Alas, fans of Rambo can enjoy all four films, for a pretty good price, within one collection, "RAMBO: THE COMPLETE COLLECTOR'S SET," just released on blu-ray from LIONSGATE. The first film, "FIRST BLOOD," introduces John Rambo, a Viet-Nam vet trying to make his way through America, intending to visit former friends, his quest is hindered by a nasty Sheriff trying to basically destroy the poor guy every step of the way.  Cops end up taking Rambo in, but when abusing him in the process, a series of flashbacks causes John to break free and head for the hills. The rest of the film revolves around Rambo utilizing his advanced survival skills to not only hide from but also embarrass the police in the process. Rambo's former leader, Colonel Trautman, is brought in, becoming the only connection who might possibly be able to stop a bloodbath and the eventual assassination of Rambo.

Far grittier than the other films in the series, Director Ted Kotcheff gives the first film a unique stamp. While some of the dialogue could easily be considered melodramatic, Kotcheff succeeds in creating an ever increasing tension, yielding an emotional payoff, demonstrating once again, when Stallone is with the right director, he can give a great performance.  The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact within the VC-1 1080p blu-ray. Colors are intentionally restrained, keeping with the somber, gray design of the film. Colors are never vibrant, but the look of the film feels appropriate for the most part. "For the most part," because DNR is utilized in a few scenes, distracting from the otherwise excellent detail achieved everywhere else in the film.

A DTS 6.1 mix and Dolby Digital EX 5.1 are offered. Considering the age of this film, it's surprising to find how effective the DTS mix is. The Dolby Digital mix is often impressive, but the DTS offers notably better panning and discrete effects. Hindered slightly by the type of sound mix technology utilized at the time, "FIRST BLOOD" never fully exploits the potential of its music, often presenting scenes wherein the lack of music heightening hurts rather than compliments. Still, dialogue, some discrete effects and ambient effects create an environment that's immersive enough to make this one of the best mixes presented for an '80s film on blu-ray, thus far.

"FIRST BLOOD 2" picks up with Rambo doing time for his actions in the original film. However, when Colonel Trautman(Richard Crenna) shows up, promising a pardon if he'll lead a rescue mission in Vietnam. Made before the fall of the Soviet-Union, "FIRST BLOOD 2" finds easy villains in both the North Vietnamese as well as the Soviets assisting them. "FIRST BLOOD 2" succeeds in providing a sort of "blood-lust" entertainment for those viewers wanting to see the other side get their just desserts. Rambo joins forces with a pretty and tough fighter(Julia Nickson-Soul) on his mission, not really providing any romance, but yet another reason for Rambo to seek vengeance. It's hard to dispel the patriotic fervor instilled at the sight and premise of Rambo trying to free POWs, and even half-great, half-shoddy direction from George Cosmatos, can't derail the entertainment value. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact for this VC-1 1080p blu-ray.  Colors are generally vibrant and detail is typically spectacular. As is typical with "RAMBO" films, locations play an integral part to the film, and the depth of scope in depicting foliage, rivers and more really add to the film's overall entertainment, as presented on this blu-ray. It's easily the best the film has ever looked outside of a theater.

Although a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is offered, it's never impressive. Key action sequences depend upon the careful balance of music, effects and dialogue for a full payoff, and while dialogue is always sharp, everything else is underwhelming! Most of the film is front speaker focused and whatever bass is utilized, is barely noticeable. A real disappointment.

"RAMBO: 3" serves as yet another reminder as to what was happening in the world during the time of the film's production. Colonel Trautman pops up at a monastery, hoping to convince Rambo to partner with him on a dangerous mission, bringing weapons to Afghan rebels, fighting the Soviets. Smartly, Rambo turns him down. But, later on, after hearing Trautman has been captured, Rambo takes on his own mission to extract his friend, and wreak an onslaught of vengeance against the Soviets that they'd never imagined.  Unfortunately, the violence is so amped up, that it becomes laughable, as if one is watching a zombie film. None of the depth of the first film, or even the tension of the 2nd film, is found here. It's just a series of bloody battles, killings and explosions, barely attached to the thin plotline.  Also, in hindsight, one only wishes Rambo had turned on the animals he's helping in this third film, and joined forces with the Soviets, the lesser of two evils.

The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is correctly employed for this VC-1 encoded 1080p blu-ray.  While some of the darkest scenes lack clarity, this appears to be intentional, as blacks are inky throughout. Colors appear perfectly natural and fleshtones look better than they ever have on dvd. A few scenes fall flat, but, for the most part depth is terrific. While grain veers towards being intrusive in spots, it's still preferred over DNR plaguing other blu-ray releases.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix offers much more surround involvement than its predecessors, however, there are also action scenes wherein they're completely absent! For the most part, however, this mix is notably better and more aggressive than the first two offerings. Dynamic range isn't as impressive as that found on many superior LIONSGATE lossy releases, but it's better than what was offered on the standard dvd release.

The fourth film of the series, "RAMBO" finds the lead character working on his own sense of retirement, living in Thailand. When missionaries ask Rambo for help guiding them into dangerous territory, he declines. However, when one of them is later taken captive, Rambo kicks into high gear, choosing to take on some of the worst military villains in film history. As violent as past films in this series have been, "RAMBO" raises the bar in violence even further. "RAMBO" employs virtually every kind of violent demise conceivable and as disturbing as these moments can be, it's still hard not to be rooting for them when they're occurring with the kind of despicable pedophile characters depicted here.

The correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio is offered for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  Colors are restrained during extended portions of the film, adding to the somber, bleak, rainy environment depicted. Grain, while consistent, but never intrusive, provides the film quality necessary to make "RAMBO" stand out as the best looking image of the series! The depth achieved throughout most of the film, makes this very close to being a reference quality release! Unfortunately, some of the darkest moments lack the inky blacks, necessary in preventing detail from becoming lost to shadow. But, otherwise, it's a great transfer!

The DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix is "REFERENCE QUALITY!" From beginning to end, this mix is a stunner! Subtle effects are just as impressive as the bombastic ones! Bass is utilized in just the right manner one hopes for with an action film like this, shaking the room at just the right moment, with just the right kick! Dialogue, while not pervasive, is perfectly balanced between layers of effects and music. A GREAT MIX!!!

All of the other extras, previously offered on the individual blu-ray releases have been carried over. The only drawback of this collection: The newest "extended cut" of "RAMBO" has just been released simultaneously with this, and is not included.