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Scream 2 4K Steelbook Review

‘Scream 2’ is the best of the Scream sequels.

In 1997’s ‘Scream 2,’ director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson return with a meta sequel that finds Sidney now in college as a theater major. She has a roommate (Hallie), a new boyfriend (Derek) and her friend Randy is attending the same university. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to escape the past. Gale Weathers has turned her life story into a book titled “The Woodsboro Murders” which becomes a movie called “Stab.” Worse still, 2 people are murdered at a “Stab” screening which makes everyone wonder if Ghostface (or perhaps more than one) is back. Is the new killer a copycat? Are they out for revenge? All is revealed in the end.

In honor of its 25th anniversary (yes, it’s really been that long), ‘Scream 2’ gets a new 4K Steelbook release. For those wondering, 4K releases of ‘Scream 3’ and ‘Scream 4’ have not yet been announced, but it’s possible they will be announced next year to coincide with the sixth Scream film. Anyway, when it comes to Scream sequels, the second installment is still the best to date. Following up an already clever horror comedy that became an instant classic was no easy task, but ‘Scream 2’ cleverly plays on horror sequel tropes while furthering the story and developing the core cast of characters (especially Sidney, Gale and Dewey). One can argue its 2 hour runtime is a bit excessive (and the pacing is certainly odd), but there’s a lot to explore here with new characters, new killers, and a bigger role for Cotton Weary (whose inclusion is one of the best aspects of the story). Could the sequel have done without the cliched sorority angle, wasting Randy’s character, and the police car scene that seems to drive everyone nuts? Yes, but the movie’s blend of comedy (love that film class scene) and horror (the movie theater and sound booth scenes) works like chocolate and peanut butter. 

‘Scream 2’ also has arguably the best cast of the 5 films. Not only do you have returning cast members Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, and Jamie Kennedy, but you also have new faces (including some future stars) such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Timothy Olyphant, Rebecca Gayheart, David Warner, Jada Pinkett Smith, Omar Epps, Laurie Metcalf, Jerry O’Connell, Portia de Rossi and cameos by Luke Wilson, Heather Graham, Joshua Jackson, and Tori Spelling. Everyone nails their roles, but Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, Jerry O’Connell, and Timothy Olyphant make the biggest impression.

The soundtrack here is also top notch as it features a lot of 90’s band and artist favorites like Dave Matthews Band (“Help Myself” being one of the band’s best tunes), Master P, Everclear, Foo Fighters, Collective Soul, Eels, Nick Cave (of course) among others.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? Compared to the ‘Scream’ 4K, I wasn’t as bowled over by the transfer. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice upgrade, but it resembles a Blu-ray more than a 4K.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a satisfactory 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* Commentary by Wes Craven, producer Marianne Maddalena and editor Patrick Lussier (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* Deleted scenes with optional commentary by Wes Craven, Marianne Maddalena and Patrick Lussier.
* Outtakes
* Theatrical trailer and 11 TV spots.
* Lionsgate ads for other titles.
* Music videos for Master P’s “Scream” and Kottonmouth Kings “Suburban Life.”
* An archival behind-the-scenes featurette.

October 3, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Courtney Cox, Ghostface, Horror Movie, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Neve Campbell, Scream, Scream 2, Scream 2 4K Steelbook Review, Wes Craven