The Protector 2 Blu-ray Review

The Protector 2" boasts a 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that, while often showcasing strong colors and beautifully saturated skintones, finds itself marred by several technical drawbacks. Presenting a mixed bag, much like its action-packed sequences, the Blu-ray's video quality exhibits inconsistencies largely due to the source material's reliance on CG and green screen effects, coupled with the varying proficiency of the Red Epic camera system used for filming. Detailing is excellent in certain respects—especially in close-ups and slower scenes where the camera focuses on the actors' faces or dramatic encounters, showcasing fine textures and well-defined edges. Nonetheless, these positives are frequently overshadowed by problems such as minor banding, macroblocking, crush, and uneven noise levels, which detract from the overall experience.

Colors, though generally strong and with primaries that kick adequately, fall victim to contrast inconsistencies that lead to an array of issues—most notably blooming, clipping, and an unfortunate flatness to the image due to wavering black levels. Posterization and poorly executed digital effects further exacerbate the video's shortcomings, undermining what could have been a visually impressive experience. Scenes involving detailed landscapes or complexions sporadically display the sharpness expected of a high-definition release, but these instances are few and far between amidst long stretches of softness and blurriness.

Overall, the high-definition transfer of "The Protector 2" delivers a performance as erratic as its depicted martial arts battles—ranging from visually satisfying in its rendering of colors and select details, to disappointingly lackluster when faced with its numerous technical imperfections. The varying quality largely stems from original production choices and post-production effects, revealing a video presentation that, despite its potential, ultimately leaves much to be desired for viewers seeking a consistently sharp and engaging visual experience.

The audio presentation of "The Protector 2" on Blu-ray, equipped with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, offers a robust yet uneven experience tailored to action enthusiasts. The track’s prowess truly shines in its deliverance of sheer power and intensity, providing listeners with a palpable sense of the on-screen drama. Its LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel is particularly notable for its impressive depth and strength, which brings every punch, crash, and explosive moment to life with significant impact. This sonic force ensures that the film's action scenes resonate with an impactful auditory punch. However, while dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized—a commendable feature for a martial arts film—challenges arise in the soundtrack's spatial representation and overall refinement.

The soundstage presents a spacious environment, yet suffers from inconsistencies in directionality and channel separation. Although the rear speakers are activated to enhance the experience with ambient sound and movement, their utility often feels mismatched to the on-screen action, creating a sense of disorientation rather than immersion. The issue is compounded by an overt reliance on volume to convey intensity, at times overshadowing the frontal action sequences. Furthermore, when shifting focus to the technicalities of the audio design, there's a noticeable stretching of the sound design beyond its optimal capacity. This results in a somewhat flat and disjointed auditory experience, wherein effects lack a cohesive flow across the soundstage, detracting from the fluidity and realism one might expect. The dynamic range, especially in the higher frequencies, is constrained and leans towards harshness rather than clarity, illustrating an area where the audio presentation falls short of its potential.

In conclusion, while "The Protector 2" Blu-ray's audio track delivers on the punch and spectacle that action fans may seek, it does so with caveats that prevent it from achieving a fully immersive auditory experience. The powerful LFE and clear dialogue stand out as highlights amidst a backdrop of issues related to soundstage coherence and dynamic range management. For a film of its scale and genre, the audio does impress in sheer energy but leaves room for improvement in the nuanced aspects of sound design and execution.

The extra features on "The Protector 2" Blu-ray present a compelling behind-the-scenes glimpse that fans of the film and genre aficionados will undoubtedly treasure. The combined set of featurettes, largely subtitled, delve deep into the production's heart through intimate interviews with Tony Jaa and various cast and crew members, offering insights into the casting decisions, character developments, and the director's vision. Particularly notable is the focus on the film's action choreography and the technical challenges of shooting in 3D, providing a well-rounded understanding of modern martial arts cinema's demands. Additionally, the inclusion of a brief AXS TV promotional piece and several trailers rounds off the package, offering a broader context for "The Protector 2"'s place within Tony Jaa's oeuvre and its reception.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: A comprehensive documentary divided into segments including Cast and Characters, Speaking with the Director, Action and Stunts, and Working in 3D.
• A Look at The Protector 2: An AXS TV promotional featurette.
• Trailers: A collection of three trailers for "The Protector 2".

The Protector 2" makes a return with Tony Jaa reprising his role as Kham, the vigilant guardian of war elephants, in a follow-up that aims to outdo its predecessor in nearly every conceivable way. Prachya Pinkaew’s direction takes viewers through a labyrinth of high-octane action, escalating the drama with more stunts, more explosions, and an ambitious increase in the knee-to-elbow-to-kick quotient. Despite its attempts to elevate the sequel with jaw-dropping set pieces, including a tanker explosion and a ludicrous fight atop rooftops with a bike gang, the film struggles to achieve coherence, drowning in its own extravagance. The abundance of low-budget CGI and reliance on over-the-top sequences, while aiming for sheer popcorn entertainment, at times crosses into realms of unintentional comedy.

Scripting-wise, Eakisit Thairaat's narrative feels thinly veiled, failing to fully develop its myriad storylines or justify the repeated motif of elephant kidnapping amidst the chaotic backdrop of urban greed and corruption. Amid the narrative chaos, Jaa’s performance stands out, cementing his status not just as a martial arts icon but as a genuinely compelling actor. His commitment to the role and the depth of his character’s motivations offer a glimmer of emotional resonance in an otherwise frenetically paced action extravaganza. Sadly, these moments of character depth are overshadowed by the film’s overreliance on spectacle over substance, with even the martial arts scenes feeling undercut by excessive CGI and a sense of disbelief suspension that veers into parody.

Ultimately, "The Protector 2" dazzles with its martial artistry and ambitious action sequences but falls short in delivering a cohesive or engaging story. The film serves as a testament to Tony Jaa’s physical prowess and onscreen charisma, even as it struggles under the weight of its own bombastic ambitions. The inclusion of RZA as the antagonist adds a peculiar flavor to the mix but his performance, much like the film’s visual effects, often descends into overindulgence. While it may find favor among fans eager for eye-popping stunts and relentless action, "The Protector 2" misses the mark in crafting a sequel that could surpass or even match the grounded intensity and charm of its progenitor.

The Protector 2" stands as a paradox in the realm of martial arts cinema, gleaming with the undeniable charisma of Tony Jaa but stumbling in its endeavor to craft a narrative or visual spectacle that transcends mediocrity. The film's essence, a blend of ferocious spirit and electrifying combats, offers a testament to Jaa's prowess yet is marred by the inclusion of jarringly poor CGI effects. These technical missteps hinder rather than enhance the action, leaving viewers yearning for the finesse typically associated with Jaa’s projects. Despite its faltering steps, the movie manages to provide intermittent thrills that cater to the die-hard fanbase, fueled by its over-the-top action sequences and Jaa's undeniable screen presence. The Blu-ray release reflects a diverging path in quality; it boasts a solid audio-visual (AV) presentation that somewhat redeems the film's viewing experience, yet it falters in content richness, particularly in its supplementary offerings which are both scant and lukewarm at best.

This iteration on Blu-ray, while not deplorable, oscillates between mediocre to acceptable in terms of picture quality and steps up slightly with its lossless audio which somewhat envelops the viewer into the chaotic world of "The Protector 2." However, this technical competence does little to veil the film's core deficiencies. Enthusiasts of Tony Jaa may find enough substance in the fights and his magnetic performance to overlook these blunders. Yet, for those merely curious or seeking a martial arts film of significant merit, the Blu-ray does little to elevate "The Protector 2" above a dishearteningly average mark. It positions itself as perhaps an acquisition for completists but suggests a rental would suffice for exploratory viewers.

In conclusion, "The Protector 2" on Blu-ray delivers an experience that is peppered with moments of brilliance courtesy of Tony Jaa's talents but is overall a mixed bag. The technical aspects are commendable but not enough to distract from the film's inherent weaknesses. It serves as a reminder that spirit and ferocity can only carry a film so far when it is beleaguered by significant shortcomings like subpar CGI and a lackluster storyline. For fans of Jaa or martial arts enthusiasts, it might hold some appeal; however, it remains a cautious recommendation at best for others. This release underscores a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on Jaa's abilities and leaves much to be desired in terms of both cinematic quality and Blu-ray enhancements.