Blade II

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "Blade II" on Blu Ray may not match the pristine quality of its predecessor, but this does not detract significantly from the viewing experience. It's essential to acknowledge that the visual shortcomings, such as noticeable edge halos, crushed blacks, and intrusive noise, do not stem from a lapse in encoding efforts but rather from the deliberate artistic choices made by director Guillermo del Toro and cinematographer Gabriel Beristain. Their aim was to mimic the aesthetic of a dark, ink-heavy comic book, employing a color palette dominated by deep blues, striking yellows, and consuming shadows. While these decisions result in a film that is overall softer and grainier, they are in service of a distinct visual style that is both intentional and thematic. Minor issues like occasional print blemishes and inconsistent detail do exist but are not pervasive enough to mar the overall presentation, which remains free from significant artifacting, banding, or other compression errors.

Critics and fans may be quick to point out the disparity in visual fidelity when compared to the first "Blade" film, citing an imperfect transfer and potential overuse of digital noise reduction (DNR). However, such criticisms often overlook del Toro's specific vision for "Blade II", which was never meant to conform to the clean, sharp look of many other action films. The darker, more textured approach aligns with the director's intention to craft a film that feels like it has leapt from the pages of a gritty comic book, with every scene designed to evoke this unique atmosphere. Although some may find fault with its softness and diminished detail in darker scenes, these elements contribute to the film's desired aesthetic without significantly impairing the viewer's ability to enjoy the movie. In summary, while the video quality of "Blade II" on Blu Ray may present certain challenges, it ultimately succeeds in delivering del Toro's vision, offering a presentation that is pleasing and stylistically faithful, if not outright exceptional.

Blade II slices through the silence with its robust DTS-HD Master Audio surround soundtracks, delivering an audio experience that's as ferociously engaging as its plot. The dialogue, imbued with a gritty and visceral quality, captures the tension and rivalry with clear distinction, ensuring that each character, from Wesley Snipes' Blade to Ron Perlman's formidable antagonist, not only occupies their own acoustic space but thrives within it. The meticulous mix doesn't shy away from emphasizing the varying textures of voices, from the sinister whispers of ancient vampires to the commanding shouts of the Blood Pack warriors, all while maintaining an exemplary clarity that elevates the narrative's intensity.

The atmospheric detail recreated in the film's numerous settings is nothing short of immersive. Utilizing the full potential of the rear speakers, the audio design crafts an expansive sonic world, from the eerie vastness of sewer scenes to the chilling ambiance of vampire lairs and the kinetic energy of night club battles. The directional effects are noteworthy for their accuracy and seamless integration, providing a smooth transition between scenes and enhancing the overall envelopment. The soundstage is broad and dynamic, with even the subtlest sounds receiving due consideration, ensuring the audio experience is as comprehensive as it is enveloping.

Moreover, the low-frequency effects channel delivers a visceral impact that perfectly complements the on-screen action, lending weight to every explosion, punch, and blade clash—the soundtrack, a mix of hip hop and electronica, benefits significantly from this depth, adding a rhythmic intensity to Blade's battles. Despite its age, "Blade II" demonstrates through its exceptional audio presentation that quality does not diminish over time, cementing its status as a standout example of effective and compelling sound design in the action/horror genre.

The "Blade II" Blu-ray extras offer an immersive, comprehensive examination of the film's production, appealing particularly to those captivated by Guillermo del Toro's unique directorial vision. With three insightful audio commentaries, including del Toro’s solo track and collaborations with Peter Frankfurt and Wesley Snipes, viewers are treated to a wealth of knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories. The Director’s Notebook provides an interactive exploration of sketches and production designs, further enriched by featurettes focusing on various technical aspects of filmmaking. Meanwhile, "The Blood Pact" documentary and a collection of deleted scenes with optional directorial commentary reveal the meticulous care in crafting the Blade sequel. This release stands out for its depth of content, offering everything from unfilmed script pages to visual effects featurettes, making it a must-have for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Solo track with Guillermo del Toro, plus collaborations with producer Peter Frankfurt and the duo of writer David S. Goyer & actor/producer Wesley Snipes.
• Director's Notebook (HD): An interactive production journal with original sketches and featurettes hosted by del Toro.
• Blade II: Blood Brothers (HD): A reflection on del Toro's involvement in the film with writer David S. Goyer.
• The Blood Pact (SD): An extensive behind-the-scenes documentary split into eight segments.
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Optional Commentary (SD): Sixteen scenes offering additional insights with optional directorial commentary.
• Unfilmed Script Pages (SD): Revealing pages from the original shooting scripts of cut scenes.
• Sequence Breakdowns (SD): A detailed examination of six select scenes presented in multiple formats, from script to final film.
• Visual Effects (SD): Features three quick-hit featurettes diving into the effects marvels of the film.
• Comic Book Origins (SD): del Toro discusses the connection between the film and its comic origins.
• The Vampire Mystique (SD): Explores vampirism as a multifaceted symbol.
• Blood Bath (SD): A quirky look at the challenges of maintaining a blood pool.
• Alternate Sunrise Music (SD): Presents an alternate musical take on a key scene.
• Music Video (SD): Features "Child of the Wild West" with Cyprus Hill and Roni Wise.
• Trailers (SD): Includes both teaser and theatrical trailers of "Blade II".
• Art Galleries (SD): A collection that includes an Art Gallery, Storyboards Gallery, Script Supervisor Notebook, and Percussion Instrument Stills.

Blade II takes the foundation laid by its predecessor and elevates it to an unprecedented level of depth and excitement, distinguishing itself as a sequel that not only matches but surpasses the original. Director Guillermo del Toro dives deep into the dark, blood-soaked corridors of the vampire world, presenting a narrative enriched with complex characters, a compelling plot, and a new, terrifying threat: the Reapers. This new breed of vampires, immune to almost everything except sunlight, introduces a fresh dynamic to the Blade universe, forcing Blade (Wesley Snipes) and his eclectic team of allies to adopt new strategies and weapons. The inclusion of the Blood Pack, a group initially trained to kill Blade, alongside returning characters like Whistler (Kris Kristofferson) and new faces such as Scud (Norman Reedus) and vampire princess Nyssa (Leonor Varela), adds layers to the story, both in terms of character development and plot intricacies.

Del Toro's visual storytelling is nothing short of mesmerizing. Drawing inspiration from Mike Mignola's art, he crafts vampires that are as visually diverse as they are horrifying. The creature design—from Nomak's Lovecraftian visage to Damaskinos's Nosferatu-like appearance—showcases del Toro's signature style and attention to detail. This sequel explores new territories with its action sequences, pushing the envelope with gravity-defying leaps, meticulously choreographed fights, and innovative digital effects that, despite showing signs of aging, still impress. The film further distinguishes itself with its richer action sequences and more coherent storyline, supported by David S. Goyer's sharp screenplay, which delivers a faster-paced, bloodier, and more intense experience than its precursor.

While Blade II shines as a remarkable example of how sequels can outdo their originals, it is not without its flaws. Predictable plot twists and minor inconsistencies slightly mar its otherwise polished narrative. However, these are easily overshadowed by the film's many strengths, including stellar performances from the cast—particularly Snipes, Perlman, and Goss—the latter of whom brings a memorably fiendish energy to the screen. Ultimately, Blade II stands as a testament to the potential of comic book movies to evolve and surprise, setting a high bar for future entries in the genre with its unique blend of action and horror.

Blade II" emerges on Blu-ray as a formidable sequel that not only surpasses its predecessor but firmly establishes itself as an exemplary blend of action, horror, and comic book cinema. Under the guidance of Guillermo del Toro, the film elevates every aspect of its making - from the nuanced performances and tighter script to the visually stunning fight sequences, thrilling action, and chilling creature designs. Del Toro's craftsmanship brings his trademark blend of eerie storytelling and unique creatures to the forefront, making "Blade II" a memorable cinematic experience. The Blu-ray release by Warner matches the film's ambitious vision with a primarily impressive technical presentation. Despite some minor issues with video transfer, the release shines with its robust DTS-HD Master Audio tracks that enhance the viewing experience, immersing the audience in the movie’s dark and gripping world.

The Blu-ray edition is further enriched by an extensive collection of special features. It boasts three insightful audio commentaries and two HD special features produced specifically for this release, alongside a wealth of supplemental content from previous editions. This array of extra material not only deepens the appreciation for "Blade II" but also offers fans and new viewers alike a comprehensive look into the production's creative process and the challenges overcome by del Toro and his team. For aficionados of the Blade series or Guillermo del Toro's work, this release warrants immediate inclusion in their collections.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Blade II" is a testament to the enduring appeal of the film and its impact on the action-horror genre. With its enhanced audio-visual quality and generous special features, it provides not just an exceptional home viewing experience but also a deep dive into the filmmaking process behind this iconic sequel. Despite minor drawbacks in video quality, it stands as a must-own for enthusiasts, promising hours of entertainment and insight into the unique vision of one of cinema's most inventive directors.