Death Wish II 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Death Wish II" by Vinegar Syndrome marks a significant improvement over its previous Blu-ray releases from MGM and Shout Factory, offering viewers an exceptional home entertainment experience. The source material, a meticulous 4K scan from the 35mm original camera negatives, majestically breathes life into the gritty streets of Los Angeles and the intense visage of Charles Bronson and his adversaries. The attention to detail is striking, with the film’s cinematography by Thomas del Ruth and Richard H. Kline utilizing Arriflex cameras and spherical lenses, now shining in a new light thanks to the clean-up and HDR grading (HDR10). This brings out intricate textures in urban and domestic scenes, heightened color saturation that remains true to the tone of the film, and a fine grain structure that preserves its cinematic essence. Night scenes, in particular, benefit from deeper blacks and brighter highlights, encapsulating the city's nocturnal allure without sacrificing clarity.

Vividly bringing forward the essence of 1980s Los Angeles, the presentation showcases a compelling contrast between the sun-drenched exterior day shots and the cooler, more menacing nighttime sequences. The restoration work ensures that colors are vibrant yet natural, with an accentuated palette that enhances everything from the eclectic fashion to the distinctive urban decay. Skin tones are rendered with remarkable fidelity, presenting a healthy spectrum from the warmth of indoor lighting to the harsher, natural outdoor light. The meticulous preservation of detail extends to even the smallest elements such as signage and interiors, offering a visual depth that immerses viewers in the film’s atmosphere.

This 4K HDR transfer is undeniably a visual feast, demonstrating what can be achieved when vintage film is given a contemporary technological embrace. The improved contrast and brightness balances enrich the visual storytelling, allowing for nuanced shadow details and spectacular highlights that contribute to the movie’s dramatic impact. Spectators are treated to an almost new viewing experience, where the fine layer of grain adds a timeless film-like quality, ensuring that "Death Wish II" not only revisits its vigilante justice theme with renewed vigor but also stands as a testament to excellent restoration craftsmanship.

The audio presentation of "Death Wish II" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, which encompasses a decent range of auditory elements with commendable clarity and balance. The dialogue, despite Charles Bronson's often understated delivery, remains crisp and prioritized within the mix, ensuring that every low murmur and assertive retort is discernible. This clarity extends to the dynamic sound effects, which exhibit snappier gunshots and more vividly detailed acts of violence that lend a more palpable sense of immersion to the viewing experience. Additionally, street atmospherics are notably well-rendered, adding another layer of realism to the urban landscape Bronson navigates.

Jimmy Page's uniquely ostentatious score for "Death Wish II," which marks one of his rare forays into film scoring, benefits significantly from this audio preservation. The mix manages to preserve the integrity and peculiar charm of his composition, with guitar offerings and orchestral elements receiving clear and authoritative treatment. This allows for an audio experience that supports the visual narrative with an appealing depth and texture, engaging viewers not just through dialogue and action, but through its musical accompaniment as well.

Despite its strong points, the audio track doesn't showcase a particularly impressive mid-range or dynamic range, likely a limitation stemming from the original production rather than the transfer itself. However, this doesn’t notably detract from the overall experience, as the soundstage maintains a strong distinction and clarity, especially during louder sequences. The bass provides adequate weight to both music and action sequences, rounding out what is overall a very clean and respectable audio presentation, enhancing the updated 4K UHD visuals admirably.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Death Wish II" presents a plethora of insightful extras that enrich the viewing experience, catered to both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. Driven by the authoritative voice of film historian Paul Talbot, the commentary offers an in-depth look at the production nuances, actor dynamics, and the film's controversial elements, particularly its depiction of violence. The inclusion of alternative versions, such as a TV cut and uncut scenes, along with a series of interviews with key personnel like Robin Sherwood, Todd Roberts, Robert F. Lyons, and David Engelbach, reveals behind-the-scenes challenges and intentions, shedding light on the creative processes and personal anecdotes from the set. The extras preserve technical details with high-definition clarity, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this cult classic and its legacy in cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features film historian Paul Talbot.
• Alternate TV Version: A different cut of the movie provided in high definition.
• Dark Parts: An interview with actress Robin Sherwood discussing her role and the film's production.
• Fights in the Theater: An interview with Todd Roberts about audience reactions to the film.
• Working with Bronson: An interview with actor Robert F. Lyons on his experiences on set.
• Pass: An interview with screenwriter David Engelbach covering his approach to the sequel's story.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the film.

Death Wish II," helmed by Michael Winner and starring the indomitable Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, dives back into the murky vigilante waters eight years after the original 1974 film stirred national controversy. This sequel, powered by producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus of Cannon Films, inherits the mantle more for financial allure than for the exploration of its thematic depths. Transitioning the setting to Los Angeles, Kersey seeks to mend his life and the mental scars of his daughter Carol, played by Robin Sherwood. However, the city's darkness swiftly engulfs him as a series of brutal crimes against his loved ones pulls him back into a vengeful crusade against urban scum, including a notably early role for Laurence Fishburne.

Despite its sunny L.A. backdrop, "Death Wish II" delves into grim and uncomfortably gratuitous territory, with Winner sparing no detail in depicting the violations that reignite Kersey's wrath. The film's extended focus on such scenes adds a harshly sadistic layer, overshadowing potential for a more nuanced revenge narrative. As the plot unfolds, Bronson’s Kersey, embodying both a caring father and cold-blooded avenger, delivers with his signature gravitas, propelling the story through a sequence of increasingly violent confrontations with characteristically stoic resolve. The narrative, though riddled with logical gaps and a reliance on caricatured villainy, manages to stitch together moments of visceral satisfaction for fans of the genre.

This sequel doesn't break new ground but rather retraces the steps of its predecessor with less finesse and more brute force. Its lack of introspection or meaningful commentary on vigilante justice mirrors a broader disinterest in evolving the conversation started by the first film. Nevertheless, "Death Wish II" serves as a bridge to subsequent entries, solidifying a franchise beloved for its unapologetic, action-driven escapism. The technical execution may be uneven, with choppy editing and a script that leans heavily into genre clichés, but Bronson’s performance and Winner’s direction ensure the film remains a notable—if flawed—chapter in the vigilante canon.

Death Wish II," despite its shortcomings in delivering a thoughtful exploration of vigilante justice as seen through Charles Bronson's iconic portrayal, still captivates with its blend of sheer intimidation and action-packed sequences. The film may veer uncomfortably into exploitation, missing the more profound message it attempts to portray, yet it undeniably provides an engaging if flawed, experience for those drawn to vigilante narratives. The sequel doesn't quite live up to its predecessor's impact, feeling more like a bridge to the unabashed camp of "Death Wish 3." However, its entertainment value for a leisurely viewing cannot be understated, especially for fans of Bronson's work and the genre.

The transition to 4K Ultra HD by Vinegar Syndrome is a noteworthy effort, presenting "Death Wish II" in a light never before seen. This upgrade to 4K HDR10 with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono soundtrack significantly enhances the visual and auditory experience, ensuring even the darkest crime-ridden streets shine with detail and depth. This release, likely targeting a niche market of 4K enthusiasts and series fans, stands out for its remarkable presentation quality. The inclusion of a variety of special features further strengthens this package, making it an appealing addition for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, while "Death Wish II" may falter in narrative ambition, failing to adequately explore its themes with the depth they deserve, it remains an entertaining piece of cinema for its target audience. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release elevates this experience to new heights, offering an exceptional visual feast that admirably compensates for the film's cinematic flaws. For enthusiasts of the genre and admirers of Bronson's legacy, this edition represents a valuable and recommended acquisition.