Jaws 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Universal's 4K UHD release of "Jaws 2" significantly elevates the visual experience compared to its previous 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. The updated restoration process utilized a 4K digital intermediate aligned perfectly with a native 2160p resolution in a slightly modified 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This version benefits greatly from HDR10 grading and WCG, enhancing both color depth and contrast without Dolby Vision. Fine details such as the sharper and cleaner delineations in the killer whale beach scene, the contours of the actors' faces and clothing, and the overall grain structure now appear more refined and stable, with the upgraded image removing numerous artifacts and polishing the finer details.

Color grading has undergone a remarkable transformation in this release. Shades appear richer and more vibrant, particularly evident in the outdoor scenes where primary colors stand out more distinctly. An understated HDR pass adds a layer of depth to highlights and shadows, thus lending a dynamic range to scenes illuminated by sunlight, or those submerged underwater. The HDR10 upgrade brings augmented richness to skin tones and black levels without causing artifacts or color shifts, giving the film an invigorated visual appeal. Despite some inherent issues with softer underwater scenes and variances in red tones due to shooting conditions, this iteration overcomes many of the previous release's limitations.

Moreover, the enhanced stability and lack of grain clumping contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, bringing new life to various environmental details including sandy beaches and light-reflecting ocean waves. With an average bit rate in the low 60s mbps ensuring optimal compression, this 45th-anniversary restoration offers pronounced improvements in fine detail and image clarity. Overall, while "Jaws 2" may not shed all its 1978 origins, this 4K release provides a laudable upgrade that fans of the series will appreciate for its enhanced visual fidelity and nuanced color palette.

The Italian 45th Anniversary Collectors Edition of "Jaws 2" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray retains its historical DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. Although preserving archival integrity, the mix firmly locks audio to the center speaker with minimal separation to the left and right channels. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized, complemented by John Williams' iconic score, which is nicely balanced but undeniably constrained by the mix's limited range. Sound effects like boat explosions lack punch, and crowd scenes exhibit some muffling, but the essential auditory elements are adequately represented, delivering a faithful but unremarkable reproduction of the original 1978 audio experience.

Despite some claims of audio restoration, listening tests reveal no significant improvement over the 2016 Blu-ray release. However, users leveraging DTS Neural:X functionality on compatible receivers may notice an enhanced sound field, even if marginal. The limitations of a singular mono track mean that immersive effects and dynamic range expansions, such as those provided by 5.1 or Atmos mixes, are inherently absent. Yet the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track upholds a certain nostalgic value, achieving a reasonably balanced presentation that stays true to the original film's acoustic profile.

The soundtrack is not without its drawbacks—most notably, its confinement to a mono output results in a lack of depth and spatial distinction frequently found in more modern remixes. However, considering the original format and era of the film, this is likely the peak of achievable quality short of an extensive audio overhaul. While some fans may decry the lack of a high-definition audio upgrade, many will appreciate the authenticity and clarity maintained in this edition, effectively immersing them in the classic suspense brought to life by Williams' atmospheric score and the film's iconic sound effects.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Jaws 2" disappointingly presents no new extras but retains the previous content from the 2016 Blu-ray. The provided features, although somewhat dated, offer a solid if unspectacular glimpse behind-the-scenes, capturing the production challenges and insights from involved cast and crew. Highlights include a comprehensive 45-minute making-of documentary, spotlighting cast interviews and production anecdotes. Actor Keith Gordon's portrait delivers personal insights, while John Williams’ featurette underscores his musical genius for the film's iconic score. Deleted scenes and storyboards supplement the offerings, though their impact is minimal. The theatrical trailers and a humorous bit about the film's French title round out the collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes that didn't quite make it into the final cut.
• The Making of Jaws 2: Comprehensive 45-minute documentary.
• Jaws 2: A Portrait by Actor Keith Gordon: Interview with actor Keith Gordon.
• John Williams: The Music of Jaws 2: Featurette on John Williams’ score.
• The French Joke: Short clip about the film’s French title.
• Storyboards: Visual pre-production sketches.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original promotional material.

Universal's release of "Jaws 2" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray brings the 1978 classic to modern audiences with a dazzling 2160/HDR video upgrade. Despite numerous production challenges, including script rewrites and directorial changes, this sequel manages to maintain the exhilarating atmosphere of the original film. The narrative returns to Amity Island, with Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) reprising his role as the central figure confronting a new shark menace. The performances of Scheider, Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, and Murry Hamilton as Mayor Vaughn provide a solid continuity to the story. Meanwhile, the younger cast, led by Ann Dusenberry, delivers credible and engaging performances that amplify the tension and camaraderie among their characters.

The film shifts towards a proto-slasher tone with the shark acting as a hidden stalker preying on teenagers. This change in approach provides a fresh dynamic compared to the first film's suspense-driven pacing. Notable set-pieces such as the water-skier attack and the helicopter takedown have become iconic moments within the "Jaws" mythology, compensating for some of the less convincing underwater sequences. John Williams' score once again adds a masterful layer of suspense and excitement, particularly through the thrilling third act. However, "Jaws 2" does slow down during Chief Brody's struggles with town authorities, echoing similar themes from the original but with less impact due to Brody's repetitive character arc and the absence of the compelling dynamics provided by Richard Dreyfuss's Hooper and Robert Shaw’s Quint.

Overall, "Jaws 2" achieves more than it had any right to, considering its troubled production history. While it doesn't reach the heights of Spielberg's original masterpiece, it stands as a surprisingly strong follow-up with significant thrills and engaging characters. The film's ability to revisit familiar territory while delivering fresh terror makes it a worthy entry in the series and a must-have addition for fans on this impeccably presented 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition.

"Jaws 2" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a commendable follow-up to the classic that, while never reaching the iconic status of its predecessor, provides solid entertainment through memorable scenes and a few honest scares. This release presents a substantial visual upgrade with a particularly impressive HDR10 transfer, enhancing the viewing experience for both old fans and new viewers alike. The restoration process tackled the original's problematic source effectively, ensuring a clean and visually appealing presentation. Although the audio remains in 2.0 lossless format and hasn't seen significant improvements, it sufficiently complements the visual fidelity offered by the UHD format.

Universal Studios' effort pays off as the film retains much of the excitement and tension, bringing fresh life to the mid-70s shark attacks with noteworthy up-close shark work. The movie's merit lies in staying true to its formula while delivering a handful of thrilling set pieces that stand out despite its predictability. While extras are vintage and do not bring any new affair, they serve as a nostalgic tie-in for fans.

In conclusion, while "Jaws 2" will never scale the cinematic heights of its illustrious predecessor, it remains an entertaining sequel that benefits greatly from its 4K treatment. The shark still didn’t work perfectly, but that same old charm of teens in peril and creative storytelling ensures its place as a fun and worthy follow-up. It retains the original’s captivating vibe and offers a delectable experience for 4K enthusiasts despite limited new content in extras or audio enhancements. Collectors will appreciate the visual upgrade available in both standard and Steelbook editions, with the latter proving more difficult to find. All in all, it's a recommended addition for both nostalgic fans and newcomers looking for quality vintage horror in pristine clarity.