DVD Corner's blog

Don’t Breathe 2 4K UHD Review

“Don’t Breathe 2” is a truly baffling sequel.

Set after the events of the first film, “Don’t Breathe 2” finds Norman hiding out, but he’s not alone. He has taken in a young girl (Phoenix) and is raising her (like the daughter he lost), teaching her survival skills and sheltering him from the world. The past comes back to haunt both Norman and Phoenix, however, when their house becomes invaded by a gang led by Raylan who are looking for Phoenix for reasons later revealed. 

“Don’t Breathe” was an intense movie that turned the home invasion story on its head. In the sequel, the murderous rapist villain (Norman) becomes the lead. That’s already a red flag but it only gets worse when the character becomes a semi-sympathetic anti-hero trying to redeem himself. Writers Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues (who also directed the film) clearly wanted to mix things up here and I get that. Copying the formula of the first film wouldn’t have worked. With that said, the route taken here is not the way to go either. The entire concept of the sequel is wrong headed. It’s even more appalling given what the only seemingly innocent character here in Phoenix goes through in this movie. The more you think about the twists, the characters and the events in this movie, the more messed up and boneheaded it all is.

If you’re into the violence of these movies, you won’t be disappointed in that department. There’s plenty of brutal death scenes that are skillfully directed by Rodo Sayagues. 

Performance wise, the best part of the entire movie are the performances by Stephen Lang (Norman) and Madelyn Grace (Phoenix). Even with the lackluster material they have to work with, they are both convincing and dedicated to these very physically demanding roles. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The stylized direction shines on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Say what you will about the movie, but the audio here is effective in every way.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Sony trailers
* An English commentary by Rodo Sayagues and a Spanish commentary by Rodo Saygues, Fede Alvarez, and Pedro Luque.
* An extended ending.
* “Designing Deception”- A featurette on the style and filmmaking techniques of the sequel.
* “Bad Man (Slang Is Back)”- This extra is all about the character of Norman/Stephen Lang.
* “Friends And Filmmakers” revolves around the partnership and friendship of Rodo and Fede.

October 30, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Don't Breathe, Don't Breathe 2 4K Review, Don't Breathe 2 4K UHD Review, Horror Movie, Stephen Lang