Gate 2: The Trespassers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Gate 2: The Trespassers" benefits from a new 2K scan of the interpositive, yielding a surprisingly robust and detailed image. The AVC encoded presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio captures the original cinematography with impressive sharpness, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricacies of both minion and demon activity along with the film's practical effects. Colors are tastefully refreshed, showcasing rich primaries that bring depth to demonology scenes and costumes with deep blues and reds. Grain is fine and filmic, offering strong delineation without significant damage, aside from mild judder during the main titles.

Clarity and detail are noteworthy in this presentation, transforming the low-budget film into a visually striking experience. Despite occasional speckles and spots, the film boasts a bold image that highlights textures, model work, and mattes effectively. Facial particulars shine through with strong make-up details against a backdrop of consistent natural skin tones. Black levels are generally deep and rich, providing solid shadow detail even if they appear washed out in certain scenes. Overall, the image depth is solid, allowing characters to move naturally without distortion.

Despite minor shortcomings like a greenish hue in some parts and slight grain in dark scenes, "Gate 2" delivers an unexpectedly high quality visual experience. With minimal noise or artifacts, this Blu-ray release revitalizes this forgotten film, ensuring that fans will be pleased with its refreshed look and feel. The overall robustness of the presentation significantly surpasses expectations for a film of its genre and age.

The audio presentation of "Gate 2: The Trespassers" on Blu-ray features a robust 2.0 DTS-HD MA track, which provides a reliable stereo listening experience for this low-budget horror film. While the dialogue can occasionally sound slightly muffled and there is a mild hiss, overall, the voices are well-placed in the stereo mains and remain audible throughout. The channel separation aligns with the expectations for a 1990s release, and there is no significant Low-Frequency Extension (LFE).

The sound effects, especially during scenes of chaos involving monsters, are distinct and clear, delivering an immersive atmosphere without becoming muddy. The synthesizer-driven score effectively supports the suspenseful moments, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the scattered soundtrack selections bring a sharp and authoritative complement to the film's tension and energy, ensuring a dynamic auditory experience.

In summary, despite some minor drawbacks in dialogue clarity and lack of surround sound or LFE, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "Gate 2: The Trespassers” is solid and sufficiently immersive, aptly capturing the essence of the film's low-budget genre. The audio dynamics, particularly in sound effects and score, provide a strong sense of nostalgia while maintaining an engaging stereo soundstage.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Gate 2: The Trespassers" provide a comprehensive and candid look behind the scenes of this cult classic. The remastered 2K transfer showcases the film in superior quality, appealing to avid fans and newcomers alike. The "Return to the Nightmare" featurette is particularly engaging, with director Tibor Takacs, screenwriter Michael Nankin, and special visual effects creator Randall William Cook offering an honest and at times unflattering recount of the production's challenges and creative decisions. Another highlight is the "From the Depths" interview with make-up effects artist Craig Reardon, who delves into technical intricacies and the demanding nature of the shoot. The inclusion of promotional material, trailers, and a still gallery rounds out the extra content, making it a comprehensive package for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW 2K REMASTER: Struck from an interpositive.
• Return to the Nightmare – A Look Back at GATE II: Interviews with the director, screenwriter, and visual effects creator.
• From the Depths: Interview with make-up effects artist Craig Reardon.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Video Promo: Original video advertisement.
• Video Store Contest promo: Audio-only promotional contest.
• Still Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes photos and artwork.

"Gate 2: The Trespassers" takes the intriguing premise of the original film and ventures into a darker, more mature territory. Directed by Tibor Takacs with a screenplay by Michael Nankin, the movie shifts from the kiddie-friendly horror of "The Gate" to a more traditional teenage horror vibe, complete with an R-rating and a focus on black magic and wish fulfillment. Louis Tripp reprises his role as Terry, now a teenager still haunted by the events of the first film and grappling with personal issues such as his father's alcoholism. Desperate to regain control over his life, Terry attempts to summon demons once more, only to have his ritual disrupted by bullies Moe and John, as well as John’s girlfriend Liz. The movie then dives into a narrative revolving around a captured minion and the chaotic consequences of meddling with dark forces.

The film’s special effects are one of its highlights, leveraging a combination of stop-motion animation, forced perspective, and practical effects to bring the demonic creatures to life. While the budget constraints are evident, the visual work still impresses in places, providing some genuinely eerie and memorable scenes. The illusion created through these effects helps maintain the movie’s quirky and unsettling atmosphere, even if it lacks the consistent energy of its predecessor. The wish fulfilment element adds an interesting layer to the plot, juxtaposing momentary euphoria against eventual decay, with all objects granted by the demon minion turning into fecal matter—a touch of absurdity that injects some charm into the film.

Despite its flaws, including a less defined character arc and occasional pacing issues, "Gate 2: The Trespassers" is an intriguing continuation of the original’s mythos. The chemistry between Tripp and Pamela Adlon offers a fresh dynamic that makes their character's journey engaging. For fans of 80s and 90s horror films, particularly those who enjoyed "Hellbound: Hellraiser II," the film's sets, matte paintings, and practical effects will feel nostalgically satisfying. It maintains enough of the original's spirit while expanding its universe with darker themes and inventive scenarios.

"Gate II: The Trespassers" may not capture the same enchanting essence as its predecessor, "The Gate," but it presents itself as a worthy companion piece. Directed by Tibor Takacs and written by Michael Nankin, the film continues the saga with a touch of early '90s nostalgia, intertwined with a unique blend of horror and comedy. The camaraderie of John and Moe adds a quasi "Three Stooges" dynamic, while the somewhat cheesy romance between Terry and Liz offers a charming chuckle.

Technically, Scream Factory has done a commendable job with this release. The remastered 1.85:1 AVC presentation breathes new life into the movie, showcasing robust clarity and color reproduction. Comprising English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio, the soundscape is faithful to the original while offering crisp dialogue and effectively balanced sound effects. Subtitles in English SDH ensure accessibility. The Blu-ray packaging from Scream Factory might not be a Collector's Edition but includes substantial extras, such as extensive interviews and vintage video store promo commercials, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and nostalgic collectors alike.

In conclusion, "Gate II: The Trespassers" might falter in maintaining the momentum and charm of its iconic predecessor, particularly with its less impactful climax and dip in intensity. However, it remains an enjoyable watch whether as a standalone film or a companion to "The Gate." Scream Factory's exemplary remastering and supplementary content offer sufficient incentive for both new viewers and dedicated fans to revisit this segment of fantasy horror cinema. It’s a fun watch that deserves a place in your collection.