Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" provides a visually engaging experience despite some minor flaws. Disney’s striking presentation features vibrant and spicy primary colors that pop off the screen with stunning clarity, ensuring that both fine textures and fabrics are intricately detailed. The razor-sharp definition, enhanced by a tasteful veneer of grain, gives the film a surprisingly filmic quality, which is often missing in direct-to-video productions. Shadow delineation is top-notch, offering excellent detail and substance in low-light scenes, while edges remain consistently crisp and precise.

However, it isn't without its imperfections. Some stock footage of Los Angeles suffers from transient banding and blocking, most notably meteorological phenomena in early shots of the city. Additionally, negligible noise occasionally intrudes, particularly noticeable on Papi’s nose during night scenes. Despite relatively seamless visual effects, the animation of the doggie mouths is less effective, appearing somewhat marionette-like and detracting slightly from the overall visual experience. Nonetheless, the encode is highly proficient, with minimal artifacting, banding, smearing, crush, or aliasing present.

Overall, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" delivers a clean source with remarkable detail and vibrant colors that viewers will find hard to fault. The visual presentation stands up well under scrutiny and provides an enjoyable viewing experience for discerning videophiles and families alike. While the animated dog mouths may not impress all viewers, the pristine transfer quality upholds Disney's reputation for delivering high-quality visuals.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" offers a commendable audio experience, particularly for a direct-to-video release. Dialogue clarity, whether from human characters or the lively canine cast, is excellent and consistently intelligible throughout the film. The mix smartly prioritizes voices, ensuring that all spoken elements are distinct. Sound effects such as ripping couch cushions and jingling dog toys are delivered with precision, while LFE output provides a robust and hearty underpinning. Directional effects and smooth cross-channel pans are noteworthy, although the mix tends to be front-heavy, a common trait for this type of release. Nevertheless, the rear speakers are adequately utilized to create a moderately engaging soundstage with playful ambience and subtle acoustics.

The audio presentation also features dynamic directionality that enhances the atmosphere. Barking and other sounds are seamlessly integrated into the side and rear channels, helping to locate off-screen activities. Transitions of voices and sounds from different channels offer a smooth, immersive auditory experience, reflecting the puppies' energetic movements across the screen. The genre score, infused with salsa rhythms, enjoys ample spatial presence, filling the entire soundfield and bleeding into the rear speakers to create an encompassing effect. Ambient sounds contribute to a well-rounded experience, especially in scenes like dog shows, bank robberies, and backyard parties.

Overall, despite lacking some aggressive rear-channel engagement, fans of the film will appreciate the finely tuned audio track that keeps the soundfield lively and active. It's clear that Disney put effort into ensuring an enjoyable auditory experience, meeting reasonable expectations for this family-friendly movie.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" provide a mix of light-hearted content, although some fall short in depth and engagement. Highlights include an interactive game show, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua Challenge," which attempts to entertain with trivia related to the movie. There’s also the obligatory Disney music video "This is My Paradise" by Bridgit Mendler, which echoes the film's tone but doesn't add substantial value. The "Blooper Faux Paws" feature offers a brief, amusing look at the unpredictable behavior of the film's animal stars. Unfortunately, these additions, while in high definition, are largely superficial and don't significantly enhance the viewer's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Beverly Hills Chihuahua Challenge: An interactive game show with movie-related trivia.
• This is My Paradise: Music video featuring Disney pop starlet Bridgit Mendler.
• Blooper Faux Paws: An outtake reel displaying amusing animal antics on set.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 attempts to capitalize on its predecessor's surprising box office success with a new round of canine capers, but it falls short on delivering meaningful content. The movie starts with an extravagant dog wedding between Papi (George Lopez) and Chloe (Odette Yustman), setting the stage for a family-oriented adventure that quickly introduces their five rambunctious pups. While the premise of feisty chihuahuas getting into mischief might capture children's attention, the script is bogged down by an endless stream of predictable puns and lackluster storytelling.

The human cast, including Marcus Coloma and Erin Cahill, transitions awkwardly into their roles, exacerbating the film's weakness. The narrative thrusts Sam into a subplot involving mortgage woes, while Papi juggles fatherhood challenges. These elements feel forced and fail to engage mature audiences. Despite this, Alex Zamm's direction does manage to deliver visually pleasing talking-animal effects, surpassing recent theatrical attempts like "The Revenge of Kitty Galore." However, these technical accomplishments are overshadowed by the film's repetitive humor and uninspired performances.

Children might find some delight in the whimsical nature and light-hearted antics of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. Yet, despite its partially redeeming qualities—including commendable visual effects—the film predominantly serves as simplistic entertainment for younger viewers. For parents seeking quality family cinema or educational value, other options might better serve enriching their children's viewing experiences. Nonetheless, for households where talking dogs are a beloved trope, this sequel offers a harmless, if unremarkable, diversion.

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" is a direct-to-video sequel that clearly targets a younger demographic. While the narrative follows a predictable path filled with talking-animal antics meant to enthrall children, it offers little in terms of originality or depth. The storyline is simple and carries a marginally charming theme about acceptance. However, it will struggle to hold the attention of older children or adults, who may find themselves checking the clock frequently.

Technically speaking, Disney's Blu-ray release provides a redeeming factor to an otherwise lackluster film. The video transfer is excellent, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance the visual experience. Complementing this is a robust DTS-HD Master Audio track, which ensures that the audio quality is clear and immersive, making it easy for parents and kids alike to appreciate the technical presentation, even if the content leaves much to be desired.

Supplementary material on the Blu-ray is underwhelming. While it includes some special features and a game, they fail to provide lasting engagement or excitement. The game, in particular, becomes repetitive quickly and does little to elevate the overall experience of the Blu-ray package.

If you didn't make it through "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," its direct-to-video sequel isn't going to win you over either. Younger children will certainly enjoy its talking-animal hilarity, but older kids and their less-than-enamored parents will find themselves staring at the clock and fighting sleep. At least Disney's Blu-ray release makes up for some of the mediocrity that graces the screen. Its supplemental package isn't going to sell any discs, but its excellent video transfer and solid DTS-HD Master Audio track will satisfy fans of all ages. Rent "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2" if you must, avoid it altogether if you can.