Rambo (UHD Blu-ray) Review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lions Gate  
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Rating: R
Film: 3/5

Plot
The ultimate American action hero returns – with a vengeance! After spending several years in northern Thailand operating a longboat on the Salween River, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) reluctantly agrees to carry a group of Christian missionaries into war-torn Burma. 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 – at all costs.

My Thoughts
In 2006, Sylvester Stallone revisited the character that put him on the map when Rocky Balboa hit theaters. It was surprisingly very well done and it wasn’t a shocker that the iconic star would resurrect John Rambo at some point and sure enough, it happened two years later. I wouldn’t consider this the best film in the franchise, but it’s much better than the third film—which isn’t saying much. Yes, there’s lots of explosions and violence, but the film does cross the line in its depiction of sexual assault—that didn’t have to be shown.

The UHD upgrade has some additional detail over the Blu-ray, but the Atmos audio track is outstanding given the genre of the film. Explosions rock the room, discrete effects fly from every direction, and gunshots ring true. 

Video 9/10 

Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary
• It’s a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icaon
• A Score to Settle: The Music of Rambo
• The Art of War: Completing Rambo
• The Weaponry of Rambo
• A Hero’s Welcome: Release and Reaction
• Legacy of Despair: The real Struggle In Burma
• Rambo: To Hell & Back
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

Conclusion
First Blood is one of my favorite Stallone films and while I enjoyed its sequel, the third film in the trilogy wasn’t anything new. Granted, this fourth entry doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s a fun way to revisit the character after being away for so many years. Recommended for fans.

Reference Review System:
 
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Calman Ultimate & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Totally agree with you Dave. Nice review..