He does have the help of Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong), a feisty stewardess he happens to abduct along the way, and General Kirby, who trained him. But Kirby is always one step behind. And Matrix has only hours before they'll send Jenny back in pieces.

When the pressure's on, Matrix only gets tougher. And nothing's going to stop him now.

“Somewhere... somehow... someone's going to pay!”
—from "Commando"

 Reviews:

“Gold. Pure gold.”
—David Nusair, REEL FILM REVIEWS

“My favorite movie of all time.”
—Kevin N. Laforest, MONTREAL FILM JOURNAL

“A violent guilty pleasure from the Schwarzenegger estate”
—Jon Niccum, LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD

 Observations & Revelations:

In truth, I am able to make no verifiable representations where this item is concerned. While I can most certainly ascertain the exterior condition of the tape itself and the protective plastic case in which it is housed, I do not, regrettably, possess the equipment (Betamax VCR) requisite to viewing the tape. I am, however, assured by the 83 year old gentleman who kindly donated this title that the condition, when last viewed, was Excellent. He further informed me that, owing to deteriorating eyesight, the tape was viewed far less than he would have preferred.

Although he derived great enjoyment from the various Action films in his library, I must confess that I have never seen this movie and am, therefore, unable to provide a personal critique, either pro or con. There exist, however, a remarkable number of online reviews by means of which one may glean a plethora of conflicting opinions and viewpoints, and become inculcated with the true meaning of subjectivity.

 A Bit About Beta:

With an estimated 18 million Betamax VCRs sold during its 27 year production run (1975-2002) and a not insignificant company of die-hard betaphiles who vehemently proclaim the technical superiority of Sony's Betamax design, there, nevertheless, exists a substantial dearth of Beta prerecorded and blank videocassettes.

Why then, with so many devotees, was a purportedly technologically superior and innovative product rendered virtually extinct? The reasons cited are many and varied, and include such suppositions as follow:

• Although, as a result of technological excellence, Sony was the firmly entrenched leader in the professional market (and so remain), they, ostensibly, completely misjudged that singular feature of greatest import to the mass market consumer. It became quite obvious, almost immediately following the release of the JVC VHS format, that the average consumer was influenced far more by the length of recording time than by video and audio quality. The early Sony Betamax offered a 60 minute record capacity, while the JVC VHS entry was double that amount.
• When Universal Studios and Disney filed suit alleging that VCRs, by enabling individuals to record movies and television programs, were infringing on the copyrights of movie and television producers and named Sony as the sole defendant, JVC and its growing alliance were permitted to proceed unimpeded while Sony was forced to divide its attention in order to address the legal proceedings. By the time that the case was resolved in Sony's favor, the Betamax market share had fallen to approximately 19%. The losers of the legal action, of course, promptly determined that they could, indeed, profit, nay prosper, by making available their products (a vast movie collection) on videocassette. Quite naturally their efforts were focused on that format which controlled the largest market share—VHS. The insatiable appetite of the consumer led to record sales of prerecorded tapes—VHS tapes. Those wishing to create a prerecorded videocassette library found that they had little choice but to purchase a VHS VCR. The battleship Betamax was listing heavily to starboard and would soon be relegated to the tranquil Sea of Nostalgia.
• To add insult to injury, the predominant VHS alliance began slashing the prices of its machines. (Increased sales lead to increased volumes lead to economies of production, etc.) At one point, an RCA VHS VCR could be purchased for $300 less than a Sony Betamax. As the price war raged, the meager Sony contingent lost more and more market share until by 1989 only 1% of the consumer-oriented VCRs being purchased were Betamax. In 2002, Captain and crew abandoned ship as Sony announced that production of the mass market Betamax had ceased.

Although production of the Betamax format ceased in 2002, there remains a steadfast and hearty band of ardent betaphiles who, with an indescribable zeal, painstakingly prowl rummage, yard, and garage sales, haunt the aisles of flea markets, and scrupulously search the Internet for that which is nearing extinction—the elusive Beta.

For you, the unwavering Betaphile, or you, the insatiable trivia buff, there currently exist sundry worthwhile online repositories of Betamax history, mythology, and lore. I include links to a few of the more noteworthy web sites for your perusal, edification, and, perchance, assistance.

Betamax — The Best Video System

Betamax PALsite Chat Room

Betaphile Club

The Ultimate Betamax Information Guide

Wikipedia — Betamax

 Raw Deal Betamax Video Tape Information:

• Title: Commando
• Actor/Actress: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano
• Produced by: Joel Silver
• Directed by: Mark L. Lester
• Story by: Joseph Loeb III, Matthew Weisman, and Steven E. de Souza
• Sreenwriter: Steven E. de Souza
• Original Music by: James Horner
• Cinematography by: Matthew F. Leonetti
• Film Editing by: Glenn Farr, Mark Goldblatt, John F. Link
• Casting by: Jackie Burch
• Production Design by: John Vallone
• Set Direction by: Robert Gould
• Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
• Video Released by: CBS/Fox Video
• Video Release Date: 1985
• Runtime: Approximately 90M
• Rating: R
• Language: English
• Color: Technicolor
• Sound Mix: Beta Hi-Fi
• Closed Captioned: Yes

 Starring:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix
• Rae Dawn Chong as Cindy
• Dan Hedaya as Arius
• Vernon Wells as Bennett
• James Olson as General Franklin Kirby
• David Patrick Kelly as Sully
• Alyssa Milano as Jenny Matrix
• Bill Duke as Cooke
• Drew Snyder as Lawson
• Sharon Wyatt as Leslie
• Michael Delano as Forrestal

 Special Features:

• Betamax Video Tape
• NTSC
• Annotated Factory Case
• Betamax Hi-Fi
• Color

Specifications: 1