Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set (2008).
© Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Mania Grade: A-
DVD: Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set
Rating: R
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden
Written By: Sylvester Stallone, David Morrell, Kevin Jarre,
Directed By: Sylvester Stallone, Ted Kotcheff, George P. Cosmatos, Peter MacDonald
Distributor: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Original Year of Release: 2008
Extras: See Below
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DVD Review of Rambo: The Complete Collector’s Set

With the release of the latest Rambo film (creatively titled Rambo) Lionsgate has given fans of the series the ultimate collection; All four films in a six disc collector’s tin set loaded to the top with bonus features. One of the most iconic characters in cinema history, the importance of Rambo goes beyond a mere action hero. This is an extremely well done set with new features for the original films and a bonus disc with nearly three hours of extras. 

First Blood represented the disillusionment of the Viet Nam vet. John Rambo wandered in to a sleepy town wanting only to rest and eat and found himself battling the entire police force and national guardsman. The film is in many ways a modern western with Rambo as the lonesome gunfighter wanting to live in peace but running afoul of the evil sheriff. This DVD comes with audio commentary by both Stallone and original writer David Morrell. Other extras include an alternate ending and gag ending. 

The DVDs for the first three films all come with an interactive Special Operations mode. When turned on, at points during the film you will see a pop-up prompting you to enter the special mode where you can get extras such as dossiers on the various characters, interactive maps, mission briefs, and more. It’s a neat feature and if you’ve seen the films many times before, this gives a new life to them and a new way to enjoy them. Grade A-

Rambo: First Blood II The Rambo films are not given the credit they deserve for the social relevancy and this film is a perfect example. It tackles America’s guilt over the Viet Nam war, especially when Rambo asks, “Do we get to win this time?” Rambo returns to Viet Nam in search of American POWs who are still being held. In addition to the interactive Special Operations mode, this disc features commentary by Director George P. Cosmatos. Grade B

Rambo III Rambo is living in relative peace when once again, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) comes to seek Rambo’s aid for a mission in Afghanistan. Rambo refuses but when Trautman is captured by the Russian military, Rambo helps lead a group of Mujahedeen rebels to rescue him. Extras include deleted scenes, commentary with Director Peter MacDonald and the interactive Special Operations mode. Grade B

Rambo (or Rambo IV Now living in Thailand, Rambo once again puts aside his life of peace, coming to grips with his true nature, to rescue a group of American missionaries in war-torn Burma. This film perfectly book-ends the series as it brings the character full circle from where we first saw him in First Blood. Extras include: Commentary with Stallone, deleted scenes, and six behind-the-scenes featurettes. Grade B+

Disc 5 of the set is a digital copy of the film that is compatible with iTunes and Windows Media.

Disc 6 is a bonus disc with nearly three hours of extras. These features pertain to the first three Rambo films and include:

“The Real Nam: Voices from within” (26:50) former Viet Nam vets share their feelings, good and bad, on the Viet Nam conflict.

“Guts and Glory” (27:11) is a look at the Rambo character and his worldwide influence with fans and even soldiers around the world who adopted the Rambo ‘look’. Includes comments from politicians, editorialists, and Stallone.

“Suiting Up” (8:43) spotlights all of Rambo’s weapons and gear used throughout the series.

“Drawing First Blood” (22:33) is a making-of documentary focusing on First Blood.

“Afghanistan: Land in Crisis” is a 30 minute documentary about this nation that has been fought over since the time of Alexander the Great.