Scream 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Scream 2" boasts a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivering an experience that is marginally superior to its predecessor. The increased clarity and fine details are immediately noticeable, particularly in close-up shots, providing strong definition and excellent contrast. Black levels are impressively deep, adding substantial depth to the image. However, color saturation falls short, with skin tones appearing slightly ruddy and overall colors seeming somewhat muted. There's a commendable balance in shadow details, ensuring that darker scenes aren't engulfed by black, although edge enhancement remains a persistent issue, detracting from the overall sharpness.

Despite these strengths, "Scream 2" suffers from several persistent visual flaws. While there is minimal shimmer and moiré compared to the original "Scream," the transfer is still plagued by some distracting noise and occasional poor resolution, particularly noticeable in background elements like distant trees. The grain texture, although present, appears somewhat scrubbed, hinting at the application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). This approach has avoided overprocessing, thus maintaining some of the film's original texture without completely eliminating the grain. However, edge enhancement ranges from minor to significantly obvious, reducing the picture's finesse.

Overall, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode works well in certain areas but falls short in others, making it clear that a meticulous remastering from the original negatives is desperately needed to do full justice to this horror sequel. Despite its numerous visual improvements over DVD versions and some aspects of the original "Scream," "Scream 2" on Blu-ray remains an uneven presentation that doesn't entirely satisfy the expectations for high-definition viewing.

"Scream 2" on Blu-ray features an engaging DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that effectively leverages inventive sound design to immerse the listener in a dynamic soundscape. The mix utilizes cross-channel panning and misdirection to startle viewers, with subtle creaks and sharp audio cues enhancing the horror atmosphere. Dialogue is generally well-positioned and balanced with the dynamic soundtrack, although there are moments where the synchronization with actors' lips is slightly off. The fidelity of the sound is excellent, with intricate layers of sound effects contributing to a visceral experience.

The soundtrack boasts sharp dynamics, exceptional clarity, and robust channel separation, all contributing to a convincing auditory environment. Low-frequency effects are impactful during intense sequences, though at times the rear surrounds may feel overly prominent, particularly in high-energy scenes towards the movie's climax. Despite this occasional imbalance, atmospherics are generally subtle and satisfying, enveloping the viewer with a rich and immersive audio experience that elevates the film’s suspenseful nature. Overall, this lossless mix represents a notable improvement over previous DVD versions, justifying an upgrade to Blu-ray for audio enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray of "Scream 2" offers a solid collection of extras, albeit without any new additions compared to previous releases. The Audio Commentary features director Wes Craven, producer Marianne Maddalena, and editor Patrick Lussier providing a technical, behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. This commentary mainly focuses on the production aspects rather than the film itself, delivering a somewhat dry but informative session. The Deleted Scenes contain additional snippets with optional commentary, offering insightful discussions on horror conventions. Outtakes highlight the lighter moments on set, and the brief Featurette provides interviews with cast and crew, promoting the film and reflecting on the journey from "Scream" to its sequel. The extras are rounded out with Music Videos, a Theatrical Trailer, and a series of TV Spots.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Technical discussion by Wes Craven, Marianne Maddalena, and Patrick Lussier.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes with optional commentary.
• Outtakes: Humorous on-set clips and crew gags.
• Featurette: Promotional interviews with cast and crew.
• Music Videos: Performances by Master P and Kottonmouth Kings.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "Scream 2."
• TV Spots: Collection of promotional TV advertisements.

"Scream 2," directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, effectively continues the blend of satirical self-awareness and authentic horror that made the original film a standout. Picking up after the Woodsboro murders, the storyline pivots around Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) now in college, as another wave of killings ensues, fueled by the sensationalized press coverage of Gale Weathers' (Courteney Cox) book and its cinematic adaptation, "Stab." The film opens with an incisive commentary on the desensitization to on-screen violence, juxtaposed against real-life horrors. Craven skillfully disorients the audience by blending scenes from "Stab" with the actual narrative of "Scream 2," keeping viewers perpetually on edge.

The movie leverages its meta-nature, interlacing humor and fright as it dissects horror conventions. An initial scene at a cinema, reminiscent of Hitchcock's "Psycho," quickly segues into a high-energy sequence that establishes the movie's thematic concerns about media-induced violence. Randy (Jamie Kennedy), now a film student alongside Sidney, lays down the rules of sequels: a higher body count and more elaborate death scenes. This sets an ominous tone as familiar faces—David Arquette's Dewey and Liev Schreiber's Cotton—reappear, while new characters like Jerry O'Connell and Timothy Olyphant join the ensemble, providing fresh potential victims or suspects.

"Scream 2" strikes a balance between paying homage to its predecessor and advancing its unique narrative. Although the surprise element might feel somewhat diminished for savvy viewers, the film compensates with sharp dialogues and unpredictable plot twists. Frequent debates on whether life imitates art or vice versa add depth, making this sequel a compelling mix of introspection and horror. The continuity provided by retaining core talent—Craven, Williamson, and the primary cast—ensures that "Scream 2" successfully extends the original’s legacy, offering an engaging and meticulously orchestrated continuation that simultaneously entertains and critiques genre tropes.

"Scream 2" captures the essence of its predecessor while innovating with a clever meta-structure that enhances its narrative depth. Critics have consistently praised its ability to blend brisk humor and genuine scares, making for an engaging viewing experience that is both entertaining and introspective. The film introduces new characters that maintain the classic 'victim or suspect' trope, which, while predictable, adds to the overall intrigue and tension. This sequel does justice to the dynamic between Sidney and her eerie nemesis, Ghostface, offering a continuation that feels both fresh and familiar.

The Blu-ray release of "Scream 2," however, presents a mixed bag in terms of technical performance. The picture quality is subpar, marred by noise and excessive sharpening that detracts from the overall viewing experience. This visual issue suggests a pressing need for a proper remaster. Contrastingly, the audio performance fares much better, delivering a robust and immersive soundstage that complements the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes supplements carried over from the previous DVD release, adding value for those interested in behind-the-scenes content and extended features.

In conclusion, "Scream 2" stands out as a commendable sequel that nearly lives up to its iconic predecessor. Its blend of humor and horror is executed with skill, making it highly recommended for fans of the genre. Despite the Blu-ray's shortcomings in picture quality, the movie's entertainment value and the solid audio presentation make it worth considering for rental. Fans may want to await a future collection release alongside 'Scre4m' for an improved viewing experience.