Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball Blu-ray Review

"Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball" is delivered on Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p High Definition video presentation that retains the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The visual quality showcases a somewhat documentary-like edge indicative of HD-shot productions on a modest budget, offering a clear, TV news report-esque clarity in its best moments. Despite this initial high-quality appearance, the video presentation suffers from inconsistency, particularly in scenes burdened by insufficient lighting—which reveals a tendency for softness, blurring, and crush, especially noticeable in the film's latter segments. Colors are vibrant and generally well-handled, with a rich palette that brings the action to life, though it’s marred at times by skin tones that appear unnaturally pasty.

The overall detail within "Smokin' Aces 2" on Blu-ray remains sharp, with particular highlights being scenes that take full advantage of HD Digital cameras' capabilities, showcasing refined textures and a commendable degree of clarity. However, the challenges of the production's budgetary constraints become evident in areas such as special effects, which feel slightly jarring compared to their surroundings, and minor technical nuisances like noise and flickering—though these are not pervasive enough to significantly detract from the viewing experience. The contrast is consistently good, blacks are deep without being overbearing, and despite occasional soft edges and slight aliasing, these issues can largely be attributed to the directorial and editing choices rather than the transfer itself.

In summary, "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball" stands as a compelling case of how direct-to-video releases can exceed expectations with a Blu-ray presentation that largely outperforms similar market entries. Rich in color and detail, and largely faithful to the director’s vision, it navigates its few pitfalls with grace, providing an engaging visual experience that, while not without its flaws—chiefly due to lighting and budget-related limitations—still demonstrates a proficient and committed effort to high definition presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball" presents an aggressive, chest-thumping audacity that could only befit a movie of such frenzied, high-octane content. Despite not delivering the subtlety one might expect from a Hollywood blockbuster, the audio mix excels in creating an engaging experience that's both noisy and coherent where it counts. Dialogues are crisply relayed through the front and center channels, ensuring that every line cuts through the chaos, while the eclectic mix of the soundtrack - ranging from Wagner to James Brown and Evanescence - keeps the surround channels lively and contributes to the film's pulsating energy. The track's dedication to an impactful soundscape is evident in its rendering of effects, from the catastrophic din of car crashes and RPG explosions to the relentless volley of gunfire, all designed to audibly illuminate any living room.

However, the mix is not without its nuances. While it leverages its lossless capability to bring a robust LFE output that could ostensibly level buildings, rear speaker activity sometimes lacks consistency, particularly in quieter scenes which miss the ambience that amplifies the action sequences. Yet when the rear channels are engaged, they deliver an immersive experience, pulling the viewer into the midst of bedlam. The soundfield is hyper-stylized, with jarring music cues and thundering sound effects laying a foundation for a sensory assault that is surprisingly coherent amid its styled chaos.

Admittedly, the audio presentation isn't perfect; gunshots can sometimes feel tinny and certain bustling scenes come off as somewhat flat and front-heavy. Yet, considering the relentless pace and visual madness of "Assassins' Ball", these minor inconsistencies hardly detract from the overall experience. The mix excels where it truly matters, in the midst of its most bombastic sequences, making it a commendable feat for a direct-to-video release. It's a bold assertion of what DTS-HD Master Audio can accomplish, pushing the boundaries to match the film's audacious spirit.

The Blu-ray extras for "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball" present a well-rounded package that offers insight and amusement in equal measure. Joe Carnahan's involvement across the board lends each featurette a certain gravitas, enhancing the view behind the curtain of this frenetic sequel's creation. From the engaging but occasionally silent audio commentary by P.J. Pesce and Carnahan, to the explosive stunts and detailed look at the film’s weaponry, there's plenty for fans to dig into. The "Confessions of an Assassin" provides a comprehensive overview of production, while the deleted scenes and gag reel might lack the punch of the main features. Nonetheless, enthusiasts of the "Smokin' Aces" franchise will appreciate the depth and variety of content, offering both entertainment and insight into the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A technical and anecdotal conversation with Director P.J. Pesce and Producer Joe Carnahan.
• Behind the Scenes with Joe Carnahan: Insights on creating a sequel to Smokin' Aces.
• Confessions of an Assassin: A 26-minute in-depth look at the production.
• Cue The Clown: Focus on one of the film's explosive stunts.
• Ready, Aim, Fire: A brief exploration of the film's weaponry.
• The Bunker Mentality: Design and creation of the film's key set piece.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes mostly extended versions of scenes that were wisely cut.
• Gag Reel: A collection of flubbed lines and missed cues.

"Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball," while attempting to capture the frenetic energy and convoluted storylines of its predecessor, ultimately stands in the shadow of Joe Carnahan's original, missing the mark for fans expecting a sequel of similar calibre. However, as a low-budget, direct-to-DVD entry, the film manages to offer a modicum of enjoyment, attributed to its unapologetically chaotic essence and a parade of outlandish characters engaging in a ballet of bullets and mayhem. Its extended cut, available on a Region-Free Blu-ray in the UK, promises more of the sex and violence aficionados of the series crave, despite suffering from a somewhat lacklustre digital video presentation. The essence of the original is mimicked, albeit with a cast lacking the star power and a plot even more tangled than that of its predecessor, yet it retains a pulpy heartbeat that could amuse those with aligned expectations.

Inherently, "Assassins' Ball" thrives on its pulpy, over-the-top violence and a carousel of eccentric assassins and desperate federal agents caught in a deadly game over the fate of an unassuming FBI analyst. This prequel's narrative threads weave through a series of increasingly improbable confrontations, buoyed by performances from a mix of seasoned and newer actors against the backdrop of violent, albeit sometimes ludicrous action sequences. Director P.J. Pesce takes the reins with visible enthusiasm, though his vision occasionally feels like a less refined echo of Carnahan’s inaugural outing. The movie’s technical execution, from its solid aural landscape to its action choreography, shows competence but is periodically hampered by its digital cinematography and a tendency towards narrative excess.

Despite its shortcomings and a divisive reception akin to that of its forebear, "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball" carves out a niche among direct-to-video sequels, avoiding complete dismissal into obscurity thanks to its sheer audacity and spirited homage to the franchise's roots. Critics and fans alike may find the sequel’s blend of gritty action and dark humor a guilty pleasure or a misfired attempt to recapture the anarchic spirit of the original. Nonetheless, its existence underscores the unpredictable longevity and appeal of Carnahan’s high-octane universe, offering enough intrigue and bullet-ridden escapades to justify viewing, provided one’s expectations are suitably adjusted.

"Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball" struggles to emerge from the shadow of its predecessor, yet it carves its peculiar niche among action aficionados with a mix of enthusiasm and bombast. While director P.J. Pesce endeavors to recapture the chaotic spirit and gritty flair that defined Joe Carnahan's original, this sequel at times feels more like an echo than a bold new statement. Nonetheless, for those with a penchant for unabashed gunfire and frenzied storytelling, there are pleasures to be found in its familiar excesses. The film's Blu-ray presentation by Universal does significantly lift the experience; boasting a pristine visual transfer and an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio track that excellently captures every bullet whiz and explosion with crystal clarity.

The special features bundled with this release are not just afterthoughts but enrich the overall viewing experience, providing insight into the film's creation and offering distractions that will likely appeal to the series' devotees. This aspect, when combined with the technical virtues of the visual and audio presentation, ensures that the Blu-ray edition of "Assassins' Ball" presents itself as a compelling addition to any action lover's collection. However, it's worth noting that the film, much like its predecessor, may polarize its audience—leaving some viewers captivated by its brazen energy, while others might find it an unnecessary encore to a tune already played.

In conclusion, "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball" Blu-ray delivers a robust package that will satisfy existing fans of the franchise and action enthusiasts alike. Despite the sequel's inability to fully step out from the shadow of its original, its high-quality presentation and comprehensive special features make it a worthy acquisition. The film itself may divide opinion, but Universal’s release ensures that, for those inclined to enjoy it, "Assassins’ Ball" is experienced in the best possible light.