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Rambo 3 4K UHD Review

“Rambo 3” is the weak link of the series.

In the third entry of the Rambo franchise, Colonel Trautman searches out John Rambo in Thailand. It seems Rambo is taking part in underground stick fighting and working around a monastery. The U.S. has been tasked with arming Afghanistan civilians who are being slaughtered by a crazed Soviet Colonel (Zaysen) that hopes to conquer the country. Trautman wants Rambo to accompany him but Rambo wants to give up being a soldier. Once Tarutman is kidnapped by the Soviets, however, Rambo decides to embark on an unofficial mission to save him and stop Zaysen’s sadistic forces.

Written by Sylvester Stallone and Sheldon Lettich, “Rambo 3” boasts the weakest script of the action franchise. Structured much like the second film, the story has great potential in being a more personal mission for Rambo as he sets out to save a friend in Colonel Trautman, but that concept gets lost amidst the action. Likewise, the idea of Rambo being caught up in a war is also underplayed. Basically, everything just services the action here. Take that as you will.

Of course, a lot of moviegoers probably just want to see the action sequences and you certainly get that in spades here. There are numerous big action set pieces containing helicopters, shootouts, explosions, tanks, a tank vs. a helicopter and even a guy getting shot by a glow stick. Yes, you read that right.

Once again, Stallone and Richard Crenna do a fine job in their roles. It’s nice to see Crenna have more to do in this installment as he wasn’t on screen a ton in the second film. As for Stallone, he really embodies the role of Rambo. You can’t see anyone else playing him.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? Of the 3 Rambo 4Ks (where is the fourth film?), I actually think this one looks the best. It’s the best upgrade.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Aching for loud explosions? You will get that here!

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* Alternate beginning.
* “The Restoration”- A comparison between the restoration and previous version.
* Original trailer and TV spots.
* “How To Become Rambo Part 3”- More physical fitness to look like Stallone!
* An interview with Stallone.
* 7 ½ minutes of deleted scenes.
* “Behind The Scenes”- A 6 minute collection of behind-the-scenes footage.
* “Trautman And Rambo”- A featurette on the dynamic between the two characters.
* “Guts And Glory”- A near half-hour featurette on the Rambo franchise and its legacy.
* “Afghanistan- A Land In Crisis”- A half-hour featurette on the country’s history and its inclusion in the film.

* “Rambo’s Survival Hardware”- A spotlight on Rambo’s various weapons in the series.
* “An Hero’s Journey”- An overview of Rambo’s character arc through the first 3 films.
* “Full Circle”- A 6 minute summary of the film using only clips.
* “Rambo Takes The 80s Part 3”- The third segment in this ongoing series.
* Easter egg (not hard to find).
* A quiet but informative commentary by Peter MacDonald

November 17, 2018 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 4K UHD, action film, John Rambo, Rambo, Rambo 3, Rambo 3 4K UHD Review, Sylvester Stallone