Now You See Me 2 Blu-ray Review

"Now You See Me 2" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The film, shot digitally using Arri Alexa XT Plus and Red cameras, offers an overall polished and highly detailed visual experience. The transfer boasts excellent fine detail—viewers will appreciate the intricate ribbing on Radcliffe's suit and the stunning depth of field in the establishing shots of Manhattan. While the image quality is commendable, it occasionally presents challenges in dark sequences. The black levels, though generally solid, are not as deep as might be expected, particularly in some nighttime sequences in Macau where a purplish tint affects the black levels.

The film's color palette exhibits both strengths and weaknesses. While there are vibrant moments, such as the fluorescent allure of Macau street life and sporadic pops of primary hues in costumes, a significant portion of the film leans towards an anemic palette with drab flesh tones. This is accentuated by a pervasive blue grading that dominates swaths of the film. Also noticeable is occasional crushing in darker scenes, particularly within the Macau magic shop and certain moments involving Michael Caine's reappearance. Despite these issues, shadow delineation remains generally good. Other technical concerns are minimal, with only occasional background noise in shots that may be noticeable to vigilant viewers, especially those using large screens or projectors. Overall, the Blu-ray transfer for "Now You See Me 2" provides an admirable and mostly satisfying visual presentation despite some imperfections.

The Dolby Atmos track of "Now You See Me 2," which includes a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core for non-Atmos setups, delivers an engaging and dynamic audio experience. The track excels in exploiting all surround channels, with notable sequences featuring comprehensive crowd noise and LFE punches. From the opening flashback with chilling aquatic elements to the energetic Macau nightclub scene, the surround sound activity is virtually nonstop yet avoids unnecessary noise. The dialogues are cleanly presented, allowing the thumping score to blend effectively into the surrounds, creating an inviting audioscape.

While the Atmos track has standout moments of immersive sound—particularly during the interaction with The Eye and Eisenberg's rainstorm manipulation—the overall immersion may not fully capitalize on the format's potential. Nonetheless, the English Atmos track offers a robust listening experience, maintaining clarity in dialogue and distinct channel separations. Additional audio options include a Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital track, an English 2.0 Dolby Digital track optimized for late-night listening, and an English Descriptive Audio track. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, catering to diverse viewer needs.

For audiophiles and film fans alike, the audio presentation of "Now You See Me 2" provides a solid experience. Though it might not be the pinnacle of what Dolby Atmos can achieve, it remains a commendable mix that justifies its high-end audio capabilities.

The Blu-ray extras for "Now You See Me 2" offer a comprehensive exploration of the film's production, appealing to both casual viewers and cinephiles. Director Jon M. Chu's audio commentary delivers an insightful, though occasionally dry, discussion on technical aspects and character development. "The Art of the Ensemble" examines the collaborative dynamics of the cast, while "You Can't Look Away" dives into the visual grandeur with behind-the-scenes insights from key production members. "Bringing Magic to Life" provides a philosophical take on the enchantment of magic, rounding out a well-curated set of features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Jon M. Chu: Technical and character insights from the director.
• The Art of the Ensemble: Focuses on the film's large, collaborative cast.
• You Can't Look Away: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's visual spectacle.
• Bringing Magic to Life: Philosophical exploration of magic in cinema.

"Now You See Me 2" attempts to build on the rich, magical narrative of its predecessor, but struggles to maintain the charm that made the original so captivating. The story picks up with the Four Horsemen in hiding, led by J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), who takes matters into his own hands by seeking out The Eye, the super-secret magical organization they belong to. FBI Agent Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) now finds himself a fugitive, adding complexity to an already convoluted plot filled with numerous subplots and a curious journey to Macau. Despite some playful moments, including Morgan Freeman's voiceovers and clever visual metaphors about perception, the movie’s narrative coherence often stumbles, much like an aimless magician misdirecting without a grand reveal.

The film faces criticism for its overstuffed screenplay, leading to characters who feel underdeveloped amidst relentlessly fast pacing. The departure of key characters like Henley (Isla Fisher) and Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent) leaves noticeable gaps, even as newcomer Lula May (Lizzy Caplan) injects humor into the mix. The casting of Daniel Radcliffe as the villain Walter Mabry adds an interesting meta-element, although it surfaces more as an amusing reference than a substantial narrative device. The movie's climax involves an overly elaborate heist to secure a world-threatening computer chip, resulting in escapades that stretch believability beyond entertainment.

In its attempt to stay engaging, "Now You See Me 2" often forsakes logical consistency for flashy action sequences. A standout example is the sequence where the Horsemen pass a computer chip attached to a playing card between them during a security search—an initially intriguing setup, which drags on to become more frustrating than clever. This installment ramps up spectacle while delivering less magic and joy, turning what could have been a mesmerizing continuation into a fumble of nearly genius tricksters and overambitious screenwriting.

"Now You See Me 2" attempts to recapture the magic of its predecessor, yet struggles to balance an overly complex plot with the captivating tricks and illusions that defined the first film. Lizzy Caplan's introduction as the new Horse(wo)man provides some fresh energy, but the sequel falls short in delivering the same engaging experience. While it retains a degree of charm, much of the narrative feels like sound and fury, ultimately lacking substantial impact.

The Blu Ray presentation, however, excels in technical merit. The video quality is consistently sharp with vibrant colors, ensuring that the visually spectacular scenes are enjoyed in their full glory. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing a robust and immersive experience that complements the film’s dynamic soundtrack and sound effects. These technical strengths make it a respectable addition to any Blu Ray collection, even if the movie itself may not stand out.

In conclusion, "Now You See Me 2" serves better as a temporary diversion rather than a lasting source of entertainment. Its intriguing premise and occasional amusing moments make it a decent watch, albeit one that quickly fades from memory. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the Blu Ray's strong audiovisual offering warrants a recommended status for fans and collectors alike.