Poltergeist II: The Other Side Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray debut of "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" offers a commendable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivering an unexpectedly robust visual presentation for a mid-1980s horror sequel. Though not groundbreaking, the transfer manages to preserve the film's authentic look with great fidelity. The print is in near-perfect condition, with minimal signs of damage apart from a few scattered white specks and a consistent light grain, except for an unusual excessive grain shot near the end. The clarity is sufficient, providing detailed visuals of actors’ faces, clothing, and the practical effects, particularly noticeable in intricate scenes involving wires.

The color palette is well-balanced, offering vibrant hues without verging on being too dull or overblown. Brightly lit scenes exhibit pleasing depth, notably in the desert vistas and Native American ritual under starry skies, while the darker interior shots retain acceptable black levels and strong contrast. However, these darker scenes occasionally appear slightly soft and flat. Despite this minor shortcoming, the transfer avoids common pitfalls such as DNR, edge enhancement, banding, macroblocking, and excess noise, ensuring a high-definition experience free of compression artifacts.

Overall, "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" doesn’t set new standards for Blu-ray visual presentations but provides a solid and respectful transfer that enhances the viewing experience without compromising the film's original aesthetic. This release should appeal to fans seeking both clarity and authenticity in their high-definition collections.

The Blu-ray of "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" presents its audio in an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix, with optional English subtitles and several foreign language options, including French and Spanish. Although it may not reach the continuous intensity of modern horror soundtracks, it still offers noteworthy moments of sonic impact. Supernatural sequences come alive through robust sound effects that utilize the rear channels effectively, featuring swooshes, electrical crackles, and intermittent ambient noise to enhance immersion. Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score shines through with crisp brass and rich string sections, adding an impressive layer to the auditory experience.

Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, although a minor presence of high-frequency crackles can be detected. The track offers decent directionality, with a fairly expansive soundscape for effects and music. While the audio mix leans slightly front-heavy, it compensates during the film's major set pieces where aggressiveness ramps up and surrounds sound usage excels, intensifying ghostly sounds and displaced voices around the audience. Characteristic horror film dynamics are evident, with quiet moments building up to climaxes of noise and music, showcasing a well-handled dynamic range. Despite bass activity not being as overwhelming as some might expect, it enhances excitement without overshadowing other audio elements. Overall, the audio mix achieves a well-balanced presentation, giving equal emphasis to dialogue, effects, and music as needed.

This audio mix significantly complements the film’s content, infusing periodic excitement and eerie immersion that fans will appreciate. While not flawless, its ability to bolster the score and deliver both enhanced dialogue and impactful ghostly sounds ensures that it remains an engaging auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" offers a minimal but high-quality set of extras. The highlight includes the film's theatrical trailer presented in 1080p high definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, delivering a crisp, nostalgic revisit to the film's initial promotion. The absence of additional features such as behind-the-scenes content or interviews is noted, but for enthusiasts and collectors, the inclusion of the trailer itself adds value by providing a window into the era-specific marketing approach and ambiance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The film's theatrical trailer is presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound.

"Poltergeist II: The Other Side" struggles with the typical pitfalls of horror sequels, offering a blend of underwhelming scares and an over-reliance on special effects that lack the charm and terror of its predecessor. The film picks up after the Freeling family's home is sucked into another dimension, only to find themselves haunted once again by the malevolent Reverend Kane (Julian Beck). Despite its clunky narrative filled with Native American stereotypes and fuzzy metaphysical concepts, the film has an endearing, if irrational, charm. The cast, including Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams, deliver convincing performances, but their efforts are undermined by a storyline that often feels disjointed and tepid.

The film features some genuinely unique set pieces, such as a possessed tequila worm and braces that turn deadly, but these sporadic bursts of creativity are not enough to sustain tension or build a cohesive narrative. Julian Beck's portrayal of Reverend Kane stands out as one of the film's most unsettling elements, providing a chilling presence that occasionally elevates the otherwise pedestrian plot and hokey special effects. Unfortunately, these moments are overshadowed by an overstuffed and convoluted mythology, which tries to tie in an underground cult and a rapture prophecy with little success.

Despite its shortcomings, "Poltergeist II" does deliver moments of fun with its over-the-top horror sequences and bizarre plot twists. Scenes like Steven Freeling swallowing a possessed tequila worm and Robbie being attacked by his braces provide memorable, if not entirely effective, horror spectacles. Zelda Rubinstein reprises her role as the quirky medium Tangina Barrons, adding a touch of nostalgic charm. However, the film's climax falls flat with lackluster effects and a saccharine resolution that detracts from the film’s potential impact. In the end, while "Poltergeist II" offers modest entertainment, it fails to capture the magic and horror of the original, rendering it an unnecessary extension rather than a worthy successor.

"Poltergeist II: The Other Side" on Blu-ray serves as both a nostalgic trip for fans of 1980s horror and a technical showcase for high-definition remastering. This sequel does not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, but it does provide a degree of nostalgic charm and sufficient entertainment value. The all-new 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer elevates the viewing experience, offering a picture that is cleaner and sharper than anticipated. The audio quality is equally impressive, delivering an immersive soundscape that complements the eerie atmosphere of the film.

Despite its technical merits, "Poltergeist II" does falter in the narrative department. The story lacks the originality and gripping thrills that made the original a blockbuster hit. Instead, it leans heavily on familiar tropes and predictable plot developments. This lack of innovation may deter viewers looking for a compelling follow-up to the original. Additionally, the Blu-ray release is somewhat bare-boned, devoid of substantial supplements that could enrich the fan experience.

In conclusion, while "Poltergeist II" may not live up to the greatness of its predecessor, it holds its own as a visually and aurally satisfying piece of 80s horror. Fans of the genre and franchise will appreciate the technical enhancements, even if the film itself leaves something to be desired. As long as you manage your expectations and accept it for what it is—a lesser, yet enjoyable sequel—this Blu-ray is a worthy addition to any horror aficionado's collection. All fans of 1980s horror take note.