Troll 2 Blu-ray Review

Upon scrutinizing the high-definition transfer of "Troll 2" on Blu-ray, it's evident that MGM has managed to significantly elevate the visual quality of this notoriously dreadful film. The 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation, framed at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivers a sharpness and clarity that, while not groundbreaking, vastly surpasses the murky visuals of the prior DVD version. The improvement in detail is particularly noteworthy; from the intricacies of the laughably amateur goblin costumes to the subtleties of the background, everything is rendered with an unexpected finesse. Colors are striking—especially the vivid greens and reds that dominate the palette, enhancing the film's eerie, grotesque ambiance. Although skintones tend towards the ruddy and black levels sometimes dip into greys rather than true blacks, the overall color balance and contrast maintain a commendable stability throughout.

The enhancement in resolution shines through in several aspects of the video quality, revealing finer details and textures previously lost to the low fidelity of past releases. Landscapes, fabrics, and even facial imperfections are now discernible, adding a layer of depth to the film's visual narrative. Despite the inherent limitations of the source material, the Blu-ray edition of "Troll 2" showcases surprisingly robust shadow detail and maintains visibility in dimly lit scenes, ensuring that none of the movie’s ham-fisted horror is obscured. Although grain levels fluctuate and occasionally introduce light noise, these minor discrepancies do not mar the viewing experience significantly.

In synthesis, MGM's high-definition remaster of "Troll 2" elevates the film's visual presentation to a degree that might astonish even its most ardent detractors. The vibrant saturation of colors adds energy to every scene, while improved contrast and brightness offer a more dynamic range. Despite its status as a cult classic for all the wrong reasons, this Blu-ray transfer grants "Troll 2" a visual polish that defies its origins as cinematic detritus—a testament to the miracles of modern video technology.

Approaching the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Troll 2" on Blu Ray, listeners might find themselves pleasantly surprised by the audio quality that, despite its origins, exceeds expectations. Originally a mono soundtrack, MGM has elegantly expanded it into a multi-channel experience, though without heavily investing in dynamic cross-channel effects. Notable moments include certain environmental sounds like the buzz of insects and the peculiarly detailed ambience of Creedence Gielgud's lair, spreading minimally to the rear channels. However, the bizarre and varied score, ranging from heavy metal riffs to quirky synthesizer melodies and banjos, stands out as uniquely memorable. While the track might not showcase a broad dynamic range, it is commendably free from audio imperfections such as crackles or dropouts. Furthermore, the dialogue, delivered with an almost comical lack of emotion, remains primarily clear, ensuring that none of the script's odd charm is lost.

The sound design of "Troll 2" focuses predominantly on the front channels, aligning with expectations for a film of its ilk. Despite this, the soundstage impresses with its acoustical depth and presence, notably enhanced by a musical score that extends into lateral channels to create a more immersive albeit not earth-shattering experience. Voices are rendered with exceptional clarity, ensuring every line of campy dialogue is perfectly intelligible. While lacking in substantial bass frequencies, the audio mix demonstrates a well-calibrated mid-range that maintains consistency throughout.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Troll 2" on Blu Ray doesn’t promise an auditory feast for the senses but rather delivers a solid performance that is particularly remarkable considering the film’s reputation and low-budget production. This unexpectedly good quality serves to somewhat enrich the viewing experience of this cult horror flick, ensuring that its quirky and infamous charm is heard as clearly as it is seen.

The extra presentation of the Blu-Ray edition of "Troll 2" has proven to be a significant disappointment for fans and collectors alike, primarily due to its sparse offerings. Despite the film's notorious reputation as a beloved cult classic, MGM's apparent oversight in capitalizing on its potential has led to a lackluster anniversary edition. The inclusion of only the original theatrical trailer as a special feature starkly contrasts with the missed opportunities to enrich the release. Suggestions like integrating Mike T. Nelson's RiffTrax or pairing the film with the documentary "Best Worst Movie" highlight the vast potential for a more engaging and comprehensive package. Such additions would not only have enhanced the value of this release but also appeased the cult following that "Troll 2" has garnered over the years. Instead, the final product feels underwhelming, leaving fans yearning for what could have been—a definitive collection that celebrates the movie’s unique place in cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original high definition theatrical trailer for "Troll 2".

Troll 2" presents itself as an enigmatic piece of cinema, transcending the boundaries of conventional filmmaking to achieve a notoriety so profound that it has amassed a cult following, inexplicable in its loyalty. Misleadingly titled to suggest a connection with its predecessor, this sequel contains neither trolls nor narrative coherence, opting instead for a bizarre tale of goblins with an appetite for vegetarianism. The irony of such a premise only adds layers to its peculiar charm, facilitated by the earnestness with which the cast approaches the material. Despite the absence of traditional cinematic merit, "Troll 2" commands attention through its sheer audacity and the unanticipated joy derived from its numerous incongruities.

Helmed by Claudio Fragasso, masquerading under the pseudonym Drake Floyd, the film suffers from a fundamental disconnect between intention and execution, attributable in part to linguistic barriers that marred the translation process. This disconnect manifests most evidently in the script—laden with awkward phrasings and nonsensical dialogues—that contributes substantially to the film’s unintentionally comedic tone. Performances veer into the realm of the theatrical, with actors delivering lines devoid of subtlety or nuance, inadvertently elevating the film to heights of camp and parody unachievable through deliberate effort. Noteworthy is Deborah Reed’s outlandishly over-the-top portrayal of Creedence Leonore Gielgud, a performance so extravagantly unhinged that it becomes a beacon of fascination amidst the chaos.

The setting—a quaint town paradoxically named Nilbog (‘Goblin’ spelled backwards)—serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding absurdity. Confronted with grotesque transformations and ludicrous plot devices (including an iconic scene involving a double-decker bologna sandwich), characters navigate a narrative so disjointed that it assumes a whimsical quality. Indeed, "Troll 2" thrives on its deficiencies; its failure to adhere to conventional standards of filmmaking births an experience singular in its ability to entertain and perplex in equal measure. The film’s legacy, cemented by its transformation from initially derided flop to beloved cult classic, testifies to the unpredictable alchemy that dictates cinematic immortality.

Troll 2" stands as a monument to the so-bad-it's-good genre, providing an unparalleled cinematic journey into the realm of delightful awfulness. This film, transcending the usual confines of quality, has etched its name into the annals of cult movie history, showcasing what happens when ambition outpaces execution. Its inherent charm lies not in scare tactics or a coherent narrative but in its pure, unfettered hilarity, spawned from earnest efforts to frighten. MGM's decision to release this on Blu-ray acknowledges the peculiar and fervent fanbase that "Troll 2" enjoys, offering a surprisingly crisp video and immersive audio experience that belies the film's original quality. However, it's regrettable that this release is somewhat scant on extras, featuring mainly a DVD copy as its solitary bonus, leaving fans craving more behind-the-scenes content and insights into this curious piece's creation.

Despite its shortcomings in supplementary material, "Troll 2" on Blu-ray becomes an essential acquisition for connoisseurs of cinema's more eccentric offerings. The film's transition to high definition allows for an even greater appreciation of its quirky visuals and earnest yet flawed execution. Its ability to amuse, perplex, and entertain is undiminished, making it a peculiar but worthy addition to any Halloween screening or cult movie night. The technical presentation on Blu-ray—boasting clear visuals and robust audio—ensures that every chuckle-worthy moment and bewildering decision is experienced in the best possible quality, offering both long-time fans and newcomers an opportunity to delve into its unique brand of entertainment.

In conclusion, "Troll 2" on Blu-ray masterfully preserves the film's legacy as a cult classic that's so disastrously executed it becomes an accidental masterpiece of humor. While the bare-bones nature of this release might disappoint some, the sheer joy of revisiting or discovering this bizarre spectacle in high definition should not be underestimated. It stands as a testa...