The Ring Two 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's release of "The Ring Two" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a significant upgrade from any previous home media presentation. Derived from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative, the video quality benefits from HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR grading. The restoration efforts are commendable, keeping the film grain intact without any noticeable digital noise reduction or image manipulation. The 2160p HEVC / H.265 widescreen 1.85:1 presentation showcases an exceptional visual fidelity that surpasses the original theatrical experience, emphasizing the subtlety and effectiveness of HDR implementation. This release reaffirms the film's visual impact, presenting it in the best light possible—quite literally—for both enthusiasts and newcomers.

The color grading shifts from the original's lush green tint toward a more natural palette with pleasing flesh-tones, contrast, and deep black levels, aligning with director Hideo Nakata and cinematographer Gabriel Beristain's vision for a visually distinct sequel. This brighter, more vivid sequel takes a different approach to its horror aesthetics, with a clarity and texture that enhances facial features, fine lines, and brings out the intricacies of its visuals—even exposing some of the dated CGI due to the enhanced clarity. Despite some critiques of the visual effects and a slight edge enhancement noticeable more on the 1080p Blu-ray version, the overall transfer remains impressively solid.

However, it's important to note the distinction between the quality of the theatrical version and that of the unrated version included in the set. The 4K restoration applies only to the theatrical cut, resulting in a pristine visual experience unmatched by the unrated version, which shows signs of aging with occasional specks, dirt, and scratches. While this differentiation might disappoint fans of the unrated cut, the inclusion of both versions in the box set still offers value. Ultimately, "The Ring Two's" 4K UHD presentation marks a significant technical enhancement, bringing the film's unnerving charm and aesthetic deviations into sharper focus for today's advanced home cinema setups.

The audio presentation of "The Ring Two" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is consistently lauded for its detailed and high-fidelity DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix. The lossless audio, with a depth of 24-bit, enriches the viewing experience, offering clarity and detail that immerses the viewer into the movie’s eerie atmosphere. Dialogues are anchored in the center channel, ensuring voices are distinct and balanced against the effects spread across the front soundstage. Subtle ambient noises and off-camera cues are captured well, creating a convincing spatial dimension. The dynamic range is robust, lending authority to the low-frequency effects when they are utilized. Although the surround channels and subwoofer are not in constant use, their selective engagement successfully amplifies suspense, making for an engaging auditory experience.

The audio mix is noted for its crispness, especially on the 4K disc, which benefits from the high-resolution lossless encoding. This crispness complements the visual restoration, with the score being well-reproduced and sound effects, like the sinister whisper of water signalling Samara's presence, being particularly evocative. The base is described as aggressive in certain moments, adding depth to the cinematic experience. While the absence of a Dolby Atmos upgrade and composer Hans Zimmer was noted, the existing 5.1 mix delivers an atmospheric and immersive soundscape. Optional English SDH subtitles and a 2.0 Stereo DTS-HD MA option are available for audiences.

Despite these strengths, some reviews note that "The Ring Two" does not achieve the ominous impact of its predecessor, partly due to sunnier settings and a shift in sound design focus. The efforts of composers Henning Lohner and Martin Tillman to add their flavor to Zimmer’s groundwork maintain a creepy vibe but lack some of the original's nuance and dread. The mix is still solid and effective, with engaging elements like the digital deer sequence showcasing slick sound design. However, it sometimes overcompensates with volume rather than nuanced scares, marking a slight step back from the audio achievements of the earlier films in the franchise.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ring Two" provides a substantial upgrade for fans, featuring both the theatrical and unrated cuts of the film, with the latter being a standout for its extended content and enhanced directorial nuances. While visual fidelity peaks with the 4K presentation of the theatrical version, the inclusion of the unrated cut on Blu-ray adds significant value, showcasing scenes absent from the theatrical release. A new audio commentary by critics Emily Higgins and Billy Dunham offers fresh insights, making it a highlight among the extras. The collection is further enriched by a variety of SD featurettes and a compelling short film, “Rings”, which explores the connection between the original film and its sequel. Despite the archival extras being relegated to standard definition, their content remains engaging for enthusiasts. This release, as part of The Ring Collection box set, is complemented by attractive packaging, appealing to both new audiences and longtime fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Film Critics Emily Higgins and Billy Dunham: Fresh insights on the theatrical version.
• Rings – Short Film: Explores the connection between The Ring and its sequel.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content not seen in theaters.
• Fear on Film: Special Effects: An exploration of the movie's special effects.
• Faces of Fear: The Phenomenon: Delves into the cultural impact of The Ring franchise.
• Samara: From Eye to Icon: Examines the evolution of Samara's character.
• The Power of Symbols: A look at the symbolism used throughout the film.
• The Making of The Ring Two: Behind-the-scenes look at the production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film in high definition.

"The Ring Two," directed by Hideo Nakata, famed for his work on the original "Ringu," was met with anticipation but ultimately delivered a mixed bag of results. While the movie visually captivates, boasting dark, moody cinematography by Gabriel Beristain and a commendably eerie score building on Hans Zimmer's themes by Henning Lohner and Martin Tillman, it struggles to resonate deeply with its narrative. The storyline, penned by Ehren Kruger, diverges notably from its predecessor and the original Japanese sequel, attempting to flesh out the curse's lore and its effects on Rachel (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman). However, it arguably veers too far into the realm of conventional horror, losing some of the unique charm and mystery that made the first film a standout by substituting the nuanced terror of the unknown with overt CGI frights and a somewhat tangled expansion of Samara's backstory.

Despite these criticisms, the film presents several strengths, chiefly among them Naomi Watts's compelling performance, which firmly anchors the sequel. The production values remain high across the board, with Jim Bissell's production design and Wendy Chuck's costume design maintaining the series' aesthetic quality. Yet, the sequel's ambition to explore new thematic territories—tackling subjects like postpartum depression and child abuse—feels at times misplaced, muddying rather than enriching Samara's chilling legacy. Interestingly, the unrated and extended edition of "The Ring Two" offers a closer look at Nakata's stylistic preferences, reintroducing some of the slow-burn horror elements associated with J-horror, though opinions remain divided over which version presents a more cohesive vision.

Technical elements aside, "The Ring Two" finds itself in a challenging position: trying to innovate while staying true to the essence that captivated audiences initially. Despite a dedication to production quality and Naomi Watts's performance prowess, the film arguably buckles under the weight of its lofty ambitions and deviations from the formula that garnered its predecessor critical and commercial success. Whether seen as a flawed sequel or an underrated departure, "The Ring Two" sparks discussion on the difficulties of balancing originality with fan expectations in horror sequels.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Ring Two" has garnered a variety of opinions but is generally praised for its technical improvements and inclusion of both theatrical and unrated versions. Shout! Studios’ restoration efforts have paid off, offering a significant upgrade in video quality with the theatrical cut receiving a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative. This ensures an unparalleled visual experience that was previously unattainable, elevating the film's atmospheric mystery and horror to new heights. Sound quality does not lag, as the release boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio sound that enhances the viewing experience across both formats.

Although "The Ring Two" has been viewed by some as a lesser sequel, overshadowed by its predecessor, its re-release brings into the spotlight the underrated direction by Hideo Nakata and Naomi Watts' compelling performance. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of both the theatrical and unrated cuts. However, it's worth noting that due to source limitations, the unrated version does not enjoy the same 4K restoration, presented instead on Blu-ray disc. Nonetheless, this release marks the first time both versions have been made available in one collection in the United States, accompanied by a thoughtful selection of new and legacy bonus features that enrich the overall package.

Conclusively, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ring Two" stands out as a worthwhile addition for aficionados of the franchise and collectors alike. Despite some criticisms regarding its narrative and heavier reliance on CGI effects compared to its predecessor, the technical merits of this release—especially its video and audio restoration—make it a compelling purchase. Whether revisiting the film or experiencing its eerie allure for the first time, this edition provides a comprehensive and immersive way to enjoy a contentious but intriguing chapter in the horror genre.