The Expendables 2 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Expendables 2" on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films, encoded in 1080p and an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, brings forth a stylized and intentional visual aesthetic that resonates with the gritty tone of the film. The action-heavy sequences are characterized by dark and robust color schemes, with cooler chromatic elements offset by vivid accents of primary colors, warm golden hues, and crimson. This intentional color grading amplifies the film's gritty narrative while maintaining a natural yet filmic look. The contrast is bold and the blacks are rich, though shadow delineation can be inconsistent. Brightly lit sequences showcase clear, discerning resolution, even if they never quite reach razor-sharp precision. Conversely, darker scenes suffer from reduced clarity due, in part, to uneven grain rendering which can introduce a touch of noisiness.

The presentation is notably clean, free from dirt, grime, or any major artifacting which ensures that detailed elements, especially close-ups revealing the rugged features of the cast, are well-executed. The overall gauzy and slightly unfocused look is a stylistic choice rather than a flaw in the encode or transfer. This effect is more apparent in mid-range shots, occasionally leading to murkiness and a lack of fine detail, particularly in shadows where detail may get crushed and blended together. Outdoor sequences benefit from richly saturated colors that are very robust, especially noticeable in the burning reds, oranges, and yellows during explosive scenes.

Though the CGI elements sometimes break immersion with noticeably fake blood effects, the Blu-ray transfer is overall solid. The use of softer lighting imparts a gauziness reminiscent of '28 Days Later', aligning with directorial intentions but may slightly impact overall visual acclaim when weighed against other high-definition exemplars. Despite this, fans of the franchise will likely appreciate the visual style and execution as it effectively complements the film’s action-oriented narrative.

The audio presentation for "The Expendables 2" Blu-ray is exemplary, distinguishing itself as a premier choice for home theater enthusiasts. This film introduces DTS Neo:X 11.1 sound, though most users will experience the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix. The latter is nothing short of extraordinary, providing a rich auditory experience that complements the film's dynamic and relentless action sequences. The mix masterfully balances subtle dialogue and explosive effects, achieving a superbly detailed and immersive sound field. Dialogue rendering excels, ensuring clarity even amidst chaotic scenes.

The surround sound usage is meticulous, spanning from delicate ambient noises to high-octane gun battles, blending seamlessly to envelop the listener thoroughly. Dynamic range might favor the film’s intense action, but this does not detract from its immersive attributes. The distinct channelization and aggressive LFE bursts create an environment teeming with motion and impact, highlighted by intricately panned effects and robust bass responses. Explosions and mechanical noises resonate with profound depth, ensuring every bullet whizz and mortar whoosh is palpably felt.

Overall, this audio mix stands out for its demonstration quality, offering a true 360-degree auditory experience. Whether it’s the echoing gentleness of wind or the visceral intensity of crumbling structures, the sound design guarantees an engaging spectacle. Such a flawless mix in terms of dynamics, clarity, and immersive power makes "The Expendables 2" an essential pick for audiophiles seeking top-tier audio performance.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Expendables 2" are an enticing collection that provides in-depth engagement beyond the main feature, catering especially to fans of 80s action films and weaponry. Director Simon West's audio commentary is more anecdotal than insightful, likely leaving fans longing for Stallone’s previous comprehensive insights. The supplementals include extensive behind-the-scenes content, such as "Gods of War," which delves into the film’s star-studded cast, and "Big Guns, Bigger Heroes," a nostalgic homage to 1980s action cinema. Weapon aficionados will appreciate "On the Assault," showcasing the real-life armaments employed in the film. "Guns for Hire" explores the gritty world of actual mercenaries, enhancing the film's real-world parallels. Additionally, the disc includes deleted scenes, a lighthearted gag reel, and various digital copy options. Despite some minor redundancies in the content, these extras significantly enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary with director Simon West: Anecdotal insights from Simon West.
• Gods of War: Assembling Earth's Mightiest Anti-Heroes: Homage to the film's casting.
• Big Guns, Bigger Heroes: The 1980's and the Rise of the Action Film: Exploration of 80s action cinema.
• On the Assault: The Real Life Weaponry of 'The Expendables 2': Examination of real-life weaponry used in the film.
• Guns for Hire: The Real Expendables: Focus on real-life mercenaries and security personnel.
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of inconsequential scenes cut from the final film.
• Gag Reel: Lighthearted bloopers and outtakes from filming.
• DTS-HD Master Audio sound checks: Available in 5.1, 7.1, and 11.1 configurations.
• Digital Copy: Alternative formats for portable viewing.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Additional digital format option.

"The Expendables 2" kicks off with a high-octane opening sequence under the direction of Simon West, instantly trumping its predecessor in scale and intensity. The film's plot revolves around Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his team embarking on what seems like a simple mission, which spirals into a quest for vengeance against a psychotic terrorist, brilliantly played by Jean-Claude Van Damme. The team’s journey leads them through explosive set-pieces, including the decimation of a Nepalese village. The storyline is quintessentially thin, focusing more on destruction and action, with minimal attempts at character development – which surprisingly works to the film's advantage by keeping the audience’s attention fixed on its relentless pace.

West eschews the shaky-cam pitfalls of the first film in favor of clear, well-choreographed action scenes. The ensemble cast, including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and newcomers like Liam Hemsworth, cohesively deliver their roles despite the thin script. Noteworthy is that this sequel embraces its identity as a testosterone-laden spectacle, with over-the-top action and self-referential humor. Characters don’t indulge in overwrought emotional moments, which keeps the momentum unabated. A significant improvement is in capturing the hand-to-hand combat and grander fights without excessive camera work, making Jet Li’s acrobatics and other fight scenes comprehensible and engaging.

However, "The Expendables 2" suffers from repetitive clichés and uninspired gun battles that often reduce memorable action set pieces to mundane exchanges. The script heavily relies on nostalgic one-liners that at times feel forced and out of place. While humorous nods to past glories are present, they overshadow opportunities for more creative or innovative stunts. Although it manages to entertain through sheer force of will and charisma from its iconic cast, the movie struggles to elevate itself beyond a straightforward, mindless action flick filled with CGI-enhanced blood splatters and routine choreographed mayhem.

"The Expendables 2" on Blu-ray delivers a visually compelling and audibly dynamic experience, aligning closely with the technical expectations of a high-caliber action film. The video presentation is pristine, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors that enhance the overall viewing experience. Complementing the excellent visual quality is an audio mix that immerses the audience in an enveloping soundscape, guaranteed to resonate powerfully in any home theater setup.

Despite its technical prowess, the film itself falters in originality and script quality. The narrative leans heavily on outdated action clichés and underwhelming one-liners, missing an opportunity to leverage the substantial talent of its cast. The film lacks the introspective moments and nuanced melancholy of its predecessor, instead opting for a straightforward approach to action storytelling. While this more focused direction enhances its entertainment value, it still falls short of being a standout entry in the genre.

In conclusion, while "The Expendables 2" may not break new ground in terms of story or creativity, it compensates with impressive video and audio performance on Blu-ray. This release is recommended primarily for its technical excellence, which should satisfy any home theater enthusiast looking for a thrilling audiovisual spectacle.