ABCs of Death 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "ABCs of Death 2" features an impressive 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Given the film's unique anthology format, with 26 different filmmakers utilizing various digital cameras and styles, the quality of the video image is inherently varied. Segments shot on professional-level equipment like RED cameras showcase remarkable sharpness and detail, accentuating gore effects, blood, and makeup with pristine clarity. Even scenes adopting a found footage aesthetic maintain a clean and clear presentation compared to older digital video standards.

Minor issues such as video noise and light banding do appear occasionally but are likely source-related given the diverse origins of the segments. The average bitrate of 24.47 Mbps sufficiently supports the digitally originated content, ensuring overall consistency. Colors are robust and well-saturated, with black levels remaining deep and skin tones appearing natural across the board. Although a few segments filmed with lower-quality equipment show some imperfections, these instances are rare and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Technical adherence to detail and variation in visual style underscore a commendable effort by all involved filmmakers.

The audio presentation of "ABCs of Death 2" showcases an excellent lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that delivers a varied and immersive sonic experience. The dynamic range is notably broad, with deep bass extensions that heighten the overall impact of each segment. Despite the differing budgets across the 26 shorts, the sound mix maintains a professional quality, primarily spreading across the front soundstage while utilizing the rear speakers effectively for ambient noises. This arrangement causes an immersive auditory experience that enhances the film's varied tones, from the retro TV commercial style in "W Is for Wish," to more consistent horror elements.

The sound effects—splatting, slicing, and crunchy elements—are rendered with striking clarity and precision, making every moment impactful and lifelike. The audio mix ensures that dialogue, whether in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Hebrew, or Arabic, remains crystal clear and free from imperfections such as pops, cracks, or hissing. The disc sensibly defaults to English subtitles for non-English dialogue, ensuring comprehensibility. Overall, the mix is robust and full-bodied, providing balanced and layered soundscapes that are rich with directionality and life. This auditory presentation is designed not just to be heard, but to be felt, enhancing the film's atmosphere and drawing viewers deeper into its array of short stories.

The Blu-ray extras for "ABCs of Death 2" are both abundant and diverse, providing an in-depth peek into the production of this anthology horror series. The comprehensive filmmaker commentary is a standout feature, offering amusing and insightful observations from various directors, with Tim League adding valuable context. The plethora of behind-the-scenes content gives fans a detailed look at the creative processes behind 19 of the 26 segments, including interviews, makeup effects, auditions, storyboards, production stills, and more. Despite the lack of an all-play function, each extra is meticulously crafted, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the effort that went into each short film. Highlights include the entertaining Soska Sisters' extensive making-of bonus for 'T is for Torture Porn' and the otherworldly commentary interruption by Kristina Buožytė and Bruno Samper for 'K Is for Knell'.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Insightful and often humorous discussions with directors.
• A Is for Amateur: Making Of: A short feature hosted by producer Don Lee.
• C Is for Capital Punishment: Production Stills Gallery: Visual stills from the segment.
• D Is for Deloused: Meet the Puppets: A brief look at the puppet design.
• E Is for Equilibrium: Behind the Scenes: Insights into the production in Spanish with subtitles.
• L Is for Legacy: Behind the Scenes: Making of the monster.
• N Is for Nexus: Making of: Day one on set with director Fessenden.
• Q Is for Questionnaire: Make-Up & FX: Quick look at brain prosthetics.
• S Is for Split: Behind the Scenes: Covers various aspects like stunts and makeup effects.
• T Is for Torture Porn: Making Of: Extensive behind-the-scenes by the Soska twins.
• U Is for Utopia: Behind the Scenes: Filming on location at Vaughan City Hall.
• W Is for Wish: Making Of: Detailed making of this segment.
• Y Is for Youth: Making Of: Exploration of practical effects, with subtitles.
• Z Is for Zygote: The 55th Trimester: Testing prosthetic designs.
• AXS TV: A Look at The ABCs of Death 2: Brief insights from several directors.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Includes trailers for other films.

"ABCs of Death 2" proves to be an audacious and thrilling sequel, epitomizing horror anthology creativity. Just like its predecessor, this installment features 26 short films, each directed by a different filmmaker, adhering to the format where each director was assigned a letter and given the freedom to produce a death-related story. The shorts vary widely in style and tone: from gore-drenched spectacles to psychologically unsettling tales, infused with doses of humor and outright weirdness. Highlights include the Soska Sisters' "Torture Porn", which shifts from exploitative setup to a grotesque climax involving a demonic transformation, and Brugues' dialogue-free "E Is for Equilibrium", blending comedy with inventive storytelling.

Technically, the anthology exhibits a range of directorial prowess, showcasing precise editing and varied cinematographic techniques. For instance, Fessenden's "N Is for Nexus" is lauded for its impeccable editing, generating palpable tension during a chaotic New York Halloween. Meanwhile, Morgan's stop-motion "D Is for Deloused" presents a nightmarish vision inspired by childhood fever dreams. The thematic gamut spans vigilante justice in Gilbey's "C Is for Capital Punishment" to bizarre homages in Rohal's black-and-white "P Is for P-P-P-P Scary!", featuring unsettling surrealism.

Whether drawing on cultural contexts or personal nightmares, each segment offers a compact yet impactful narrative. While some entries leave viewers bewildered or repulsed—like Nash’s grotesque “Z Is for Zygote”—others achieve poignant emotional resonance, as seen in Keshales and Papushado's sorrowful "F Is for Falling", and Umezawa’s imaginative revenge tale “Y Is for Youth". The anthology's dynamic pacing ensures an engaging viewing experience, appealing particularly to fans of horror who appreciate eclectic and boundary-pushing content. Although not fit for everyone, "ABCs of Death 2" solidifies its status as a must-watch for those seeking relentless variety and surprise in horror storytelling.

"The ABCs of Death 2" offers an eclectic mixture of horror shorts that cater to a variety of tastes within the genre. The premise remains simple yet compelling, adhering to the same alphabetical framework as its predecessor, where each short film corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. While the quality of the individual segments varies, many manage to deliver genuinely chilling or darkly humorous moments that justify viewing. The production values are surprisingly high given the use of non-union labor and student participation, showcasing a range of innovative and fresh filmmaking techniques.

From a technical perspective, the Blu Ray presentation is commendable. The video quality excels with sharp details and vibrant colors that enhance the horror experience. Similarly, the audio design is immersive, with clear dialogue and impactful sound effects that elevate the overall viewing pleasure. The disc also includes a substantial array of bonus features, such as commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews, adding significant value for enthusiasts who enjoy delving into the filmmaking process.

At the conclusion of the multi-part commentary, Timson and League ask each other whether they're prepared to do a third installment of "The ABCs of Death," but the end credits of this second installment seem to leave no doubt that a third anthology will follow either this year or next. The formula is almost impossible to resist. Production costs are cheap, since the individual films are shot with non-union labor, much of it student or volunteer, and there's no shortage of aspiring filmmakers eager for the exposure that participation in the ABCs franchise can provide. From a viewer's perspective, the films are a no-risk proposition, since you don't have to invest much time in a story you don't like; another one will come along in just a few minutes. Despite some segments that fall flat or don't quite pay off, there's enough in ABCs 2 to make it a worthwhile evening's entertainment. Recommended.