4K Digital Review of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

 

Ready or Not 2: Here I come is the sequel to the 2019 Ready or Not. Taking place several years after the event of the first movie, we once again find Grace (Samara Weaving). She has found out that the game of the first movie isn't over. Her surviving the night of the first movie has caused a new game to begin. The rest of the devil-worshiping families from around the world have sent members of their family to hunt down Grace. 

Hunting Grace is a pair of insane siblings named Ursula and Titus (Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shawn Hatosy). Grace's sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) has shown up at the wrong time and is forced into the game with her sister. Will the two sisters survive?

While there is a lot of familiarity to the sequel, it is still a lot of fun. The first movie took place within the confines of a mansion and this one is on the grounds of a casino resort. Sarah and Shawn do steal the movie in the scenes they are in. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. Unlike the first film that created a huge sense of claustrophobia, there is a lot more open space in this one and much of it takes place during the day. The bloody scenes are shown here in top-notch detail. The blood, the organs and body parts are all shown in extreme detail. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio track pulls no punches. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. The ambient sounds literally surround you. It is everything you wanted for a horror movie. 

Bonus Material:

• The Game Goes On: The Making of Ready of Not 2 - a 4-part behind-the-scenes featurette featuring filmmakers, talent, designs, and the practical effects 

1. Part 1: Written in Blood - The directors and cast discuss what sets the sequel apart from the first film, and how the team expanded the story in a meaningful way
2. Part 2: Casting the Chaos - A spotlight on the film's main cast and what they each brought to their roles
3. Part 3: Designing for Destruction - Dive deeper into the design and execution of the film's finale with a look at the set construction, practical effects and the bloody aftermath left behind
4. Part 4: Blood, Guts and Practical Mayhem - Explore how the film's explosive deaths and blood gags were created with this breakdown of the practical effects and innovations, highlighting how the team built and expanded upon the techniques from the first film  

• Rules of the game - learn the rules of this deadly game of Hide and Seek, from the contained family ritual to the expanded high-stakes hunt 
• Gag Reel
• Audio Commentary - Directors/Executive Producers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton
• Audio Commentary - Directors/Executive Producers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, executive producers/writers Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, producers James Vanderbilt and Tripp Vinson, and editor Jay Prychindny

Conclusion:

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is not quite as entertaining as the first one but it is still a wild ride. With solid video and audio plus a wealth of bonus material that is generally lacking on most releases, this is a welcomed addition to your horror library.

Ready of Not 2: Here I Come is now available on digital with a Blu-ray and DVD release on June 16th.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for this review but the review is strictly my own opinion*

4K Digital Review: The Testament of Ann Lee

 

In The Testament of Ann Lee, Amanda Seyfried plays Ann Lee, the founder of the devote religious sect known as the Shakers. We follow Ann Lee as she leads her followers from England to colonial America. In America, they hope to build a utopian society based on gender equality and communal faith. Through the use of reimagined Shaker hymns, we see the joy of Ann's vision as well as the costs. Her strength and faith are questioned in a world that is hesitant to believe what she is preaching.

Writer-director Mona Fastvold's approach is bold. The use of the Shaker hymns is less musical theater and more of prayers made to be seen. And Seyfried delivers a career-best performance. This is a film that wants to be felt, not just seen.  

Video:

The streaming 4K is beautiful. There is a natural graininess that brings the time period to life. The natural light in the daylight scenes and the candlelight scenes at night have exceptional clarity. There is a sense of real depth and texture.     

Audio:

The Dolby 5.1 audio mix is wonderful. It really captures the immersive level of the Shaker hymns. Dialogue is clear from the front channels. The surrounds do a great job with environmental effects as well as the score. 

Bonus Feature:

• The Testament of Ann Lee: A Special Look (21:40) - Join filmmakers and cast members - including director/co-writer Mona Fastvold and actor Amanda Seyfried - for a behind-the-scenes look at making this original film about compassion, empathy, community and one woman’s charismatic leadership in founding the Shaker movement. Learn details about the research, set design, cinematography, choreography, music and costume design that create the film’s spellbinding and extraordinary look and feel.

Conclusion:

The Testament of Ann Lee is a bold movie that feels less like a bio pic, and more of an experience. The streaming 4K video is exceptional as is the Dolby 5.1 audio. I do wish there was more than just one bonus feature. But this is a film that deserves a watch and another watch for good measure.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.* 

The Testament of Ann Lee is available on digital now.