On the Set of 1st Blood

Herve Attia is back with his third and final installment of "On the Set of First Blood." We first learned about Herve's work here. At that time, I posted that I hoped we see more from him and now we can by clicking here. - Craig

Hervé Attia's First Blood

Dear Mr Zablo,

My name is Herve Attia. I've always been a big fan of First Blood movie since it came out in 1982. So, last month, I went to Hope, Canada, visiting the First Blood filming locations which includes Othello/Coquihalla Provincial park, Lake Pitt river (Coquitlam)...

I made a movie which is composed of two parts posted on YouTube.
Part1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc7pMuaku1o
Part2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc7pMuaku1o

If you like the movie...and think it deserves an entry/post in your web site, don't ask me the permission :) it would be an honor! I've always been a big fan of stallonezone.com.

PS: I had the great privilege having Mr Andrew Laszlo (director of photography) watching the movie. He really enjoyed it. This was definitely my best reward. :) Sincerely, -Hervé Attia

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Herve has created a beautiful, creative video love letter to "First Blood." Thanks to Herve for sharing his talents with us. I hope that we get to see more! - Craig

Rambo Collector's Set Contest

On Tuesday, May 27th, for the first time, LIONSGATE will release all four Rambo films together in Rambo: The Complete Collector’s Set. To celebrate the release of these great action movies, LIONSGATE has provided me with three sets to award to three lucky winners.

Before we learn about how to enter the contest, let’s take a look at this 6-disc super set which comes in a limited edition metal tin and includes First Blood: Ultimate Edition, Rambo First Blood Part II: Ultimate Edition, Rambo III: Ultimate Edition and the latest installment, Rambo: 2-Disc Special Edition (which includes a digital copy of the film). Each film comes with bonus features (over 20 in all) plus the set includes a special bonus disc with 10 featurettes and the theatrical trailers for all four films.

First Blood: Ultimate Edition: DVD Special Features:

• Audio commentary with Sylvester Stallone
• Audio commentary with author David Morrell
• Alternate Ending
• Seven Interactive Military Special Operations Features
  

Rambo First Blood Part II: DVD Special Features:

• Audio commentary with director George P. Cosmatos
• Seven Interactive Military Special Operations Features
  

Rambo III: Ultimate Edition Synopsis: DVD Special Features:

• Audio commentary with director Peter MacDonald
• Deleted Scenes
• Seven Interactive Military Special Operations Features
  

Rambo: 2-Disc Special Edition Synopsis: Rambo Disc 1 DVD Special Features:

• Audio commentary by Sylvester Stallone
• Deleted Scenes
• “Legacy of Despair: The Struggle in Burma” featurette
• “It’s a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon” featurette
• “A Score to Settle: The Music of Rambo” featurette
• “The Art of War: Completing Rambo” featurette
• “The Weaponry of Rambo” featurette
• “A Hero's Welcome: Release & Reaction” featurette
  

Rambo Disc 2 DVD Special Features:

• Digital Copy of the feature film

BONUS FEATURES DISC

• “The Real Nam: Voices from Within” featurette
• “Guts and Glory” featurette
• “The Forging of Heroes: America’s Green Berets” featurette
• “Rambo-nomics” featurette
• “Selling a Hero” featurette
• “Suiting Up” featurette
• “An American Hero’s Journey: The Rambo Trilogy” featurette
• “Drawing First Blood” featurette
• “We Get to Win This Time” featurette
• “Afghanistan: Land in Crisis” featurette
• Plus – Theatrical Trailers for all 4 Films

Now on to the contest:

• Simply post which of the Rambo movies is your favorite and why.
• E-mail Craig at stallonezone.com with your name and mailing address. In the subject line put RAMBO CONTEST.
• The contest runs from today until 12pm EST May 31, 2008.
• I will then randomly draw three names and forward the winners information to LIONSGATE who will then send out the prizes.
• At the request of the LIONSGATE, only U.S. readers may enter.
• Winners will be announced on the next update following the conclusion of the contest.
• Only one entry per mailing address will be accepted.
• If you can not wait to win, then click HERE.
  

First Blood Exclusive

On May 15th at 7:30 p.m. at select theaters nationwide, Stallone fans will be able to see a special showing of "First Blood." Then, following the film, the alternate ending (where Rambo dies) will be shown for the first time ever in theatres. Then to top off this one night event an exclusive, never-before-seen interview with Sylvester Stallone [who will discuss all of the Rambo films] will be screened. For full details, click HERE. - Craig

Rambo Lands @ SPIKE TV

Spike TV has purchased the exclusive rights to all four Rambo films. According to the press release:

"Rambo: First Blood" launches on Spike Saturday, May 24 at 9:00pm ET/PT featuring decorated Vietnam veteran John Rambo, who is abused by a small town's police force and proceeds to launch a one man war with it. "Rambo: First Blood Part II" will begin its run on Spike in January 2010, and follows Rambo on his journey back to Vietnam to free American POWs. In March 2011, Rambo III will launch on Spike as Rambo's Vietnam commanding officer Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) is held hostage in Afghanistan, and it's up to Rambo to rescue him.

You can read the full article HERE. Thanks for the tip to SZoner, Joe Petitto - Craig

Rambo: A Comparison and More

This blogger posts about the differences between the Rambo of the movies and the novel First Blood and more. - Craig

First Blood Celebration Art Contest

I recently received information from Inge Wilson about an art contest for the First Blood 25th Anniversary Celebration. Here are the particulars:

• Enter to win $200 cash prize
• Enter original artwork that depicts the character of "John Rambo” as featured in the film “First Blood”
• Submit to Destination Hope & Beyond Services by 5PM on Thursday, October 4th, 2007
• All 2D media forms eligible (for example pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel etc.). Mechanically produced or assisted artwork such as photographs or computer generated images will not be accepted. Minimum size 5” X 7”. Please do not frame entries.
• No entry fee.
• All entries become the property of Destination Hope & Beyond Services and will be exhibited during the “Rambo-First Blood” 25th Anniversary Event in Hope October 5th to 8th, 2007
• All entries must be accompanied by a signed release form.
• Minimum of 10 contestants or contest will be cancelled. Maximum of two entries per contestant.
• Judges decision is final.
• Entry forms & release forms available from the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex located at 919 Water Avenue, Hope, B.C., V0X 1L0

We have several talented SZoner artists -- good luck to all! - Craig

More on the First Blood Celebration

More on the First Blood celebration:

Craig – please see below for the “First Blood 25^th Anniversary Event” weekend plans but note that THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Please post to your website if possible

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Friday, October 5th - 7PM or so ... welcome evening for First Blood fans at the Silver Chalice Neighbourhood Pub featuring the premiere showing of the REEL PLACES documentary/travelogue of "First Blood". No cover charge. Must be 19 years old to gain admission. Introduction of the Rambo look-alike competitors - each Rambo look-alike competitor will receive a free ticket for the "First Blood" film screening on Saturday evening.

Saturday, October 6th - 10AM guided walking tour of "First Blood" filming locations within Hope. Starting location is the Hope Visitor Centre/Museum Complex at 919 Water Avenue. Admission to Museum by donation but no charge for walking tour. Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! (From 9AM to 10AM pre-bookings & pre-payments for a lunch at the Sheriff's Office can be made at the Visitor Centre & Museum Complex) Tour will include lunch stop at the "Sheriff's Office" where "First Blood" art competition entries will be displayed. Tour will conclude at the Visitor Centre/Museum Complex sometime in the afternoon.

Saturday, October 6th - 7PM doors open at the Hope Cinema for a special screening of the original "First Blood" film. At 7:30 PM anyone present that has stories or memories to share will be asked to speak at the microphone before the film begins. Rambo look-alike competitors will each be asked to voice one of the well known "Rambo" pieces of dialogue. The "Fan Favourite" and official first place winners of the Rambo look-alike competition to be announced & awards presented. Film begins once speakers & Rambo impersonators are finished. Cost per person is $8.00. Ticket will also include admission to the feature film (title unknown yet) being shown at Hope Cinema immediately after the conclusion of "First Blood".

Sunday, October 7th - 10AM Meet at the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park parking lot for a guided walk through "Chapman's Gorge". Parking fee is $3 per vehicle (bring coins for the parking ticket machine). Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! Those who want to continue on with the optional hike should bring a bag lunch. No charge to participate.

Sunday, October 7th - 1PM Optional additional hike through the woods above "Chapman's Gorge". Must be physically fit, appropriately attired and sign a waiver. Parking fee for Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park still in effect. Hike proceeds rain or shine. No charge to participate. Sunday, October 7th - Pig Roast Dinner Wind Up. Location, time and cost not yet finalized. Both Saturday & Sunday the Hope Museum will be open from 10AM to 4PM. A small exhibit of "First Blood" photos and memorabilia will be featured. Admission by donation. A special "First Blood" 25th anniversary souvenir booklet will be available throughout the weekend. No organized events on Monday, October 8th - Thanksgiving Day - but visitors are encouraged to enjoy other points of interest in the Hope area like Hell's Gate Airtram, Minter Gardens, Hope Art Gallery, Hope Chainsaw Carvings, Yale Heritage Site, Kilby Historic Store & Farm, the Hope Slide and more!

Inge Wilson
Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex
Destination Hope & Beyond Services

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It looks to be like a lot of fun. If any SZoner is able to attend, we'd love to see photos and a report! - Craig

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

This came in the e-mail this week...

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Over 25 years have passed since First Blood wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, Canada - but residents, local crew and Rambo enthusiasts agree it doesn't feel like a quarter century has passed. Back in 1981, British Columbia’s film industry was in itsinfancy when the Ministry of Tourism’s Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting First Blood, a $15 million action movie in B.C..

After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope. Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the BC Film industry) began to transform the town of Hope into the birthplace of John Rambo. The Sheriff’s Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope’s District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes, and US Army billboards were placed on downtown streets.

During the filming, the cast and crew had to deal with bitter cold, the theft of over 50 firearms needed for the movie, Stallone’s injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set. Despite these challenges, First Blood, which was released on Friday October 22, 1982was a major box office success, earning a record breaking $14.8 million in the first 12 days of its release.

To mark the film’s 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex (operated by Destination Hope & Beyond Services) is celebrating the occasion with a number of events and activities over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, beginning October 5th. The anniversary celebration plans currently include a welcome reception at a Hope pub, the premiere of the REEL PLACES “First Blood” travelogue/documentary by Seattle’s Gas Light Alley Entertainment, film location tours, a Rambo look-a-like contest, an art competition, a pig roast dinner, and the publication of a souvenir “First Blood” booklet as a keepsake.

Anyone that would like to contribute stories, photos or trivia for the souvenir booklet is invited to send them to destinationhope@telus.net. Plus anyone that was involved in this film project is encouraged to take part in the events celebrating this pivotal BC film project.

For further information, please contact: Inge Wilson, Manager-Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex Phone: 604-869-2021 or 1-866-HOPEVIC or E-mail:destinationhope@telus.net

First Blood Celebration

Hey SZoners, This came in and I thought many of you would be interested...

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Greetings from Hope, British Columbia, Canada … birthplace of John Rambo as a world renowned film screen character!

“First Blood” was filmed in our community in 1981 and the film was released into theatres in 1982 – so 2007 marks the 25^th anniversary of the film and we are celebrating that October 5^th to 8^th, 2007 with a variety of activities … do you think your website readers would like to know more about the special film screening, the souvenirs that will be available, the film location tours, the Rambo look-alike contest, the First Blood art contest & more!?

They can email me at destinationhope@telus.net and I will fill them in on the details….

Inge Wilson

Destination Hope & Beyond Services

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Hard to believe it's been 25 years! - Craig

First Blood 2nd Best

The June 24, 2007 issue of The Calgary Sun has an article by Kevin Williamson who lists his choices for the Top Ten Action Films of the 80's. First Blood comes in second and here's what he has to say:

2. FIRST BLOOD (1982): Sylvester Stallone's brutish, brooding alter-ego is now indefensible as anything but a churlish Reagan-era joke. But this inaugural outing, in which the psychologically scarred Vietnam vet John Rambo runs afoul of a hick police force, is, in retrospect, remarkable for its comparative restraint.

Click HERE for the full article. - Craig