The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" on UK Ultra HD Blu-ray, released by Warner, offers a visually impressive upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, delivering a 3840 x 2160p upscaled image in the film's original widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing 10-bit video depth, a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, this presentation showcases the vibrancy and detailed texture expected from a high-caliber animated sequel. Reviewed on an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV with an LG UP970 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the HDR implementation particularly stands out, enhancing color depth and contrast to bring out the finer details in character textures and backgrounds, adding to the visual depth of field and making every frame pop with more pronounced clarity and color saturation.

Color reproduction is one of the disc's most notable strengths, with HDR significantly enriching the visual experience from the very beginning. The HDR colors imbue the film with a stunning vibrancy that is especially noticeable in direct comparison to its Blu-ray version. Enhanced contrast and brightness levels contribute to an overall image that is not only brighter and more colorful but also sharper, with improved handling of both light and dark scenes. This is evident in the dynamic range of colors, from the deep blacks and detailed shadows to the bright, ecstatic whites and specular highlights that give off a realistic glow. Saturation levels are meticulously adjusted to capture the imagination with a kaleidoscope of colors, ensuring each scene in the Systar System and beyond is bursting with life and texture.

In conclusion, while the jump in resolution from the already decent Blu-ray might not be described as drastic, the enhancements in clarity, detail, color fidelity, and overall visual impact are significant. The 4K UHD presentation leverages its upscaled resolution to deliver intricacies in textures—from the tactile roughness on Emmet's vest to the nuanced contrast of LEGO bricks—fleshing out both animated characters and real-world elements with equal finesse. Coupled with a spectacularly awesome color palette that elevates the animation's inherent vibrancy and an improved contrast that reveals subtle details previously unseen, "The Lego Movie 2" on 4K UHD is a feast for the eyes, making it the definitive home viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" dazzles with its Dolby Atmos audio track, providing an auditory experience that's as vibrant and dynamic as the movie itself. From the outset, the Atmos mix takes center stage with its meticulous detail in sound placement and a robust use of the bass that enriches the movie's most intense scenes. Dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity, ensuring that the film's quick-witted humor is never lost beneath the spectacular sound effects or the stirring score. The soundtrack commands attention, seamlessly integrating pop-infused beats that are loud, deep, and immersive. The Atmos mix excels in crafting a spatial atmosphere, with sound effects and music cues not only enveloping the listener but also enhancing the visual journey through precise movement across the soundstage.

The audio presentation makes astute use of its available channels, from the overhead speakers adding dimensionality to the mix, to the surrounds and rears cultivating a comprehensive 360° soundfield. This meticulous attention to audio detail brings to life each scene, whether it’s through the palpable intensity of action sequences or through subtler ambient effects that punctuate quieter moments. Despite a noted necessity to adjust volume levels for optimal listening, once dialed in, the Atmos track is nothing short of spectacular. The bass, consistently rich and potent across various scenes, plays a pivotal role in anchoring the auditory experience, from supporting music to underscoring dramatic action moments with depth and intensity.

Warner Bros.' decision to default to the Dolby Atmos mix underscores the studio's commitment to providing an exceptional home theater experience. While the presence of multiple audio formats caters to a wide range of setups, it's clear the Atmos track is where this blu-ray shines—balancing crystal-clear dialogue, intricate sound effects, and a dynamic range that showcases both the highs and mids with impeccable clarity. Consequently, "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" not only entertains visually but stands as an exemplary showcase of what modern audio mixing can accomplish, making it an essential experience for audiophiles and fans alike.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part 4K UHD Blu-ray excels not just in visual and auditory quality but also in the breadth of special features tailored for fans and newcomers alike. The highlight is undoubtedly the comprehensive audio commentary by director Mike Mitchell alongside writers/producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, offering deep insights into the creative process. An 'Everything is Awesome Sing-Along' feature adds lively interactivity, inviting audiences to engage with the film in a fun, new way. 'They Come in Pieces: Assembling The LEGO Movie 2' provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look, with cast interviews and production insights. For those looking for humor, the 'Emmet’s Holiday Party' short and a selection of outtakes and deleted scenes offer additional laughs. Educational segments like 'LEGO Designers' and 'LEGO Sets in Action' showcase the real-world inspiration behind the on-screen creativity. Together, these extras enrich the viewing experience, making this release a definitive collection for enthusiasts."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Deep-dive discussion with the film's director Mike Mitchell, and writers/producers Phil Lord & Christopher Miller.
• Everything is Awesome Sing-Along: Interactive sing-along with trivia and games.
• They Come in Pieces: A making-of featurette with interviews from the cast and crew.
• Emmet’s Holiday Party: A festive short film.
• Outtakes & Deleted Scenes: Unseen footage offering a glimpse of what didn't make the final cut.
• Music Video: "Super Cool" by Beck featuring Robyn and The Lonely Island.
• Promotional Materials: A compilation of advertisements and fun featurettes including "In 2019 Be Whatever You Wanna Be," "Me and My Minifig," "Please Silence Your Cell Phones," "LEGO Sets in Action," and "LEGO Designers.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part," released five years after its groundbreaking predecessor, ventures into the territory of high expectations set by "The LEGO Movie," bringing back the beloved characters in a visually stunning 4K UHD presentation. Despite the absence of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's direct directorial hand, their creative essence permeates the sequel through vibrant, detailed animation and a screenplay that cleverly juggles humor, creativity, and emotion. With Mike Mitchell at the helm, the film maintains the franchise's charm and wit, albeit with a sense of familiarity rather than novelty. The HDR enhancement is particularly noteworthy, amplifying the visual brilliance of the LEGO universe, making each frame pop with more intense colors and deeper contrasts, thereby enriching the viewing experience.

The sequel sets Bricksburg against a new alien threat, leading Emmet, Lucy, Batman, and others through an adventure across unexplored worlds. This journey is as much about external conflict as it is an introspective one, especially for Emmet (Chris Pratt) who undergoes a significant character arc. Despite criticisms of predictability and a less impactful villainous threat, the narrative thrives on brilliant nods to pop culture and heartfelt themes of growth, creativity, and resilience. However, the sheer velocity at which these references and jokes hit can occasionally distract from the storytelling, suggesting a balance skewed towards fan service over narrative depth. Yet, the film's use of music, including catchy new songs and smart variations of "Everything Is Awesome," contributes to its charm and reiterates the LEGO movies’ knack for creating memorable auditory experiences.

In essence, "The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part" successfully extends the universe established by its predecessor, offering a visually enhanced and enjoyable cinematic experience that resonates with both children and adults. While it navigates the pitfalls of sequel-itis with commendable effort, delivering plenty of laughs, dazzling visuals, and poignant moments, it simultaneously wrestles with living up to the original's innovative impact. The UHD release accentuates these qualities, making it a worthy addition to fans' collections. As it stands, the sequel is a testament to the enduring appeal of the LEGO brand on screen, blending familiar faces with new challenges in a spectacle that is both entertaining and visually spectacular.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" arrives on UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a presentation that closely mirrors its US counterpart, offering an exceptional viewing experience that is both visually stunning and audibly impressive. Warner Brothers Home Entertainment has packaged this sequel with great care, presenting an Ultra HD quality that elevates the animation to new heights, complemented by a sparkling high definition video. The Dolby Atmos audio mix enhances the experience, ensuring that both children and adults can immerse fully in the Lego universe. While it may not capture the same novel magic of its predecessor, this sequel maintains the franchise's charm with its clever integration of real-world sibling dynamics into its storyline.

Despite its strong follow-up status, "The Lego Movie 2" slightly falters in recapturing the emotional depth and innovative storytelling that made the first film legendary. It leans more into existing branding, seemingly content to retread familiar ground with a renewed focus on thematic elements such as gender dynamics. Nonetheless, the film is packed with cool ideas, catchy songs, and serves as an entertaining genre entry that expands on the narrative cliffhanger of the first movie. The 4K HDR10 presentation notably enhances the visual experience, providing a vibrant color palette that surpasses its Blu-ray counterpart, coupled with a fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Although extras are somewhat standard, they remain a worthwhile exploration for fans.

In conclusion, while "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" might not reach the lofty heights of its iconic precursor, it holds its ground as a visually spectacular and audibly immersive addition to any 4K UHD collection. The sequel skillfully navigates through its existing universe to present a narrative that is fun, albeit familiar. Warner Brothers' commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of this release—from the brilliant video presentation to the gratifying audio mix and fan-friendly extras—making it a recommended acquisition for enthusiasts of the Lego franchise and quality home cinema alike.