Short Circuit 2 Blu-ray Review

"Short Circuit 2" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that impressively revitalizes this '80s classic. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film benefits from a nearly pristine print, with only a few minor specks and negligible debris. Importantly, the transfer dispenses with digital tampering—grain is natural, and both DNR and edge enhancement are absent, allowing the film's original textures to shine through. The back streets of Toronto, standing in for New York, emerge in all their gritty detail, while Johnny 5's mechanical intricacies are rendered with satisfying precision. Balancing a realistic, unstylized palette, the disc showcases balanced skin tones, deep black levels, and vivid accents of spray paint color without exhibiting any apparent compression issues despite being housed on a single-layer disc.

Visually, the transfer demonstrates an impressive level of clarity and sharpness, making it a significant improvement over previous DVD releases. Colors are consistently bold and natural, with primary hues standing out while secondary hues maintain fidelity. Facial detail is particularly noteworthy; pores and minor blemishes are clearly visible in close-ups and medium shots, enhancing the film's realism. Textures of both hair and clothing are crisply defined, and Johnny 5's intricate details are vividly distinct. Contrast is meticulously rendered, delivering clean whites and rich blacks that hold up well even in poorly lit scenes. Overall, despite a few inherently soft sequences linked to optical effects, this Blu-ray presentation ensures "Short Circuit 2" looks better than it ever has before.

The audio presentation of the "Short Circuit 2" Blu-ray offers an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo track that, while lacking a full 5.1 surround sound experience, remains a robust and commendable effort. The dialogue-driven design maintains an excellent stage presence with perfectly centered conversations, making the nuanced performances easily discernible. Despite the absence of distinct separation between the left and right channels, the soundtrack manages to present a clear and dynamic listening experience. The bustling city backdrop is depicted with fluid motion across the front soundstage, although some effects lack the punch one might anticipate from a modern surround sound mix.

David Shire's quintessentially 1980s score, with its popping slap bass, enhances the overall experience with wide imaging and solid acoustics. The soundtrack excels in clarity and presents no signs of being tinny, mid-heavy, or muffled. Low-frequency effects, while not deeply immersive, are surprisingly punchy and effective for a stereo mix. Notably, a helicopter fly-by towards the film's climax impresses with its convincing off-screen movement. While more elaborate cross-channel effects might have added additional depth, the existing mix capably supports the action sequences without degradation in audio quality.

Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available, though the white-lettered captions encased in black text boxes seem unnecessary. Nonetheless, this mix beautifully balances the dialogue and effects, offering an enjoyable and immersive audio experience that does justice to this 1988 comedy sequel.

The Blu-ray release of "Short Circuit 2" falls short in the extras department, which is both unexpected and disappointing given the film's cult status. The disc lacks any supplementary materials, a definitely missed opportunity to offer insights or behind-the-scenes content that could have enhanced the viewing experience for fans. Despite the maintained professional presentation of the main feature, its bare-bones nature leaves much to be desired when it comes to added value content.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: No supplementary materials or bonus features available.

"Short Circuit 2" successfully recaptures the charm and charisma of Johnny 5, the iconic, sentient robot hero who captivated audiences in the original film. In this sequel, the writers Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson remove Johnny from military conspiracies and drop him into the urban jungle of New York City, where he embarks on a series of adventures. Fisher Stevens reprises his role as Ben Jahrvi, now an immigrant street vendor dreaming of hitting it big with his miniature Johnny 5 replicas, with the aid of Michael McKean’s slick con artist character Fred. The movie, directed by Kenneth Johnson, navigates through light-hearted comedy and unexpected dark moments, delivering a story that is engaging yet retains the somewhat cheesy essence of '80s family-friendly films.

Technical advancements and nostalgic elements combine to make "Short Circuit 2" an enjoyable revisitation of the character. While the film is undeniably corny with its eccentric '80s soundtrack and dated technology, it maintains an endearing quality through Johnny 5's genuine curiosity and emotional depth. Tim Blaney's voice work brings Johnny to life, making him more than a mechanical creation; he becomes a figure you root for, even when he finds himself in perilous situations involving street gangs and con artists. Elements like Johnny 5's graffiti makeover and his Cyrano de Bergerac-like assistance to Ben in wooing Sandy add whimsical and human-like dimensions to his character.

The narrative doesn’t delve deeply into philosophical questions about existence but touches on themes of trust and humanity just enough to add dramatic weight. As Johnny 5 encounters humans driven by greed and experiences harsh treatment, viewers are compelled to empathize with his plight. The film manages to generate genuine emotion, particularly during scenes where Johnny 5 faces physical harm. These moments underline the script’s ability to make audiences forget they're watching a robot. Though light-hearted for broad consumption, "Short Circuit 2" balances humor and sentiment, making it a noteworthy continuation of Johnny 5's story.

"Short Circuit 2" is a commendable sequel, enhancing the charm and appeal of its predecessor. Johnny 5, the sentient robot, endears himself to audiences with his playful antics and surprisingly poignant moments as he navigates through the bustling streets of New York City. The Blu-ray release by Image Entertainment delivers a robust audio/visual experience, encompassing a sharp and vibrant picture quality that brings the 1988 film to life with greater clarity and depth. The sound design, too, impresses with a well-balanced mix that ensures Johnny 5’s quirks and the ambient city noises are both distinctly audible and immersive.

While the technological upgrades in audio and visual presentation are noteworthy, the supplemental content falls short of expectations. The dearth of substantial bonus features might disappoint long-time fans looking for behind-the-scenes insights or additional context. Despite this shortcoming, the blend of humor, drama, and nostalgia woven throughout the movie renders it an appealing revisit for those who cherished the original "Short Circuit".

In conclusion, while "Short Circuit 2" may not surpass its predecessor, it stands firm with its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The Blu-ray's top-notch audio and visual enhancements amplify its nostalgic allure, making it a worthy pick for fans eager to relive their childhood memories. Newcomers, however, may prefer a rental to familiarize themselves with Johnny 5’s adventures before committing to a purchase.