Cover coming soon |
7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Scientists install a micro chip, called Black Cat, inside the brain of a violence prone girl named Catherine in an attempt to refine and control her fits of rage. Their plan is to turn her into the perfect government secret agent "killing machine".
Starring: Bob Wilde, Jade Leung, Robin ShouForeign | 100% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Cantonese: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English, English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
1991’s “Black Cat” was a Hong Kong production looking to replicate the plot and action intensity of Luc Besson’s “La Femme Nikita.” 1992’s “Black Cat 2” gives up on that plan, instead aiming to be more of a “Terminator” riff as the eponymous character returns to duty, this time implanted with a different chip offering upgraded technology. Director Stephen Shin also comes back to helm the feature, once again more consumed with cooking up wild stunt sequences than dealing with the basics in storytelling. “Black Cat 2” is a step down in quality for the series, but it’s not without some charms, including a little enjoyable brutality found during the run time, and the final minutes of the picture are positively bonkers. It’s not always a complete endeavor, but it still packs a punch for what appears to be a quickie production.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Black Cat 2" is listed as "newly restored and color graded by Vinegar Syndrome from existing 2K studio masters." While the viewing experience is acceptable, one gets the feeling the team at Vinegar Syndrome had to work a little harder to get the feature into Blu-ray release shape. The film begins with video-based credits, which is unusual. 35mm action soon takes over, and detail does battle with filtering. Locations are the big show in the sequel, and dimension is available. Interiors also offer depth and some sense of decoration. Color is appealing, with richer primaries throughout. Greenery is also distinct, and theater lighting, including ballet pinks, are memorable. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is a little inconsistent. Source is in good condition.
There are Cantonese and English 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks to choose from in "Black Cat 2," with the latter a slightly muddier, aged, listening experience. Cantonese dialogue exchanges are clear, exploring performance choices and heated confrontations. The cheapy synth score retains inherent thinness, supporting action and suspense as expected. Sound effects are snappy.
There are moves made to introduce a romantic subplot for Robin and Catherine as they grow closer together during the assignment, but such temptation is thankfully denied. Of course, it would give Leung more to do in the feature, and it's bizarre to watch the performer go from absolute physical exhaustion in the first picture to mild irritation here. "Black Cat 2" doesn't have much time for Catherine, but Shin elects to make up for the mistake in the finale, with the final 15 minutes of the sequel suddenly going bonkers with all kinds of super-spy action. This includes Catherine's sudden ability to shoot down bullets with her own gun, and she achieves the power of flight, which helps her catch up with moving targets. Shin goes high fantasy with his finishing moves for the effort, suddenly turning the endeavor into madness, which isn't entirely unwelcome. It's just an awkward fit for a follow-up that's mostly concerned with shootouts and chases. As for dramatic satisfaction, the movie doesn't do a significant amount of heavy lifting, leaving "Black Cat 2" in a mad dash to raise as much hell as possible. There's entertainment value in that approach, but it doesn't make for a satisfying sequel.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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