High School Musical 2 – Extended Edition (Blu-ray + DVD-Video)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B+/B- Extras: C Telefilm: C
TV movies
rarely have sequels, let alone hit sequels, but Disney’s High School Musical franchise is one of them, though they sure
stretched out the first film’s success until they were ready to launch this
2007 sequel. Benefiting from Zac Efron’s
big critical success in Hairspray (reviewed
on Blu-ray elsewhere on this site,) Kenny Ortega’s High School Musical 2 – Extended Edition set new ratings records
for a cable telefilm and it has been quickly sent onto Blu-ray and DVD.
The
melodramatic comedy continues as the gang lands up in an exotic locale (Frankie
& Annette anyone) and Troy (Efron) must make the obvious choice as to whether
to become a big success or settle for the good life and throwing his dreams
away. We have seen this kind of story
before, but I will give the cast and crew credit for giving this their
energetic all, thought it ultimately is like every beach party movie and
formula musical we have seen before. At
best, it is for fans only and brings back the original cast, including Vanessa
Hudgens, Monique Coleman and Corben Bleu keeping fans happy.
The 1080p
1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image looks goods for a recent HD shoot, does
not gut the color and despite some annoying motion blur here and there, is
pretty good for a TV production. It just
makes its letter grade by leaving the colors alone. The anamorphically enhanced standard DVD
version is not bad either, showing that Disney wants this to look good all
around, though no match for the Blu-ray.
Both versions have Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes that are good, but
underperform for what is in the sound mix, which really comes alive exclusively
through the PCM 24/48 5.1 mix on the Blu-ray.
The CD soundtrack sold very well and those who have it will want to hear
the PCM to catch what they are missing.
Extras include Music Videos, a sing-a-long feature, rehearsal cam,
karaoke feature and bloopers.
For more
entries in the franchise, try these links:
High School Musical – The Concert
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/5925/High+School+Musical+–+The+Concert
High School Musical – Remix
Edition
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4774/High+School+Musical+–+Remix
- Nicholas Sheffo
