7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.8 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is discovered that Rocket has stolen the items they were sent to guard, the Sovereign dispatch their armada to search for vengeance. As the Guardians try to escape, the mystery of Peter's parentage is revealed.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaņa, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley CooperAdventure | 100% |
Action | 94% |
Sci-Fi | 81% |
Comic book | 78% |
Fantasy | 74% |
Comedy | 2% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
French: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1
English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin (Traditional)
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
There's no mistaking that the Guardians of the Galaxy films have focused on the family, not necessarily blood relations -- even if one particular character's blood relations have drawn the most curiosity from fans since the first released -- but rather the bond between friends, that familial, tightly knit tie that's stronger than the weapons each guardian wields in their various misadventures in saving the galaxy, all set to a killer soundtrack. Vol. 2 only expands on that sense of connection as it reveals the series' biggest secret to date -- the identity of Peter Quill's father -- that in turn only prompts more questions and, unsurprisingly, a whole lot of wickedly fun action and more great tunes. Though this film isn't quite as narratively fantastic as the original, it's still a joyride of epic proportions, a smart, snazzy, and downright funny film that maintains that perfect elemental balance and delivers what is arguably the most purely enjoyable spectacle film 2017.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.
The printed press release packed in with the screener copy of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 states that the digital version
features
HDR-10 or
Dolby Vision; there's no indication that Dolby Vision is included on this disc but it at least leaves the door open for the possibility of future physical
copy
content from Disney with the new color enhancement format.
Regardless, the standard 4K/HDR UHD, presented at 2160p
and likely upscaled from its reported 2K digital intermediate (albeit from an 8K source and, per
IMDB, Dolby Vision), marks a quality debut to the format for Disney. The boost in color is the most immediately notable quality over the standard Blu-ray. Color depth shows marked improvement. Yondu's blue skin may be
the
most immediately obvious beneficiary, but the film's broad-spectrum color palette, which includes an insanely diverse collection of both skin tones
and
outer space elements (various stars, starship engines, laser blasts, explosions, and so on) produce impressive vibrancy and accuracy even over the
first-rate
Blu-ray presentation. The image appears a notch darker, but that doesn't interfere with the sheer quality of the precisely nuanced palette. Details are
firmer as well, though only by degrees, not leaps. The UHD reveals more tangible skin textures, particularly on Drax, while also revealing improved
clothing lines and fabric textures. Surfaces areas, which are very diverse and range from ultra-clean and smooth to well worn and dirty, are all
showcases for the heightened complexity. Back levels remain perfectly deep here, an area where other UHD discs tend to struggle. The boost in
clarity
does render the movie a bit more artificial-looking over the Blu-ray, a bit more naturally smooth and plastic-like in places, but once the eyes become
accustomed to the presentation it becomes quite easy to appreciate the improvements. Disney has certainly come out of the gate strong.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's Dolby Atmos soundtrack marks a nice little improvement over the Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. This presentation plays with a noticeably fuller and more robust stance. Added overhead presence is rarely, if ever, significant, but what is significant is the sense of complimentary space. As Rocket and Yondu stage an escape halfway through the film, both music and intercom chatter, never mind the franchise's famous zippy whistling effect, find an added sense of stage presence and immersion with engaged top end detail. Action scenes, particularly various and intense space battles, offer a more conclusive sound field where the top layer again draws the listener in with increased detail, depth of field, and total immersion. The track maintains the core excellence of the DTS presentation in all other ways, which includes flawless transitional and location-specific sounds (one of the best comes during a pitch battle at film's climax in which Peter moves about the stage asking his various allies if they have any tape on them). Whether full-bodied music, faultless low end depth, or precise action effects, every square inch around the stage is saturated as needed, and the expectedly precise dialogue makes this is a top-of-the-line reference Atmos track.
The UHD disc proper contains no supplements. A fun little bonus poster is included under the shrink-wrap. All extras as reviewed below may be
found
on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc. A Disney digital copy code is included with purchase.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 may be a smidgen less of a film than its predecessor, but it's still a blast of a movie, telling a quality story supported by seamless visuals, a stellar soundtrack, perfect humor, and more goodness from its terrific ensemble cast. It's the quintessential spectacle film, a near flawless sequel, and promises more epic goodness whenever the Guardians again return to the screen. Disney's debut UHD is terrific. High quality 4K/HDR video, a reference Atmos soundtrack, and a fair assortment of extras make this one of the year's top releases. Very highly recommended.
2017
2017
2017
2017
Target Exclusive
2017
with 2 Packs of Upper Deck Marvel Trading Cards
2017
Bonus Disc
2017
2017
2017
2014
Cinematic Universe Edition
2018
Cinematic Universe Edition
2017
Cinematic Universe Edition
2015
Cinematic Universe Edition
2019
2013
2013
Cinematic Universe Edition
2012
2018
2017
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2017
Cinematic Universe Edition
2016
2011
plus Theatrical Cut on standard Blu-ray
2016
2019
2015
2019
1980
2010
2016