One of Arnold's more schlocky films from the mid 80's, "Commando" still has its moments of classic "Arnold". This is the first movie where he utters his most famous quote, "I'll be back" and delivers a bunch of very chessy one liners.

The plot is well known, much like a cheap "Rambo" rip-off. Arnold has retired as chief of a special forces unit, living his life in the mountains with his daughter Alyssa Milano, who in this film is about 10. We don't know anything about mom and she isn't even mentioned. Somebody is killing off his men and his old Army buddy(James Olsen) comes to warn him and leave behind some guards. No sooner than after Olsen departs than the shooting begins and his daughter is kidnapped. The rest of the film is Arnold getting his daughter back. Rae Dawn Chong (Tommy's daughter) plays an airline hostess who helps Arnold track down the criminals responsible. Chong's dialog is equally chessy in this film, and she totally overacts in a lot of scenes.

Memorable stunts include Arnold jumping off the landing gear of a plane just as it takes off, moving a pickup truck and than coasting down a mountain to smash the bad guys, and taking on about 100 soldiers and winning single handed.

The high definition picture is not sterling in quality; its an mpeg2 transfer and grain shows up in a lot of scenes. Close ups show the most benefit from the HD picture. This was not that a great looking film to begin with so there is only so much blu-ray can do. PUrists will be disappointed.

The DTS-MA soundtrack has similiar issues. The 1985 film soundtrack is lossless but very little surround effects are used in back speakers. This is mostly a three channel sounding disc.

Extras-a Trailer and D-Box motion controls for those who can afford it. Come on Fox-there must be something you could have added.

"Commando" is a good representaion of Arnold movies before "Terminator", when his career was still struggling as a B movie action film star. This film is a perfect example of this struggle and can now be viewed in retrospect as one of his best "B" films, with the beginnings of the one liners and his totally indestructable status. This disc has some problems in PQ and AQ but I think this Blu-Ray version is the best its ever going to be for this film. Leave your brain in neutral for this one.