Mission: Impossible II Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible II" showcases a significant leap in video quality compared to its predecessor, boasting an MPEG-2 encoded 1080p transfer that maintains the film's original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. This transfer impresses with its sharpness and enhanced detail, especially notable in close-up shots where the texture of human skin and subtle facial features are rendered with unprecedented clarity. The color palette benefits from a boost in vibrancy, bringing a more appealing look to the film's diverse locales and action-packed scenes. Despite these improvements, the transfer is not without its issues. Viewers may notice grain and noise throughout, though less obtrusive speckling than was found in the prior release.

One area of contention lies in the handling of darker scenes and black levels, which occasionally veer towards a deep shade of blue, coupled with minor pixelation in shadowy areas. Additionally, there's a fluctuation in flesh tones, which at times appear perfectly natural, while at other moments, they exhibit an unwelcome reddish hue. These inconsistencies, alongside occasional edge enhancement artifacts, suggest that while the video presentation marks a significant upgrade, it still falls short of perfection.

In summary, the video quality of "Mission: Impossible II" on Blu-ray presents a noticeable improvement over the first film in the series, with striking detail resolution and enhanced colors that make for a visually pleasing experience. However, issues like variable flesh tones, subtle edge enhancement, and imperfect black levels underline that there's room for further refinement. Despite these drawbacks, this release represents a marked step forward in bringing the high-octane excitement of "Mission: Impossible II" to home theaters.

Paramount's release of "Mission: Impossible II" on Blu-ray presents an audio track that, despite lacking a lossless audio option, marks a significant improvement over its predecessor in the franchise. The track stands out in the realm of lossy soundtracks, showcasing an energetic and dynamic range that caters to the action-packed nature of the film. With its adept use of directional effects and atmospheric sounds, it crafts an immersive audio experience. Scenes of a quieter nature, such as the subtle sounds of rolling waves in specific chapters, are rendered with impressive clarity, creating a virtual ambiance that effectively transports the listener to the scene's locale. Additionally, the bass response is notably more vigorous and fulfilling, enhancing both the musical score and the impact of sound effects.

During the film's more action-oriented sequences, such as shootouts and high-speed vehicle chases, the audio track consistently shines. Despite the constraints imposed by its lossy format, these moments are conveyed with a commendable level of excitement and engagement. The sound of furniture rattling and gunfire offers a tangible sense of impact, which, while not as sharply defined as it might have been with lossless audio, still provides a satisfying auditory experience. Dialogue remains clear and easily discernible throughout, ensuring that the narrative thread of the film is never lost amidst the high-octane scenes.

Overall, "Mission: Impossible II" delivers an audio presentation that, although not without its limitations due to the lack of lossless audio, exceeds expectations for a Blu-ray release. The soundtrack excels in creating a compelling and absorbing atmosphere, from serene moments of subtle environmental sounds to the heart-pounding intensity of action sequences. The robust bass and effective sound staging contribute to an audio experience that, despite the film's more action-focused orientation, maintains a balanced and engaging auditory landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Mission: Impossible II" enrich the viewing experience by diving into the intricacies of its production and John Woo's directorial vision. The commentary track by John Woo stands out, offering insights into his filmmaking approach, including an emphasis on modernizing the film while managing budget constraints and a desire for a less lethal narrative amidst high-octane action. Although Woo's accent may pose comprehension challenges, the context generally fills in the gaps. Other notable features include a behind-the-scenes look at production challenges and thematic explorations in "Behind the Mission", a glimpse into the film's stuntwork in "Mission Incredible", and a detailed analysis of key scenes in "Impossible Shots". The inclusion of a Metallica music video and an alternate title sequence adds unique value, while "Excellence in Film" and "Generation: Cruise" connect this installment to broader cinematic contexts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director John Woo: Insightful commentary delving into various aspects of the film's creation.
• Behind the Mission: A making-of documentary featuring interviews and discussions on the production.
• Mission Incredible: Focuses on the action sequences and stunts.
• Impossible Shots: A detailed examination of 11 significant scenes.
• I Disappear by Metallica: Music video.
• Alternate Title Sequence: A different take on the movie's opening.
• Excellence in Film: A look at cinematic achievements related to the film.
• Generation: Cruise: Timeline highlights of Tom Cruise's career.

John Woo's directorial hand in "Mission: Impossible II" steers the franchise into territory vastly different from its predecessor, swapping cerebral espionage for high-octane action and transforming Ethan Hunt from a tactful spy into a more physically imposing figure. This sequel diverges sharply from the original's intricate plotting and measured tension, favoring instead a relentless barrage of gunfights, car chases, and jaw-dropping stunts that privilege spectacle over subtlety. While it significantly alters the series' formula, the film still succeeds in delivering an engaging—if somewhat superficial—entertainment experience, largely thanks to Woo's flair for stylized action and Tom Cruise's charismatic performance. The plot, centering around the theft of a deadly virus and its cure, provides sufficient framework for the action but lacks the original's intellectual rigor.

The infusion of John Woo's signature action sequences—complete with slow-motion ballets of bullets and acrobatics—distinguishes "Mission: Impossible II" not just from its predecessor but from the wider action genre landscape of its time. This shift towards a more visually spectacular form of storytelling is complemented by Cruise's physicality and commitment to the role, providing a foundation that, despite the movie's departure from the series' roots, captivates and entertains. Yet, this focus on action comes at a cost, sidelining the nuanced character development and strategic intrigue that defined the first film. Scenes of light-hearted banter and occasional comedy juxtapose sharply with the otherwise tense narrative, indicating an attempt to broaden the film's appeal but potentially alienating fans of the more serious tone of the original.

Notably, "Mission: Impossible II" also reflects on its characters with a mix of old and new, linking it to its predecessor through Ethan Hunt and Luther Stickell while introducing a new cast that adds flavor but not depth. The film's narrative attempts to balance character development with its spectacular set pieces but ultimately leans into its identity as an action-first spectacle. Though it might seem like a sharp left turn from what made "Mission: Impossible" a hit, Woo and Cruise's collaboration brings about a sequel that's entertaining in its own right, proving that even within the confines of high expectations, there's room for reinvention and spectacle.

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible II" delivers a distinct viewing experience that diverges notably from its predecessor, both in terms of narrative style and technical presentation. The film itself represents a stark departure from the original "Mission: Impossible," trading in complex plotlines for a more straightforward narrative and ramped-up action sequences. This shift may disenchant fans loyal to the first movie’s intricate storytelling but could attract those who previously felt alienated by its complexity. Despite these differences, core elements - including the return of Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames, as well as the iconic theme music - retain a sense of continuity. Paramount's Blu-ray edition enhances this contrast with a markedly improved transfer and a more dynamic, although not lossless, audio track compared to its predecessor, alongside a satisfactory collection of extras.

Technical excellence is evident in the superior quality of the Blu-ray transfer, which enhances the film’s visual appeal, providing clarity and detail that surpasses earlier releases. The audio experience, characterized by its aggressive dynamism, serves to immerse the viewer in the film’s action-packed sequences, even though it does not offer lossless audio quality. These improvements, along with the added value of the supplemental material, make the Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible II" a commendable addition to any collection, particularly for enthusiasts seeking to explore the contrasting styles within the franchise.

In conclusion, while "Mission: Impossible II" on Blu-ray may find itself as a topic of debate among fans over its stylistic pivot from the original, there is no denying its technical merits. The superior transfer, engaging audio experience, and decent bundle of extras render it a worthwhile purchase for those keen on revisiting the franchise or exploring its evolution in cinematic quality. Paramount's release, while hinting at potential future enhancements, stands as a notable improvement and a testament to the evolving landscape of home cinema.