A major step up from the transfer "First Blood" received, this film looks better than anyone probably thought it ever would. Opposite sides of the disc contain a 2.35:1 widescreen transfer and pan & scan for those who haven't quite figured out that "black bar" stuff yet. The cinematography from the legendary Jack Clark is beautiful. The location shooting in Mexico really paid off and it all comes through on this disc.
The light layer of film grain over almost every scene is a minor problem that doesn't detract from some of the brightest and colorful explosions on the format. The daytime sequences are masterful, though a few of the darker scenes have a few problems with compression. Stray scratches on the print are also a minor problem, but they are limited and acceptable considering the age of the movie. (****)
Oddly, even though the film is a little more recent, "Rambo II" doesn't sound as good as the original film. Like all three movies in this series, Artisan has taken the time to remix everything into 5.1 and DTS. Bass levels are set perfect, really capturing the feeling of something blowing up and it never seems overdone. What makes no sense is the lack of sound from the rear speakers. Besides the final helicopter fight, there isn't another scene worth mentioning. With so much stuff blowing up, this should really be better than it is. (***)
Again, each film in the series features a documentary around 25-minutes long, with interviews with major cast and crew. These are well produced, but just don't seem long enough to cover everything in detail. A personal pet peeve is when someone in a feature (or in a commentary) mentions deleted scenes, but then they are not included on the disc. This happens here. The commentary from director George Cosmatos also provides some insight, but he can be hard to understand with his deep accent. The usual round of trailers, production notes, and cast/crew info is also available. (***)
As if Stallone wasn't up against enough competition in the "Rocky" films, he creates "Rambo" and does even more. Oddly, this is the most popular film in the series (at least according to box office) even though the original is a stronger film overall. It's also rare when the sequel draws in more money, yet another way John Rambo managed to beat the odds.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent job Matt, frankly, as usual. I haven't been commenting as much overall and I apologize for that.
Re comments in general: I find my best-written, most labored-over masterworks trypically draw the sound of crickets. Now I just assume if I really like it I won't hear a flipping peep.
IN the interest of my sanity I have to assume that people just can't find anything wrong with it and don't want to be bothered with a generic "nice job Eric, you stud," which I can understand because certain wives I have tease me all the time about leaving stupid rah-rah comments like "good job," but I always mean it.
So anyway, good job.
2 - Carl McDonald
good job..lol...im going to buy the trilogy right noew :D