Missing in Action 2: The Beginning Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" is a commendable effort from Kino Lorber, leveraging a new 4K restoration sourced from the original 35mm negative. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and maintaining a 1080p resolution, this release effectively showcases the film's visuals with clarity and depth. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film exhibits excellent delineation and visual stability, with fluid movements that are reflective of the quality expected from a 4K master. The image is notably clean, without speckling issues and devoid of unwanted digital noise reduction or smoothing artifact.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray is robust, with an impressive portrayal of natural greens and vivid primary hues, ensuring skin tones are both healthy and realistic. Despite the praise for dynamic colors, there is a slight room for improvement in the saturation levels, where some viewers might find the presentation in native 4K potentially richer. Furthermore, black levels are generally deep and satisfying, particularly in key sequences, although certain scenes reveal a tendency towards brown shades rather than true inky blacks. However, these darker scenes occasionally exhibit more grain, which can appear noisier compared to their brighter counterparts.

Overall, this Blu-ray represents a substantial upgrade from previous releases, notably free of edge enhancement issues. The video quality is consistent and thoroughly cinematic, aligning closely with modern expectations for high-definition transfers. Ideal for Region-A or Region-Free players, this disc will likely appeal to enthusiasts seeking a visually engaging upgrade from earlier editions.

The Blu-ray release of "Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" includes an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The audio presentation offers a satisfactory experience, effectively highlighting the film's action-packed scenes with dynamic contrasts. Dialog clarity is a notable strength, consistently stable and easy to follow. However, the track's limitation lies in its lack of immersive depth, typically sought in contemporary sound formats like Dolby Atmos. While the track adequately captures the film's essence, there is potential for advancement with an updated mix to enhance the spatial audio landscape.

Despite its adequacy, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track seems unchanged since a 2012 Blu-ray release, lacking sonic innovation. The bass response, particularly during intense gunfights and explosive sequences, presents as modest, leaving some of the impact desired by action enthusiasts lacking. Furthermore, the accompanying musical score by Brian May does not achieve the full-bodied resonance expected, occasionally sounding uneven. While it delivers clear dialog and energizes action sequences to an extent, it does not maximize the full capabilities of modern audio systems, resulting in an experience that feels more utilitarian than exceptional.

Overall, this audio track competently fulfills its purpose without excelling or introducing significant enhancements to elevate the viewing experience to a truly immersive level. The presentation is consistent yet restrained, suitable for viewers preferring clarity over seismic sound sensations but may leave audiophiles yearning for deeper auditory engagement.

The Blu-Ray release of "Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" offers a modest yet insightful selection of extras. The standout feature is the new audio commentary recorded by director Lance Hool and moderated by critic Daniel Kremer. It provides a comprehensive and engaging insight into the film's production history, directed primarily at enthusiasts interested in behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including Chuck Norris' involvement and Hool's directorial debut experiences. The interaction captures the essence of a well-rounded discussion, akin to those from Fred Olen Ray, adding depth to this section. While the set of extras remains limited, it includes the expected theatrical trailers that add a nostalgic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An exclusive audio commentary by director Lance Hool, moderated by critic Daniel Kremer, highlighting production insights and anecdotes.
• Trailer: The original trailer for "Missing in Action 2: The Beginning."
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: A collection of related theatrical trailers.

"Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" (1985) emerges on Blu-ray as a formidable yet flawed artifact of 80s action cinema. Directed by Lance Hool and released by Kino Lorber, the film revisits Colonel James Braddock's (Chuck Norris) erstwhile captivity under the tyrannical Colonel Yin. Notably, this release features an enlightening commentary with Hool, guided by critic Daniel Kremer. In a production marked by studio drama and competitive timing with "Rambo: First Blood Part II," Hool's vision diverged from Menahem Golan's expectations, resulting in a prison narrative rather than a pure war film, impacting its reception and box office performance.

The film navigates the familiar themes of resilience, captivity, and revenge, with Braddock enduring physical and psychological torment over a decade. The portrayal of the antagonist, Colonel Yin, is compellingly sinister, lending the film significant tension. Despite lacking seamless continuity with its predecessor, the production captures authentic action sequences without excessive CGI, favoring location-based realism. Stunt coordination deserves mention, particularly a scene involving a perilous hanging bridge sequence, contributing to a modest yet genuine intensity.

Chuck Norris' performance stands out against the backdrop of elaborate action set pieces typical of Cannon Group's low-budget exploits. His dedication to embodying Braddock's emotional strife offers glimpses of depth not often attributed to his roles. While dramatic premises may superficially engage, they sometimes falter under the weight of a one-dimensional screenplay. Still, the film resonates on a nostalgic level, capturing an era wherein such narratives held nationalistic and emotional significance amid unresolved POW/MIA discourse. As a piece of its time, "Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" embodies both the exploitative allure and entertainment factor characteristic of mid-80s action films.

"Missing in Action 2: The Beginning," directed by Lance Hool, serves as a pseudo-prequel to its more famous sequel. Although intended as a strong, action-packed narrative with a profound message, the film struggles to strike a balance, sometimes dipping into unintentional humor. The depiction of Vietcong characters dressed in WWII Japanese uniforms showcases a level of inaccuracy that detracts from the film's authenticity. Nonetheless, Chuck Norris anchors the film with his assured performance, adding a sort of nostalgic charm to this era-specific action genre.

Kino Lorber has substantially upgraded "Missing in Action 2" with a new Blu-ray release derived from a pristine 4K master. The visual restoration enhances the viewing experience, making it more vivid and engaging compared to earlier editions. While the audio quality retains its original middling standards, the inclusion of an exclusive, insightful commentary by Hool elevates the package significantly, providing context and a richer understanding of the film and its behind-the-scenes aspects.

In conclusion, Menahem Golan's strategy to prioritize Joseph Zito’s film initially was wise, as "Missing in Action 2" lacks the initial excitement and vigor. However, Kino Lorber's meticulous restoration rekindles interest in Hool's venture. While the film intrinsically marks the point at which the franchise should have perhaps concluded, it remains a recommended watch for enthusiasts, bolstered by quality supplements. For those craving more Norris action, additional titles such as "Missing in Action," "Braddock: Missing in Action III," and the complete "Missing in Action Trilogy" are available from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. Highly recommended for dedicated fans of the franchise.