The Raid 2 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Raid 2" on Blu-ray provides an exceptionally sharp and detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, ensuring a visually compelling experience. The film's diverse settings—ranging from dimly lit prison interiors to vividly illuminated urban environments—are captured meticulously, bringing a bevy of textures to life. Various surfaces, such as worn wood and decaying walls, are presented with exacting detail, while human faces and clothing reveal intricate lines and textures. Despite a predominately dark gray palette, the transfer occasionally bursts into vibrant greens and saturated reds, maintaining a balanced color reproduction that avoids oversaturation. Black levels remain deep and inky, and fleshtones are consistently natural across different lighting conditions.

Technically, "The Raid 2" benefits from a significant budget increase over its predecessor, reflected in its crisp, clear image quality and comprehensive detail. Transitioning from the confined spaces of "The Raid: Redemption" to a grander 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the film leverages high shutter speeds and digital shooting to showcase fast-paced action scenes with impressive clarity. Slow-motion sequences enhance the visual impact by offering heightened detail. Besides a brief instance of lackluster CG, the Blu-ray’s video quality is stellar, characterized by a pronounced three-dimensional depth that immerses viewers fully.

Overall, this Blu-ray release maintains an unblemished performance devoid of banding, aliasing, or compression artifacts. Light noise occasionally appears in the darkest scenes but does not detract from the overall visual excellence. The nuanced handling of varied color schemes—from murky grays to neon-clad club scenes—adds to the dynamic viewing experience, making "The Raid 2" a visually stunning sequel that outshines its predecessor on all technical fronts.

The audio presentation of "The Raid 2" on Blu Ray delivers a reference-quality experience, primarily through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, available in both the original Indonesian and dubbed English options. While both tracks offer an immersive sonic environment, the Indonesian DTS-HD MA track stands out for its exceptional fidelity. From the very onset, you are greeted with the minute details such as blowing wind and rustling grass, which starkly contrast the impending intense action sequences. The dynamics range is extended, producing impactful and energetic fight scenes. The integration of spatial and localizable sound effects makes the listening position feel surrounded by the action. Low-frequency effects bolster this experience with clean, authoritative bass that resonates palpably.

Sound effects throughout the film are pristinely delivered, with clear dialogue that matches well with room acoustics and consistently well-mixed vocal tracks in the Indonesian language. The English dubbed track also offers a rich auditory experience but occasionally presents dialogue atop the mix rather than seamlessly integrated. Action sequences feature powerful gunshots, flesh-tearing effects, and high-speed car chase sounds that are impressively clear and transparent. Spatially, the soundtrack encompasses everything from subtle environmental noises to overwhelming combat scenes, using all surround channels effectively.

Complementing the action are melodic scores and rhythmic drums that enrich the overall auditory scene. Fight sequences benefit from intricate sound details like punches with substantive bass impact and environmental elements like heavy rainfall pounding on different surfaces. Music elements hold a deep, healthy presence in club scenes, proving non-repetitive and well-distributed throughout the mix. Overall, "The Raid 2" strikes a perfect balance between aggressive and nuanced sound design, making it a thrilling home theater experience for audiophiles and action movie enthusiasts alike.

For enthusiasts of "The Raid 2," the Blu-Ray extras provide a comprehensive and enriching deep dive into the film's creation, elevating the viewing experience. Director Gareth Evans' commentary is an essential highlight, offering extensive insights into the film's unique locales, detailed fight choreography, and character motivations. The included featurettes delve into the intricate processes behind pivotal scenes, from the choreography of violent ballet sequences to the logistics of shooting complex car chases. Additionally, the Cinefamily Q&A brings together key contributors to discuss the film's development, making it invaluable for film students and fans alike. Each supplement is meticulously crafted, providing valuable context and behind-the-scenes access that enhances one's appreciation for the masterful execution of this action-packed sequel.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director Commentary: In-depth analysis and anecdotes from Gareth Evans.
• Gang War Deleted Scene: An intense confrontation between rival gangs.
• Ready for a Fight: On Location: Exploration of unique shooting locations and techniques.
• Violent Ballet: Behind the Choreography: Examination of the film's fight choreography.
• The Next Chapter: Shooting a Sequel: Insights into creating the sequel and its complex sequences.
• Cinefamily Foundation Q&A with Gareth Huw Evans, Iko Uwais & Joe Trapanese: Detailed post-screening discussion.

"The Raid 2" is a sequel that takes the ferocious action of its predecessor and layers it with a more intricate narrative. Picking up right after the events of "The Raid: Redemption," it follows protagonist Rama (Iko Uwais) as he dives deeper into Jakarta's criminal underworld. Coerced into infiltrating a dangerous crime syndicate to protect his family, Rama spends time in prison as Yuda, gaining the trust of Uco (Arifin Putra), the son of a powerful kingpin. The film’s expanded storyline captures complex character dynamics and power struggles within the Bangun family, and it doesn't shy away from exposing the deep-rooted corruption in law enforcement.

Directed by Gareth Evans, "The Raid 2" contrasts its predecessor by balancing gritty martial arts sequences with broader cinematic elements, including elaborate character arcs and grandiose set pieces. The film stretches across multiple locations—from nightclubs to warehouses—eschewing the claustrophobic setting of the first film for a more sprawling narrative canvas. Despite its lengthier runtime of 150 minutes, the film maintains relentless pacing that ensures the violence remains a visceral focal point. Shot with meticulous choreography, the fight scenes integrate various weapons and techniques, underscoring the film’s reputation for some of the most intense and brutal action sequences ever filmed.

While some fans of the original may struggle with the sequel’s emphasis on drama and slower narrative development, "The Raid 2" ultimately raises the stakes in both intensity and complexity. Evans' direction ensures that every punch, kick, and shot contributes to a pseudo-operatic violence that feels almost choreographed. The movie delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that's both visually impressive and narratively fulfilling. For those anticipating another round of meticulously staged combat set-pieces coupled with a richer plot, "The Raid 2" is a powerful follow-up that doesn’t disappoint.

"The Raid 2" on Blu-ray is a spectacular continuation of the hard-core action legacy established by the first film. While maintaining the intense, breathtaking action sequences that fans crave, it broadens its narrative with complex plot lines and developed character arcs. It's a larger and longer film, delivering both in terms of visceral physical impact and dramatic depth. The sequel doesn't just rehash the original but evolves into a unique gangster narrative with intricate storytelling. This level of expansion isn't just bigger; it's also richer, keeping viewers engaged through its extended runtime despite slightly uneven pacing at times.

The Blu-ray release is technically superior, boasting impeccable video and audio quality that matches high-end home theater expectations. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, enhancing every blood-soaked detail and high-octane set-piece. The sound design is equally impressive, with immersive, layered audio that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. The package is further bolstered with a significant selection of special features that provide in-depth insights into the filmmaking process, although there is some repetition in the bonus content.

In conclusion, "The Raid 2" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any action film aficionado’s collection. It builds upon its predecessor with expanded scope and ambition, delivering high-quality technical execution that enhances its intense action and narrative complexity. While it may not suit everyone due to its unrelenting violence, for fans of the genre, it's a highly recommended must-own.