Remastered by Artisan for this DVD release, "First Blood" looks good on the format, though the transfer is wildly uneven. Presented in both 2.40:1 widescreen with a pan and scan version on the opposite side of the disc, the heavy grain along with some inconsistent black levels make this slightly disappointing. Daytime scenes look superb, with nice detail and soft colors. Scenes filmed in darker areas (much of the movie) are either hard to see or filled with annoying and overbearing film grain. The print used is nearly flawless with hardly a noticeable scratch to be found, but in the process of making it all digital, something went wrong. (***)
Amazingly, even though the film is over 20-years old, this disc features a great 5.1 mix and even better DTS track. Chase sequences are filled with vehicles moving throughout the sound field and a few moments feature some excellent separation left to right. This isn't quite as noticeable on the standard 5.1 track, but the amount of work done here is obvious. The only problem is the lack of any real punch coming from the subwoofer, and when it is used, it sounds rather forced. (****)
Though light in the features department, what's included more than makes up for any problems. The commentary from the author of the original novel, David Morrell, is great. You'll learn a lot from this track including how many scripts were written (over 20!), how the name "Rambo" came to be, and why the book was even written in the first place. The 22-minute documentary entitled "Drawing First Blood" provides a little repeat information from the commentary, but just about everyone who had a hand in the film gets to speak on the experience. The usual array of trailers, production notes, and cast information is also available. (***)
It also must be noted that buying the entire series in box set form (coming in a nifty metal enclosed case that is another Artisan winner) provides fans with another disc of features, which covers all three of the films. Either way, this is great way to experience this underrated classic, save for the transfer. The new sound mix really adds another immersion level to the film, which was never available before.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
I vividly recall the visceral impact this had the first time I saw it - it was tht impact (and the ticket sales, of course) that led to the seemingly endless sequels, but we are dishonest if we deny that initial impact. Good job!
2 - poof pants
Ok,
I have just watched the original "First Blood" from 1982 again, for the 1st time in like about 10 years & it got me to thinking how Hollywood ended up skewing the original message intended by the 1st movie, by making all the sequels.
The 1st one was clearly meant to depict how hard life was for the Vietnam Vets, whom had come home & how they faced difficulty adjusting to Civillian life. The whole message behind the movie is summed up beautifukky in Stallones performance at the end, where Col. Troutman is trying to calm him down. This scene dramatically, I believe communicates the anguish these guys went through.
The part where Hollywood screwed up though, was all the destruction & action scenes. Whether they intended to, or not, that touched off a public demand for more of the same & soon you had your Rambo's 2, 3 & Die Hards etc...so while Hollywood got big $$$ from the spin-off effect. I believe that it only distracts from the original, which was more like a Docu-Drama, with lots of explosions.