Tremors 2: Aftershocks (4K UHD)
(Fred Ward Helen Shaver Michael Gross, et al / Blu-ray / PG-13 / (1996) 2023 / Arrow Films - MVD Visual)
Overview: The Worms Have Turned!
Six years after Tremors first tunneled its way into audiences’ affections, the original creative team returned for an equally edge-of-your-seat sequel that would pave the way for a long-running franchise by adding some new twists to everyone’s favorite slimy subterranean slitherers!
Earl Bassett (Fred Ward)’s celebrity after defeating the Graboid 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 Graboids have evolved and are deadlier than ever!
Reprising the same mix of nail-biting horror and rib-tickling humor that made the original film so beloved, Tremors 2: Aftershocks is back in a brand new 4K restoration that makes this creature feature pop like never before!
Blu-ray Verdict: Tremors 2:Aftershocks was a great sequel to the original 1990 monster classic. Fred Ward and Michael Gross return to battle the worms this time in the Mexican oil fields. Sadly Kevin Bacon refused to take part in this movie and is replaced by newcomer Christopher Gartin.
S.S Wilson one of the writers of the first movie, directed this entry in the series and Ron Underwood the director of the first movie took the producers chair. Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. return to do the films special effects with the help of the great Phil Tippett and they are just as good as the first. Like the first movie, the movie has gore and perhaps it has more than the first movie, but it doesn’t go over the top with it.
Although somewhat less polished than the original, Fred Ward is back performing as Earl Bassett, which couldn’t possibly be bad, Michael Gross is back as Burt Gummer, the monsters are back and as convincing as ever, and there’s a new addition to the monsters - which was successfully carried out with a good design, interesting idea and a lot of fun puppets.
The destruction in this film is monumental, but at no point does it go too far. It certainly doesn’t slow down. The action is great, there are chase sequences that are both funny and exhilarating. Overall, this films crowning achievements lie in the effects and the screenplay that really adds an interesting twist to an already intriguing idea.
4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
New 4K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films, approved by director S.S. Wilson
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original lossless 2.0 and 4.0 surround audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Brand new feature commentary by director/co-writer S.S. Wilson and co-producer Nancy Roberts
Brand new feature commentary by Jonathan Melville, author of Seeking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide to Tremors
Graboid Go Boom, a newly filmed interview with special effects designer Peter Chesney
Critical Need-to-Know Information, a newly filmed interview with CG supervisor Phil Tippett
The Making of Tremors 2, an on-set featurette with the cast and crew
Outtakes
Trailers for Tremors and Tremors 2: Aftershocks
Image gallery
Illustrated perfect bound booklet featuring new writing by Jonathan Melville on the Tremors 2 scripts that never got made, and Dave Wain & Matty Budrewicz on the history of Universal’s DTV sequel division
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank
Small fold-out poster featuring new Shrieker X-ray art by Matt Frank
Limited Edition packaging featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank
www.arrowfilms.com
www.MVDvisual.com