Blu-ray Specs
Video: 50 GB Dual Layer Wide Screen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 HD Master audio / Spanish Stereo / French 5.1 Dolby Surround
This sequel was released only 3 years after the first installment; Predator 2 is set to take place 10 years from the last incident with this predatory alien. When the final product was set for release, it was given the first NC-17 rating in the US after being implemented due to the graphic violence and bloodshed, but was re-cut before it hit theaters in order to receive an R rating. Although Arnold Schwarzenegger was not in the film, the cast was full of big name talent just like the first one was. Danny Glover headlines this action packed movie, but I find the spotlight could go to Gary Busey just as well. Along with those two Ruben Blades, Maria Conchita Alonso, Bill Paxton and the Predator himself (Kevin Peter Hall) round out the cast.
It’s 1997 and L.A. is torn apart by drug cartels from Columbia and Jamaica dueling it out to be on top. Along with that tirade, pollution has changed the environment causing a heat wave in the L.A. area. Drawn by heat and violence, the Predator finds his next hunting ground. A police unit consisting of Lt. Mike Harrigan (Glover), Danny Archuleta (Blades), Leona Cantrell (Alonso) and new comer to the group Jerry Lambert (Paxton) are battling the local cartels to gain control of the streets. When a big gun battle is taken to new heights with the introduction of the Predator, the cops must now find out what’s going on. Lt. Harrigan makes it his mission to find the culprit of the recent butchering but things become even more outrageous as the government sends in Peter Keyes (Busey) to handle the situation. Tempers flare as friends and colleagues fall to the hands of the Predator and it becomes quite an ordeal to take him down.
This DVD is chocked full of extras which are mostly informative, but there are a few that lack substance. The making of was quite interesting as the technology of how the film was made shed light on how special effect were done in that time before the days of CGI. Also Director and writer Commentary were available but I find that to be rather self serving. Also a look into the weaponry of the Predator was interesting and there is so much more content.
Although the film was presented in 1080p, all of the extras were only available at the 480p rendering. The crispness of the film was hindered in spots by very noticeable failings in the quality of the picture, and I’m not talking about the intentional portions of news feed. Audio quality was very amazing for the surround sound experience as most good action flicks tend to have that and even better was the great balance between the action sequences and dialogue.
Danny Glover is a good actor in his own right, but I felt like seeing him as an action hero was a bit off putting. I do see him as the cop type, but not so good as to save us all from this type of threat. Gary Busey shines as he was just coming from his life altering motorcycle accident and puts forth a great performance as the bad guy with good intentions. I can’t say enough about Mr. Busey, but to the contrary, Bill Paxton is one of the best know worst actors. Now I’m not sure if that’s his gimmick and if it is, he has played it to the T, but I better think he tries his best, but there is a quality about him that I can’t stand, but also oddly I’m drawn to his lack of talent. Sometimes you just can’t do any better that the original, and this is no exception. This is okay in the realm of action flicks but unless you are the type to have to have a collection as the whole or you’re a technology nut or really liked this movie the first time, I’m not sure this is a worthy pick for Blu-ray.
Reviewed by Michael Albaugh
