The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

More action, more movie.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 7, 2014

The Raid 2: Berandal, Director Gareth Evans' follow-up to the hugely popular 2011 Action extravaganza The Raid: Redemption, returns that film's lead character for round two of bloody, ultra-violent mayhem, this film supported by a larger scale dramatic involvement than was seen in its predecessor. The film in some ways benefits from a tighter purpose and greater narrative structure even as it comes at the expense of screen time for hardcore action and grit. Fans of the first may worry about this film's slower pacing and focus on characterization and character relationships, which eat up about half the runtime. Fret not, however; the film maintains, if not increases, the level of violent intensity that defined the first, going so hardcore in spots that the film has been banned in Malaysia and suffered a few minor nicks and cuts of its own in the editing room, leaving the film as it is undoubtedly a little less bloodied but not any noticeably less intense when the action kicks into high gear. All that said, unless audiences want only a highlight reel of blood-and-guts, The Raid 2 should satisfy fans of the original, even if all of the added drama and character complexities never venture very far away from genre generic.

Bloodied.

The film picks up immediately after the end of the first. A bloodied Rama (Iko Uwais), upon learning his brother has been murdered by a criminal outfit headed by the dangerous Bejo (Alex Abbad), is coerced into going undercover to infiltrate another dangerous crime syndicate. He leaves behind his wife and infant child for a stint in prison, going by the name "Yuda," where he gains the confidence of Uco (Arifin Putra), son of the powerful criminal boss Bangun (Tio Pakusadewo). Two years later, he and Uco have been released. Yuda becomes a key figure within the internal power structure of Bangun's organization. As things become more dangerous and a rift forms from within, Rama must face his deadliest challenges yet in an effort to do his job and stay alive.

The Raid 2 plays like a film of two unique styles, one of tight, relentless action and the other all of the character interactions and dramatic angles and build-ups necessary to transport the film to a time and place in which the ultra-violence makes contextual sense. Even as the film maneuvers through a host of dramatic arcs -- Rama's undercover work, the growing schism in the Bangun family, the clash of criminal organizations -- none of it feels particularly new or, frankly, all that compelling beyond that aforementioned push it gives towards the film's impressive action scenes (more on those below). In its character drama, The Raid 2 fails to capture the imagination, giving only passive play to Rama's personal life outside of his undercover work (even as it may drive him across a more invisible, inward arc) and playing with a host of been there, done that contrivances that likely won't pique the interest beyond their ability to frame the film's action scenes in some context and allow for a particularly bloody -- and not at all expected or shocking -- final act. It's all well executed by a talented cast and crew and it's sufficiently fleshed out, but that lack of dramatic creativity doesn't allow the film to stretch its legs in those many moments when the fisticuffs and firearms are set aside in favor of all of those other elements in play.

Yet the filmmakers know that many fans will buy tickets only in anticipation of the expected parade of violence, and Evans and company don't disappoint. In that arena, The Raid 2 proves bigger and better than its predecessor, building on the foundation established in the first and pushing limits in this second installment. The Raid 2 showcases some of the most brutal and relentless violence ever captured on film, the type that would probably make Quentin Tarantino happy (and it even introduces a character in "Hammer Girl" that would feel right at home in one of his red-washed epics). The Raid 2's dark interior and darker façade only accentuate the violence's purpose and production. The film features not only copious amounts of blood, but choreography equal to the bloodshed. It's a reference reel of make-believe violence sold as reality, from fists to hammers and from edged weapons to firearms doing their thing to fragile flesh. While the film's pacing and lengthy interludes between its violence may give the impression that this sequel is somehow less violent than its predecessor, rest assured that when people get angry, there's absolutely no lack of precision, hard, and sometimes difficult to watch action.

The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Raid 2 is a fairly dark, dour film, and the 1080p transfer captures that feeling beautifully. The image, which does come across as a touch flat, captures quite a bit of nitty-gritty detail, even under the constraints of its predominately dark gray backdrops. Larger objects like worn wood and tile, decaying prison walls, and other rough surfaces are presented with exacting attention to detail. More general textures, such as human faces and ripped flesh, impress in every close-up. Clothing lines, from hoodies to business suits, reveal complex lines and fabric textures with ease. Colors, as noted, are rather limited. The transfer occasionally steps outside of its dark gray confines for splash of natural greens, more brightly colored attire, and large amounts of blood, but generally the image is rather reserved in its coloring and picky about what it allows to stand apart from the rest. Technically, the image gives little trouble, leaving behind any sort of heavily crushed or unnaturally bright blacks, banding, or compression artifacts. Light noise is visible from time to time, particularly evident in darker shots. This is a strong transfer all-around from Sony.

The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Raid 2 features two lossless options, the original Indonesian track and the dubbed English presentation, both of which are of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 variety. The disc defaults to the English presentation. That track delivers a hearty listen, one that effortlessly immerses the audience into the sonically varied world with ease. The film begins with a distant overhead countryside shot in which blowing wind, rustling grass, and insects create a welcoming din that will play in stark contrast to the violence to follow for the film's remainder. The picture wraps its audience into every action scene, sending punishing blows, powerful gunshots, and a seemingly endless string of flesh-tearing gooey effects pouring into the stage. Car chases are equally intense, with crunching metal and high-speed roadway effects spilling into the listing area with incredible transparency. The presentation is aggressive but not overwhelming, creating a sonic playroom that perfectly supports every Action scene. Music is healthy and full, dominated by the deep beats heard inside a club in chapter nine. The English dialogue feels like it's sometimes on top of the track rather than firmly within it, but the native tongue track is rich and seamless in placement and delivery. It, too, produces all of the action in perfect working order. Best to listen to the original, anyway, with the included English subtitles turned on, but audiences averse to such practices should find comfort in the amazing sounds found in the English offering.

The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Raid 2 contains several quality supplements and an excellent commentary track.

• Audio Commentary: Director Gareth Evans delivers a detailed, thorough track, getting into the sort of insights fans want to hear, from scouting locations and making the most of a unique setting to more generalized plot intricacies. The track follows a nice ebb and flow with the film, opening with a discussion of the film's pace -- and how it differs from the original -- and getting into matters of casting, characterization, editing, fight choreography and structure, plot structure and character motivations, and much more. This is a well-spoken track, one that's fast but nicely paced. It makes for a fantastic accompaniment to the film. With optional English subtitles.
• Gang War Deleted Scene (1080p, 4:37).
• The Next Chapter: Shooting a Sequel (1080p, 10:47): An overview piece that looks at the bridge between the first and second films, this film's plot details and characters, its larger arc, fight scenes and their dramatic contexts, casting, fight choreography, and making the car chase. With optional English subtitles.
• Ready for a Fight: On Location (1080p, 12:59): A closer look at some of the specialty shooting locations, tips and tricks for shooting within them, camerawork, scoring, and more. With optional English subtitles.
• The Cinefamily Q&A with Gareth Evans, Iko Uwais & Joe Trapanese (1080p, 44:09): Hadrian Belove, Executive Director of The Cinefamily, hosts the filmmakers for a detailed discussion session, ranging from film origins to character details. With optional English subtitles.
• Violent Ballet: Behind the Choreography (1080p, 19:03): A brief overview of the production history followed by a detailed examination of the film's fight choreography and shooting it. With optional English subtitles.
• Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 1:36).
• Previews (1080p): Additional Sony titles.
• UV Digital Copy.

The Raid 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Raid 2 is bigger and longer, but not necessarily better, than the original. It's a fine film, featuring flawless Action execution and delivering some detailed, but not really hefty, dramatic and character currents amongst the bloodshed. Fans of the original will probably be pleased, even considering this film's overall larger structure. The action is just as, if not more so, intense, and the film sufficiently pushes its protagonist further along in his career. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Raid 2 delivers high end video and audio. The package includes a nice assortment of extra goodies. This is not for the weak-hearted but it definitely comes recommended to fans of the first and aficionados of bloody film action.