Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Death Wish II 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 1, 2022

1974’s “Death Wish” was an adaptation of a novel by Brian Garfield, who expressed his disappointment in the picture, which turned out to be a major hit for the producers. Tapping into a growing feeling of disillusionment in the criminal justice system and fear concerning rising crime rates, “Death Wish” found its moment, offering viewers a crude summation of Garfield’s ideas, sold with reliable steeliness from star Charles Bronson. There wasn’t more story to tell, but there was more money to be made, inspiring new producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus to revive the brand name eight years later, bringing back Bronson and director Michael Winner to revive vigilante escapism. “Death Wish II” restores Paul Kersey to full power, but there’s no material to support the character, who once again embarks on a mindless hunt for big city scum.

Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) has moved from New York City to Los Angeles, bringing his architect expertise with him, starting a new life with his girlfriend, journalist Geri (Jill Ireland). Paul is taking care of his traumatized daughter, Carol (Robin Sherwood), but trouble soon reenters his life when local thugs (including Laurence Fishburne) decide to steal his wallet. Sniffing around for more opportunities, the criminals soon break into Paul’s house and sexually assault his housekeeper. The vicious men eventually kidnap and destroy Carol, putting Paul back to a place of helplessness with the local cops, who offer little support. Collecting a gun and relocating to the city, Paul commences a plan of revenge, setting out to kill those who took away all he’s ever loved.

“Death Wish II” moves to the sunnier ways of Los Angeles, with Paul hoping to heal old wounds by monitoring Carol’s mental health progress, trying to reach his daughter after all the suffering she’s endured. However, urban living doesn’t welcome Paul, and once again he’s caught up in trouble with local monsters. What begins with a stolen wallet quickly spirals into much darker events meant to give the sequel enough disturbing content to put viewers on Paul’s side. Winner’s never been a tasteful director, and he’s happy to showcase suffering in “Death Wish II,” which spends its opening 20 minutes exploring multiple scenes of sexual assault, including a lengthy gang rape sequence involving Paul’s housekeeper. A little goes a long way in the world of “Death Wish,” but Winner lingers on violation for a substantial amount of screen time, confusing the overall tone of the follow-up, which seems to be enjoying sadism instead of setting up a proper revenge story.

After Carol is lost and Paul observes buffoonish police work, vigilante action returns, watching the architect put on his killing hat and collect weapons, ready to take out those who’ve ruined him…or at least mildly inconvenienced him, if one goes by Bronson’s emotional range. Winner isn’t artful here, staging scenes where Paul stalks and kills his enemies, encouraging the audience to cheer for the father’s vengeance as he hunts down cartoonish punks. That’s basically the viewing experience of “Death Wish II,” which tries to recycle some leftover grit from the original feature while paving the way for more goofball sequels to come.

Death Wish II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screenshots are sourced from the Blu-ray version of "Death Wish II."

Originally released on Blu-ray in 2012 (from MGM) and again in 2016 (from Shout Factory), "Death Wish II" makes a return to home entertainment, this time via Vinegar Syndrome, who offer a 4K viewing experience of the uncut version, sourced from the 35mm original camera negative. Detail is marvelous throughout, capturing the rough skin particulars on Charles Bronson and the punks. L.A. street tours also deliver outstanding depth and clarity, offering time capsule appeal as signage and business are open for inspection. Costuming remains fibrous. Colors are alert, with bright primaries on period clothing, and skintones are natural. Urban experiences offer a cooler look at violent interactions, while domestic interiors showcase warmer hues. Highlights are tasteful, with vivid sunlight to support L.A. summer heat, and city lighting is ideal. Delineation preserves nighttime stalking, maintaining shadow play. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in satisfactory condition, with some light scratches.

Death Wish II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers crisp dialogue exchanges with comfortable balance, dealing with hyperactive, screaming punks and borderline mumbling from Bronson. Scoring supports with appealing authority, delivering clear instrumentation with Jimmy Page's guitar offerings and fuller orchestral additions. Sound effects supply snappier gunshots and acts of violence. Street atmospherics are appreciable.

Death Wish II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

UHD:

• Commentary features film historian Paul Talbot.

Blu-ray:

• Commentary features film historian Paul Talbot.

• T.V. Version (95:31, HD) is included.

• "Dark Parts" (8:10, HD) is an interview with actress Robin Sherwood, who recalls an awareness of "Death Wish" when she was growing up, but never saw the feature due to her young age. The interviewee details acting challenges and her effort to create a character, even pulling difficult emotions from her own life. An assessment of director Michael Winner is offered, with Sherwood describing him as a "complex man," and she has a high opinion of co-star Charles Bronson, who provided kindness to the actress when she was expecting a steelier on-set presence.

• "Fights in the Theater" (7:19, HD) is an interview with Todd Roberts, the son of late producer Bobby Roberts. The interviewee recalls charged reactions to "Death Wish II," especially in New York City, where viewers felt the movie accurately reflected the atmosphere of fear at the time. Audiences would get so caught up in the feature, violence occasionally broke out. Roberts shares the producer's desire to provide a fresh start to the "Death Wish" tale, but admits choppy storytelling won out on the end. Roberts also shares his father's fear that "Death Wish II" would receive an X-rating, destroying the picture's theatrical chances.

• "Working with Bronson" (7:24, HD) is an interview with actor Robert F. Lyons, who immediately took the gig on "Death Wish II," excited to be in the same room as the star. Lyons discuses his professional approach to the part, deploying his "using the environment" technique to bring his character to life while fully respecting Bronson's starring role. The interviewee recalls Bronson's presence on the set, willing to disagree with director Michael Winner in a polite manner. Lyons also analyzes the brand name power of "Death Wish," sharing its relatable themes, happy to be part of the franchise.

• "Pass" (5:28, HD) is an interview with screenwriter David Engelbach, who was initially contacted by co-producer Menahem Golan for the job, turning it down immediately. Engelbach finally came around to the idea of a "Death Wish II," beginning work on the script before Golan had the rights to make the movie. The producers saw the production as a pure moneymaking opportunity, trying to get Cannon Films up and running, and the interviewee details the changes made to his script, which originally involved Paul getting involved with survivalists. Engelbach closes with his thoughts on the themes "Death Wish II," looking to dissect the "liberal dilemma," and he views the picture as a "modern western."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, HD) is included.

Death Wish II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's always fun to see Bronson in intimidation mode, playing to his strengths as an actor. And there's a lot of that in "Death Wish II." Winner isn't brave enough to deliver a thoughtful understanding of vigilante justice and the failures of the justice system. He goes the mouthbreathing route for the sequel, fumbling with exploitation elements along the way. With 1985's "Death Wish 3," Bronson and Winner would lean into camp, finally admitting how ridiculous the series is, but here, they still believe they're making a movie with a powerful message. Of course they aren't, and "Death Wish II" misses the mark as unnecessary ugliness competes for screen time with glorious absurdity.