The Expendables 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Expendables 2 makes its mark in the 4K UHD Blu-ray arena with a visually captivating presentation, courtesy of Lionsgate Films. The film, shot on Super 35mm and subsequently finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate, has been adeptly upconverted to 2160p using an HEVC H.265 encode, boasting an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. A leap forward from its predecessor in terms of daylight scenes, this sequel revels in the added vibrancy and detail afforded by excellent HDR10/WCG grading. The expanded color gamut breathes life into the vivid landscapes and practical effects, showcasing a broad spectrum of colors from the lush greens of foliage to the deep blues of the sky, all while maintaining natural skin tones and deep, detailed black levels without any crush. Notably, the practical effects used in lieu of CGI contribute to a more authentic, filmic quality, with explosive sequences exhibiting a richer palette of yellows, reds, and oranges.

However, the high-resolution offering is not without its inconsistencies. Despite the general sharpness and clarity throughout, including commendable depth in various scenes and exemplary detail in close-ups, there are moments where grain resolution becomes uneven. This oscillation between organic film grain and what can occasionally resemble video noise detracts slightly from an otherwise stellar presentation. Specifically, certain aerial shots exhibit a brief but noticeable layer of noise, a departure from the crisp imagery usually on display.

The addition of subtle new color tones thanks to HDR enhances both daytime and nighttime sequences, with improved shadow detail in darker scenes adding to the visual depth. Yet, this sequel demonstrates a less consistent color palette when compared to its introduction, occasionally veering towards cooler tones that can somewhat diminish the vibrancy expected from a film of this caliber. Despite these minor qualms, The Expendables 2 on 4K UHD remains a technically impressive feat, showcasing significant improvements in color reproduction – notably richer blues and dynamic fiery hues – making for a visually stimulating viewing experience that largely eclipses its predecessor in terms of raw visual appeal.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Expendables 2" enhances its predecessor's already stellar audio landscape with a powerhouse Dolby Atmos track, ensuring an immersive and bass-heavy sonic experience that is bound to thrill enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. From the get-go, the Atmos track introduces captivating overhead effects starting with the old-style Lionsgate gear logo, setting the stage for a dynamic and enveloping audio adventure. Action scenes are brought to life with stunning clarity and depth, showcasing the power of discrete channelization with explosions, gunfire, and the sheer force of the low-frequency effects (LFE), delivering an intensely visceral and bone-rattling experience. Despite operating at a consistently high intensity, which limits dynamic range, the audio mix maintains exceptional fidelity and prioritization, creating a listening experience that is not only powerful but also remarkably immersive and engaging.

The English Dolby Atmos track stands out as a demo-worthy achievement, carrying forward the deep, bass-driven legacy of its predecessor. The mix excels in articulating the full spectrum of sounds, from roaring engines and ferocious gunfire to the meticulous detail in every punch, kick, and impact during close combat sequences. The overhead channels add an additional layer of realism, with sounds of bullets and debris creating a convincing auditory canopy. Furthermore, the balanced mix ensures dialogue clarity amidst the chaos, though Stallone's unique vocal timbre may occasionally challenge comprehension. The score complements the on-screen action without overpowering other elements, achieving a harmonious balance that enhances the film's suspense and momentum.

In terms of technical specifics, "The Expendables 2" offers multiple audio formats including an English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD compatible track and options for late-night viewing, alongside Spanish and French Dolby Digital configurations. The Atmos track fully realizes each channel to create a comprehensive 360-degree soundstage that places viewers directly in the midst of action. Bullets zipping, debris falling, and explosive dynamics make use of every speaker in the setup, perfectly capturing the magnitude of every scene. The subwoofer plays a pivotal role, with low-frequency extensions adding gravity to vehicles, weaponry, and combat impacts. Dialogue reproduction is crisply rendered, preserving nuances despite the surrounding cacophony. Altogether, this audio presentation elevates "The Expendables 2" into a definitive reference-quality experience for home cinema systems.

While the 4K UHD release of "The Expendables 2" lacks any bonus features on its own, the included Blu-ray compensates with a solid array of supplements that enrich the viewing experience. Simon West's audio commentary, although missing Stallone's deeper insights from the original, adds a layer of anecdotal context to the film. For fans, especially those with a fondness for the action-packed 80s, "Big Guns, Bigger Heroes" and "Gods of War" are treatises on genre evolution and cast dynamism, respectively. The technical aficionados will appreciate "On the Assault," a detailed exploration of the film's armaments, while "Guns for Hire" expands the narrative into real-world mercenary life. The package is rounded off with some lighter fare in the form of deleted scenes and a gag reel, making for a well-rounded set of extras that, though contained only on the Blu-ray disc, significantly enhance the overall package for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• AUDIO COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR SIMON WEST: Insights and anecdotes from the director.
• GODS OF WAR: ASSEMBLING EARTH'S MIGHTIEST ANTI-HEROES: A deep dive into the movie's cast.
• BIG GUNS, BIGGER HEROES: THE 1980'S AND THE RISE OF THE ACTION FILM: A featurette on the action film era's impact.
• ON THE ASSAULT: THE REAL LIFE WEAPONRY OF 'THE EXPENDABLES 2': Exploration of the film's weaponry.
• GUNS FOR HIRE: THE REAL LIFE EXPENDABLES: Looks at real-life mercenaries.
• DELETED SCENES: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.
• GAG REEL: Outtakes and flubbed lines from the cast.

The Expendables 2," revisited on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Lionsgate, presents a significantly upgraded experience, particularly for fans of the action-packed franchise. With no direct link to a new theatrical release, this revisitation seems like a delightful surprise for aficionados. The sequel diverges from its predecessor's somewhat jokey, testosterone-driven narrative, introducing a plethora of action stars revered for their past cinematic glories. This round attempts to address the craving for iconic figures like Jean Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris, with Van Damme playing the formidable antagonist. The storyline orbits around a simple mission that escalates into a vengeful quest against a rival mercenary, leveraging a shallow narrative scaffold to showcase the ensemble cast's physical prowess.

Director Simon West replaces Sylvester Stallone at the helm, ensuring a departure from the first installment's shaky-cam frustrations. West adopts a more traditional approach to action scenes, opting for clarity over confusion, which enriches the film's hand-to-hand combat sequences. Despite these enhancements, "The Expendables 2" falters in pushing the boundaries of action cinema. The gunfights feel prosaic, lacking the inventive flair seen in the actors' previous works. While it teems with star power and CG-driven spectacle, the sequel feels tethered to genre clichés rather than innovating or subverting them.

The inclusion of action luminaries such as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in more substantial roles enriches the narrative fabric of "The Expendables 2." Their participation, alongside newcomers, imbues the film with a sense of fun and nostalgia for '80s and '90s action cinema. However, the reliance on predictable one-liners and a retreading of clichéd plot points sidesteps any real evolution from its predecessor. Although Simon West's direction offers a cleaner visualization of chaos, the film ultimately serves as an homage to its stars' heydays rather than a standalone triumph in contemporary action filmmaking.

The Expendables 2" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation comes through with an experience that is as bombastic and over-the-top as its on-screen action. While the film itself may not break new ground in storytelling, delivering the expected high-octane sequences and a healthy dose of humor, it's the technical presentation where this release shines - and occasionally falters. The video quality, though not a monumental upgrade over its predecessor, looks notably better with HDR enhancement, providing a clearer and more colorful visual experience. However, it's the audio department where this release truly excels, boasting a Dolby Atmos track that is nothing short of demo-worthy, ensuring every explosion and one-liner hits with impactful precision.

Furthermore, while the film indulges in its self-awareness with excessive winks to the audience through its iconic one-liners, detracting slightly from immersion, it's this very charm that fans of the franchise will likely appreciate. The sequel maintains the essence of its predecessor, amplifying the action and delivering a more polished experience in terms of both sight and sound. The special features offered with this edition, while not new, still present a worthwhile exploration for enthusiasts. These include a gamut of extras that extend the enjoyment beyond the film itself but, as noted, bring nothing novel to those familiar with previous releases.

In conclusion, "The Expendables 2" 4K UHD Blu-ray edition proves to be a must-own for fans who prioritize auditory and visual fidelity in their home cinema experience. Despite its narrative predictability and occasional departure from immersion, the film delivers where it counts for its target audience - in its unabashedly fun action sequences enhanced by top-tier audiovisual presentation. While it might not be the definitive leap in 4K quality some may hope for, its strengths in audio clarity and HDR implementation make it a recommended addition for aficionados of the genre and franchise.