Basic Instinct 2 Blu-ray Review

MVD Visual's MVD Marquee Collection brings "Basic Instinct 2" to Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The transfer is generally pleasing, though not without its soft spots. Brightly lit moments showcase impressive fine detail and authenticity, while certain artier sequences—like a particularly aggressive sex scene drenched in yellow—suffer from noticeable drops in detail. The film's many slate gray to cool blue graded scenes maintain slightly better fine detail across the board, contrasting well with the more robustly lit or outdoor settings.

One significant improvement over previous releases is the removal of the hazy overlay that previously marred the presentation. Grain is more effectively resolved this time, though some high frequency filtering is likely present. Fortunately, no compression artifacts are noticeable throughout the presentation. While there's no appreciable difference between the theatrical and unrated versions, both maintain a level of quality that aligns with the expectations set by MGM’s somewhat inconsistent high definition presentations. It's worth mentioning that despite these variations, no sections display critical flaws that detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The audio presentations on the "Basic Instinct 2" Blu-ray are commendable, featuring DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 tracks for both versions of the film, supplemented by a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The English DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a rich and immersive experience, particularly during dynamic scenes like car chases and courtroom hearings. The surround sound sporadically enhances the atmosphere, especially notable in the racy opening sequence. Fidelity remains high across both tracks with no signs of age-related degradation.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature across all formats, ensuring that exchanges are sharp and intelligible. Sound effects and musical scores are likewise well-rendered, contributing to an overall polished audio experience. While the LPCM 2.0 track on the Unrated version stands out for its aggressiveness, it maintains the same high-quality sound without any mixing issues. The optional English subtitles are available for accessibility, rounding out a technically impressive audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Basic Instinct 2" contains a well-curated set of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The included commentary by Director Michael Caton-Jones for both the theatrical and unrated versions offers valuable insights into the film's production. The "Between the Sheets: A Look Inside Basic Instinct 2" featurette provides an intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse, though its 480i resolution is a drawback. The disc also offers a series of deleted scenes with optional director commentary, giving fans a broader narrative perspective. The additional trailers for "Basic Instinct 2" and other MVD releases round out the package, making this Blu-ray a comprehensive and engaging release for fans and cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Michael Caton-Jones: Available on both versions of the film.
• Between the Sheets: A Look Inside Basic Instinct 2: Archival EPK around the time of the film's production.
• Deleted Scenes: Optional director commentary included.
  • Catherine Reminisces
  • Michael Arrives at Clinic
  • Michael Meets Milena
  • Waiting for Dr. Glass
  • Michael Watches Catherine
  • Michael Discusses with Milena
  • Catherine Arrives Drenched
  • Catherine Entices Milena
  • Lt. Phil Walker
  • Alternate Ending
• Trailers: Includes Basic Instinct 2 along with trailers for other MVD releases.

"Basic Instinct 2," under the direction of Michael Caton-Jones, pivots from its predecessor's acclaim to favor a more overtly entertaining, albeit campy, exploration. Caton-Jones himself notes in the commentary tracks that the film never aimed for high art; instead, it pursued pulse-quickening entertainment. This sequel invites viewers into a brisk yet predictably far-fetched narrative. While it certainly cannot match the cultural impact of the original "Basic Instinct," particularly with its notable lapse of fourteen years between films, it still presents an engaging psychological thriller with moments of ambiguity and self-aware winks at the audience.

The film opens with a sensational and provocative sequence as Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) speeds through London with her drugged boyfriend, resulting in a fatal crash. Despite her attempts at rescue, underlying questions about her motives surface. Her entanglement with police psychiatrist Michael Glass (David Morrissey) sets the stage for a cat and mouse game laden with psychosexual tension and mounting tragedy. As the film progresses, Glass' descent into chaos showcases a blend of serious psychological warfare and unintentional humor akin to a B-movie Christian Grey transformation.

While "Basic Instinct 2" might be seen by some as trashy or camp, it's clear from Caton-Jones' commentary that this was a deliberate choice. The film unabashedly leans into its pulpier elements while offering moments that challenge viewers to reconsider preceding events. Though it might not resonate with fans of the original due to its less impactful storyline and absence of Michael Douglas and Paul Verhoeven, it succeeds on its terms as an entertaining, if somewhat predictably over-the-top, thriller.

The Blu-ray release of "Basic Instinct 2" offers an interesting yet mixed viewing experience, combining a polished technical presentation with a robust selection of special features. The transfer has been notably improved from previous editions, ensuring that the visual and audio quality are up to modern standards. The film itself, under the direction of Michael Caton-Jones, struggles to overshadow the legacy of Paul Verhoeven's original. While the plot and characters echo the themes and dynamics of its predecessor, they often fail to capture the same intensity and intrigue, resulting in a film that feels somewhat disjointed from its iconic origins.

The array of extras provided significantly enriches the Blu-ray package. The inclusion of Caton-Jones' audio commentary provides valuable insights into the film's production process and his initial ambivalence towards its status as a sequel. The “Between the Sheets: A Look Inside Basic Instinct 2” featurette and the assortment of deleted scenes with optional commentary add layers of depth and context that might appeal to devoted fans. Additionally, a collection of trailers for both "Basic Instinct 2" and other films extends the supplementary content, reflecting the broad entertainment scope MVD Marquee aims to offer with this release.

In conclusion, "Basic Instinct 2" may not achieve the enduring acclaim of its predecessor, but the MVD Marquee Blu-ray release does justice to the film's technical aspects and compensates with substantial added material. For collectors or fans interested in exploring beyond the film’s apparent shortcomings, this release provides an upgraded cinematic experience bolstered by thoughtful commentaries and behind-the-scenes content.