Che: Part Two Blu-ray Review

Optimum Home Entertainment presents "Che: Part Two" on Blu-ray with a carefully mastered 1080p transfer, showcasing the film's vivid portrayal of the Bolivian jungles through striking visuals and a detailed color palette. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and framed at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, slightly adjusted from its original 1.85:1, the presentation aims to immerse viewers in the guerrilla warfare's tense atmosphere. The image quality is consistently sharp, with excellent contrast levels that render deep blacks and vivid colors, enhancing the depth and realism of the cinematic experience. Particularly noteworthy are the greens and browns of the jungle settings, which are beautifully saturated, bringing the film's scenic backdrops to life.

Detail resolution is remarkable, from the intricate nuances of the Bolivian wilderness to the fine textures of characters' faces and attire, accentuated by adept cinematography. The use of a Red One Camera is evident in the crisp, stable imagery that lacks any significant edge enhancement or macroblocking issues—a testament to the film’s digital enhancement that tastefully avoids over-sharpening seen in its predecessor. The overall visual presentation benefits from a clean transfer, free from blemishes or noise, ensuring a pristine viewing experience that rivals and possibly surpasses expectations set by previous releases.

However, consumers should be aware of the Region B lock on this disc, restricting playback to compatible players—a potential inconvenience highlighted by both the original review and additional notes on forced PAL-encoded subtitles which may affect access in certain regions. Despite these limitations, Optimum Home Entertainment has delivered a technically impressive Blu-ray presentation of "Che: Part Two", emblematic of their commitment to preserving the film’s visual integrity while offering an engaging home theater experience.

The audio section of the Blu-ray for "Che: Part Two" is presented in a sole Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, featuring portions of English dialogue and accompanied by English subtitles. The blend of languages does not detract from the overall experience; instead, it enhances the immersive quality of the film. The sound mix is lauded for its exceptional clarity and resolution, rendering speech crisp and ensuring that dialogue flows naturally with lifelike vocal tones. This creates an impression of proximity to the characters, bolstered by a well-balanced mix that provides robust bass and low-end support when necessary.

Technical merits of the audio track include its impressive dynamic range and potent bass lines, which combined with very active rear channels, create a fully enveloping soundscape. High frequencies are managed with care to avoid oversaturation, allowing for a realistic portrayal of gunfire and battle scenes that test the limits of any sound system. These elements are not overly aggressive but are instead finely mixed, especially during pivotal confrontations, making the listener feel as though they are amidst the action. Notably, there are no detectable audio defects such as pops or hissing, attesting to the high-quality transfer onto Blu-ray.

Alberto Iglesias’ score is another key component of this auditory feast, extending its thoughtful and compelling composition into the sequel. The music enriches the film’s atmosphere without overwhelming it, playing through the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track with outstanding fidelity. The score, along with the meticulously mixed dialogues and sound effects, contributes to a deeply engaging cinematic audio experience. Optimum Home Entertainment’s inclusion of optional English subtitles ensures accessibility without compromising the film’s auditory integrity, making it a standout feature for any home theater enthusiast.

The Blu-ray of "Che: Part Two" offers a modest yet insightful collection of extras that primarily include interviews with key figures associated with the film and its subject, Che Guevara. Despite the limited quantity, the interviews provide a comprehensive look into the motivations and insights of Benicio Del Toro, who delves into his portrayal of the iconic figure, and Alberto Iglesias, whose musical compositions add a layer of depth to the film's narrative. The highlight is undoubtedly the extensive interview with Jon Lee Anderson, author of "Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life," who offers invaluable reflections on Che's enduring influence and the myth that surrounds him. This piece stands out as essential viewing for its depth and comprehensive look at Che's complex legacy. The inclusion of the film’s original theatrical trailer rounds off the extras, providing a glimpse into the film’s promotional efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Benicio Del Toro: Insights from the lead actor on his role as Che Guevara.
• Interview with Alberto Iglesias: A discussion with the film’s composer on his contribution to the film's score.
• Interview with Jon Lee Anderson: An in-depth look at Che Guevara's life and impact from the author of his seminal biography.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer of the film.

Steven Soderbergh's "Che: Part Two," a profound continuation of the revolutionary’s narrative, adopts a starkly different tone from its predecessor. In this installment, Che Guevara’s final days in Bolivia are depicted with an intense, claustrophobic focus, shedding light on the guerrilla leader’s unwavering commitment and the harsh realities of his struggle. Unlike the expansive journey captured in "Che: The Argentine," "Che: Guerrilla" zeroes in on Guevara’s doomed endeavor in Bolivia, offering a narrative that is both more direct and metaphysical. As Guevara, played with remarkable depth by Benicio del Toro, navigates the complex political and military landscape of Bolivia, the film unfolds a series of meticulously recreated key events, eschewing glorification for a grounded portrayal of a man at the end of his tether.

The film’s release on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Optimum Home Entertainment introduces audiences to additional content that enriches the viewing experience. Notable features include enlightening interviews with Jon Lee Anderson, author of "Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life," Benicio del Toro, and composer Alberto Iglesias. These supplements, alongside the film’s Region-B locking, provide valuable context and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this epic.

Technically, "Che: Guerrilla" distinguishes itself through an almost documentary-like approach to battle scenes and encounters. The deliberate absence of glorified revolutionary rhetoric, replaced by genuine, simple dialogues, underpins the realism that Soderbergh aims for. Del Toro’s transformation into Guevara is a centerpiece, drawing viewers into the emotional and ideological journey of the revolutionary. Far from being a one-sided portrayal, the film navigates the intricacies of Guevara’s last stand with a degree of neutrality that challenges viewers to reconsider the multifaceted legacy of Che Guevara.

"Che: Part Two," presented on Blu-ray, delves deeper into the tumultuous and gritty phases of Che Guevara's campaign in Bolivia, contrasting sharply with its prequel in intensity and execution. While the film captures the essence of Che's dwindling campaign through the foreboding jungles and inhospitable terrains of Bolivia, it somewhat falters in delivering the revolutionary fervor that highlighted his earlier exploits. Despite this, Benicio Del Toro's compelling portrayal of Che earns commendable praise, embodying the revolutionary with a grace that deserved far more recognition, particularly within the United States. The Blu-ray format accentuates the film's raw aesthetics, with the audio quality slightly outshining the video presentation. However, the special features leave much to be desired, save for the standout interview with Jon Lee Anderson, providing profound insights that are almost as engaging as the film itself.

The physical and ideological hardships faced by Che and his small band of rebels are palpable, with their endeavors rendered in stark detail against the backdrop of Bolivia's unforgiving landscapes. This, combined with the nuanced performance by Del Toro, draws the viewer into a visceral experience of struggle and despair. Yet, the Blu-ray extras fall short of expectations, offering limited additional content beyond the noteworthy dialogue with Anderson. This limitation notwithstanding, the recommendation to acquire this edition alongside its predecessor as a box set, if available, stands; for together, they encapsulate a fuller portrait of Che's complex journey.

In conclusion, while "Che: Part Two" may not reach the zenith of its initial installment, it remains an essential viewing experience for enthusiasts of history and cinema alike. Del Toro's performance is a highlight, warranting attention from a broader audience. For those able to access Region-B discs or awaiting the Criterion release, adding this piece to your collection is highly recommended, especially when complemented by the insightful interview with Jon Lee Anderson. Together, they provide a multifaceted look into a pivotal chapter of modern revolutionary history.