I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.0

I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman April 22, 2026

Like a lot of people who have made the inarguably insane decision to try to make a living as a musician, I have had several long stints as Music Director of various Christian denominations (along with a Jewish shul or two), but I never encountered what is now known as the "Contemporary Christian" idiom of worship music until I provided leadership for a large Episcopalian parish on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. When I began my tenure there, the priest was an absolutely wonderful British guy who somewhat comically had an aversion to Contemporary Christian music because, as he quite saliently in my opinion stated, a lot of the lyrical content of Contemporary Christian songs tends to emphasize "I" over "we", something this insightful priest thought was contrary to Christian theology, or at least sociology. Which brings us to "I Can Only Imagine", the chart topping song by MercyMe that provided the background for the eponymous film I Can Only Imagine (my review of that film also offers the above anecdote about the Episcopal priest). Personal pronouns aside, this follow up film features a somewhat older if arguably not considerably wiser Bart Millard (John Michael Finley), who finds out that a chart topping tune may not necessarily automatically solve all of life's little problems. Who knew?

There's a long running series of insurance commercials which comically depicts people turning into their parents, but in a decidedly more dramatic and maybe even melodramatic fashion, I Can Only Imagine 2 documents Bart more or less transforming into his own father as he attempts to deal with various health issues suffered by his son, Sam (played mostly by Sammy Dell). That family dynamic plays out initially against a tour with MercyMe and Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia), who turns out to have pretty significant health issues of his own. The fact that all of this inherent (and evidently true life) content is contextualized within what Joni Mitchell called "the star maker machinery behind the popular song", specifically the need to write a follow up hit, may frankly be just slightly smarmy feeling, though the emotional content of the film is undeniable, if pretty treacly. There is some interesting historical information imparted about the venerable hymn "It Is Well With My Soul".

I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

I Can Only Imagine 2 is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. As of the writing of this review, there's really not much technical information available online, but this is a nice looking digital capture that I suspect had a 2K DI. Clarity is consistent throughout, and unlike the first film there are some rather interesting grading and lighting choices that suffuse things, including a lot of blue tinged material (admittedly kind of like the first film) in the concert footage in particular, but also with some almost "golden hour" yellows in a number of other moments. Some of the scenic (assumed) drone shots are especially nice looking, with "all American" vistas unfolding behind the tour bus. Close-ups deliver commendable detail levels. I'm wondering if some interior aerial material of concerts may have been done with a GoPro or something a bit less hi res and maybe even prone to aliasing artifacts than the bulk of the presentation, but those moments are fleeting.

I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

I Can Only Imagine 2 features a nicely immersive Dolby Atmos track that understandably gets a lot of its surround activity courtesy of the music, not necessarily implying only the concert footage (which does offer some of the most noticeable Atmos engagement). The use of source cues and of course other diagetic moments like tunes being written and the like provide great opportunities for fluid presentation and excellent fidelity. Occasional crowded framings, like the assemblage on the tour bus, can also offer clear engagement of the side and rear channels, and ambient environmental effects can dot some of the outdoor (or even arena) material. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary with Producer and Lead Singer of MercyMe Bart Millard and Singer / Songwriter Tim Timmons


• Audio Commentary with Writer / Co-Director Brent McCorkle and Producer / Co-Director Andrew Erwin


• Making I Can Only Imagine 2 (HD; 10:19) is a standard issue by enjoyable EPK with interviews, behind the scenes and footage from the film.


• Recording at Abbey Road (HD; 4:39) has footage of the scoring sessions and includes interviews with Tim Timmons and Bart Millard.


• Joy in the Making (HD; 7:02) is basically another EPK focusing on the team aspects of the production.


• Finding the Song Even If (HD; 7:28) talks about replicating a church experience in a movie theater with films built around specific songs. In other words, get ready for more of these.


• Early Access Bonus Content (HD; 14:33) offers more content with Timmons and Millard, among others.


• Deleted Scenes (HD; 28:03) have co-director introductions.


• Theatrical Trailer (HD; 2:13)

A digital copy is enclosed and packaging features a slipcover.

I Can Only Imagine 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I had a nice (non religious) Easter gig this year where an audience member asked if I could play "I Could Only Imagine", which of course I could and did, but I also chatted with her for a moment beforehand because I knew I would be getting this in my queue in this particular nook and cranny of my work life. I asked her what she thought of it, and she was quite effusive in stating that it was much better than the first film, which she had completely loved. In the "forgive me my sins" department, as evidenced by my scores for both the first film and this one, while undeniably emotional at times, this follow up in particular seems overly designed for mass consumption, kind of like a hit song. That said, those who are more in line with that audience member's sentiments will no doubt find this a worthy sequel. Technical merits are solid and this boasts a rather bounteous supply of bonus material, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.