Review of Rambo III

Introduction

In my ongoing quest to get a good selection of 80s action films on DVD, the Rambo series is an essential purchase...

...In Rambo 3, fresh from taking on a town full of policemen in First Blood and Vietnam in Rambo 2, Stallone is back to take on the Russian army in Afganistan.

When I originally saw this one in the cinema, I didn`t realise it had such a strong anti-"Russia in Afganistan" message. There is detailled critism of the conduct of Russia - a serious side not usually found in Hollywood action movies, but Rambo soon dispatches with the Russians...

Basically the plot finds Rambo taking on a whole army complete helicopter, tanks and a seemingly endless supply of men to be killed, all to rescue his commander, again played by Richard Crenna. His has the help of the locals and again there`s the obligatory scene where he painfully repairs himself - this time after being shot by an arrow, he seals the hole shut with gunpowder...it`s all pretty mindless stuff, but very entertaining!

Amusingly, Sylvester Stallone worked out so much that his arms don`t hang by his side properly and his neck is actually wider than his face!

Video

An anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer - of very high standard. The film is 12 years old now, but doesn`t look it.

The locations used are superbly shot, very authentic and look great on DVD.

There`s no apparent grain, artefacting or dirt.

Audio

Just Dolby Surround here but the sound is actually very good. There`s plenty of rear channel action with helicopter flying overhead and loads of gunfire.

Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.

Features

Not a bad selection of extras here with Scene Access, a commentary track with Director Peter MacDonald, a trivia game, a featurette "Rambo III: Full Circle", trailer, production notes and cast & crew information.

Conclusion

I enjoyed watching this one again - the experience of Rambo III on DVD is a good one - very good picture and sound - although a 5.1 remix would have been really nice.

You`ll either love or hate the film itself - I must admit to liking it - yes, it`s cheesy, but it`s entertaining and the action is very good.