Maniac Cop 2 Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "Maniac Cop 2" offers a video presentation that is both technically impressive and visually engaging. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the film utilizes a 1080p high-definition transfer struck from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. This meticulous process has yielded a transfer that excels in detail and clarity. The image depth is exceptional, capturing the gritty and grimy aesthetic of the film’s urban setting, with no traces of problematic sharpening or degraining corrections.

The color palette is notably wide-ranging and well-saturated, rendering the film's sequences almost uncharacteristically beautiful for its low-budget origins. Contrast levels are nicely balanced, maintaining clean whites and deep, true blacks that preserve dark, penetrating shadows without sacrificing delineation. Facial complexions appear healthy and detailed, exposing pores and slight blemishes that enhance the realism. The transfer also effortlessly handles the era-specific loud lighting, clothing, and hairstyles, delivering a vivid portrayal of the early '90s aesthetic.

Moreover, the organic look of the film is preserved with a consistently thin layer of natural grain, with no evidence of artificial scrubbing or smoothing. Black levels remain consistent and sharp throughout, and no color banding issues were detected. The transfer does excellent justice to the finer details, such as Cordell's decaying face and wounds. Overall, this release marks one of Blue Underground's best-looking catalog titles on Blu-ray, ensuring "Maniac Cop 2" is experienced with remarkable visual fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "Maniac Cop 2" from Blue Underground offers an extensive array of audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, English Dolby Digital 2.0, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Isolated Music Track. These selections are complemented by a robust offering of optional subtitles in a multitude of languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of viewers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track stands out as particularly impressive, providing an exceptional soundscape that leverages the full potential of a multi-speaker setup. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear, seamlessly integrated into the sound mix without being overwhelmed by the musical score or sound effects. The surround channels are active and well-utilized, contributing to an immersive experience with appreciable depth and clarity in mid-range frequencies. However, it's worth noting some critiques concerning the overemphasis on rear channels and a slightly exaggerated low-end, which can sometimes detract from the overall balance.

While the lossless 7.1 mix is commendable, the absence of a high-quality lossless stereo option has been noted as a shortcoming by some enthusiasts. The Dolby Digital 5.1 EX upmix and Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks provide alternative listening experiences, with the former sharing similar strengths and weaknesses to the 7.1 track, and the latter offering a more traditional audio presentation that stays true to the original design. Overall, Blue Underground’s audio treatment ensures that "Maniac Cop 2" delivers a compelling and dynamic auditory experience, albeit not without minor caveats, especially for purists desiring a lossless representation of the original stereo mix.

The "Maniac Cop 2" Blu-ray is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, featuring an array of compelling extras. The isolated music score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 offers a pure audio experience. The full-length audio commentary by director William Lustig and Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn is insightful, exploring the thematic depths and production challenges with an honest and informative dialogue. The 47-minute "Back on the Beat" documentary is a standout, providing a deep dive into the film’s production history through interviews with key cast and crew members. Complementing this is a 29-minute Cinefamily Q&A session with Lustig, filmed post-screening, discussing unique anecdotes from the production. The extra section is rounded off with multiple language trailers, a comprehensive poster and still gallery, and a Sam Raimi-deleted scene.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Music Score: Presented as DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Trailers: International, UK teaser, French, and German.
• Back on the Beat - The Making of Maniac Cop 2: In-depth featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Cinefamily Q&A with Director William Lustig: Insightful Q&A session post-screening.
• Poster and Still Gallery: A vast collection of promotional materials.
• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion between William Lustig and Nicolas Winding Refn.
• Deleted Scene: Featuring a cameo by Sam Raimi.

"Maniac Cop 2," released in 1990 and directed by Bill Lustig, continues the narrative set forth in its predecessor, "Maniac Cop." Picking up immediately after the first film, Matt Cordell, the eponymous maniac cop portrayed by Robert Z’Dar, survives his plunge into the river and embarks on a vengeance-fueled rampage across New York. This installment escalates both in terms of budget and ambition, offering a more dazzling array of action sequences and gore than the original. The storyline stays true to its B-movie roots, reveling in its own implausibility while dialing up the style and atmosphere that made the first film a cult hit.

The plot sees Cordell teaming up with an equally disturbed serial killer, Turkell (Leo Rossi), who adds another layer of grotesque charm to the film. Robert Davi takes over as Detective Sean McKinney, delivering a strong performance that anchors the film and bolsters its central narrative. McKinney's partnership with police psychologist Susan Riley (Claudia Christian) introduces compelling dynamics that add depth to the character interactions. One of the movie's standout moments involves a high-octane car chase with Riley handcuffed to the steering wheel, showcasing the film’s impressive stunt work and practical effects.

Cinematographer James Lemmo and composer Jay Chattaway reprise their roles from the first film, enhancing the technical quality significantly. The special effects are notably superior, with meticulous attention to details such as Cordell's decomposed appearance and the escalating brutality of his assaults. "Maniac Cop 2" amplifies the suspense and horror elements, creating a more intense and engaging experience that many consider surpasses the original.

"Maniac Cop 2" shines as a superior sequel to its predecessor, elevating the series with its entertaining blend of horror and action. Directed by William Lustig and penned by Larry Cohen, this film impresses despite its budget constraints, offering an engaging plot and thrilling suspense. The Blu-ray release by Blue Underground is a testament to top-tier restoration efforts. The video quality stands out, providing a stunning remaster of the original elements. Though the audio presentation does not reach the same exceptional standard, it remains solid enough to satisfy most viewers.

The Blu-ray package is brimming with special features that will delight both long-time fans and newcomers alike. From the high-quality visual effects and meticulous stunt work to a comprehensive set of supplements, Blue Underground has shown an admirable commitment to preserving and elevating this cult classic. The attention to detail is evident and places "Maniac Cop 2" among the essential pieces in any Blu-ray collection.

In conclusion, Bill Lustig's "Maniac Cop 2" not only surpasses the original film in entertainment value but also benefits from a stellar technical presentation by Blue Underground. This release is indeed reference-quality and highly recommended for both die-hard fans and new viewers looking for an enjoyable genre experience. This Blu-ray edition of "Maniac Cop 2" deserves a spot in every collector's library.