Fright Night 2 Blu-ray Review

"Fright Night 2: New Blood" emerges on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, delivering a solid video presentation that unfolds mostly under the veil of darkness, matching the film's brooding atmosphere. This digitally shot sequel benefits from such a presentation, as it accentuates textures and details, particularly in close-ups where the fine delineation and crisp definition shine. Despite its prevalent dark ambiance, the video quality prevents loss of detail in shadows, boasting generally excellent shadow detail that enhances the viewing experience during the film’s numerous dimly lit sequences. While there are instances of mild aliasing and potential artificial sharpening that hint at a digital photography downside, they do little to detract from the overall clarity and depth of the image.

Contrast levels are commendably robust, illuminating scenes with crisp whites against deep, albeit at times slightly murky blacks. This interplay between light and dark is especially effective in sequences featuring sudden contrasts, such as blood splatters, providing a striking visual impact. The color grading occasionally leads to deep crimson hues and a generally reserved color palette that, while not always vibrant, skillfully sets the mood without compromising on detail. However, colors sometimes appear flat and lack dynamism, except for a few sequences where primaries pop with accuracy.

The Blu-ray manages to navigate the intricate balance between preserving the film's intended dark aesthetic and maintaining visual clarity. Despite some critiques regarding its 'soap-opera' like quality due to digital shooting and occasional flatness in color depiction, the transfer is clean and mostly free of video-related artifacts or noise, contributing to a viewing experience that is both immersive and technically proficient. The inclusion of an animated segment provides a brief yet visually captivating departure from the film's overall style, adding an extra layer of interest to this otherwise consistent and meticulously rendered presentation.

The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix for "Fright Night 2: New Blood" garners a mixture of reactions that range from appreciation for its robust and dynamic range to critiques on its occasionally overzealous volume levels. This audio experience excels in providing clarity and depth to dialogues, allowing even the most subtle changes in tone to be discerned effortlessly. It effectively engages the entire surround system, with an especially pronounced dynamic range that brings to life the various elements of the soundtrack, from the distinct whoosh of vampires moving at high speed to the palpable tension in quieter scenes. However, this comes with a caveat as some scenes exhibit an imbalance, notably with the volume cranked excessively high, causing some discomfort due to the brightness and noticeable clipping, especially in the upper ranges.

On one hand, the audio mix demonstrates a commendable job of creating an immersive atmosphere, leveraging the LFE channel to enhance the film's music and lower bass frequencies with impactful results. Scenes like the tunnel chase sequence stand out for their near field sound effects and crisp dynamics. On the other hand, this ambitious sound design occasionally falters when excessive loudness and overly dramatic panning disrupt the listening experience rather than enrich it. The overemphasis on volume not only affects auditory comfort but also compromises the integrity of Luis Ascanio’s score, masking the richness of horn and strings with auditory distractions.

Despite these setbacks, the overall audio presentation delivers an enjoyable if not always polished experience. Rear channel activity, albeit not extensively complex, alongside the pronounced atmospherics, contributes to moments of genuine immersion. While certain aspects of the sound mix may detract from the overall enjoyment, audiophiles might still find something to appreciate in the film's attempt at a vibrant and enveloping soundstage, provided they navigate the imbalance between intensity and clarity.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extra presentation of "Fright Night 2" offers an insightful though not expansive suite of extras. The highlight is the audio commentary featuring director Eduardo Rodriguez alongside producers Alison Rosenzweig and Michael Gaeta, dominated by Rodriguez’s narrative on the cold filming conditions and plot intricacies, albeit with scarce contributions from Rosenzweig and moderate interjections from Gaeta. The webisodes and "Dracula Revealed" featurette add depth to the supernatural lore, though remain brief. A significant drawback is the lack of variety in supplementary materials, with only trailers mirroring the standard-def edition; no innovative or engaging content outside the standard fare. However, the inclusion of both R-rated and Unrated cuts of the film on separate discs adds value, emphasizing this release's appeal primarily to die-hard fans seeking a complete collection rather than casual viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Eduardo Rodriguez and Producers Alison Rosenzweig and Michael Gaeta: Insightful commentary providing behind-the-scenes looks at production.
• Fright Night Webisodes: Four segments enhancing the film's reality show aspect.
• Dracula Revealed: A brief exploration of the historical figures Vlad the Impaler and Elisabeth Bathory.
• Bonus DVD & Digital HD: Includes both R-rated and Unrated cuts of the film.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: For digital viewing convenience.

"Fright Night 2: New Blood" treads familiar territory with its narrative, blending horror-comedy elements in a direct-to-video sequel that doesn’t shy away from gore nor dark humor. The movie takes us on a journey to Romania, where high school students become entangled in a vampire's deadly lure. Here, the sensual yet chilling backdrop of Romania interplays with the series' hallmark vampire-hunting adventures. Gerri Dandridge, portrayed by Jaime Murray, emerges as a formidable antagonist— her vampiric allure is both captivating and menacing. Eduardo Rodriguez, the Venezuelan director, instills a semblance of vibrancy through his visual storytelling, creating pockets of entertainment against the otherwise predictable plot structure.

Despite Rodriguez’s efforts and Murray's compelling performance, the movie grapples with an identity crisis, worsened by a script that lacks originality and clear direction. The attempt to stitch together a narrative that appeals to nostalgia while trying to stand alone results in a convoluted outcome. Characters from previous iterations find themselves in repetitious predicaments, with Charley, Amy, and "Evil" Ed navigating the treacherous path laid out by their seductive professor-turned-vampire. This iteration of "Fright Night" struggles to break free from the shadows of its predecessors, even as it tries to infuse fresh blood into its veins.

Acknowledging the movie’s setting and the myths it wishes to explore adds a layer of intrigue, especially with references to the historical figure Elizabeth Bathory. This narrative angle, alongside some commendable cinematography and sporadic doses of genuine suspense, suggests a potential that's regrettably suffocated by the film’s inability to cohesively mold its components into a compelling narrative. The end product is a testament to the challenges of reviving classic tales—while Murray's portrayal and certain directorial flashes show promise, they are ultimately bogged down by lackluster scriptwriting and disjointed execution.

"Fright Night 2: New Blood" emerges as an enigmatic sequel that attempts to rehash the energy and allure of its predecessors, albeit with mixed results. The film's presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a technical marvel that somewhat redeems this otherwise lackluster venture into the vampire genre. With the equipment setup boasting a calibrated JVC DLA-RS55 projector paired with a Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 and an intricate audio system managed by a Marantz AV8801 processor and complemented by Sherbourn and B&K amplifiers, the visual experience is undeniably premium. While the film indulges in some visually captivating Romanian locales and benefits from the sharp, detailed imaging the format allows, it's Jaime Murray's performance alone that adds a required depth to the otherwise predictable narrative.

The audio aspect, though presenting a strong and boisterous soundscape, gravitates towards being overly bombastic, which may not align with the preferences of those seeking a more balanced auditory experience. The technical prowess demonstrated through the adept use of Wireworld and Better Cables enhances the audio-visual presentation, ensuring that, from a purely technical standpoint, "Fright Night 2" shines on the 4K UHD Blu-ray. However, the film itself struggles under the weight of tried-and-tested vampire tropes and a story arc that feels more derivative than innovative, despite Eduardo Rodriguez's efforts to inject a fresh visual style into the fray.

In conclusion, while "Fright Night 2: New Blood" may not offer a groundbreaking narrative or revitalize the vampire genre in any significant way, its technical presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray is praiseworthy. The combination of high-quality video and robust, albeit overpowering, audio serves as a testament to what home cinema enthusiasts can achieve with the right equipment. Yet, the film’s reliance on genre clichés and a perplexing plot might not justify its addition to every collector’s library, unless they are completists or have a keen interest in the technical aspects of home theater presentations. For those intrigued by the prospect of exceptional picture quality or Jaime Murray's commendable performance, this Blu-ray presents a mixed bag that's worth considering, with reservations.