6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Mitchie, Shane, Jason, Nate and their friends return to Camp Rock for another great summer of music and fun. However they soon learn that a new state-of-the-art music/performance camp, Camp Star, has opened across the lake and has lured away many of Camp Rock instructors and campers -- putting the future of Camp Rock in jeopardy. And when Camp Star's hotshot performer, Luke Williams, challenges Camp Rock to a musical showdown to see which camp really has the stronger musical talent, everyone prepares for the ultimate battle of the bands. Meanwhile, in a classic "Romeo and Juliet" twist, Nate falls for the daughter of the owner of the rival camp.
Starring: Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Maria Canals-BarreraFamily | 100% |
Comedy | 78% |
Romance | 48% |
Musical | 40% |
Teen | 37% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
Dutch: DTS 5.1
English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Dutch
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (1 BD, 2 DVDs)
Digital copy (on disc)
DVD copy
BD-Live
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Remember when teen pop idols had little more to offer young fans than a rack of flashy clothes, an eight-song cassette and a double-sided poster in the latest issue of Tiger Beat? You know, back in the good 'ol days before every Cyrus, Tisdale and Lovato came pre-packaged with a Disney Channel contract, cable specials, ongoing series, albums and side projects, film and television cameos, live concerts, made-for-TV movies, family-friendly values, reality shows, guest spots and appearances, international tours and a variety of MyFaceTer accounts. Oh, and did I mention the merchandising? Backpacks, binders, lunch boxes, videogames, Barbie dolls, T-shirts, socks, Crayola art supplies, bed sets, knit caps, accessory packs, board games, trading cards... whew, it's enough to consume an average 21st century teenage girl fifty-three times over and drive her poor, befuddled parents stark raving mad.
"This is me, trying to save something that I care about."
While I expected to encounter garish primaries and gaudy splashes of color at every turn, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam isn't brimming with spray-tan skintones and neon-lit eyesores. Its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is rather attractive actually, offering an inviting array of summery hues and sunny dispositions. Black levels aren't perfect, contrast is a bit inconsistent (particularly when the sun goes down) and softness creeps into the proceedings from time to time, but the film's modestly budgeted, made-for-TV roots seem to be the cause. For the most part, fine textures are nicely resolved, edges are crisp and clean (despite some minor ringing), and a faint veneer of smartly preserved grain is draped over each scene. Artifacting and banding are kept under control as well, and crush is the only notable oddity that makes its presence known. Other anomalies are either negligible (as they are in the starkly lit, blue-bathed opening and closing concert performances) or altogether non-existent, and the whole of the presentation is as pristine as it should be. The Final Jam's photography certainly isn't going to win any awards, but from a technical perspective, Disney's transfer gets the job done. And then some.
Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also delivers the goods. The songs sprinkled throughout Camp Rock 2 are anything but organic -- the performances themselves are lip synced and the film's otherwise convincing soundfield abandons any sense of authenticity or acoustic realism the moment each one begins -- but, as pre-recorded studio nonsense goes, it all sounds relatively impressive. Vocals are crystal clear (even if they don't fit their surroundings whatsoever), the Jonas' guitars envelop the listener and Nick's drums provide a hearty, LFE-bolstered beat whenever he picks up his sticks. Dialogue is just as bright and intelligible, and has the added privilege of politely mingling with the film's solid soundscape. Moreover, the rear speakers handle instrumentation, campfire chatter and environmental effects with ease, the LFE channel lends itself to the excitement that ensues on-stage and off, dynamics are often invigorating and directionality is fairly engaging. I did notice that pans are a bit stocky at times, but the few mishaps that occur don't detract from the mix. All in all, I don't have much to complain about when it comes to The Final Jam's lossless track (at least none that aren't directly related to the film's original sound design). Adolescent audiophiles will be most pleased.
The Blu-ray edition of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam doesn't have many special features to offer. The disc's "Rock Along" mode is merely a karaoke-esque experience that kicks in whenever the film reaches a song, "Getting to Know Camp Star's Newest Stars" (HD, 6 minutes) is a brief meet-the-cast EPK, and a collection of five international music videos (HD, 17 minutes) round out the already paper-thin supplemental package.
I won't waste much more of your time rolling my eyes. Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam targets a specific audience and succeeds in what it sets out to accomplish. And I'm sure you already know whether it will be a hit or a miss at your house. Thankfully, Disney's AV presentation is a notable one. Made-for-TV production values aside, its video transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio track tackle everything that comes their way with ease. More special features would have added more value to the release, but I doubt many teens will lament The Final Jam's slim supplemental package for long. If someone under your roof has a Jonas Brothers poster on their wall, purchasing this one is a no-brainer. If your kids are too young or your teenagers are growing out of their Jonas phase, pass this one by. Nuff said.
Extended Rock Star Edition
2008
2008
2009
Extended Edition
2007
2006
2011
2004
2007
Available on Double Feature
2004
Extended Dance Edition
2009
Available in Double Feature
2001
2012-2013
2003
1961
1967
2011
1984
1962
2-Disc Shake and Shimmy Edition
2007
1961