RED 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

RED 2" makes its mark on 4K UHD with a stunning 2160p transfer, utilizing the HEVC / H.265 codec with Dolby Vision, and presented in the cinematic 2.40:1 aspect ratio. This release from Lionsgate Films comes as a significant upgrade over the Blu-ray edition, showcasing an array of improvements in visual clarity, color depth, and detail that befit a modern home theater experience. Unlike its predecessor, which carried a more desaturated palette, "RED 2" boasts of richer, warmer colors across the board, with notably deeper black levels, ensuring dark scenes maintain their detail without succumbing to murkiness. The implementation of HDR, though subtle in places, makes certain sequences pop—with a mention-worthy green-yellow scenery and vividly saturated elements like Mary Louise Parker's deep blue housecoat showcasing the technology's impact.

Detail in this presentation is noticeably enhanced; every wrinkle, pore, and imperfection is discernible, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Textures on clothing, the brickwork of buildings, and even the scuff marks on guns and vehicles are rendered with impressive clarity. The film maintains this sharpness consistently, ensuring both close-ups and wider shots benefit from the 4K treatment. While some CGI-heavy scenes may present a softer image, this does not detract significantly from the overall quality.

The color grading merits specific praise for shifting from the cooler tones of the original to embrace a palette that complements its upgraded visuals. Explosions and action sequences are more striking, with each frame delivering a depth that was previously unattainable. Black levels are deep and enriching, complementing the vividness of colors without ever obscuring details in shadows or darker scenes. Despite the occasional subdued use of HDR throughout much of the film, it shines within the climactic action scenes, where the colors truly dazzle. Artifacts and noise are virtually nonexistent, making for a clean and polished presentation that stands out as one of Lionsgate's stronger catalog titles in terms of visual fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "RED 2" lives up to high expectations with its Dolby Atmos track, which clearly surpasses the already excellent DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track from its previous Blu-ray incarnation. The Atmos experience elevates the movie's sonics to new heights—quite literally—with overhead sound effects that not only expand the soundstage but immerse the viewer in an aurally three-dimensional space. Key sequences, such as an early SUV mishap in a Costco parking lot, showcase the precision of overhead pans, while the film's many explosions leverage the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel to deliver forceful, room-rattling bass, complemented by a detailed cascade of sounds across the surround channels. Dialogue remains crisp and intelligently prioritized against this dynamic soundscape, ensuring clarity and engagement without compromise.

The technical prowess of the Atmos mix on "RED 2" is evident in its handling of directional audio and environmental reverb, creating a fully immersive sound experience. Gunfire and explosions not only pack a significant punch with deep, sonorous bass but are also finely placed within the mix for heightened realism. This precise sound travel creates a 360-degree auditory experience, where every speaker contributes to a cohesive and enveloping atmosphere. The natural sound reverb in large spaces and the score's contribution to the tension and pace of the film demonstrate a masterful balance between intensity and subtlety.

Detailing further into the audio format offerings besides English Dolby Atmos—such as English 2.0 for optimized late-night listening, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English Descriptive Audio—the release caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. Subtitles are amply provided. The dynamic range of this track truly makes "RED 2" a more exhilarating experience, with low-frequency extension enhancing action-packed moments and surround sound presentation placing viewers at the heart of the action. Vocals cut through with clarity and precision, never lost amidst the sonic spectacle—a testament to the Atmos track's ability to balance ferocity with fidelity, making "RED 2" not just a visual but an auditory feast worth revisiting.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "RED 2" by Lionsgate on September 5, stands out for its comprehensive inclusion of extras previously available on the Blu-ray version, ensuring that enthusiasts and new viewers alike have access to a full suite of additional content that enriches the viewing experience. Notably, the package not only encompasses the UltraViolet digital copy and the standard Blu-ray edition, but also supplements such as a detailed, behind-the-scenes featurette titled The Red 2 Experience, which offers insightful commentary from both cast and crew. Other extras include a humorous gag reel and a handful of deleted scenes that provide an intriguing glimpse into what could have been. Additionally, the inclusion of the theatrical trailer allows fans to revisit the excitement leading up to the film’s original release, rounding off a well-curated collection of features that complement the 4K viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Red 2 Experience: A behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew commentary.
• Gag Reel: A collection of bloopers and funny moments from the set.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final theatrical version.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the movie.

Lionsgate's strategy of selecting films for 4K UHD upgrades, including "RED 2," displays an interesting blend of technical updates and cinematic nostalgia, thanks to its shoot-on-film origin. Paired with a Dolby Atmos sound upgrade, "RED 2"'s 4K presentation underscores Lionsgate's commitment to enhancing the viewing experience of their catalog titles. This approach ensures that both the visuals and audio of "RED 2" receive a contemporary facelift, promising an immersive audience experience reminiscent of its theatrical presentation.

"RED 2" reunites audiences with the retired-yet-dangerous Frank Moses, portrayed with a charismatic blend of charm and athleticism by Bruce Willis. The film eagerly dives back into the frenetic world of espionage, with Frank and his eclectic crew traversing global hotspots from Paris to Moscow in a narrative punctuated by frequent high-octane action scenes. Despite these sequences' impressive choreography and the genuine efforts of an ensemble cast including John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker, the film occasionally falters under the weight of its own ambition. Its pacing and plot development sometimes seem at odds with the original film's more cohesive direction and sharper narrative focus.

Critically, "RED 2" appears as a mixed bag—you have a film that is visually enhanced for the 4K UHD format, yet struggles to capture the fresh appeal and tighter storyline of its predecessor. The performances, particularly from Malkovich and Parker, shine through as film highlights, infusing it with humor and vitality amidst a somewhat derivative plot. While Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones add star power, their characters lack the development needed to fully engage. As such, "RED 2" emerges as an entertaining yet inconsistent sequel that leverages advanced technology to revisit familiar thrill-seeking territory with varying degrees of success.

RED 2" in 4K UHD is a continuation of the visually and sonically upgraded experience previously witnessed with "Red," albeit with a consensus that while it might not hit the same high notes in narrative or overall fun, the enhanced technical presentation largely compensates. The film itself, brimming with action, comedy, and a palpable sense of enjoyment among its star-studded cast, benefits immensely from the transition to 4K UHD. This is especially evident in the Dolby Vision enhancement, which brings out richer colors and deeper details across its lively action sequences, despite a slight underuse of HDR's full potential to blast colors. The Dolby Atmos track deserves special mention for its boisterous and beautifully detailed output, ensuring a robust workout for any sound system.

While the content might not universally surpass its predecessor in terms of storytelling or engagement, the technical upgrade offered by the 4K UHD version—with both Dolby Vision and Atmos—elevates the viewing experience considerably. It's evident the actors relished their roles, delivering performances that shine through in higher fidelity, making "RED 2" more enjoyable on this format. Notably, the release does not introduce new extras, retaining all previous bonus content on the included Blu-ray disc, which may deter some looking for fresh material but will satisfy those seeking a complete high-definition collection.

In conclusion, "RED 2" on 4K UHD presents a mixed bag of enhancements that leans heavily towards a technical triumph. While it might not outdo its predecessor in every aspect, the visual and audio improvements make it a recommended upgrade for fans and a testament to the capabilities of current home cinema technology. The sheer enjoyment of its cast, bolstered by the high-definition clarity and sound depth, ensures that "RED 2" holds its appeal for completists and newcomers alike who are after an action-packed, visually stunning experience.