The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2," masterfully lensed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Don Burgess, is presented on Blu-ray with a crisp, 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that skillfully navigates the shadowy depths and nuanced details of its haunted narrative. The video quality shines through the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, balancing striking clarity and detail amidst the intentionally murky and obscured visuals that director James Wan and Burgess concocted to amplify the film's chilling atmosphere. Every frame is crafted to accentuate the eerie, desaturated tones of the English setting, contrasting the warmth of the American scenes, while also playing with a meticulously muted color palette that beautifully complements the film's somber aesthetic. The presentation adeptly handles the diverse lighting schemes, ensuring that the deep blacks and shadowy contours contribute to the suspense without sacrificing visibility.

Textures, from the intricate patterns of the Hodgson household's interiors to the worn fabric of period-appropriate clothing, are rendered with exceptional precision. The contrast is spot-on, maintaining crisp, clean whites and allowing details in darker scenes to remain discernible, skillfully avoiding any potential loss of detail even in its most shadow-laden moments. While the film's digital photography introduces minor posterization, this does not detract from an otherwise immaculate transfer that exhibits no noise or aliasing artifacts. The color reproduction stands out, with a few strong primaries breaking through the film’s restrained palette to inject vibrancy amidst the predominantly earthy tones.

Overall, Warner Bros.' Blu-ray edition upholds a high bitrate of 22.54 Mbps, ensuring optimal video quality and leaving ample space on the disc unfilled. This conscientious encoding preserves the hauntingly beautiful and carefully composed imagery of "The Conjuring 2," faithfully translating Burgess's and Wan’s vision onto home screens. Detail levels are astoundingly consistent, bolting the film's atmospheric tension to its visual presentation, making it a quintessential example of how horror cinematography can be as intricately detailed as it is atmospherically compelling.

The Conjuring 2" elevates its Blu-ray presence with an engrossingly precise Dolby Atmos audio track, which, even in its Dolby TrueHD 7.1 form, manages to encapsulate the viewer in an atmosphere thick with tension and terror. This audio masterpiece prioritizes clarity in dialogue, especially from the leading characters, ensuring every word is heard amidst the haunting backdrop. The possessed vocalizations receive a particularly ingenious treatment, acquiring a disconcerting 'thrown voice' effect that adds to the ethereal aura enveloping the viewer. Ambient sounds, including the sinister creaks and whispers of the Hodgson house, are meticulously placed across the soundscape, immersing the audience in a cocoon of suspense. Special notes of excellence are attributed to the LFE channel, which introduces a palpable sense of dread with its subtle yet spine-tingling presence.

The soundscape's architecture is further enhanced by discreet effects and ambient noises that maintain a constant air of unease. Audio cues like the rattling of curtain rings or the foreboding drip of water are rendered with striking clarity, illustrating the track's meticulous attention to detail. Occasional bursts of chaos such as crashing thunder and shattering glass are delivered with a precise dynamic range that keeps the listening experience both engaging and terrifying. The sound engineers have skillfully utilized the Atmos configuration to not only create a compelling 360° sound field but also to add a dimension of overhead dread that complements the film’s visuals impeccably.

Composer Joseph Bishara’s chilling score threads throughout, employing the expansive front soundstage and bleeding seamlessly into surroundings and height channels, thus enveloping listeners in a fully immersive experience. The low-end frequencies are robust and articulate, delivering each scare with an impactful resonance capable of testing even the most capable subwoofers. In quieter moments, the atmospheric sounds, such as rain or distant thunder, are placed with such precision as to give an almost tangible presence. Amidst this audial tapestry, dialogue remains crystal-clear, ensuring that no whispered threat or scream goes unnoticed. This expertly crafted audio experience not only pays homage to classic horror but sets a new benchmark for how sound can enhance the horror genre in an audiophile’s home theater setup.

Warner's Blu-ray release of "The Conjuring 2" enriches the viewing experience with a comprehensive array of extra features that gives fans an in-depth look into the movie's creation and the true story that inspired it. The supplementary material is a blend of documentary-style featurettes and practical insights into the film's production, including genuine interviews with the Hodgson sisters, who share chilling details of the Enfield haunting, and explorations into the creative process behind the film's memorable antagonist, The Crooked Man. Paranormal enthusiasts will be intrigued by the investigation into Stage 4's rumored hauntings, adding a layer of meta-textual eeriness to the film. The inclusion of deleted scenes provides additional context to the Hodgson family's ordeal, and composer Joseph Bishara’s insights on crafting the score adds to the atmosphere. The extras package is a compelling combination of factual recounts, behind-the-scenes looks, and artistic exploration, making it essential viewing for fans of the film and paranormal storytelling.

Extras included in this disc:

Crafting The Conjuring 2: A comprehensive behind the scenes look featuring interviews with cast and crew.

The Enfield Poltergeist: Living The Horror: Interviews with the real Hodgson sisters and insights into the true story behind the film.

Creating Crooked: Insight into the design and creation of The Crooked Man character.

The Conjuring 2: Hollywood’s Haunted Stage: Paranormal investigation into the supposedly haunted stage where the movie was filmed.

The Sounds Of Scary: Discussion with composer Joseph Bishara on creating the film’s score.

Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes providing more context to the story.

Digital HD Copy: A digital copy of the film for on-the-go viewing.

The Conjuring 2," directed by James Wan, returns to the haunting atmosphere of the 70s, following its successful predecessor with an exploration into another case from the files of famed paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. In this installment, the couple travels to north London, drawn into the distressing situation of the Hodgson family, plagued by an intense and malevolent paranormal presence. Despite the high expectations set by the original film, "The Conjuring 2" navigates through familiar territories with a storyline that intricately blends skepticism with supernatural horror, aiming to elevate the tension and stakes even higher than before.

The sequel ambitiously attempts to surpass its precursor's frights, expanding on the technical front with remarkable cinematography by Don Burgess and an unsettling score by Joseph Bishara that skillfully enhances the movie's eerie ambiance. Stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles with compelling performances that anchor the narrative's emotional depth amidst the sinister occurrences. However, the film grapples with maintaining a consistent pace. Its running time is bloated by an attempt to juggle multiple narrative threads - from the Warrens' personal turmoil to the exhaustive scrutiny of the Enfield haunting - which, while rich in potential, occasionally results in a disjointed viewing experience.

Despite these criticisms, "The Conjuring 2" stands as a visually captivating and proficiently executed horror film. James Wan's direction is notably agile, maneuvering through a densely packed plot with a camera work that adds a character of its own to the eerie tale. While some may find the sequel's ambition and expansion into more overtly dramatic territory a departure from the chilling subtlety of its first outing, it undoubtedly retains its place as a compelling piece within the horror genre, proving that Wan's mastery in storytelling and visual suspense remains undiminished. This installment may not fully replicate the novel impact of "The Conjuring," but it solidifies the franchise's reputation for delivering quality horror, further distinguished by its dedication to developing its central characters' emotional journey alongside their terrifying encounters.

The Conjuring 2" Blu-ray presentation diligently carries forward the legacy of its precursor, albeit with a nuanced decline in unconventional scares, offering fans and newcomers alike a concoction of terror and storytelling finesse that James Wan is known for. Despite its tendency towards familiar frights amplified in scale, the sequel sporadically recaptures the eerie essence of its origin through moments of calm dread. The technical prowess of Warner's Region Free UK Blu-ray release is beyond reproach, delivering an excellent video quality complemented by an immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack, reinforcing the atmospheric depth crucial for horror. The inclusion of a robust selection of extras further enriches the viewer's experience, presenting behind-the-scenes insights and documentary features that aficionados will find invaluable.

While the film might tread into the excesses typical of sequels, veering towards routine scares over concentrated horror, it nonetheless manages a commendable portrayal of supernatural torment with commendable audiovisual finesse. For viewers less versed in the horror genre's archetypes, "The Conjuring 2" offers a fresh perspective. The high-definition video and reference-quality lossless surround sound amplify the chilling spectacles, supported by a Dolby Atmos mix that elevates the home viewing experience to palpable fear. Although the extended runtime slightly dilutes its impact, the Blu-ray edition does not skimp on quality, making it a recommended acquisition for both franchise enthusiasts and those seeking a genuinely spooky engagement.

In conclusion, "The Conjuring 2" Blu-ray is a solid offering that adeptly blends technical excellence with narrative ambition. Despite some missteps in pacing and originality, it stands out as a potent mix of period horror charm and modern cinematic craftsmanship. For those drawn to the allure of well-crafted frights and rich audiovisual presentations, this sequel, alongside its commendable array of supplementary content, warrants a place in the collection. It encapsulates an engaging, if not entirely groundbreaking, continuation of the Warrens' paranormal investigations with enough flair to keep viewers enthralled and, importantly, frightened.