Transporter 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Transporter 2" stands out with its impressive MPEG-2, 1080p, 2.35:1 transfer. The transfer surpasses its predecessor in many aspects, presenting a glossy and slick visual style. The contrast is significantly heightened, giving the overall presentation a hard look with some detail loss in the shadows. However, the blacks are precise and deep, and the image depth remains supple throughout. Despite occasional overly gray black levels in certain shots, the overall effect is minimal compared to the benefits of the enhanced contrast.

Colors in "Transporter 2" are intensely saturated and have a distinct artificial appearance, adding to the film's highly stylized aesthetic. Flesh tones exhibit a shiny and orange hue, contributing to the movie’s vivid visual appeal. This highly stylized approach might look somewhat distracting at times due to diffused lighting and color over-saturation—a potential stylistic choice by director Louis Leterrier. Nonetheless, these choices complement the film's tone, yielding an image that is detailed, three-dimensional, and eye-poppingly vibrant.

Technically, the presentation on Blu-ray is rock solid, rendering fine details with remarkable precision. The source print is flawless, and there are no visible compression artifacts; fast-action scenes transition smoothly without macroblocking. The quality shines especially in scenes involving water or bright environments, eliciting a realistic and immersive viewing experience. This transfer effectively captures the film's visual essence while delivering a true cinematic experience at home.

Fox's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound mix for "Transporter 2" is nothing short of spectacular. From the onset, the audio presentation is powerful and immersive, highlighted by an impactful theme during the opening credits. The music is rich and room-filling, setting the tone for the entire experience. Dialogue remains crystal clear and perfectly balanced with the film’s aggressive sound effects. Gunshots have a resonant depth and precision, exemplified in chapter 13 where indoor shots reverberate intensely, delivering an audio experience rarely matched in other Blu-ray releases. Hand-to-hand combat sequences are especially dynamic, with each hit producing a palpable thump, engaging viewers in the visceral action.

The surround channels are actively utilized, providing excellent directionality and imaging across the soundscape. Every flick of a wrist or swoosh during the high-octane fight scenes envelops the audience, ensuring no detail is missed. This surround sound prowess is consistently maintained throughout the film's numerous action-packed moments, supported by robust low-frequency effects and clear dialogue reproduction. Even during the quieter scenes, the audio quality remains impeccable, emphasizing ambient details without overshadowing the main audio elements.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix elevates "Transporter 2," offering a near-reference quality audio experience that complements its high-energy visuals. The sound design is thoroughly engaging, making full use of a home theater system's capabilities to deliver an enthralling action movie experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Transporter 2" unfortunately falls short in the extras department, offering little more than a series of trailers. These previews are almost identical to those found on the Blu-ray of the first Transporter film, which significantly diminishes the value for dedicated fans and collectors. The trailers are presented in 1080p quality and include titles like "Transporter 2," "The Transporter," "Planet of the Apes," "Phone Booth," "Behind Enemy Lines," "Kiss of the Dragon," "Speed," "Fantastic Four," and "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." The lack of substantive bonus content such as behind-the-scenes features, director commentary, or deleted scenes is a missed opportunity for an otherwise action-packed franchise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Transporter 2 Trailer: Basic film preview.
• The Transporter Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Planet of the Apes Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Phone Booth Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Behind Enemy Lines Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Kiss of the Dragon Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Speed Trailer: Basic film preview.
• Fantastic Four Trailer: Basic film preview.
• The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Trailer: Basic film preview.

"Transporter 2" propels itself into high-octane action but stalls in delivering a cohesive storyline. The film reprises Jason Statham as Frank Martin, embodying the stoic, combat-savvy courier now embroiled in the kidnapping of young Jack Billings, son of a U.S. drug czar. Despite a promising opening that connects to the first installment, the sequel quickly loses traction with its over-the-top villains and lackluster plot developments. The characterization falters, failing to expand on the attributes that endeared Frank to audiences initially. The action sequences, though abundant, lack the ingenuity of the original, teetering into the realm of absurdity, exemplified by poorly executed special effects like an unconvincing helicopter explosion.

The film's technical aspects shine, providing a visually dynamic and audibly robust experience on Blu-Ray. Combat scenes inject a visceral thrill, thanks to Statham's adeptness at physical choreography. However, the plotline comes across as mere filler, serving primarily to string together action set pieces without offering substantial narrative underpinning. The child actor, Hunter Clary, adds a surprising touch of authenticity to his role, creating a genuine rapport with Statham’s character that injects some emotional depth into an otherwise superficial storyline.

Director Louis Letterier and executive producer Luc Besson succeed in escalating the action to frenetic levels. Nevertheless, the film remains anchored in its shortcomings—a preposterous plot and one-dimensional characters that do not engage viewers on a deeper level. While the movie entertains with relentless pace and flamboyant stunts, its lack of substance leaves it a forgettable spectacle rather than a compelling cinematic sequel.

Review of "Transporter 2" Blu Ray

"Transporter 2" moves forward with intensified action and outrageous stunts but lacks the charm, charisma, and originality that defined its predecessor. The film ups the ante considerably in terms of sheer spectacle, opting for lavishly staged action sequences and high-octane thrills. However, it disappoints in terms of narrative depth, offering a storyline that feels more like an afterthought rather than a driving force. The special effects, while serviceable, seem somewhat dated, contributing to an overall sense that the film prioritizes style over substance. For those late-night viewings when minimal brain engagement is required, it is an entertaining option.

The Blu Ray release by Fox delivers an impressive visual and auditory experience that considerably outshines the original "Transporter" disc. The transfer quality is top-notch, showcasing vibrant colors and sharp images, complemented by a powerful and immersive soundtrack. This audiovisual excellence justifies the disc's release, although it comes with a notable lack of additional content. The absence of substantial extras—save for a few trailers—is a glaring omission, especially for collectors or fans who enjoy behind-the-scenes insights and added features.

Conclusion

In summary, while "Transporter 2" may falter in delivering a compelling storyline and character development, it compensates with high-octane action and spectacular stunts. The Blu Ray release excels in providing an impressive audiovisual experience but falls short on supplementary content. Recommended primarily for diehard fans and genre enthusiasts, this disc is an excellent rental choice for those seeking a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled filmic ride. Purchase is advised only for the most ardent collectors due to the hefty list price and limited extras.