Lethal Weapon 2 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Lethal Weapon 2" on Blu-ray, while showcasing certain advancements over its predecessor, unfortunately, inherits a suite of technical challenges that somewhat mar its high-definition potential. Despite being minted concurrently with the original Lethal Weapon's 2006 Blu-ray edition, both films are impacted by similar image quality issues which stem from an aggressive use of filtering techniques leading to noticeable aliasing, pixelation, and edge distortion. This results in a less-than-ideal visual experience that falls short of the expectations for high-definition clarity. While there is an improvement in color saturation, contrast, and detail over their DVD versions—highlighting finer textures in skin and fabrics, and providing sharper delineations—the presence of banding, distracting edge enhancements, and artifacting, compounded with an excessive noise reduction in several scenes, detracts from these gains.

On a positive note, "Lethal Weapon 2" benefits from a slightly superior video quality compared to its predecessor, likely due to its higher production values and the shift to a wider 2.35:1 aspect ratio from the original's 1.85:1. This change amplifies the film's cinematic feel, supported by improved color reproduction, notably in dark scenes where richer reds and more vibrant blues are evident. The contrast is notably brighter, enhancing the depth of the image with solid blacks. While there is an appropriate level of grain reflecting its age and some softness affecting the overall sharpness, these aspects do not overwhelmingly diminish the viewing experience. The sequel's Blu-ray release aligns with its HD DVD counterpart, benefiting from the VC-1 compression codec which Warner used across formats for consistency.

Ultimately, "Lethal Weapon 2's" Blu-ray presentation represents a mixed bag: while it definitely elevates the viewing experience above DVD quality and exhibits some stylistic and technological improvements, it's hampered by inherited flaws from its initial HD release strategy. These issues highlight a video presentation that could have surpassed expectations but instead delivers a performance that viewers may find lacking in some aspects of high-definition refinement. The hope remains that Warner will revisit these films for future enhancements, as both the movie and its fans certainly deserve better treatment to truly shine in the digital age.

Lethal Weapon 2, much like its predecessor, finds itself trapped between the nostalgic aura of its era and the relentless march towards technological refinement in audio presentation. While both films are given a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, they lamentably fall short of the immersive audio experience contemporary audiences have come to expect. Notably, dialogue tends to muddle under the weight of explosive action, sacrificing clarity for intensity. This deficiency is compounded by a lackluster low-end extension, rendering explosions and collisions less impactful than director Richard Donner envisioned. Despite these glaring issues, the rear speakers manage to carve out a semblance of an immersive soundscape, with noteworthy acoustics and ambient sounds. However, the imprecise directionality and stiff panning betray the tracks' high-definition potential, indicating a missed opportunity for audio excellence.

Given its pedigree, it's paramount to acknowledge that 'Lethal Weapon 2' was once at the pinnacle of sound design for its time. The Blu-ray's Dolby Digital 5.1 track, boasting a 640kbps rate, offers a dynamic range respectable for a film of its age but is marred by a dated sound design that fails to encase the viewer fully. The surround effects often feel gimmicky, with a detectable abruptness in channel transitions that detract from an otherwise seamless auditory experience. Additionally, the bass response could have benefited from a more robust deployment, especially during action sequences which crucially lack depth. Despite these hiccups, the audio presentation maintains a level of clarity and naturalness, albeit with evident ADR and occasionally intrusive vocal effects from the rear channels.

The collective sentiment hints at a dichotomy faced by aficionados of the Lethal Weapon franchise: the allure of revisiting Riggs and Murtaugh's camaraderie on Blu-ray juxtaposed against the anticipation for an inevitable auditory overhaul by Warner. While there's an incremental enhancement over DVD quality, the audio presentation's fidelity to high-definition expectations remains unfulfilled. Fans are left yearning for a remaster that rectifies these auditory discrepancies, optimally leveraging modern advancements for an immersive cinematic experience. In essence, while 'Lethal Weapon 2' on Blu-ray represents a marginal auditory improvement, it starkly reminds us of the limitations of its era and the potential heights yet unreached in its digital reincarnation.

The Blu-ray release of "Lethal Weapon 2" delivers a sparse and somewhat underwhelming collection of extras, echoing the limited supplemental treatment seen with its predecessor. Despite the anticipation for a more feature-rich edition, the offering comprises just a few elements that cater primarily to die-hard fans of the franchise. Included are a handful of deleted scenes that offer little in terms of enhancing the original narrative, presented in standard definition which detracts from the high-definition movie experience. The "Stunts & Action" featurette, while providing a nostalgic throwback to the film's 1989 promotional efforts, fails to leave a lasting impression due to its brief runtime and lackluster content. Additionally, the absence of a Director's Cut version—available in previous DVD releases—might disappoint those seeking a more comprehensive view of the film. A theatrical trailer, also in standard definition, rounds out the slim selection of bonuses. This limited array of extras, though of some interest to completists, ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the making and legacy of "Lethal Weapon 2".

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A short collection of additional scenes.
• Stunts & Action: A featurette focusing on the film's stunts and action sequences.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the film.

Lethal Weapon 2," often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, not only manages to refine and elevate the established buddy-cop dynamic between Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) but also sets a new benchmark for the action-comedy genre of its era. With director Richard Donner at the helm once more, the sequel expands on the successful formula of its predecessor by incorporating sharper humor, wittier dialogue, and heightened action, making it not just a worthy successor but a superior installment that outshone the original in both critical acclaim and box office earnings. The film dives into another high-stakes adventure with Riggs and Murtaugh as they unravel a drug smuggling operation led by Arjen Rudd (Joss Ackland), cleverly weaving in elements of international intrigue and personal drama while introducing the memorable Leo Getts (Joe Pesci) into the mix for an added layer of hilarity and complexity.

The chemistry between Gibson and Glover remains as compelling as ever, propelling the narrative through its paces with a perfect blend of camaraderie and tension. Joe Pesci's addition as Leo Getts offers a refreshing dynamic, enhancing the duo’s interaction without overshadowing it, thereby enriching the storytelling and delivery of humor. Despite its roots deeply embedded in the late '80s culture, "Lethal Weapon 2" transcends its time with enduring appeal, thanks in part to Shane Black’s sharp script and Donner’s adept direction balancing explosive action with meaningful character development. The film intelligently navigates its more familiar pathways while introducing new stakes and relationships, notably Riggs' entanglement with Rika van den Haas (Patsy Kensit), which, although somewhat formulaic, adds depth to his character.

While the sequel arguably doesn't recapture the absolute novelty of the original, it nevertheless stands out as a testament to how to effectively sustain and even elevate a franchise. Critiques concerning the overextension of character roles and subplots are noted but are minor compared to the sequel's overall achievements in action storytelling and character dynamics. "Lethal Weapon 2" does not merely rehash old glories; it amplifies them, making it an indispensable watch for fans and newcomers alike, solidifying its status as a standout entry in the 'Lethal Weapon' series and a classic in its own right within the broader action genre.

Despite its status as a beloved action movie, the Blu-ray release of "Lethal Weapon 2" has proven to be a contentious topic among enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. The transfer to high definition, while surpassing the older standard DVD version in visual clarity, unfortunately suffers from a series of setbacks. The video transfer is wrought with issues that betray the expectations set by the Blu-ray format, paired with a Dolby Digital audio track that fails to impress, lacking the depth and range expected from such a dynamic and explosively soundtracked film. The supplemental materials provided are sparse, leaving fans yearning for more behind-the-scenes content and in-depth features.

On a slightly positive note, "Lethal Weapon 2" on Blu-ray does benefit from the original film’s higher production values, yielding a more polished appearance that is somewhat noticeable in this release. Comparatively, it edges out its predecessor but only marginally, boasting a soundtrack that while adequate, does not take full advantage of the immersive audio possibilities present in today's Blu-ray technology. The improvements, while appreciated, still fall short of redefining the viewer's experience in a meaningful way. The release does underscore the potential for Blu-ray to match and, in certain aspects, surpass HD DVD quality, thereby offering a glimmer of hope for future enhancements.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Lethal Weapon 2" presents a mixed bag for fans and collectors. While it manages to capture some of the film's inherent charm and benefits slightly from its higher budget and polished cinematography, the array of technical shortcomings cannot be overlooked. The problematic video quality, paired with an underwhelming audio experience and a disappointing array of extras, make it difficult to recommend this release wholeheartedly. Ultimately, unless you are a die-hard fan of Riggs and Murtaugh's adventures and require every iteration for your collection, it might be wise to hold out for a more definitive remastering that this classic truly deserves.