V/H/S/2 Blu-ray Review

Evaluating the video quality of the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "V/H/S/2" presents unique challenges due to its intrinsic nature as a found-footage film, compounded by the anthology format that incorporates variable filming equipment and techniques. The intentional avoidance of the genre-typical shaky camera effect, as seen in segments like Safe Haven and Phase I Clinical Trials, is noteworthy. Directors have innovatively employed steadier visuals through the use of button cams and studied camera movements, while also occasionally grounding the viewers' perspective with static shots, thereby enhancing the viewing experience without departing from the authenticity of found footage. This approach not only mitigates viewer discomfort but also aligns with the creative ambition to diversify visual storytelling within the constraints of the genre.

The technical execution of the Blu-ray transfer deserves commendation for maintaining a delicate balance between the gritty, raw aesthetic crucial to the genre and delivering a visually coherent experience that surpasses traditional VHS quality. Despite deliberate degradation for artistic effect, the presentation achieves surprising moments of clarity and vivid color bursts amidst generally subdued tones, which effectively highlight the narrative's more intense scenes without betraying the film's found footage ethos. Though inherent limitations like clotted blacks and fluctuating contrast are present, they contribute to the film's damaged aesthetic rather than detracting from the visual fidelity. The presence of grain in low-light conditions further authenticates the found-footage experience, seamlessly blending with intentional artifacts to preserve the film's immersive quality.

Noticeable efforts to minimize unnecessary shakiness and stabilize the footage contribute significantly to a more palatable viewing experience, addressing one of the common critiques of the found-footage style head-on. Directors' choices in camera placement and operation—opting for hidden cameras or stationary shots for a steadier perspective—successfully mitigate viewer disorientation without sacrificing the visceral immediacy central to "V/H/S/2." This considered approach to filming results in a video presentation where even intentional flaws like soft details, muted colors, and variable contrast become integral to the storytelling, enhancing rather than diminishing the overall impact. The Blu-ray's ability to deliver a technically proficient yet authentically flawed visual narrative speaks to the meticulous care involved in transferring such a complex and varied film onto a high-definition format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "V/H/S/2" showcases a remarkable lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix that deviates considerably from the expected auditory fidelity of vintage VHS tapes, delivering an experience far removed from the inherent limitations of the format's characteristic sound. This audio presentation thrives on clarity and an expansive dynamic range, effortlessly moving from subtle environmental noises to aggressive soundscapes without succumbing to distortion. Particularly impressive are the detailed ambient sounds that create an immersive backdrop, ranging from the ethereal whispers and creaks in Kyle's house in Tape 49 to the overwhelming onslaught in Slumber Party Alien Abduction, where the audio assault is crafted to evoke a physical response, enveloping the viewer in a multi-directional sonic wave intended to disorient and captivate.

The mix prides itself on its immaculate rendering of dialogue, ensuring every spoken word is discernible amidst the cacophony of shrieks, explosions, and the reverberations of supernatural activity. The meticulous sound design extends to the visceral intensity of action sequences, with gunshots, tormented screams, and the chaos of confrontation rendered with startling clarity and depth. The LFE channel is judiciously employed, adding a layer of ominous depth to the soundtrack without overwhelming the intricate sound effects that define the film's auditory palette. The sparing use of original music by Lovelock and Natur complements the film's tone perfectly, supporting rather than dominating, the meticulously crafted atmospheric sound effects that stand as the track's hallmark.

In an era where digital clarity often supersedes creative ambition, "V/H/S/2" manages to marry both, presenting an audio experience that not only defies expectations based on its visual aesthetic but stands as a testament to the potential of modern sound engineering. The absence of analog imperfections such as pops and hisses underscores a deliberate choice to prioritize immersion over nostalgic accuracy, creating a soundscape where every element, from the palpable tension of silence to the bombastic eruptions of horror, is engineered to elevate the viewing experience far beyond the confines of traditional horror audio design.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "V/H/S/2" provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the making of this horror anthology, combining professional insight with a touch of personal anecdotes. The Filmmakers' Commentary is particularly noteworthy for its blend of technical talk and thematic exploration, supplemented by an amusing glimpse into a "drunken commentary" by Simon Barrett and Adam Wingard. Each segment's creative process is dissected in brief featurettes, from the conceptual origins in "Dissecting Phase I Clinical Trials" and "Tape 49 Rewind" to the unique filming challenges seen in "Slumber Party Alien Abduction: Behind the Lights." Additionally, "Inside Safe Haven" offers an overview of one of the movie's most talked-about segments, while "A Ride in the Park: I Dare You" showcases a lighter moment during production. The package is rounded off with a promotional piece in "AXS TV: A Look at V/H/S/2", engaging photo galleries, a dual trailer presentation, various trailers from Magnolia Home Entertainment, and a mention of BD-Live features, although the latter seems to be pending updates.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmakers' Commentary: Insightful discussion across all segments with a focus on technical and thematic elements.
• Tape 49 Rewind: A concise exploration with Simon Barrett.
• Dissecting Phase I Clinical Trials: Adam Wingard discusses his dual role.
• Inside Safe Haven: Directors discuss their distinctive segment.
• Slumber Party Alien Abduction: Behind the Lights: Onset footage revealing the challenges faced during production.
• A Ride in the Park: I Dare You: A humorous dare between directors.
• AXS TV: A Look at V/H/S/2: A film promo featuring director interviews.
• Behind the Scenes Photo Galleries: A collection of various behind-the-scenes snapshots.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes both red and green band trailers.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Additional trailers for other films and a promo.

"V/H/S/2," helmed by a talented roster of directors including Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett, alongside newcomers Greg Hale, Eduardo Sánchez, Timo Tjahjanto, and Gareth Huw Evans, showcases a notable evolution from its predecessor, delivering a leaner, more engrossing experience. The sequel trims the fat by reducing the number of segments to four, enhancing the pacing and narrative cohesion across its shorter runtime. The result is a thrilling ride that offers less opportunity for scrutinizing logical or narrative missteps, focusing instead on delivering a rapid-fire sequence of scares and gore. The framing story, “Tape 49,” effectively sets the stage, introducing viewers to a murky underworld of lost tapes that harbor dark secrets, through the eyes of a morally ambiguous detective duo.

Among the anthology’s offerings, “Phase I Clinical Trials” and “A Ride in the Park” stand out for their innovative perspectives on classic horror tropes—the former through a technically eerie vision of ghostly encounters enabled by an eye implant, and the latter by presenting a zombie outbreak from the zombie’s view. However, it’s “Safe Haven,” crafted by Tjahjanto and Evans, that steals the show. This segment, brimming with cultic horrors escalating into apocalyptic chaos, pushes boundaries with its unflinching depiction of gore and terror, setting a benchmark for anthology horror. Although the concluding segment, “Slumber Party Alien Abduction,” directed by Jason Eisener, follows familiar extraterrestrial motifs, it lacks the earlier segments’ originality and impact.

“V/H/S/2” not only rectifies the pacing and narrative issues found in its precursor but also reveals a more ambitious scope and better-executed horror vignettes. By embracing both the gruesome and the eerie, alongside moments of unexpected humor, the sequel commendably stands out in the found footage and anthology horror genres. The film succinctly captures the essence of terror through a contemporary lens, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating further installments.

Approaching "V/H/S/2" with the cautious curiosity previously expressed towards its predecessor, it's gratifying to report that this installment rejuvenates the found footage format with a creative zeal that iterates upon and enhances the series. Particularly commendable are the segments "Safe Haven" and "A Ride in the Park," alongside the "Tape 49" framing device and "Phase I Clinical Trials," which collectively underscore the vibrant potential and versatility of this franchise. The anthology navigates through its narrative with improved fluidity and a heightened capacity to unsettle, juxtaposing ingeniously conceived tales like "Slumber Party Alien Abduction" with the more orthodox horror fodder. This blend of inventiveness and fear-factoring propels "V/H/S/2" into a realm that feels both refreshingly novel and intimately familiar to aficionados of the genre.

On a technical note, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "V/H/S/2" delivers an exhilaratingly crisp visual experience, coupled with an audial depth that envelops the viewer into its eerie ambience, thereby elevating the overall consumption experience. Notwithstanding the somewhat scant extras, the package is rounded off in a manner that will undoubtedly appease both purists and casual fans looking for a preternatural fix, especially around Halloween. It’s a testament to the anthology's fidelity to both its roots and its commitment to pushing boundaries.

In closing, "V/H/S/2" stands as a paragon of how to invigorate the found footage genre—demonstrating that when nurtured with innovation and a bold willingness to explore uncharted territories, it can yield works that are as chilling as they are captivating. For those still questioning the vitality of this format, this sequel not only answers but resoundingly affirms its enduring appeal and relevance. Whether one opts for the Blu-ray, Blu-ray + DVD, or the more novel Blu-ray + DVD + VHS combination, "V/H/S/2" is unreservedly recommended for those willing to plunge back into its dark, unnerving waters.