Rampage Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Rampage Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov October 23, 2025

William Friedkin's "Rampage" (1987) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the release include new program with star Alex McArthur; new program with writer and criminologist Harold Schechter; new audio commentaries by critics Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson; and restored vintage trailer. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

It is hardly surprising that William Friedkin recut Rampage several years after its European premiere. What is genuinely surprising is that Friedkin did not edit a lot more of Rampage to make it a much more appealing and convincing film. There are two versions of it on this upcoming combo pack release – the original European version, and the recut version that Friedkin created -- and they are both equally underwhelming. For the same reason, too. Friedkin attempts to deliver a clear statement about capital punishment, but in the most politically correct fashion possible, and with two completely different mindsets. The end result is, of course, an indecisive messenger film like Rampage.

On a beautiful day in California, Charlie Reece (Alex McArthur) evolves into a deranged monster. He kills a few strangers in their home, dismembers them, and drinks their blood. Soon after, he repeats his disgusting ritual in a different area. When the local authorities arrest Reece, assistant district attorney Anthony Fraser (Michael Biehn) is asked by his boss to pursue the death penalty.

As the prosecution and defense teams begin working on winning strategies, Reece, while being transported to another facility, murders two guards and escapes. The local authorities quickly recapture him, a jury is assembled, and legal proceedings begin. Fraser, a diehard liberal, is determined to deliver the result his boss wants, but when it becomes increasingly obvious that Reece is heading to the gas chamber, he begins to question whether capital punishment should exist.

A small portion of the narrative could easily fit in a tense crime thriller aiming to earn a spot next to Silence of the Lambs. When Reece kills, Friedkin shows a lot, possibly even too much, and for a while, it feels like Fraser will be participating in a memorable hunt with plenty of bone-chilling surprises. Then, Friedkin terminates the hunt and enters the courtroom, where Fraser begins shooting down his own liberal beliefs. It is an interesting setup for a debate on the pros and cons of capital punishment. However, nothing interesting comes out of it because Friedkin refuses to bring up the most popular arguments that are attached to them and place them under the microscope, and instead shifts the focus of attention to Reece’s mental state. Eventually, a revealing PET scan redirects the narrative yet again.

But Rampage deserves credit for acknowledging a serious issue. Medical experts, who frequently become the most authoritative party in a polarizing case, are not to be explicitly trusted. They have biases, like everyone else, which routinely shape their ‘professional’ opinions and determine legal outcomes.

The finale, which is the area Friedkin reexamined and altered the most, is unconvincing in both versions of Rampage. It is not because Reece’s fate is unclear. Rather, it is because it does not do anything substantial to strengthen the message of Rampage -- whether it is in favor or against capital punishment.

The original European version is approximately 96 minutes long (01:36.02). Friedkin’s recut version is approximately 93 minutes long (01:31.32). Both are fully restored in 4K.

Rampage Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Rampage arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber.

The release introduces 4K restorations of two versions of the film: Original European Version and Recut Theatrical Version. The former is sourced from the OCN, while the latter is sourced from a 35mm interpositive. The 4K restorations are also offered on 4K Blu-ray in this combo pack release.

I viewed the Original European Version in native 4K and then spent time with it on the Blu-ray. I also spent time with the Recut Theatrical Version. I prefer the former, but both versions have issues that affect the integrity of their message.

Even though they were sourced differently, both versions look great. The Original European Version produces wonderfully detailed, sharp, and very vibrant visuals that also hold very well on a large screen. Some small density fluctuations can be observed, but they are part of the original cinematography. Color reproduction and balance are fantastic. All primaries and supporting nuances are exceptionally healthy and balanced perfectly. Unsurprisingly, in native 4K and 1080p, the entire film boasts a terrific, very convincing period appearance. I did not notice any traces of problematic digital corrections. I think that there is only one area where small improvements could have been made. From time to time, tiny white flecks appear here and there, so they may have been removed to ensure that both versions look immaculate. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Rampage Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is often surprisingly punchy, but it also handles Ennio Morricone's music very well. So, it does not shine only during the action sequences, but in quieter areas. It is not plagued by any age-related anomalies. All exchanges are very clear, sharp, stable, and easy to follow. I did not test the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track because I thought that there was no need to do so.

Rampage Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentaries - two exclusive new audio commentaries recorded by critics Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson. The Original European Version and Recut Theatrical Version have different commentaries. You can access them through the main menu after you choose the version of Rampage you wish to view.

• Where's the Blood? - in this new program, actor Alex McArthur discusses his background and recalls his contribution to Rampage, where he played the psychotic killer Charlie Reece. In English, not subtitled. (17 min).

• Psychotic Vampire - in this new program, True Crime writer Harold Schechter discusses the real case of "The Vampire of Sacramento" that inspired William Friedkin to shoot Rampage, as well as the dark mind of the conventional serial killer. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a newly restored original trailer for Rampage In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

Rampage Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Both versions of Rampage reveal indecisiveness that becomes the catalyst for many issues. I think that the Original European Version is preferable, but it has as many logical fallacies as the recut version. William Friedkin completists should not miss this combo pack because it brings gorgeous new 4K restorations of both versions, with a couple of good exclusive new bonus features. A 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack release is available for purchase as well. RECOMMENDED (only to the fans).