7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Ninjitsu master Casey is back and out for revenge when his pregnant wife is murdered.
Starring: Scott Adkins, Mika Hijii, Kane Kosugi, Tim Man, Shun SugataAction | 100% |
Martial arts | 62% |
Thriller | 11% |
Crime | 5% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The filmmakers behind Ninja II just get it. It's not a perfect movie, but it comes pretty close to perfection in the realm of the direct-to-video Action flick. Director Isaac Florentine (Ninja, Undisputed III: Redemption) has before proven his mettle as a filmmaker of way-better-than-average DTV movies (not a very high bar to overcome, to be sure), packing them with robust Action and a straightforward, no-frills plot that's merely a frame for the beat-em-up antics that he photographs, and his actors perform, so well. The movie is stylish without feeling forced, hard-hitting, and nicely acted. It's a treat for fans who crave only the fundamentals done right in their DTV flicks, and it's a perfect example of just what this variety of film can be when it fires on all cylinders: a simply entertaining beat-em-up escape.
Batter up.
Ninja II looks terrific on Blu-ray. The image offers consistently even and well-defined details, particularly on faces but also on a wide assortment of elements, from tree vegetation to dense urban city textures, from clothing to wood flooring. Clarity is outstanding and there's a constant, even sharpness to the image. Colors are robust throughout. Bright green foliage nicely stands apart, as do any number of shades in city shots, particularly in the convenience store where Casey buys his wife chocolate and seaweed. Black levels are rock-solid, showing no crush even when black clothes are set against nighttime backdrops. Flesh tones appear even throughout. The HD video source does show a slight flatness at times, but there are no major instances of noise, banding, or other issues. This is a great image from Millennium Entertainment.
Ninja II slashes onto Blu-ray with a potent and exciting Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The track replays a good, room-filling, but light sound of a whirring projector at the beginning and continues to offer positive ambient effects throughout, particularly in busy city areas near film's start. Some of the more prominent environmental effects prove very well constructed and delivered, notably at an open-air market and at an airport exterior that begins the second act. Musical delivery is excellent. Clarity is strong, spacing is even and pleasant, and surround support is ideal. Action scenes enjoy big, robust effects, whether fists and feet impacting flesh or swords clanking one against another. The film is also home to a good bit of gunfire and a few potent explosions later on. Dialogue plays evenly and accurately from the center. This robust tracks supports the movie very well in every important area of concern.
Ninja II contains three short, basic supplements.
Ninja II is a poster child for the DTV Action film done right. Great action, a simple story, terrific fight choreography, and basic direction give shape to an entertaining movie that's a welcome reprieve from the brooding, needlessly complex DTV Action pictures that are today flooding the market. Millennium's Blu-ray release of Ninja II features great video and audio. A few supplements are included. Recommended.
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