Why So Blu?

Smile 2 (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

Parker Finn’s Smile was an unexpected hit back in 2022.  Two years later, Finn returns with Smile 2, hoping to once again terrify us with a delicious blend of scares and gore.  Does it hit the mark or does it shoot for the sky? Skye Riley that is… Read on and find out for yourself.  But don’t stare into the eyes of the creep you might find smiling at you in the corner, ok? It could be a horrible idea…

About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.

Film:

Having just watched Smile 2, I must say, it delivers on every front. This highly anticipated sequel offers a mesmerizing blend of horror, psychological drama, and emotional depth. Directed by a visionary maestro, the film expertly balances spine-chilling terror with a poignant narrative, creating an experience that is both thrilling and profoundly moving.

The story picks up with global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) just about to embark on a new world tour. However, her journey is fraught with increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. As the horrors escalate and the pressures of fame mount, Skye is compelled to confront her dark past in a bid to regain control of her life before it spirals into chaos. This gripping narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, weaving a complex tapestry of fear and redemption.

Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley is nothing short of brilliant. She brings a nuanced depth to the character, capturing Skye’s vulnerability, strength, and determination with astonishing authenticity. Scott’s performance is a tour de force, anchoring the film with her compelling presence and emotional resonance. The supporting cast also shines, delivering powerful performances that enhance the film’s immersive quality.

The direction in Smile 2 is masterful, with the director skillfully orchestrating each scene to maximize tension and impact. The use of lighting, sound, and camera angles creates an atmosphere of palpable dread, drawing me deeper into Skye’s harrowing experiences. The cinematography is equally impressive, with stunning visuals that juxtapose the glitz and glamour of Skye’s public persona with the darkness lurking beneath the surface.

The film’s music and sound design are integral to its success, heightening the sense of unease and amplifying the emotional stakes. The haunting score complements the on-screen action perfectly, while the sound effects add an extra layer of tension, making every moment feel immediate and real. The integration of Skye’s music career into the soundtrack is particularly effective, blending her pop hits with the film’s darker themes to create a unique and memorable auditory experience. And a side note: Give us a Skye Riley album NOW.

The script of Smile 2 is expertly crafted, with sharp dialogue and a well-paced plot that kept me engaged from start to finish. The character development is exceptional, allowing me to connect with Skye and her journey on a deeper level. The film’s exploration of themes such as fame, trauma, and redemption is both thoughtful and impactful, offering a multi-layered narrative that resonates long after the credits roll.

The special effects and makeup in Smile 2 are top-notch, creating realistic and terrifying visuals that enhance the horror elements of the film. The practical effects are particularly noteworthy, adding a tangible sense of realism to the supernatural occurrences. The makeup artistry is also impressive, with detailed and convincing transformations that bring the film’s monsters and apparitions to life. I am always watching for differences in the practical and the digital effects, and here most of the time, those moments appear seamless.

There you have it! Smile 2 is a must-watch masterpiece that excels in every aspect. From its gripping plot and stellar performances to its masterful direction and haunting soundtrack, the film delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a poignant and thrilling journey that will leave audiences both terrified and inspired. Whether you are a fan of horror or simply appreciate a well-crafted film, Smile 2 is not to be missed.

Video:

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 2160p

Aspect Ratio: 2.00:1

HDR: Dolby Vision

Layers: BD-100

Clarity/Details:  Smile 2 makes a big grinning debut in 4K UHD! Looking thoroughly modern and sharp as a tack, the film has all the makings of one of the first reference grade transfers on the format this year.  Details on costuming and faces as well as set pieces and exteriors leaves a lot for the eye to behold!

Depth: Camera movements appear effortless here, with a nice flow in moving shots.  Static shots are lensed with lots of focus and care as well, leaving nothing difficult to make out on screen.

Black Levels: Blacks come close to the edge of crush before saying “Nope, we’re all good…” as the transfer establishes it’s useful HDR grade in dark shadows as Smile 2 racks up victims in darkened spaces.

Color Reproduction: Moments taking place in concert rehearsals and hospitals and apartments all look generally gorgeous, with great lighting highlighting colors of all kinds which look natural and pleasing without looking overcooked.

Flesh Tones: Flesh tones are fabulous and only aided by a gifted practical and digital makeup department when it comes to the gorier details.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean

Audio:

Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, English Audio Description, Dutch, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin America), French, French Canadian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Thai (All Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin America), French, French Canadian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, German, Polish, Norwegian, Slovak, Finnish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish

Dynamics: Atmos tracks often remain hit or miss in their usage of height channels Where one track excels in using standard surrounds and LFE, it may leave something to be desired up top.  The same can happen if the height channels are the superstars of the mix – LFE may suffer.  In this case, Smile 2 can deliver the goods in all ways.  Surround activity up top and in earshot as well as punishing bass, panning effects and perfect dialogue… This is a winning Atmos mix!

Height: The height channels have a supernatural effect here. Using ambient sound to move around the listener, the height speakers can play games with the listener, giving us moments where we are likely to jump at just the right moment.  Some effects do move around with subtlety around the room and it’s an interesting experience.

Low-Frequency Extension: Pop music throbs and source cues dig deep as do moments of terror and a really gnarly car accident or two also. Bass delivers just as much as the other channels, but with the benefit of a possible body massage depending on your setup.

Surround Sound Presentation: Echoes, off camera sound effects, cavernous rooms and concert venues… Everything you want in surround sound comes to life within this track.  There is an unease delivered from these channels just from the listening.  Putting those sounds to match with the screen only solidifies the bond between the story and the sound.

Dialogue Reproduction: Dialogue is nice and clean for the duration of the film.

Extras:  

Extras for Smile 2 are nice overall.  Nothing supremely life-changing per se, but worth a look overall.  The process of the filmmaking and the desire to deliver a superior sequel are discussed.  We also get a commentary, deleted scenes, some scene breakdowns, effects are discussed and the character of Skye is detailed.

Smile 2 also comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray in a Steelbook edition, trading Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley for her dearly departed boyfriend… It’s a striking image and in my opinion the one to buy!

Special Features:

 

Commentary by Director Parker Finn—Take a peek behind the smile with commentary from writer/director Parker Finn as he goes through the gory details of this terrifying sequel.

Ear To Ear—Cast and filmmakers dive deep into the SMILE universe and discuss how they brought the director’s vision to life.

The Rise and Fall of Skye Riley—Naomi Scott brings you into the cursed life of popstar Skye Riley.

Behind The Music—Take an inside look at the music and choreography from the film.

A New Smile—SMILE veteran Kyle Gallner gives insight into his character’s gory return and filmmakers break down the film’s intense first moments.

Smiler: A New Monster—Bigger, bolder, and more insane! Take a behind-the-scenes look at the grotesque monster behind the smile.

Turn That Frown Upside Down—Meet Lewis, a friend of Skye, and get an in-depth look at the gruesome make-up and prosthetics behind his terrifying smile.

Show Me Your Teeth—Explore how the filmmakers captured the uniquely horrifying car crash.

Deleted and Extended Scenes

Summary:

Now that we’ve been through this review, I can tell you my truth.  I wasn’t blown away by the first Smile. I thought it was… fine.  It felt like it took way too long to tell the audience what was going on and it wasn’t a fun ride being toyed with.  I felt like I wanted to just get it over with.  With Smile 2, Parker Finn decided to raise the stakes, deepen the emotions and brought out an absolutely animal performance out of Naomi Scott.  This is the kind of acting one wishes award shows gave awards to, in my opinion.  Knowing what we do know about the story, this film can be viewed without the first Smile, and as such, to me anyway, Smile 2 becomes a superior film and the kind of horror thriller that stands out in the genre today. A must see for fans of the genre.  Give it a try if you’re looking for something out of your comfort zone, too!

Buy your copy of Smile 2 4K UHD Blu-ray HERE

Buy the Smile 2 4K UHD Steelbook HERE