First Blood 4K Review

Ok ok I won't spend a lot of time breaking down the plot of First Blood, the Stallone classic from 1982 based on the book of the same name  it's the first film in the now classic Rambo series. It's a full fledged classic. Heck at the time, then President of the United States Ronald Regan would mention Rambo in some of his speeches 

Stallone plays Vietnam vet John Rambo. When the film begins he is trying to find an old service buddy who is learns has passed away. After leaning the news he wanders into a small town where the local sheriff, played by Brian Dennehy picks him up. He doesn't like how he looks and drives him out of town. When Rambo returns he is immediately arrested and booked for carrying a concealed weapon (survival knife). He's abused by the local cops, who rough him up a bit and hose him down. When they hold a razor to his throat to shave him it triggers a Nam flashback and Rambo beats them all down an escapes into the woods 

From there it's basically Rambo, who we find out is a highly decorated Green Beret vs the town's police force, the national guard and even the state police. It's a fantastic action film, blended with suspense and fantasic acting by the whole cast.

In the book Rambo was killed but the ending was rewritten for the film as the studio and Stallone saw a franchise character. They we're right, because as I type this Rambo 5 is currently being filmed.

Lionsgate has been releasing a slew of films on 4K and they look amazing, First Blood is no exception. The video is as crisp as it can be. The dark prison setting in the beginning looks ominous as do all the dark shots in the woods and the town at night during the final battle. All of the outside scenes looks real. 

The audio is amazing as well. Every single word and sound is clear as glass. You hear every little noise from a cricket to a blowing tree branch in the woods. The score, which is fantastic to say the least bellows out out your speakers. This truly showcases how 4K can bring a film to life. It's even loaded with special features.

Audio Commentary by Sylvester Stallone

 Audio Commentary by David Morrell

NEW: “Rambo Takes the 80s Part 1” Featurette

“Making Of” Featurette

Alternate Ending

Outtake

Deleted Scene

“Restoration” Featurette

“The Real Nam” Featurette

“Forging Heroes” Featurette

 “How to Become Rambo Part 1” Featurette

Audio Commentary by Sylvester Stallone

Audio Commentary by David Morrell

Theatrical Trailer

It's a no brainier to buy this. It's a true classic and it looks amazing.  If you don't have a 4K player yet you really need to pick one up. After you do that go buy the Rambo Series. Start with First Blood not only because it's first but also the best in my opinion.

Overall 4 out of 5 Stars