DVD Two years after the Woodsboro murders, Sidney Prescott finds herself targeted again - this time by a copycat killer inspired by the film adaptation of the original events.
Details
Two years have passed since the horrific murders in Woodsboro and Sidney Prescott has left her hometown behind to begin a new life at Windsor College. Hoping the nightmare is finally over, she settles into student life alongside her new friends whilst Gale Weathers has turned the original killings into a best-selling book, now adapted into a Hollywood horror film entitled "Stab".
During a preview screening of the film, two cinema-goers are brutally murdered by someone dressed as Ghostface. As news of the killings spreads, it soon becomes clear that a copycat killer is recreating the Woodsboro murders, placing Sidney and everyone around her in danger once again.
With Gale, Dewey and Randy all drawn back into the investigation, the body count rapidly begins to rise. As before, everyone becomes a suspect and nobody can be trusted, leaving Sidney to uncover the identity of the killer before becoming Ghostface's latest victim.
Picture & Sound
Curiously, although the original film remains the stronger movie, this sequel actually fares better on DVD. The transfer is brighter, colours are richer and contrast is noticeably more stable, resulting in a cleaner and more vibrant presentation. It still falls short of true reference quality, but there is a definite improvement over the first release.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is also a step forward. Dialogue is consistently clear, Marco Beltrami's atmospheric score is reproduced beautifully and the surround channels are used more confidently throughout. The opening cinema sequence and the theatre scenes in particular make excellent use of ambience and directional effects to build tension.
Menu & Extras
Sadly, Miramax have once again delivered a disappointingly bare-bones disc. There are no commentaries, documentaries, deleted scenes or behind-the-scenes features, leaving little to explore once the film has finished. Given the popularity of the franchise, this really deserved a far more substantial special edition.
Overall
Following a film as successful and original as Scream was never going to be easy, yet Scream 2 succeeds where so many horror sequels fail. Rather than simply repeating the formula, Wes Craven cleverly turns his attention to the conventions of sequels themselves, delivering another self-aware slasher packed with humour, suspense and plenty of knowing references for horror fans.
Neve Campbell once again gives an excellent performance as Sidney Prescott, whilst Courteney Cox and David Arquette return in even stronger form than before. Randy's wonderfully entertaining "rules of the sequel" speech remains one of the film's highlights, and the opening cinema sequence ranks amongst the best set-pieces in the entire series.
Although the film inevitably lacks the originality and impact of its predecessor, it more than makes up for it with confident direction, inventive suspense sequences and a cast who clearly enjoy returning to their roles. Even the identity of the killer remains difficult to predict, helping maintain the mystery right through to the closing act.
The DVD itself may be disappointingly light on extras, but the improved picture and sound quality ensure this is still the best way to experience the film. Fans of the original should find plenty to enjoy here, making Scream 2 one of the rare horror sequels that genuinely justifies its existence.
Special features
- None
