The Angry Birds Movie 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Angry Birds Movie 2" is a visual triumph, featuring a stunning 1.85:1 AVC encoded presentation that sets a high bar for animated transfers. This Blu-ray disc bursts with an array of lavish colors, presenting reds, yellows, greens, and purples with vivid clarity and intensity. Each hue is meticulously tuned, delivering a contrast and punch that bring the animated characters and diverse environments to life. From tropical beaches to icy interiors, every scene is a digital eye candy that captures the viewer’s attention. The detail levels are equally impressive, showcasing feathers, fur fibers, and even the smallest imperfections in houses with striking precision.

The image quality in "The Angry Birds Movie 2" is nothing short of impeccable. Close-ups reveal ultra-refined textures in animal fur, while environmental shots nearly approach photorealism with impeccably rendered water and dynamic landscapes. The film maintains a bright and engaging aesthetic throughout, offering radiant whites and glistening highlights in clouds, water, and ice. Darkness and shadows retain inky-rich, silky blacks without any encode flaws. This Blu-ray transfer excels in its depiction of energetic primaries, especially the vibrant reds and greens, as well as dynamic secondary hues like purples and pinks that add to the visual feast. Overall, Sony has delivered a reference-quality video presentation that is both technically flawless and highly enjoyable, making it a must-watch for animated film enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of "The Angry Birds Movie 2" on Blu-ray is equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that effectively meets the film's varied sound design requirements. Although the mix is encoded at a relatively low volume and may need a manual boost on most receivers, it compensates with dynamic surround activity and precise sound imaging. Front soundstage panning is particularly well-executed, matching the on-screen antics of the characters with commendable accuracy. The moderate LFE is sufficient to enhance key moments but could benefit from more robust thumps during certain sequences. Surround effects are notably active, especially during sequences when the birds are in motion, adding to the immersive auditory experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track further excels with its rich and vibrant musical score by Heitor Pereira, which spans a wide front soundstage and integrates rear channels as needed. Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, ensuring it remains front and center, even amidst the most chaotic scenes. While surround utilization can seem sporadic, it does provide an expansive sound field with exceptional definition in mid-range frequencies. Ambient effects and large-scale environmental sounds, such as debris falling or the movement of ice balls, occasionally utilize the rear channels, enhancing the immersive quality of select scenes. Overall, despite minor limitations in volume and LFE strength, the audio track delivers a highly engaging and lively experience fitting for this animated feature.

The extras on the Blu Ray release of "The Angry Birds Movie 2" provide a substantial collection of featurettes, mini movies, and activities that will entertain viewers of all ages. The set includes behind-the-scenes insights into the film's production, character development, and voice acting sessions. The mini-movies and DIY craft projects are particularly engaging, offering fun ways for families to extend the entertainment experience beyond just watching the film. Notably, "Bird Watching" gives an informative look at real-life avian inspirations, while “Flocking Together” dives into the creative process behind the movie. The package is well-rounded with a mix of humor, education, and hands-on activities that bolster the appeal of the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• ALL NEW MINI MOVIE! - Live Stream: Silver attempts her first livestream while Red and the Hatchlings get into mischief.
• 6 Classic Hatchling Mini Movies: Including themed specials like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, and Holiday.
• DIY Family Fun!: Craft projects like popcorn balls, crafting a volcano, and making pig snot (slime).
• Bird Watching: Real-life birds at the LA Zoo that inspired the movie’s characters.
• Meet The New Birds & Pigs: Introduction to new characters and their voice actors.
• Hatching the Hatchlings: Behind-the-scenes on creating and expanding the Hatchlings' roles.
• Flocking Together: Making The Angry Birds Movie 2: In-depth look at the creative process and themes.
• Happy Thanks-pigging: Zeta's unique take on the Thanksgiving menu.
• Jingle Birds: A holiday song performed by the cast with an Angry Birds twist.

"The Angry Birds Movie 2" continues the franchise's light-hearted, comedic approach by delivering a series of one-off gags interwoven with a simple storyline. The film revisits the amusing relationship between birds and pigs, now under threat from a new adversary, Zeta from Eagle Island. The central plot revolves around Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), who is challenged by an evolving threat that forces the birds and pigs to collaborate. Despite the lack of depth in the storyline and character development, the movie thrives on its colorful visuals and rapid-fire humor, catering to both children and adults.

The sequel delves into Red's personal journey, addressing his need to be the sole hero, especially when he meets Chuck's impressive sister, Silver (Rachel Bloom). This subplot injects some character evolution into the otherwise straightforward narrative. Notably, the film incorporates multiple plot lines, including Mighty Eagle’s antics, the primary conflict against Zeta, and side stories featuring the hatchlings. These varied segments maintain a brisk pace, keeping audiences entertained through constant shifts in setting and action.

Overall, "The Angry Birds Movie 2" adheres to the franchise's formulaic yet effective template by emphasizing humor and visual spectacle over originality. It leverages energetic voice performances and engaging animation to mask its conventional structure. The outcome is a charming, albeit predictable, family-friendly film that excels in moment-to-moment entertainment through its spirited presentation and whimsical storytelling.

"The Angry Birds Movie 2" delivers a lively and engaging sequel that hinges on its colorful animation, robust humor, and dynamic voice performances. Directed by Thurop Van Oman and John Rice, the film features an impressive cast including Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, and Leslie Jones among others. The plot—a sequence of sight gags and comedic scenes—predominantly succeeds in providing ample laughter, making it a fun viewing experience for children. While some jokes miss the mark, the majority hit well, ensuring steady entertainment throughout its 97-minute runtime. Complementing the humor is the vivid animation that ensures visual delight.

On the blu-ray front, Sony has done commendable work. The video presentation stands out with its pristine quality, delivering a reference-quality picture in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track, although not flawless, offers a solid auditory experience that enhances the film’s vibrant and playful tone. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, French, and Spanish, adding accessibility for a broader audience. Additionally, the blu-ray package includes decent supplementary content that is sure to entertain younger viewers.

In conclusion, "The Angry Birds Movie 2" might not revolutionize animated cinema, but it serves as an enjoyable family movie that kids will love. It understands its roots as an adaptation of a popular mobile game and does not attempt to overreach. The film achieves what it sets out to do: provide lighthearted fun with enough visual and audio appeal to keep viewers engaged. With good technical execution on the blu-ray release and a hearty dose of humor, it comes recommended as a rewarding rental experience.