Review of Blade II

Introduction

Wesley Snipes has been churning out action movies of variable quality for a good few years now, with several notable movies to his name, along with many that are bets forgotten - he has never quite managed the consistency required to get onto the "A-list". The vampire action movie "Blade" was a massive hit, and once again pushed Wesley Snipes into the limelight. The success of the movie meant that a sequel was inevitable, and "Blade II" arrived in cinemas earlier this year.

"Blade II" is set two years after the first movie and sees Blade still on the trail of vampires, however he has a new foe - the Reapers - a breed of super vampire, impervious to stakes and silver bullets, very fast and very strong. Blade teams up with the Bloodpack, a team of vampires trained to kill him, to kill the reapers. But of course, all is not quite as it seems...

Video

The video is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and is of an excellent standard throughout the movie. Much of the film is set in the dark, with the sets swathed in blue and or red light, all of which is perfectly reproduced. The image is free from dirt and grain, and has plenty of contrast, delivering a crisp vibrant image.

Visually, Blade II is a feast from start to finish, from the excellent sets, to the make-up, to the death effects, to the superb fast paced fight sequences. The only visual let down is the all-to-obvious use of CGI for a couple of fight scenes which require high jumps. Other treats include the Alien-like mouth of the Reapers and an exceptional sword fight scene.

Audio

If the video is excellent, then the sound sets a new standard, it is breathtaking at times. The soundtrack comes in a choice of Dolby Digital 6.1 EX and DTS-ES 6.1 - and both make full use of the extra rear surround channel, but is was the DTS-ES 6.1 track that really blew me away.

The range and power of the DTS-ES 6.1 track is phenomenal from start to finish, with full use made of the format`s extra dynamic range to deliver an incredible powerful soundtrack. Effects fill the room, swirling behind you, banging loudly behind you, whilst elsewhere in the room something else is going on. One sequence in the film is set in a vampire nightclub, the sound inside is incredible, the bass is devastating. After they leave the main room, the thumping bass can still be heard as they move around the club.

The Dolby Digital 6.1 EX track is also excellent, delivering the same experience, but without that extra kick.

"Blade II" is my new reference disc as far as sound goes.

Features

So far we`ve had excellent video and reference quality sound. The extras continue the very high standard of the film. There are two audio commentary tracks, both offering interesting information about the film and an isolated score on disc one along with the movie.

Disc two include an interactive documentary that runs for 83 minutes and is very good indeed. Also on offer are numerous featurettes about the production and special effects etc.

There are also deleted and alternative scenes, with director`s commentary, which MUST be watched, the commentary is brilliant.

The extras are rounded off by music videos, trailers and a "Blade II" game survival guide.

The menus are well animated and easy to navigate.

The discs are packaged in an Amaray case with an integral holder for the second disc which also contains an insert detailing the 24 chapter breaks.

Conclusion

Overall, "Blade II" is an entertaining sequel, that continues the action and gore of the first movie, is fun from start to finish and is delivered on an excellent disc with superb video, sound and extras.

Overall, New Line have confirmed themselves as one of the premier DVD distributors with this disc, and hopefully others will strive to achieve this very high standard.

Recommended.