and the evolving tastes of modern audiences, "Commando" stands as a testament to the allure of straightforward action heroes and unambiguous good-versus-evil narratives. For those who fondly remember the days of VHS marathons featuring Schwarzenegger at his peak, this Blu-ray edition brings a slice of action movie heaven into the 21st century. Its presentation on Blu-ray might not convert skeptics seeking depth or complexity in their cinematic experiences, but for fans of the genre and era, it offers a gloriously enhanced revisit to a time when all a movie needed to triumph was Arnold Schwarzenegger, a few hundred rounds of ammunition, and a cause worth fighting for.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Commando," despite not soaring to the cinematic heights of seminal classics like "The Godfather Part II" or "The Empire Strikes Back," holds its ground as a quintessential representation of the blockbuster action genre of the 1980s. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film encapsulates an era obsessed with on-screen physical prowess and firepower. Schwarzenegger's embodiment of the American dream, from his origins as a bodybuilder to his climb to Hollywood stardom and eventual political success, serves as a beacon of inspiration for many. The Blu-ray rendition by Fox enhances this nostalgic journey, offering a visual and auditory experience far superior to what was previously available on VHS and DVD. However, it's essential to note that, while the audio quality is commendable for its clarity and engagement, the video transfer does not push the boundaries of current high-definition capabilities.

The biggest disappointment stems from the Blu-ray's scarcity of supplementary content, especially when considering the availability of a Director’s Cut DVD filled with extras. This oversight is hard to overlook for die-hard fans and collectors who value the in-depth exploration of their favorite films. The contrast between the quality of the film’s presentation and the nearly nonexistent bonus material leaves a bittersweet taste.

In conclusion, while "Commando" as a Blu-ray release excels in delivering an improved aesthetic and sonic experience indicative of its era-defining action, it falls short in catering to the complete cinephile experience due to its lackluster bonus features. This middling execution should prompt potential buyers to ponder on whether the sheer nostalgia and upgraded main feature are worth the investment or if holding out for a more comprehensive edition is prudent. Given its iconic status and Schwarzenegger's compelling performance, one can only hope for a future release that bridges this gap, celebrating "Commando" in all its explosive glory.