Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 4, 2021

“Scanner Cop” introduced the character Sam, a cop with scanner abilities trying to find some balance between duty and his telepathic powers. For “Scanner Cop II,” Sam is still trying to deal with his history and power, but the screenplay is only marginally paying attention to emotional development. The sequel wants to put on a major show of force when it comes to scanners and their destructive ways, setting up a war of minds that allows for plenty of gore zone visits and intense staring contests from the actors. The loss of an interesting story is a shame, but “Scanner Cop II” delivers more genre highlights, with director Steve Barnett aiming to win viewers over with a grislier take on the “Scanners” universe.

Sam (Daniel Quinn) has turned to Trans-Neural Resource Center agent Carrie (Khrystyne Haje) to learn more about the mother he never knew, trying to find the source of his scanner powers. On the prowl is Volkin (Patrick Kilpatrick), a scanner seeking revenge, targeting Sam with his growing abilities, crossing L.A. as he sucks the “life force” out of other scanners trying to live in a drug-induced peace.

The set-up is basic, keeping the main characters separated as they deal with their own scanner situations, with the writing favoring Volkin and his mad plan to collect power, becoming a creature of the night while working himself up to take down Sam. Barnett can’t achieve much suspense with this plot, but he does try to distinguish the feature with major acts of violence, studying the bodily destruction of those who can’t escape Volkin’s power. “Scanner Cop II” is more of a special effects ride than a thriller, with the artistry of the production far more interesting than its attempt at drama.

Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray release of "Scanner Cop II."

Listed as "Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative," The UHD presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) of "Scanner Cop II" enjoys the brightness of the endeavor, with the feature offering compelling highlights with big lighting for interiors and sunny days for outdoor encounters. Detail is exact, with special effects delivering incredible texture as bodies are melted and heads bulge. Skin particulars are superb, along with fibrous costuming and exterior dimension. Colors are vibrant and true, exploring lush greenery and striking office and domestic spaces. Clothing retains style with leathery browns and gray, and personal appearance pops, including Haje's long red hair. Delineation is satisfactory, losing nothing to evening activity. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers strong support from wide scoring cues, which retain instrumental precision and balance with action. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, but also retain some sibilance issues. Sound effects are active, with the goopy, sizzling scanner sequences intact, while elements such as gunshots offer sound library mildness.

Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Steve Barnett.

• "Outside the Law: The 'Scanner Cop' Revolution" is a two-part making-of for "Scanner Cop" and "Scanner Cop II."

• "Part Two" (22:09, HD) explores the creation of "Scanner Cop II," featuring interviews with producer Pierre David, fan Simon Barrett, director Steve Barnett, special effects artists James Rohland, Jeff Farley, and Tom Irvin, composer Richard Bowers, and actors Patrick Kilpatrick, Khrystyne Haje, and Stephen Mendel. Barnett details his Roger Corman origins, using these connections to help hire crew for "Scanner Cop II." Working with a Dracula vs. Van Helsing idea, the production played up the vampiric aspects of the material, with the helmer crediting Kilpatrick for his intensity and improvisation skills. Casting is analyzed, celebrating the hiring of Robert Forster, and locations are explored, generating enough eeriness to motivate the actors during extensive night shooting. Special effects are dissected, looking at technique and design, and the death of the franchise is recalled, with Haje especially eager to keep going. The featurette closes with a celebration of actor Daniel Quinn, who passed away in 2015.

• And a Trailer (1:28, HD) is included.

Scanner Cop II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Scanner Cop II" really packs in the scanning, encouraging some unintentional laughs as Kilpatrick and Quinn try to outdo each other in the red face department, almost constantly in some state of telepathic stress. The sequel enjoys this type of escapism, trying to dazzle fans with visceral violence, and it works for the production's limited creative goals. It's not an escalation of Sam's cop story, but "Scanner Cop II" enjoys creating a mess, finding its happy place in blood and guts.