'A Quiet Place: Part II' 4K UHD Review: Krasinski's Masterfully Crafted Horror Sequel Is One Of 2021's Best
‘A Quiet Place: Part II’ releases on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, July 27
The Immersive Sequel and John Krasinksi’s return to the director’s chair, arrives on 4K Ultra HD in the best way possible
‘A Quiet Place: Part II’ stands as one of the greatest horror sequels ever made. There, I said it. John Krasinski has such a unique eye, comparable to the levels of James Cameron and Steven Spielberg, perfectly capturing tension in an incredibly realistic manner which leads to every emotion inside your being becoming completely heightened during the experience. The suspense, family dynamic, uncertainty of the level of danger. All of what was so brilliantly introduced in 'A Quiet Place’ is only exceeded in its follow-up, providing more of the intrigue along with a front and center showcase of the fear-inducing prowlers preying on anyone who makes a sound. Beyond the stakes, beyond the ultimate fear of what we as audience members cannot always see yet are more than aware of, the glue that holds this film together is the emotional family bond. Krasinski went beyond the spectacle by providing a story with such richness that gives each pivotal character a moment to come into their own and embrace their role. John Krasinksi has declared both of his films as very much being an extended love letter to his own family. The first, a proclamation of the lengths he as a father would go to to protect his children, even if that means putting his life on the line. The second, an encouraging message to his children that even in the midst of tragedy, when the world around feels as though it’s crumbling at the surface, they are capable of being brave enough to stand their ground and make their value known. The entirety of ‘Part II’ sets a foundation for each character to use their pain to fuel their survival. The themes presented here only make the film more impactful, propelling it above and beyond the expected horror sequel. Each frame is so precise, all twists and turns feel entirely earned, every element perfectly meshed together which led to without a doubt one of, if not the best theatrical experience yet in 2021.
What may shock you most is that with the film’s recent release to physical media in 4K UHD, the experience might actually now be even better from the comfort of your own home. With Dolby Vision, HDR10, AND Dolby Atmos, Paramount may have just given collectors the best home media release of the year. Every rich detail, every moment of intensity, and just as much so the moments more focused on the silence are all incredibly enhanced to have more clarity than ever. The film is presented in “true 4K” shot both on 35mm and digital, that combined with the Dolby Vision and HDR10 results in a near-perfect transfer. There are many moments where characters are hiding out, or in a constant state of darkness, and with help from the included HDR, all levels are perfectly balanced giving us richer blacks and greens and providing the ease of viewing all of the essential moments without the extra strain on the eyes.
The 4K Steelbook sadly does not offer much that you do not already get in the mainstream 4K release, but for the true collector, it is one of the most beautiful minimalist steelbook designs this film fan has seen in a long time. However, The true beauty of this transfer is by far the incredible Dolby ‘Atmos’ audio track included. With a story so reliant on the absence of sound, it’s incredibly pleasing this film is to the ears. As expected with any ‘Atmos’ audio track, it increases the dynamic quality of all of the different properties working here. In ‘Part II’ the theme continues with much of the dialogue being recited at a very low volume, but there is no need to worry because one of the most impressive elements is just how well you’re able to hear the vocals. Even through the whispers, the words cut through crystal clear in the front, using the added spatial audio to separate the dialogue from the background. That said, there is also plenty of madness to go around, and the creatures have never sounded more intimidating. Every growl, snarl, charge is very easy to pick out, and combined with Marco Beltrami’s simplistic yet complex composition meandering throughout, there’s none better to offer. Seriously, I am absolutely blown away by the level of detail poured into this 4K transfer.
A Quiet Place: Part II is available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD now.
Exclusive 2-Movie Collection Also Available to Buy on Digital and Blu-ray
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating” (Sean O’Connell, Cinemablend), and “nerve-shredding” (Tim Grierson, Screen International) thriller A QUIET PLACE: PART II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A QUIET PLACE: PART II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of the new film as he details the cast and crew’s incredible work in a video Director’s Diary; uncover the secrets of the monstrous invaders; dig into the two-film character arc of daughter Regan; watch a breakdown of the unforgettable marina scene; and delve into the extraordinary visual effects and sound design.
The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Discs™ also boast a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, and the 4K Ultra HD disc features Dolby Vision™ high dynamic range (HDR), which delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors.**
A Quiet Place: Part II Synopsis
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path in this “gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller” (Scott Mantz, BFCA) written and directed by John Krasinski.
A Quiet Place 2-Movie Collection Synopsis
If they hear you, they hunt you! Silence is survival in these two terrifyingly suspenseful thrillers. Follow the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) as they face the terror of mysterious creatures that hunt by sound.
A QUIET PLACE: PART II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack
Fans can enjoy the ultimate viewing experience with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes an Ultra HD Disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and a Blu-ray Disc™ with Dolby Atmos. The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital copy of the film and the following:
4K Ultra HD
Feature film in 4K Ultra HD
Blu-ray
Feature film in high definition
Director’s Diary: Filming with John Krasinski
Pulling Back the Curtain
Regan’s Journey
Surviving the Marina
Detectable Disturbance: Visual Effects and Sound Design
A QUIET PLACE: PART II Blu-ray
The A QUIET PLACE Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with Dolby Atmos. The Blu-ray includes access to a Digital copy of the film as well as the bonus content detailed above.
A QUIET PLACE DVD
The DVD includes the feature film in standard definition.
PARAMOUNT PICTURES Presents In Association with MICHAEL BAY
A PLATINUM DUNES / SUNDAY NIGHT Production A JOHN KRASINSKI Film
“A QUIET PLACE PART II” EMILY BLUNT CILLIAN MURPHY MILLICENT SIMMONDS
NOAH JUPE DJIMON HOUNSOU and JOHN KRASINSKI
Music by MARCO BELTRAMI Costume Designer KASIA WALICKA MAIMONE Edited by MICHAEL P. SHAWVER
Production Designer JESS GONCHOR Director of Photography POLLY MORGAN, ASC
Executive Producers ALLYSON SEEGER JOANN PERRITANO AARON JANUS
Produced by MICHAEL BAY ANDREW FORM, p.g.a. BRAD FULLER, p.g.a. JOHN KRASINSKI, p.g.a.
Based on Characters Created by BRYAN WOODS & SCOTT BECK
Written and Directed by JOHN KRASINSKI
About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.
A QUIET PLACE: PART II
Street Dates: July 13, 2021 (Digital)
July 27, 2021 (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD)
U.S. Rating: PG-13 for terror, violence and bloody/disturbing images
Canadian Rating: 14A for frightening scenes
*Availability of bonus content varies by digital retailer
**Dolby Atmos enabled devices are also required to experience Dolby Atmos at home. To experience Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, a Dolby Vision enabled TV is required with a Dolby Vision enabled 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player.