7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The action continues from [Rec] (2007), with the medical officer and a SWAT team outfitted with video cameras are sent into the sealed off apartment to control the situation
Starring: Manuela Velasco, Oscar Zafra, Javier Botet, Ferran Terraza, Jonathan D. MellorHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 42% |
Foreign | 22% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Spanish: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
This Blu-ray release of 'REC 2' is currently only available in a four-film boxed set with 'REC,' 'REC 3: Genesis,' and 'REC 4: Apocalypse.'
REC 2 might be the near-perfect Horror sequel. Here's a film that's relentlessly on-point. There's not a wasted minute. The entire movie is
frenzied and panicked, quick to draw the audience into the story and expand on the story from the stage that the first film introduced and set into motion. It's a little more polished by design,
too, but still well within the first film's structural parameters and gruesome, claustrophobic, first-person perspective stylings. It's "bigger and better"
yet
still familiar at the same time.
REC 2's 1080p picture quality is more stable and improved from the first film. The camera used seems to be of higher quality and yields a firmer, more capable, more confident presentation yet one that still maintains the same photographic structure and core aesthetic that was such a key ingredient in the first film. Clarity is more reliable here and even while the jerky camera motions remain there's no denying the improved visual clarity and finer detailing, even in poor light with the film often lit from few light sources and primarily one right at camera's position. In the best case scenario – such as the opening moments inside the police vehicle – core definition to faces, the black GEO uniforms, and little odds and ends inside the vehicle are sharp and precise. At worst in the darkest locations where everything is dim and dark the picture understandably loses some stability but makes up for it in sheer atmosphere. Superior coloration is in evidence, too. Bright red blood, yellow safety vests, even skin against the black GEO uniforms enjoy fruitful tonal output. Still, most of the movie is dark and without much opportunity for all but the most intense colors, like those just mentioned, to make an impact. The film isn't concerned with anything but atmosphere and, aesthetically and narratively, it's the darker the better. But the Blu-ray handles it well, keeping noise in check, black levels rather deep and true, and compression issues minimal. This is not a traditionally "good looking" Blu-ray but that it reflects the original content rightly earns it high marks.
The Spanish language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack carries the film's sonic content well. As with the first film listeners should be ready to extend it some grace. It's not meant to reflect a finely engineered Hollywood listening experience but more the somewhat unkempt and raw sound effects as captured by the cameraman throughout the building. But core clarity and overall quality are excellent in this light. Spatial awareness is often exacting both outside the building and within its blood-soaked walls. In the opening scenes there's a satisfying swirl of honking horns, helicopters flying overhead, chatty crowds and even a barking dog setting the stage for the bustle taking place outside. That is countered by some eerie interior atmosphere heard in corridors and stairways and rooms. There's a sense of sonic dread with drips and creaking doors and even heavy breathing and nervous footfalls which frequently give way to screams – of possessed souls and terrified humans alike – which are sharp and cutting. Gunfire is deep and dominant and seems realistic in its hard-hitting depth within the enclosed spaces. Dialogue is clear and center positioned for the duration. Optional English subtitles default to "on" in support of the native Spanish language track.
REC 2 contains a number of extras, including an audio commentary track. As it ships in the above-linked boxed set, no DVD or digital coopies
are included with purchase.
REC 2 could be compared to a haunted house picture. Nobody knows what might be around the next corner or beyond a closed door. Blood is everywhere. The location is dark and eerie. Monsters literally jump out of nowhere and they're as relentless as they are crazed. There's little hope for survival, particularly as ammunition dwindles, faith fades, and reality sets in. The movie is lean and efficient, maybe not a narrative powerhouse or character driven masterpiece but well capable as a relentless Horror experience. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray delivers excellent video and audio presentations and also includes a quality array of bonus content. Highly recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
[•REC]
2007
[•REC]⁴: Apocalypse / [•REC]⁴: Apocalipsis
2014
[•REC]³
2012
2013
2012
Mientras Duermes
2011
Collector's Edition
2013
Unrated Theatrical and Rated Versions
2013
Collector's Edition
1978
1988
2007
30th Anniversary Edition | Includes "Terror in the Aisles"
1981
2002
Collector's Edition
1988
2012
2006
2018
1981
2014
20th Anniversary Edition
2003