Mission: Impossible 2
OVERALL:
ASPECT RATIO(S)
16x9 Widescreen (2.35:1)
SOUND MIX
FEATURES
STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION
Dolby Digital 5.1
- Behind the Mission Featurette
- Mission Incredible Stunts Featurette
- Impossible Shots Feature
- Commentary by John Woo
- Music Video
- Alternate Title Sequence
- Mission Improbable MTV Parody
Paramount
Buy it!
GRADING SCALE
Film 
Features
Audio 
Video
Not really. As convulted and confusing as the first film's plot was, at least it was fairly original. This movie is filled with cliche after cliche. Woo, who directed the in-your-face FACE/OFF, has it in cruise control (no pun intended). While the first film had the plot, this one has the fireworks. And there are plenty of them.
The pacing is slow, but the script by Robert Towne is witty at times. The action pieces are as explosive as any Woo flick. The motorcycle chase is easily the film's highlight, and one of the best filmed sequences in quite some time. Woo's style is all over this film. The slow-motion, the booming soundtrack, and the blazing fire.
Though the sequel isn't as good as the original, it's not a bad way to spend 2 hours.
Features
Pramamount has given their big blockbuster a nice presentation. This special edition offers up a commentary with Director Woo, though Cruise should've been included, a fluff-filled featurette on the making of the film, a look at some stunts, and the hilarious parody featuring Ben Stiller at the MTV Movie Awards. A nice set, though the exclusion of the theatrical trailer is a little odd.
Audio
The 5.1 really cranks out the bass and surround. If you can be patient enough to wait an hour before it does this, then you'll be okay. Of course, for a quick demo, that chapter list always comes in handy. Lots of gunfire hits each side of the room and the motorcycle sequence really makes for a good audio demonstration. A very fine 5.1 mix.
Video
This film looks great, just like about every other new film that comes to dvd with a 16x9 transfer. Colors are all solid, blacks are deep, no shimmering, pixelation, or grain. When you're watching a Paramount disc, you know the quality will be top of the line. This one proves that again.
Overall
Not as good as the first film, but this still warrants a purchase, simply because of the great stunts and explosive action. Plenty of features to go around and the audio is impressive. Recommended.