Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Child's Play 2 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Shout! Factory has released the fan favorite 1990 Horror sequel film 'Child's Play 2' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. This two-disc set includes a bevy of bonus features, most of which are new for this release. Most all of them are included on the Blu-ray, which also includes remastered video and audio. This is a feature-packed set sure to delight fans.

Child's Play 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the remastered 1080p Blu-ray disc included in this set.

Simply put, Child's Play 2 looks delightful on the UHD format. Shout! Factory's 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation is a revelation. The picture offers a wonderfully firm and fine filmic image, holding tight to a level of excellence that fans should expect from a motion picture shot on film. Look at a close-up of Andy at the 7:13 mark. The UHD reveals a significantly more complex presentation for skin detail and clarity of individual hair strands compared to the remastered Blu-ray included in this set (note that I do not have access to the Universal disc for further comparisons). The UHD is always well out in front of the Blu-ray in these core areas, boasting a much more refined and precision presented image, bolstered by what is a very fine grain structure, one that is much more even and light than that from the first film, which can, and often does, present with much more density. Even otherwise throwaway shots can dazzle, like a school bus pulling out onto a neighborhood street in the 33-minute mark. It's just a gorgeous bit of photography and UHD goodness for all elements: grain, filmic clarity and stability, and color. There are no serious print issues or encode flaws to report.

Speaking of color, the Dolby Vision grading is also a delight. There's a boldness at work that bolsters the image many times over. The red and blue Chucky colors leap off the screen with wonderfully faithful depth and punch. That yellow school bus is a simple wonder for authenticity and perfect color grading and nuance. Black levels are beautiful, critical in many of the darker, moody scenes throughout the film. White balance is excellent and skin tones are faithful, far more so than even the remastered Blu-ray. The sense of natural color is breathtaking in every shot.

Fans who may just be buying for the remastered Blu-ray will find a wonderfully faithful and filmic image here. It can't stand up to the UHD for color depth and accuracy or for overall clarity and the fine grain presentation, but this is nevertheless a rock-solid image that does that format, and this film, proud.

Child's Play 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Dolby Atmos track is not super aggressive at reference volume as the opening title music introduces the film. While some surround content is in play (a slashing sound when the title hits the screen, some traffic elements, various polish and cleanup work being performed on the charred doll) there's not a real sense of audio push and power. This holds true for the duration. The track is not flat, it's just not powerful. There is not a real sense of surround engagement or overhead stretch when one might think there would be, such as during falling rain accompanied by a blaring car alarm at the 18-minute mark. However, even if it's not insanely aggressive, there is a good bit pf precision at work here. Action and Horror sounds lack aggression, too, but at least there's a fair bit of surround content at play. Dialogue is clear and center positioned for the duration.

The 2.0 track is a little louder with a stronger presence, but with far less precision and immersion. Dialogue drifts to the middle area between center and side. Listeners will have to choose between surround engagement and a fuller atmosphere with less punch or this original and more in-your-face sort of track that lacks precision placement and the finer point clarity the Atmos track offers.

Child's Play 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

It appears that this is the second release for Child's Play 2 on physical high definition outside of the disc originally packaged with a franchise boxed set and a year later individually. I do not have access to those Universal discs, but according to the review, that disc only included a trailer. This set includes a healthy assortment of content. Shout! labels most of it as new, minus the commentary and additional scenes, but since they are new to Blu-ray/UHD they will be marked as such. This two-disc set includes a non-embossed slipcover. No digital code is included.

• Audio Commentary: Director John Lafia guides audiences through his film. Note that this is also available on the UHD disc and is the only supplement on that disc.
• NEW! Puppet Master: An Interview with Writer Don Mancini (1080p, 12:57): The film's writer remembers the original film's success, greenlighting the sequel, photography, inspirations, character development in the film, plot dynamics, various cast dissatisfactions, and the film's success.
• NEW! Under Pressure: An Interview with Alex Vincent (1080p, 7:56): The actor who plays Andy talks about receiving top billing, the series' impact on his childhood, a Back to the Future experience, making this film, not starring in Child's Play 3, and life after the franchise.
• NEW! The Family expands: An Interview with Producer David Kirschner (1080p, 7:37): Getting the film made, working with Universal, various challenges in making the film, John Lafia's stress on the set, the franchise's staying power, and more.
• NEW! In Kyle We Trust: An Interview with Actress Christine Elise (1080p, 10:09): Elise discusses her experience in making the movie, which was the first "big" role of her career. She also covers landing the part, life in Hollywood, making various scenes, and more.
• NEW! School's Out: An Interview with Actress Beth Grant (1080p, 5:28): Grant discusses story themes, political influences for the role, her death scene, her nieces' appearance in the film, and more.
• NEW! The Second Dance: An Interview with Executive Producer Robert Latham Brown (1080p, 3:59): The technology used to bring Chucky to life, shooting locales and techniques, the picture's staying power, and more.
• NEW! Extra Scenes from the Broadcast TV Version (1080i, 11:20).
• Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 1:18).
• NEW! TV Spot (1080i, 0:31).

Child's Play 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It doesn't get much better than this for a catalogue UHD release. While the Atmos track leaves a little bit to be desired, this proves to be a terrific release for both the striking 2160p/Dolby Vision video and the assortment of new extras that will delight every fan of the film. Recommended.