Paramount Scares: Volume 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The "Paramount Scares: Volume 2" 4K UHD Blu-ray collection delivers impressive visual upgrades across its selection of films, notably enhancing detail and color precision. Each transfer is a testament to modern digital mastering, albeit with some variations in stylistic execution. "World War Z," presented at 2.40:1, utilizes Dolby Vision grading to elevate its visuals significantly. The film benefits from enhanced black levels and vibrant color reproductions, particularly during intense sequences. CGI elements, though now more pronounced, integrate seamlessly thanks to advancements in visual effects technology since the film's original release. The result is a more immersive viewing experience, although the absence of an unrated cut in 4K is a missed opportunity.

"Friday the 13th Part II" receives a noteworthy upgrade, framed at 1.78:1. The enhanced detail is evident with the Dolby Vision effectively deepening black levels and offering a richer color palette, making skin tones and natural elements like foliage stand out. The film’s textural clarity is an improvement over its HD counterpart, giving this horror classic a fresh vibrancy.

"Breakdown," shot using high-quality 35mm cameras, captures the expansive and isolating landscapes of its setting in stark clarity. The 2.35:1 framing benefits greatly from Dolby Vision’s contrast capabilities, which accentuate both natural lighting and the dynamic color range. Specific scenes show remarkable detail, such as the textures of fabric and the subtle play of light on skin, enhancing the film’s gritty realism.

Finally, "Orphan: First Kill" at 1.85:1 delivers clear detailing and strong color contrast, offering a tight and atmospheric presentation. While the film occasionally opts for a softer visual approach to imply past settings, Dolby Vision ensures that moments of high tension retain their vivid impact, ensuring that every nuance in lighting and texture supports the film's unsettling mood.

The "Paramount Scares: Volume 2" 4K UHD Blu Ray audio presentation offers a technically proficient and immersive auditory experience tailored to each film's unique atmosphere. "World War Z" features a DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio track that dynamically recreates the pulsating chaos of a zombie-infested world. The auditory detail is impeccable, from growling zombies to explosive sequences, ensuring dialogue remains clear throughout the tension. The volume can peak at moments, encouraging viewers not faint of heart to occasionally adjust their sound systems. Meanwhile, "Friday the 13th Part II" delivers through its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. While the presentation lacks an English mono option on UHD, the track provides clean and contained soundscapes that effectively support the film's suspense. Moments of silence are punctuated with sharp unnerving sound effects enhancing the narrative's psychological nuances.

"Breakdown" utilizes its English Dolby Digital TrueHD 5.1 track to great effect, with intense sequences brought to life through precision surround sound. The sporadic use of audio elements creates moments of surprise when the story calls for heightened immersion—especially renowned for its crashing sequences filled with metallic reverberations. Dialogue remains crisp and unambiguous throughout the suspenseful narrative, ensuring an intelligible experience even during action-heavy scenes. "Orphan: First Kill" supports its chilling narrative with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix that balances dialogue and atmospheric elements effectively. Though not as dynamically intense as its counterparts, the audio track's restraint complements the unsettling ambiance. The mix provides a reliable auditory experience, even if some may crave more immersive playfulness associated with contemporary horror genres. Overall, each film in this collection is rendered with precise attention to audio quality, making "Paramount Scares: Volume 2" a robust addition for enthusiasts prioritizing sound fidelity in their horror and thriller collections.

The "Paramount Scares: Volume 2" 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a rich compilation of extras, enhancing the viewing experience of the included films. The standout is the exclusive Fangoria magazine issue, which dives into the collection's films—an enticing bonus for collectors. Each film is accompanied by tailored, insightful features that range from director commentaries to making-of documentaries. Notably, "Breakdown" includes a captivating commentary by Jonathan Mostow and Kurt Russell, and "Friday the 13th: Part II" offers detailed retrospectives, enriching its slasher classic status. While "Orphan: First Kill" lacks additional features, this is offset by substantial content across other entries. The packaging itself adds unique value, featuring custom art slipcases and unique collectibles that distinguish this volume.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Jonathan Mostow and Kurt Russell: Insightful dialogue exploring film production details.
• Filmmaker Focus - Jonathan Mostow on Breakdown: Director discusses insights into the making of "Breakdown".
• Victory Is Hers - Kathleen Quinlan on Breakdown: Actress shares her experiences.
• A Brilliant Partnership - Martha De Laurentiis on Breakdown: Producer reflects on collaboration.
• Alternate Opening: Explores unused scenes with optional commentary.
• Isolated Score: Music-focused audio track.
• Inside Crystal Lake Memories: Retrospective on the "Friday the 13th: Part II" phenomenon.
• Jason Forever: Extended discussion with franchise creators.
• WWZ Production: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of "World War Z".

The second installment of Paramount's "Paramount Scares" 4K UHD Blu-ray collection showcases a vibrant blend of horror and suspense, embodying an eclectic mix of genres. This selection, though perhaps perceived as more disjointed than its predecessor, offers a compelling viewing experience. The lineup includes "Friday the 13th: Part II," "Breakdown," "World War Z," and "Orphan: First Kill." Each title is presented in its 4K UHD debut, except for "World War Z," which sees a re-release. The diversity is notable, with fans benefiting from unique slipcovers and original artwork underneath the Blu-ray case cover.

"Friday the 13th: Part II" (3/5) builds upon its predecessor's legacy, delivering thrills typical of its era. While the sequel maintains classic horror tropes, its innovative kill sequences and signature villain help it stand out in the franchise. Meanwhile, "Breakdown" (4.5/5) excels as a gripping thriller; Kurt Russell's performance carries the narrative through a tension-filled plot of mystery and survival. Its refined direction and minimalistic score heighten the suspense to great effect.

"World War Z" (4/5), while an action-heavy narrative, redefined the zombie genre with its sweeping scope and frenetic pacing. It stands apart with intense sequences, despite certain production challenges. "Orphan: First Kill" (2.5/5) takes liberties with its horror-comedy approach. The prequel struggles with predictability and lacks depth, though it offers an unexpected twist that briefly reinvigorates the story.

Overall, despite questions regarding thematic cohesion, the package is an attractive proposition for horror enthusiasts, not least for its competitive pricing. Accompanied by appealing collectible items like a Fangoria magazine and custom artwork, this set successfully garners interest both for collectors and casual viewers alike.

Paramount Scares: Volume 2 continues the studio's foray into thematic box sets, offering a four-film 4K UHD collection. While the selection lacks the anticipated surprise fifth title, the included roster remains eclectic, featuring "Breakdown," "Orphan: First Kill," "World War Z," and "Friday the 13th: Part II." This combination bridges a range from classic horror to thriller dynamics, providing varied cinematic experiences. Enhanced with robust audio options like DTS-HD MA 7.1 for "World War Z" and packaging that appeals to collectors, the set serves both aesthetic and technical quality standards. Although some entries, like "Breakdown," challenge traditional genre boundaries, its inclusion enriches the anthology’s narrative depth.

Technical prowess stands out with new 4K masters showcasing impressive clarity across the films. The assortment of soundtracks and subtitle options caters to diverse audiences, contributing to a seamless viewing experience. However, it is worth noting that "World War Z" repeats its UHD release status and bonus content is sparse for some titles. Additionally, "Orphan: First Kill" seems to spark controversy among purists due to its modern yet polarizing selection. Despite these minor quibbles, the set's affordability, approximately translating to $16 per film, adds significant value to those interested in varied horror and thriller genres.

In conclusion, Paramount Scares: Volume 2 delivers a technically satisfying and visually appealing package that reinforces Paramount’s commitment to expanding their UHD offerings. While the selection might not please every horror enthusiast, particularly those seeking more orthodox choices or exclusive bonus content, it sets a commendable standard for future volumes. The collection is a notable endeavor for genre enthusiasts looking to diversify their home cinematic experience. Recommended for its value and dedication to quality preservation in physical media formats.