Tremors 2: Aftershocks 4K Ultra HD

"Tremors II: Aftershocks" is set six years after Tremors, the slimy subterranean slitherers, first tunneled their way into audiences' affections. In this sequel, Earl Bassett's (Fred Ward) celebrity after defeating the Grabold attack against the town of Perfection has proved short-lived, until he's recruited by a Mexican oil company whose workers have found more than they bargained for under the soil. With the help of a scientist (Helen Shaver) and a new sidekick (Christopher Gartin) –– not to mention the return of his gun-toting survivalist pal Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) –– Earl is about to learn the Grabolds have evolved and are deadlier than ever! (Gary Reber)

Special features include new commentary by Director/Co-Writer S.S. Wilson and Co-Producer Nancy Robert, new commentary by Jonathan Melville, author Shocking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide To Tremors; the featurettes "The Making Of Tremors II" (HD 08:43, "Grabold Go Boom" interview with special effects designer Peter Ghesney (HD 19:44) and "Critical Need-To-Know Information" interview with CG supervisor Phil Tippell (HD 07:24); outtakes (SD 07:45); limited edition packaging; double-sided fold-out poster; image gallery; illustrated booklet; trailers and original lossless 2.0 and 4.0 surround audio.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Fuji film stock using Panavision® Panaflex cameras and sourced from a new 4K Digital Intermediate restoration from the original negative. According to Arrow Video, the original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution by NBC Universal. The film was restored in 4K and graded in SDR and HDR10 by Heavenly Movie Copr. Dolby Vision grading was completed by Fidelity in Motion.

The picture appears brightly vibrant with a warm and rich colorful palette with revealing nuanced hue shadings that enhance the realism of the imagery. Film grain is virtually absent or unobjectionable. Colors often pop with excellent contrast against backgrounds. Primaries are strong. Flesh tones are naturally healthy. The lighting design is an effective element in the nighttime production design. HDR contrast is excellent with deep, solid black levels, revealing and realistic shadows. White levels are well illuminated. Image depth is excellent as well. Resolution is superb with fine detail exhibited throughout, whether in facial feature detail such as skin pores, lines, beards and hair or in creature texture. Clothing fabrics are well defined and objects are perfectly realistic. This is a visually dynamic picture that delivers a lot of fun imagery. (Gary Reber)

The repurposed DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0-channel soundtrack derived from the original stereo mix does not add any significant sonics or dimension to the stereo mix. Both are satisfying. Interestingly, the DTS-HD surrounds are directed to the back suround channels in a 7.1-channel mix, not the 5.1-channel mix. Deep bass is absent, thus the sonics are mostly in the midrange frequencies. Atmospherics are realistic such as wind, and sound effects enhance the action whether the sounds of screaming Garboids or explosions snd gunfire. Foley sound effects are prominent and sound realistic. The intermittent orchestral score extends wide and deep across the soundfield with excellent stereo imaging. Surround energy is limited for the most part to an extension of the music, which enhances envelopment. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with decent ADR production. This is a satisfying and fun soundtrack. (Gary Reber)