Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 15, 2017

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 Guardians -- Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) -- have been hired by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), leader of the Sovereign People, to protect their immensely powerful and infinitely valuable batteries. The Guardians' prize is not wealth but rather Nebula (Karen Gillan), Gamora's sister and a rogue who was captured attempting to steal the batteries. The Guardians are successful in their mission, but sly Rocket pockets some of the batteries for himself. That results in the Sovereign fleet chasing them down and, despite the Guardians' best efforts (and too much testosterone-fueled piloting one-upmanship between Peter and Rocket), forcing them down on Planet Berhert. As Yondu (Michael Rooker) tracks the Guardians under Ayesha's orders, the Guardians meet Ego (Kurt Russell), a man who holds the answer to one of the great secrets of the universe.

Guardians Vol. 2 not only continues the story as it began in the first, it maintains the same boisterous spirit, arguably more critical to the film's success than even any narrative connections or dramatic developments. Few films are so dependent on identity as these, and Director James Gunn, who also helmed the original, never allows the movie to miss a beat, whether in its most insanely over-the-top action scenes, its comical overtones, or its most intimate character moments, all of which often intertwine into the same sequences. Though it may be overlong by a few minutes, it captures that same beat that's partly its heartbeat soundtrack and partly its lifeblood rhythm which comes from the uncannily strong connection shared amongst the cast and the characters they portray that plays right into the franchise's core strength of family. Even as secrets are revealed, new characters are introduced, as humor abounds, as explosions dot the movie's landscape, as character quirks and quips flow like running water, Gunn and company maintain a harmonious, connective balance that through all the bickering, mayhem, reveals, tunes, and trials keeps the movie feeling fresh, invigorating, and always in-tune with its strengths, what its fans want, what its characters and universe need. Few films and franchises come as harmoniously precise as this.

The movie's character-driven heart and its perfectly tuned complimentary soundtrack -- so finely integrated into the movie it's almost a surprise that Cameron Crowe's name isn't in the credits somewhere -- are matched by a barrage of awe-inspiring visuals effects, a seamless blast of intergalactic goodness where every zippy spaceship, weird alien landscape, and fantastic creature isn't just plopped in digitally, they all appear organically integrated one with the other. The film outdoes even its predecessor in terms of scope and digital perfection. There are moments when the artificiality of it all is perceptible, but not particularly bothersome. Given the diversity of the cast and all of the abundant colors and the many supporting practical elements, the viewer never feels overwhelmed even as the movie throws so much stuff onto the screen, even through the most fearsome, chaotic action scenes. Gunn makes sure every shot has a focus, serves a purpose, and that even when visual effects are center screen, they're not center emotionally. Truly, all of the complimentary digital bits -- even fully digital characters -- melt into the greater whole as the humor takes hold, the soundtrack takes shape, and the story comes into focus. As with everything else, even when it would seem there's some element that would overwhelm a lesser film, Guardians Vol. 2 manages to maintain harmony from start to finish. It's an incredible technical achievement but even more an incredible thematic achievement, too.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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.

• Visionary Intro (1080p, 1:39): Director James Gunn briefly discusses the film's story and evolution for the franchise.
• Bonus Round: The Making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (1080p): A four-part feature.
• In the Director's Chair with James Gunn (8:36): A look at the first film's success, ideas and visions for the second film, Gunn's dedication and abilities, love for his cast, the cast's love for him, and more. A basic pat-on-the-back piece.
• Reunion Tour: The Music of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (7:37): A discussion of the important part music plays in the series.
• Living Planets and Talking Trees: The Visual Effects of Vol. 2 (10:44): As the title suggests, a closer look at the film's dazzling special effects.
• Showtime: The Cast of Vol. 2 (10:41): A quick run-through of the cast and what makes them a perfect fit for the film and a family on- and off-screen. Another three-cheers-for-everyone! piece.
• Music Video (1080i, 3:35): Guardians Inferno by The Sneepers Ft. David Hasselhoff. The video is made to reflect a 70s-style presentation, including scan lines and a ~4x3 aspect ratio.
• Gag Reel (1080p, 3:41).
• Deleted Scenes (1080p, 5:04): Adolescent Groot Extended, Memorial to the War on Xandar, Kraglin and Quill Talk Tunes, and Mantis and Drax Feel the Sadness Extended.
• Audio Commentary: Director James Gunn delivers an insightfully complimentary track that covers the movie in great detail, covering both everything that's seen on the screen and the complex process that was necessary to bring it all together.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.