Kung Fu Panda 2 Blu-ray Review

DreamWorks Animation continues its streak of impeccable Blu-ray transfers with "Kung Fu Panda 2," delivering an exceptional 1080p presentation that stands among the best in the industry. As with previous releases like "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Shrek Forever After," this transfer showcases unbelievable clarity, capturing the minutest details with stunning precision. The crisp definition extends to the finest elements—be it Po's fur, Shen's intricate tail feathers, or the delicate textures of vegetation and rock surfaces. This Blu-ray maintains a perfect balance of colors, offering natural shading across various environments, from earthen terrains to the vibrant palette of the Furious Five. Black levels are flawless, ensuring deep, rich dark scenes without any loss of detail.

The consistency of the transfer’s clarity is remarkable, with clean, distinct lines that avoid aliasing entirely. Each frame is a vibrant explosion of color, effectively holding attention with its eye-catching visuals. Textures are rendered with utmost care—Lord Shen's elaborate robe and palace interiors exemplify this attention to detail. Even the animated 2D sequences shine brilliantly with immaculate hand-drawn character details offering a nostalgic respite amidst the digital spectacle.

Whether observing the darkest corners of Shen’s factory or marveling at the bright, fiery hues of the molten fires, the contrast is superb. Fans can rest assured that "Kung Fu Panda 2" on Blu-ray is indeed a reference-quality release, showcasing DreamWorks’ dedication to high-definition excellence. The transfer's rare and barely visible instances of banding are significantly outshone by its overall dazzling visual fidelity, making it a must-have for animation enthusiasts and home theater aficionados alike.

The audio presentation of "Kung Fu Panda 2" on Blu-ray is an exemplary showcase of the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack, epitomized by precision and dynamic sound design. This track is flawlessly executed with perfect separation and directionality. Every sound effect, from subtle ambient noises like creaky wooden planks and dripping water beads to the more intense action elements, is meticulously defined and perfectly synchronized. The surround speakers are masterfully utilized, providing a constant, immersive auditory experience. The music is spacious and clear, with exceptional clarity and separation. Additionally, the low-end frequencies are tight, focused, and add substantial depth without being overbearing, whether supporting music or action sequences.

Dialogue throughout is crystal clear and well-anchored in the center channel. Each voice, growl, squawk, and roar maintains perfect clarity without ever getting lost beneath the soundtrack's rich layers. Directional effects are particularly noteworthy, as they transition smoothly across channels, matching the on-screen action of Po and his comrades as they maneuver through exhilarating combat sequences. This precise panning significantly enhances the viewing experience, making the audio feel as dynamic as the visuals.

The subwoofer's considerable power adds a palpable presence to the soundtrack. Notable low-frequency effects, such as the deep boom of cannonballs and the reverberations from Po's impactful encounters, create an engaging auditory impact that resonates through the listening area. The movie's score is perfectly balanced within the mix, never overshadowing dialogue or effects, making "Kung Fu Panda 2" a reference-quality audio experience. This outstanding audio mix not only complements the film's stunning visuals but elevates it to demo-worthy status for any high-end home theater setup.

The Blu-ray extras for "Kung Fu Panda 2" offer a comprehensive and engaging array of content, ensuring an immersive experience beyond the main feature. Anchored by the short film "Secrets of the Masters" in Dolby TrueHD 7.1, this collection adds depth to the Kung Fu Panda universe with backstories of key characters. The "Animation Inspiration" feature introduces an interactive map showcasing the filmmakers' journey to China, providing context for the movie’s stunning visuals. Meanwhile, "The Animators' Corner" and "Trivia Track" offer viewers a deep dive into the production process and film trivia through detailed commentaries and popup information. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes an episode from the "Legends of Awesomeness" TV series, a featurette on the voice cast, deleted scenes, and several educational and interactive games.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters: A short film exploring the backstory of Master Storming Ox, Master Croc, and Thundering Rhino.
• Animation Inspiration: An interactive map detailing locations in China that inspired the movie's settings.
• The Animators' Corner: Picture-in-picture commentary on the making of the film.
• Trivia Track: Pop-up facts about the film, character trivia, and more.
• Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: Episode "Has Been Hero" from the TV series.
• Kickin' It with the Cast: Featurette highlighting the voice cast's contributions.
• Deleted Scenes: Director-introduced test scenes not in the final cut.
• Panda Stories: Insight into efforts to save pandas and interactions with real pandas.
• Kung Fu Shuffle: Two variations of a shell game themed around Kung Fu Panda.
• Ni Hao: A primer on speaking and writing Mandarin.
• Filmmakers' Commentary: Detailed, focused commentary on technical elements and narrative crafting.
• World of DreamWorks Animation: Music and previews from various DreamWorks films.
• Previews: Trailers for related DreamWorks projects.
• Digital Copy: High-quality portable version of the film.
• DVD Copy
• Kung Fu Panda World Online Game Memberships

"Kung Fu Panda 2" delivers an exhilarating blend of humor, heart, and high-octane action, proving itself a worthy successor to the original. At its core, this film emphasizes deep character development, exploring Po's journey not just as a warrior but as an individual confronting his past. Voiced with aplomb by Jack Black, Po's endearing blunders and relentless determination cement him as one of the most well-rounded animated characters ever constructed. The emotional weight added by Po's backstory, portrayed through evocative flashbacks and pristine 2D animation, contrasts effectively with the film's light-hearted humor and spectacular 3D visuals, making for a compelling narrative arc.

The plot pits Po and the Furious Five against Lord Shen, a vengeful peacock voiced with malevolent charm by Gary Oldman. Shen's creation of a formidable weapon serves as the central conflict, driving the team on a mission that blends comedic moments with profound personal revelations for Po. This sequel surpasses its predecessor in its sophisticated narrative, exploring themes of inner peace and self-discovery amidst the vibrant, impeccably animated backdrop of ancient China. The voice acting remains top-notch, with Black's comedic timing and nuanced delivery standing out, complemented by a strong supporting cast including Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, and Michelle Yeoh.

Despite an initially slow first half laden with juvenile humor and repetitive character introductions, the film shifts gears as it delves into Po's origins, delivering an emotionally resonant and visually breathtaking second act. The juxtaposition between humor and heartfelt drama elevates "Kung Fu Panda 2," transforming it from mere animated fare into a touching story about identity and family. DreamWorks Animation has achieved a harmonious balance that not only entertains but also enriches the franchise’s mythos, promising even greater heights in future installments.

"Kung Fu Panda 2" successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a film that is not only entertaining but also highlights profound character development. Unlike the first installment, which focused more on outward humor, this sequel delves deeper into Po's internal struggles and growth. The result is a film that balances humor, drama, and action seamlessly. While maintaining the infectious comedy fans love, "Kung Fu Panda 2" explores more dramatic themes that promise intriguing directions for future sequels.

Technically, DreamWorks' Blu-ray release of "Kung Fu Panda 2" impresses with breathtaking visuals and superior audio quality. The video presentation captures the film's vibrant palette and intricate animation details perfectly, while the audio delivers a robust and immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray package is complemented by a substantial selection of special features that provide further insight into the film's production, enhancing the overall viewer experience.

In conclusion, "Kung Fu Panda 2" may not surpass its predecessor entirely, but it offers enough in terms of character development, humor, and technical excellence to stand out as a worthy sequel. The film’s blend of drama and comedy, coupled with the exceptional audio-visual presentation on Blu-ray, makes it highly recommended for both loyal fans and new viewers.