The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
88
Studio and Year: Warner - 2011
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 102 minutes
Genre: Comedy
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, English/Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor, Jamie Chung, Ken Jeoung, Paul Giamatti, Mason Lee
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Music by: Christophe Beck
Written by: Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong, Todd Phillps
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: December 6, 2011
"The Wolfpack is back"
Film Synopsis:
Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifi anakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What could go wrong? Director Todd Phillips' explosively funny follow-up to his award-winning smash hit demonstrates that though what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, what happens in Bangkok can hardly be imagined!
My Take:
In The hangover part II Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug travel to exotic Thailand for StuÂ's wedding. With the memory of DougÂ's nearly disastrous bachelor party in Las Vegas still fresh, Stu is taking no chances. He has opted for a safe, subdued, and alcohol free pre-wedding trip brunch at iHop. Of course things donÂ't go as planned. Two nights before the big day, at a gorgeous Thailand resort, Stu relents. One beer each, in sealed bottles, what could go wrong? Yeah right, the boys awaken the next morning in a sleazy Bangkok hotel with no memory of how they got there. Extremely hung over, they are startled to find that StuÂ's future brother-in-law is missing. A severed finger, a tattoo, a strip club, a drug lord and a monkey are the keys to the mystery. The question is HOW did this happen AGAIN?!
I really like The hangover but was skeptical when I learned that a sequel was being released. I donÂ't know of one person who saw it that liked it so I passed on catching it in the theater. The hangover part II simply takes the premise from the first film, copy/pastes it, and ups the raunch factor. The script lacks freshness and the situational gags, while occasionally funny, are contrived. I still found the interaction among the principle characters to be entertaining although AlanÂ's obtuse musings are overplayed. As for the remaining cache of characters, Ken JeoungÂ's ÂChow is downright annoying, Mason LeeÂ's ÂTeddy is wooden, Jamie ChungÂ's ÂLauren is way to hot for Stu and the cameoÂ's by Paul Giamatti/Mike Tyson are pointless/embarrassing. Many have claimed that if you liked the original than youÂ'll like this film because they are essentially the same. I disagree. This banal effort lacks the formerÂ's funny bone tickling dialogue, fresh, situational hilarity and mystery machine style comedy. I didnÂ't much care for the disturbingly graphic scene involving StuÂ's newest conquest ÂKimmy either. In the end the occasional laughs were overshadowed by an overt feeling of déjÃ* vu that left me indifferent and a little bored. The hangover part II is a subpar sequel that fails to replicate the entertaining, bro flick fun of the original.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent content.
AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Audio: 86
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 90
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
The hangover part II comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 20 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.6 Mbps.
High definition detail is notable as images are firmly resolved, with defining sharpness and two dimensional depth. Colors are beautifully rendered with revealing delineation tonal warmth and vibrant textures. This is especially apparent during the sequences shot in the various Las Vegas venues featured in the film. Fleshtones appear descriptive with discernible complexional variety that brings out the finest gradations in the differing complexional types among the cast. Blacks are a solid shade of deep black with excellent dynamic range and discernible highlights. Contrast is well balanced which enriches both light and dark onscreen elements.
The lossless soundtrack doesnÂ't consistently engage the entire surround platform however it has moments where it energizes the room and reproduces the source elements with aplomb. Dialogue has definitive presence with refined vocal character and excellent room penetration. Dynamic range is very good which lends subtle distinction to low level sounds and gravity to broader ones. A large portion of the film has little need for this as dialogue, atmospheric ambience and musical enhancement is conveyed with little fanfare. However there are several sequences that engage the entire system to briefly produce entertaining and room filling sound that is measurable. This soundtrack isnÂ't demonstration worthy but for a comedy it readily delivers a satisfying listening experience that didnÂ't leave me disappointed.
Bonus Features:
- (HD) Unauthorized documentary Â- 25 minute ÂmockumentaryÂ
- (HD) Behind the story:
-
- The comedy rhythm of Todd Phillips Â- 7 minutes
- Not your everyday monkey Â- 2 minutes
- Bangkok tour with ÂChow Â- 3 minutes
- (HD) Gag reel Â- 5 minutes
- (HD) Action mash-up Â- 46 seconds
- BD-Live enabled
- Bonus DVD of Hangover part II
- Ultraviolet Digital Copy
Final Thoughts:
As a fan of the original film I was sorely disappointed in The hangover part II. The returning cast members do their best but its rehashed script and lackluster direction result in a subpar comedy that fails to replicate the entertaining, bro flick fun of the original. On a positive note it comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Home video with a great looking high definition video transfer and excellent lossless sound quality. The bonus features do little to enhance the experience but are worth a look if you enjoyed the film. I didnÂ't care for Hangover part II but if you liked the first film you may want to give this a rent and see for yourself.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
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JVC DLA-RS50 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
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Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-93 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
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