The Sting II Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "The Sting II" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber with a 1080p transfer sourced from an older master provided by Universal Pictures. The transfer successfully captures the cinematic essence of the film, delivering a pleasing organic appearance with good image stability and no significant issues such as de-graining or sharpening adjustments. Minor specks and occasional scratches are present but not distracting. The warm film tone resonates well, enhancing the film's authentic 1940s aesthetic, showcasing the fashion, automobiles, and set designs effectively.

However, the master does exhibit certain limitations, notably in shadow definition during darker or indoor scenes where some finer nuances are not well exposed, resulting in slightly elevated blacks. Highlights too could benefit from rebalancing to improve overall depth and clarity. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall visual quality remains excellent, with particularly good depth in well-lit scenes. This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, requiring a Region-A or Region-Free player for playback. The movie is divided into eight chapters, ensuring convenient navigation through its classic narrative.

The audio presentation of "The Sting II" on this Blu-ray release is anchored by a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. This lossless track is remarkably well-preserved, delivering an engaging and era-appropriate auditory experience free from any age-related imperfections such as hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter. Lalo Schifrin's prominent and Oscar-nominated score shines through with excellent fidelity, and original music cues blend seamlessly with Scott Joplin's rags.

As anticipated from a dialogue-heavy soundtrack, the audio effectively balances vocal clarity with the dynamic range needed for sound effects. The sound design, especially noticeable during intense scenes like the climactic boxing match, heightens realism without ever overpowering the dialogue or musical elements. While a new remix could potentially offer marginal cosmetic improvements, the current state of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is already of high quality and does justice to both the film’s legacy and its auditory demands.

The Blu Ray of "The Sting II" offers a well-curated selection of extras, providing valuable insights into the film's production. Highlighting the offerings is the audio commentary by director Jeremy Kagan, who captivates listeners with behind-the-scenes stories and production details, including the challenging casting decisions and the intricate betting sequences. Additionally, the inclusion of vintage trailers provides a nostalgic look back at the film's original promotional material. These extras collectively enhance the viewing experience, especially for those interested in the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jeremy Kagan reminisces about the film's production with rich anecdotes.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Sting II".
• Additional Trailers: Additional trailers for "Miracles," "The Brink’s Job," "Disorganized Crime," and "Oscar".

Jeremy Paul Kagan's "The Sting II" has resurfaced on Blu-ray, offering viewers a revisitation of this often-misunderstood sequel through Kino Lorber's polished packaging. The film, inevitably attached to George Roy Hill's 1973 classic "The Sting," finds itself fighting an uphill battle from its title alone. This sequel is marred largely by comparisons, yet it retains merits that have been overshadowed by its legacy. The narrative centers around the vengeful Lonnegan (Oliver Reed) orchestrating another elaborate con, this time involving boxing and targeting the unscrupulous Gus Macalinski (Karl Malden).

"The Sting II" successfully recreates the atmosphere of 1940s New York with meticulous period decors, splendid costumes, and Lalo Schifrin's evocative score. Screenwriter David S. Ward, though recycling a formula similar to his Oscar-winning script for the original, introduces new elements that lend the film its own charm. Jackie Gleason (Fargo Gondorff) and Mac Davis (Jake Hooker) lead a robust cast, although Gleason's inability to endear Gondorff to the audience as Newman did diminishes the central dynamic. Likewise, Mac Davis, despite a capable performance, lacks the spontaneous charm required to elevate his character.

From a technical perspective, there are critiques worth addressing. Kagan's direction sometimes falters with languid pacing and unsatisfactory fight scene choreography that undermines the believability of Hooker's boxing comeback. The con game structure, while engaging, does not boast the intricate brilliance of the original, with certain revelations perceived as implausible twists rather than clever outcomes. Supporting characters such as Teri Garr's Veronica and Jose Perez as Lonnegan's henchman breathe life into secondary roles, though characters like Val Avery’s cop O’Malley unfortunately fall short of their potential, appearing underutilized despite compelling setups. In summary, "The Sting II" offers a suitable blend of wit and style but remains overshadowed by its predecessor’s towering reputation.

The Sting II on Blu-ray presents an intriguing yet ultimately flawed follow-up to George Roy Hill's iconic 1973 classic. While the film itself struggles to live up to the charm and sophistication of the original, there are aspects worth noting for both fans of the genre and followers of the actors involved. Technically, the Blu-ray is competently produced, offering a clear and respectable transfer that enhances the viewing experience despite the material's inherent weaknesses.

A significant portion of the film's shortcomings stem from miscast roles that fail to capture the chemistry and dynamic precision of their predecessors. Nonetheless, the performances are commendable in their own right and bring a certain level of entertainment that should not be overlooked. The narrative, while not groundbreaking, maintains a semblance of the cunning schemes and clever twists that fans expect from a caper film, albeit without achieving the same level of finesse seen in its predecessor.

Is The Sting II in the same league with George Roy Hill's original film? No, and this was correctly established a long time ago. However, I can't even begin to agree with old reviews that have argued that the former is some massive disaster that should have never been greenlighted. Some of the casting choices that its producers made are not right and this is where most of its weaknesses emerge from, but it is still quite well acted and pretty darn entertaining. I have always had a copy of it in my library, and this Blu-ray release will be there as well. RECOMMENDED.

The Sting II is an anemic follow-up to its brilliantly original parent film, but fans of the stars or of caper films in general may want to give this one a look even if it doesn’t begin to match any of the qualities that made The Sting special.