Hellboy II: The Golden Army Blu-ray Review

"Hellboy II: The Golden Army's" Blu-ray presentation delivers a visually stunning 1080p resolution in its theatrically intended 1.85:1 aspect ratio, AVC MPEG-4 encoded. This sequel lives up to the visual splendor of its predecessor, showcasing a meticulously detailed world—from the individual strands of Nuada’s golden locks to the intricate carvings on Hellboy’s skin, and the vivid, bustling life within the Troll Market. The attention to detail is palpable, extending from extreme close-ups where skin textures are pin-sharp, to the depths of the more expansive scenes that could double as postcards for their sheer clarity and beauty.

Color reproduction is another area where this Blu-ray excels, offering a rich palette that breathes life into the film's unique universe. The blues, reds, and golds are not just bright but have a density that adds a layer of realism within this fantastical setting. The contrast between the vibrant world of the characters and the darker backgrounds is maintained with deep blacks and well-balanced brightness, ensuring that even in the most shadow-laden scenes, details remain visible without losing the depth of frame. The image quality remains consistent, presenting a grainy texture that enhances the cinematic feel while steering clear of digital artifacts like compression issues or edge enhancement.

However, some deficiencies noted in comparison to the original "Hellboy" Blu-ray are worth mentioning. There is a slight inconsistency in sharpness across different scenes, with medium and wide shots sometimes appearing less polished than the breathtaking close-ups. Despite this, the sequel makes strides in color banding improvement and maintains an overall commendable visual quality that rivals and, in certain aspects, surpasses its predecessor. The disc demonstrates an exceptional high-definition video presentation that showcases both the dark and colorsome aspects of its visually rich universe, making "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" a reference-quality Blu-ray in terms of video presentation.

"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" on Blu-ray offers an audio experience that can best be described as an auditory behemoth, primarily through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 Surround track, with French and Spanish DTS 5.1 as significant yet slightly less immersive alternatives. This sonic feast achieves a remarkable balance between the thunderous and the subtle, creating a fully immersive soundscape that is as meticulously detailed during the quiet moments as it is during the explosively loud sequences. For instance, one can marvel at the sophisticated mix during the Elemental attack scene where the cacophony of buildings collapsing, gunfire, and Elfman's scoring intertwine yet remain astonishingly clear, showcasing an impressive use of the sound field where nothing feels lost or overshadowed.

Furthermore, the audio track excellently leverages its dynamic range, from the soft whispers and ambient sounds in quieter scenes to the ground-shaking bass and full utilization of the surround channels during action-packed sequences, such as the confrontation against the Golden Army. The LFE channel is particularly noteworthy for its vigorous engagement, creating a palpable sensation that enhances the visual spectacle on screen. Despite its strengths, there's an acknowledgment of its slightly overzealous volume levels, which may necessitate adjustments for those wary of disturbing their surroundings or those with a preference for a less aggressive auditory experience.

However, despite its overwhelming prowess, there is room for critique, particularly in comparison to the nuanced sound design observed in other works by del Toro; some elements of subtlety and warmth may seem lacking, and there are moments when integration of ADR could be improved for a more cohesive audio-visual experience. The bass, while impactful, sometimes lacks refinement, and Elfman's score occasionally misses opportunities to add depth to the emotional landscape. Yet, these points do not significantly detract from what is undeniably an exceptional audio presentation, universally acclaimed for enveloping viewers in a richly detailed and engaging auditory spectacle that ranks among the best Blu-ray has to offer.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" offers an enriching delve into the creation and essence of the film, masterfully compiled to cater to both enthusiasts of Guillermo del Toro’s vision and the casual viewer looking for a deeper understanding of the fantasy world. The commentary by del Toro is a highlight, providing scene-specific insights with infectious enthusiasm that enhances the viewing experience. The cast commentary, though less technical and somewhat patchy in content, adds a layer of camaraderie amongst the actors. Tours, both of the mesmerizing Troll Market and through the creative process in the Production Workshop, along with a detailed animated comic epilogue and the innovative Comic Book Builder, round out a disc replete with extras that are as engaging as they are informative. Notably, the inclusion of the exhaustive documentary "Hellboy: In Service of the Demon" on disc 2 is a treasure trove for fans and cinephiles, offering a window into the painstaking detail of film production. Despite the disappointing non-HD aspects of certain extras, this Blu-ray set stands as a testament to Universal's commitment to quality and fan service, albeit with a nudge towards embracing the digital age more fully with features like BD Live that sputter rather than soar.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Guillermo del Toro: Del Toro shares extensive insights on the filmmaking process.
• Audio Commentary with Cast Members Jeffrey Tambor, Selma Blair & Luke Goss: A lighter, less technical commentary.
• Troll Market Tour with Guillermo del Toro: A detailed tour of one of the film's most intricate sets.
• Production Workshop: A split-screen comparison of a scene's development from puppets to finished film.
• Animated Comic Zinco Epilogue: An additional story element in animated form.
• Comic Book Builder: Allows viewers to create their own comic from film elements.
• Still Gallery: A collection of pre and post-production images.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Guillermo del Toro: Brief additional content with directorial insights.
• Video Prologue by Guillermo del Toro: A short introduction to the extras.
• Hellboy: In Service of the Demon: An in-depth making-of documentary detailing every aspect of production.
• Marketing Campaign: A look at promotional materials for the film.
• Digital Copy Script: A digital version of the film plus script available for download.
• HD Exclusive Content - U-Control: Interactive features such as Scene Explorer, Director's Notebook, Set Visits, and Concept Art Gallery.
• BD Live: Promised additional content and community features.

In an age where superhero films seem to march out of studios with unrelenting frequency, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" emerges as a beacon of creativity and narrative depth amidst the cacophony. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the sequel not only amplifies the scale and intensity seen in its predecessor but also deepens the emotional and thematic undercurrents, presenting a tapestry woven with the threads of love, loyalty, and identity. Despite its seemingly outlandish premise and fantastical elements, the film establishes a strong emotional core, allowing the audience to resonate with Hellboy and his cohorts as they navigate the complexities of their existence alongside their more terrestrial struggles.

Del Toro's directorial prowess is on full display here, marrying his signature blend of whimsical and grotesque elements with a storyline that is both expansive and nuanced. The visual spectacle of "The Golden Army" is undeniably one of its strongest suits. From the intricate design of the Troll Market—akin to a modern day Mos Eisley filled with an array of vibrant characters—to the climactic showdown with the Golden Army itself, each frame is a testament to del Toro's vision and attention to detail. Moreover, the action sequences manage to outdo themselves in both creativity and execution, elevated by seamless CGI that marries spectacle with storytelling.

However, where "Hellboy II" truly shines is in its exploration of its characters' vulnerabilities and relationships. The film delves deeper into Hellboy’s internal and external conflicts, juxtaposing his struggle for acceptance with the larger battle at hand. Similarly, the relationships between Abe and Nuala, as well as Hellboy and Liz, are fraught with challenges yet underscored by a profound sense of connection and loyalty. This emotional depth, combined with del Toro's unparalleled visual storytelling, creates a sequel that not only surpasses its predecessor but also cements "The Golden Army" as a standout within the genre. Its blend of heart, humor, and spectacle serves as a potent reminder of cinema's power to enthrall and enchant, solidifying "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" as not only a visually captivating sequel but a richly layered narrative deserving of acclaim.

Universal's release of "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to the format's potential, overshadowed only by a few minor shortcomings. The presentation excels with a vibrant picture quality and a lossless DTS soundtrack that rivals, if not surpasses, many of its contemporaries, including Universal's own "The Incredible Hulk." The attention to detail in the transfer is remarkable, rendering each scene with a clarity and depth that breathe new life into Guillermo del Toro's already visually stunning work. The audio presentation matches this fidelity, ensuring that every dialogue nuance, environmental ambiance, and action set-piece resonates with an immersive clarity. However, it's worth noting the package's singular drawback: the absence of a full HD experience, a feature somewhat mitigated by the inclusion of a competent upscaler.

The supplemental materials included with this release are nothing short of impressive, offering a comprehensive look behind the curtains of del Toro's creative process. This Blu-ray doesn't just satisfy the basic expectations; it provides an encyclopedic volume of extras that will likely keep enthusiasts occupied long after the film has ended. The exclusivity and quality of these features cannot be understated, adding significant value to what is already a compelling purchase for fans and cinephiles alike.

In conclusion, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any collection, balancing superb audiovisual quality with an exhaustive suite of extras. Despite a minor blemish in not offering a full HD feature, the set's merits far outweigh its limitations, rendering it an outstanding offering from Universal. For those seeking to experience Guillermo del Toro's unique vision at its most refined or simply aiming to enrich their home theater experience with top-tier audio and visuals, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.