Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 1, 2026

1978’s “Faces of Death” was an attempt to see if finality could be sold to the masses. The lurid picture offered a collection of death to peruse, with host “Dr. Francis B. Gross” helping viewers through an assortment of horrible happenings and disgusting imagery, while director "Conan Le Cilaire" (a pseudonym for John Alan Schwartz) attempted to find meaning in the messiness, straining to sell ideas on inhumanity while stitching together displays of bodily destruction. “Faces of Death” became a cult hit, with home video turning the feature into a grand game of dare-you-to-watch-this for many, so, naturally, Schwartz was going to try again. The problem with the original film was its use of staged sequences to make sure the release was stocked with shock value. For 1981’s “Faces of Death II,” Schwartz limits the use of fakery, electing to work with news footage instead, looking to give his sequel more realism as Dr. Gross returns to once again “travel through the world of death.” The previous endeavor was a semi-ridiculous creation, and “Faces of Death II” certainly has its moments of unintentional humor. It’s also a more direct shot of horror, with the helmer collecting an assortment of dangerous encounters and disasters, creating a mix tape of misery that carries on for far too long.

Dr. Gross (played by Michael Carr) is back on the scene after his work on “Faces of Death,” readily admitting that his initial theories about life and death were wrong, back to explore more horrors of humanity. Dr. Gross is the tour guide for “Faces of Death II,” with Schwartz inventing places for the character to visit, though most stops look like suburban backyards. Production polish isn’t high on the helmer’s list of priorities, remaining focused on the arrangement of expiration for the picture, which begins its journey with an overview of the funeral business, noting how expensive death actually is before presenting a look at a Hindu cremation ceremony, where the goal is to create fire hot enough to burst the deceased’s head. Various disasters are also examined in “Faces of Death II,” with cameras around to capture grisly footage of European fire and avalanche emergencies, and carnage is also found with planes, trains, and automobiles, including a stop at the Autobahn in Germany to survey the true risk of unregulated speed.

“Faces of Death II” enjoys showcasing the physical dangers of such events as bull riding, with plenty of slow-mo footage capturing animal resistance and human exposure. Stunt professionals are explored, including an effort to handle a “Super Jump” in the 1970s, with Kenny Powers hoping to clear a river in a superpowered car (interestingly, this event was examined in the 1981 documentary, “The Devil at Your Heels,” and dramatized in the upcoming film, “The Stunt Driver”).

“Faces of Death II” takes a more serious turn with world event, as Dr. Gross “visits” El Salvador to sample the country’s turmoil firsthand. “Faces of Death II” details the political divide of the area, concentrating on “death squads” as they eliminate rival forces. Schwartz gets a little more direct in his commentary on the state of the 1981 world with his look at the sheer power and destructive capabilities of U.S. military forces, highlighting weapons tests and disturbing usage, exploring the horrific napalm experience in Vietnam. Trouble in the Middle East is also presented in “Faces of Death II,” with cameras capturing Iranian Revolution atrocities and mass death in the conflict between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Horrors in Lebanon are presented as well, focusing on the death of children to help make the already oppressive viewing experience of “Faces of Death II” even heavier.

Things are grim in “Faces of Death II,” and for those sensitive to animal death, this isn’t the feature for you. Schwartz eventually concentrates on the slaughterhouse experience, revisiting ideas from the original picture as the sequel reinforces the chaos of the kill floor, following rabbits and chickens as they’re shredded for human consumption. Schwartz isn’t subtle here, intercutting footage of people happily eating fried chicken while animals are destroyed. “Faces of Death II” gets even more intense when it takes on whaling and dolphin slaughter in Japan, offering extended time with disemboweled oceanic creatures. It’s probably best to pass on popcorn while watching the movie.

Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation for "Faces of Death II" is listed as "presented in Dolby Vision HDR and newly scanned and restored from its 35mm original negative elements." Much like the original "Faces of Death," the sequel is mostly comprised of news footage from various sources. There's inherent roughness to the scenes, but the viewing experience holds together. The Dr. Gross sequences show some signs of frame damage, but largely remain intact. Detail reaches are far as possible, with Dr. Gross footage obviously the most refreshed, offering a sense of location and interiors spaces as the character moves around various environments. News footage isn't always pretty, but the primary point of "Faces of Death II" is made as macabre imagery is easily understood. Color battles tech limitations and age of the news clips, but red blood remains distinct, along with hues on animals and items of clothing. Dr. Gross tours deliver distinct greenery. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep, supporting evening activity and limited lighting. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is nicely resolved.

Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a basic understanding of narration and discussion from Dr. Gross, with his thoughts and commentary remining intelligible throughout the listening event. Musical offerings are appreciable, and support the grim tone of the picture, but some age is understood.

Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "U.S. Video Version" (78:15, SD) of "Faces of Death II" is the home video cut of the picture, "sourced from VHS."

• Deleted Scene (5:31, HD) was "discovered during the restoration" of the film, with the "never-before-seen segment" highlighting a trip to the morgue to meet with medical professionals. The clip has no sound, but scoring selections are used to add mood to the moment.

• "Footage from the Assassination Attempt on President Ronald Regan" (2:57, SD) offers a look at a clip that was never intended for the theatrical version of "Faces of Death II," added to the home video cut of the feature. It's provided here for "completeness."

• And a Video Trailer (1:09, SD) is included.

Faces of Death Part II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Schwartz doesn't completely turn away from fictional footage in "Faces of Death II," detailing a 1979 drug store robbery where the cops and crooks face off in the streets. It's a weird addition to the picture, and one that's completely undone by horrible acting. However, it's only a small part of the sequel, which is looking to offer more realism this time around, eventually reaching footage of public executions in Liberia to sell the intensity and organization of violence. "Faces of Death II" is a darker film than its predecessor, losing broad exploitation additions for something more direct in its display of ghoulishness. It's a stab at seriousness that helps the follow-up reach the potential of the brand name, but Schwartz doesn't know when to quit, extending the grisliness for too long, making the viewing experience its own form of punishment as the endeavor moves around numerous presentations of barbarity and murder.