Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Jumanji: The Next Level receives a stunning 3D presentation no enthusiast will want to miss.

Jumanji: The Next Level is an action-packed adventure sequel. Fans of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will be pleased with the next entry in the beloved franchise. Full of breathtaking action, Jumanji: The Next Level is a delight from start to finish. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, a new adventure awaits.

Re-enter the world of Jumanji with a whole new video-game to play: crossing deserts, running across bridges, climbing mountains, and traversing through snowy terrain. Can the team complete the game and call out “Jumanji” to return to the real world before its too late? Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Mouse (Kevin Hart), Oberon (Jack Black), Ruby (Karen Gillan), and Ming (Awkwafina) must fight through the impossible odds in front of them.

The third film in the Jumanji series, Jumanji: The Next Level brings back the younger cast of characters for more fun as well: Martha (Morgan Turner), Spencer (Alex Wolff), Bethany (Madison Iseman), and Fridge (Ser'Darius Blain). The sequel also adds new characters: Eddie (Danny DeVito) and Milo (Danny Glover). Meanwhile, cameo appearances by Seaplane (Nick Jonas) and Nigel (Rhys Darby) help to round out the experience. A strong ensemble helps to make the film memorable.

The performances help Jumanji: The Next Level excel on many levels. Dwayne Johnson is top-notch as Dr. Bravestone (with his special 'smoldering' ability). Kevin Hart is hilarious as Mouse: providing some of the best comedic moments in the film. Jack Black is just as delightfully charming and over-the-top as Oberon as he was in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Karen Gillan delivers both comedic chops and action- packed badass-ery (while showcasing her sultry sexiness) as Ruby. The cast delivers.

Time for another adventure...

The production design by Bill Brzeski (The Fate of the Furious, Aquaman) is top-notch and the entire film feels large-in-scope and ambitious in style. The locations and production merits are superb and nicely compliment the cutting-edge special effects. Jumanji: The Next Level is so well constructed: audiences won't be able to resist.

The cinematography by Gyula Pados (The Duchess, Control) provides Jumanji: The Next Level with stunning imagery. The filmmaking is colorful, vibrant, and exciting. The aesthetic is full of imagination. There is so much to appreciate here: from the beautifully lit outdoors to the stunning vistas showcasing the snowy mountaintops. Pados delivers (with a visually sumptuous production).

The original music composed by Henry Jackman (X-Men: First Class, Ralph Breaks the Internet) adds some excitement to the production. The action-packed score delivers exceptional themes – highlighting characters and scenes. The music never misses a beat and fits the tone of the filmmaking well.

Another compelling element of Jumanji: The Next Level is found in the quality costumes by Louise Mingenbach (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Godzilla: King of the Monsters). Each character is given attire that is appropriate for the respective actor and role. The costumes were well designed and help the fun video-game setting feel even more convincing (as each character takes on different attributes that are often seen in popular culture).

Directed by Jake Kasdan (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Zero Effect), Jumanji: The Next Level is a compelling follow-up to the previous entry in the saga. The action scenes are just as compelling and exciting. The filmmaking feels just as relevant and engaging as before. The comedy is superb and complimentary to the adventure. Kasdan has great fun with the energetic concept – and penned the script with a compelling style alongside co-screenwriters Jeff Pinkner (Alias, Fringe) and Scott Kevin Hart. Unlike some Hollywood “sophomore slumps”, Jumanji: The Next Level is just as entertaining as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle . Don't miss it.

Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray for the first-time worldwide, Jumanji: The Next Level is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition. The action-packed feature-film is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. Released in partnership between Sony Pictures and Random Space Media.

3D fans can rejoice: Jumanji: The Next Level is breathtaking on the format. Having seen Jumanji: The Next Level in 3D during its original theatrical run, I was blown away by how much more immersive the 3D presentation was at home. Viewed on my high-end OLED65E6P, Jumanji: The Next Level is quite stunning. The 3D effect is always crisp and well-defined (with no issues with ghosting or artifacts). Details look remarkably clear (and the picture-quality is never muddy or dark, either).

The special-effects are stunning in 3D. The action-scenes are leaps-and-bounds more immersive and engaging on 3D Blu-ray than in a standard (flat) 2D presentation. Jumanji: The Next Level has many engaging action sequences exploring sandy deserts to snowy mountains – the 3D enhances the film viewing experience and pulls one in to the story with ease. A top-notch 3D presentation.

Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The lossless surround sound track is superb and it never struggles to convey the filmmaking. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The surrounds are actively engaged and make the film more enveloping throughout the presentation. The sound effects were well implemented and creatively energized. The score by Henry Jackman (X-Men: First Class) sounds magnificent as well.

Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the same supplemental features from the standard Blu-ray edition of Jumanji: The Next Level. For additional information regarding on-disc supplemental features, please refer to the standard edition review by my colleague Martin Liebman.

Jumanji: The Next Level 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Jumanji: The Next Level is an action-packed adventure with non-stop thrills and laughs. The 3D effect is phenomenal (and looks even better on 3D Blu-ray than it did during the theatrical run). The release belongs on the shelf of every true 3D enthusiast (with the action coming to vibrant life). A must-own release. Highly recommended.