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Kung Fu Panda 2 3D Blu-ray Review
MOVIE REVIEW
Kung Fu Panda 2 is a 2011 Dreamworks animated film that, as the name suggests, is the sequel to the 2008 film Kung Fu Panda. Po is enjoying his life being part of the Furious Five and using kung fu to defeat enemies. That is, until he gets word that a threat is on the horizon. That threat goes by the name of Shen, a greedy peacock who was banned from Gongmen City after committing a horrific genocidal act. Now, thirty year later, he is returning with the power of fireworks to take the city back, end the age of kung fu masters, and soon take over all of China. Po is definitely up to take Shen down. But upon learning of this threat, he soon comes face to face with some trauma that was buried deep within his years as a baby. As a result, Po's journey not only becomes one of saving China and defeating his new arch nemesis, but also of coming to terms with his past and discovering who he truly is.
The first Kung Fu Panda was already enough of a surprise. It not only managed to deliver some excellent action sequences and great comedy, but it also told a story that had a deep message delivered in a much more captivating way than most people expected. One could even consider it a Dreamworks masterpiece. So imagine my surprise when Kung Fu Panda 2 comes along and it takes everything good the first movie did and dials it up to a whole new level. It raises the stakes greatly, it has more intense action, it has a message that goes deeper than many messages you find in entertainment for adults, and most importantly, it develops the characters of the first film, Po especially, further than you would anticipate. In short, Kung Fu Panda 2 is not just a superb sequel, but also serves as an example of how "kiddie" entertainment can transcend its medium and become something truly impactful and insightful for people of all ages.
The visual style for starters, is absolutely brilliant. Being how the story is much darker than the original, it uses a color palette that consists of plenty of red, white, and black, which really helps sell the intimidation of the villain, Shen. But even beyond that, the action sequences have just as much energy and fluidity as, if not more than, they had the first time around. The direction captures the heightened intensity brought on not just by the plot, but in the martial arts combat and heavy destruction surrounding it. But that doesn't prevent the film from having the slower moments that can expertly present the animated beauty in this world, and the story itself. Hans Zimmer's already incredible score gets taken up another notch if you can believe it. As you can tell, the atmosphere with Kung Fu Panda 2 is much richer and a bit more mature than the previous outing, which when dealing with sequels, means it's definitely doing something right.
And that atmosphere really helps with supporting the story, which is equally as rich and mature. The first movie's message about being yourself and knowing you're special, while was certainly presented in a fresh, unique way, was also understandably a bit predictable. However, Kung Fu Panda 2 features themes about dealing with your past, which is something I think not only deepens Po's character immensely, but also will resonate with adult viewers more than the children. Throughout the story, Po goes through inner turmoil regarding his backstory that I won't mention here for spoiler reasons. And the way Lord Shen plays into it, not only acting as a big power-hungry madman that needs stopping, but also as Po's inherent nemesis is thoroughly genius. But while Jack Black's vocal performance is certainly on point and Po's relationships with others are quite captivating, they help to bring across a very inspiring message about learning that no matter where you came from or what you did, you can still choose to lead your life in a positive direction. Because of that, there are some strong emotional beats that hit harder than anything in the first movie, and it builds up to a fantastic climax that succeeds in being as emotionally stirring as visually striking.
Kung Fu Panda 2 is certainly more ambitious and darker than its predecessor, but that doesn't mean it doesn't take its time to have some fun as well. The comedy given off by the characters works just as well as it did in the first movie. While nothing is truly gut busting, Po still offers up his high-energy, Jack Black-esque charm in ample amount, and it's not to appreciate. Even Shen, for as swift and cunning of a villain he is, can still lead to a few good comedic bits. Of course, like with the first movie, delivering jokes is not the film's main goal. But it does help to balance out the film's much intense tone and give the characters personality and depth.
The film exceeds at so many things. But for all the good it does, I also think it would be fair to point out something that didn't exactly work for me as well as it should've, that being The main thing I wish the overall product was probably a bit longer. It's a little bit like Shrek 2 in that it's more slow paced than the first installment despite a short runtime and part of me feels like maybe one or two extra scenes could've helped it to feel like a complete story. Though, that's probably just me. And it doesn't diminish the fantastic story we did get.
In an age where most sequel cheap out and rehash the story from the first film, Kung Fu Panda 2 expands on the story of the first film, giving China an enormous threat to contend with and Po a new perspective on his life. It's exactly the kind of movie a sequel should be, or a movie in general should be. This entry solidifies Kung Fu Panda as more than just another kiddie franchise, but as a subversively deep, emotionally tugging, and still very fun series of films. While I don't think I can really call this movie underrated, it's still a shame I don't see more people talking about. Is it quite as well-rounded of a movie as the first? Maybe not. But like I said before, it does so many things excellently, effortlessly, and with style that it really must be seen to be believed. Whether you're looking for something for the family or finding a film that'll keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, Kung Fu Panda 2 will once again have you kung fu fighting.
OVERALL FILM RATING: 4.5/5
3D RATING
Describing Kung Fu Panda 2's 3D is one thing. But comparing it to the 3D in the first film is another. When looked at from an objective standpoint, both movies are about on par with one another, that meaning they're both excellent top-notch 3D presentations. But whereas the first film wasn't conceived with 3D and was converted mainly to add something to the 3D Blu-ray market, this film came out in 2011, when 3D was at its height, and had 3D part of its production from the start. I believe the first film's 3D was more surprisingly good considering how amazing it turned out despite not being created with 3D in mind. So watching the two back to back and seeing Kung Fu Panda 2 not hold up quite to the first in a couple of areas despite being created with 3D in mind did feel slightly disappointing. That being said, it does succeed the first film in a couple areas also, so I believe it all balances out. The end result, though, is still one of the greatest 3D Blu-rays on the market currently, and one that holds up well to its predecessor.
Many of the same factors that help this film out with its 3D are present in the first film, so I won't try and make this list as exhaustive in detail as the last review. Still, there's quite a lot here to praise, so let's get started. The depth throughout the film is strong and consistent, almost about as much as the first. The 2D sequence opening here doesn't have the same wild and strong 3D as the last movie did, but it doesn't particularly need to as the style here is more grounded, subtle, and dark in tone. There is some small amounts of depth in a few shots, and it does look a bit neat when it appears to be behind a transparent tapestry. But still, 3D impression is not the goal here. The good news is once it's over, it gets way better. The mountain valleys still looks as distant as they did in the last film, hills and villages all appear large and carry great 3D shapes, and being a journey to a city, the film also gives us plenty of wide and mesmerizing cityscapes. There are plenty of shots involving one large tower in particular that really shines in 3D. We get the added bonus of some good shots above or right on top of water, scenes inside of a cave, scenes of crowds of boats going through canals, crowds of animals in markets, and overhead ropes carrying lanterns. Whether it's in Mr. Ping's noodle (and tofu) shop or a gigantic palace, the space appears lifelike within the screen and makes the film all the more immersive for it.
Indoor scenes also equally impressive. The space inside remains just as realistic as outside. Inside the Jade palace, we get a sense of a inside space, and we a neat shot involving several ninja stars hanging from the ceiling in different places along the z-axis. Remember that tower I mentioned earlier? Well, as big as it looks on the inside, it's more visually engaging on the inside. Not only is the building essentially one really tall room, with extensive top down and bottom up shots, but we also get some lanterns hanging in the room that go down to different heights. In Shen's firework factory, we plenty of great shots involving equipment, lava, metal, flying sparks, and even a burning map.
Of course where the 3D really picks up is during the action. Once again, the way the camera moves and captures everything is what really helps the 3D to really pop. We get very smooth but chaotic camera shots of martial arts fighting, chase sequences, destruction of structures, and sparkling fireworks. And unlike the first movie, the pop outs are consistent throughout the entire film. The best ones involve fireballs, and there's a couple of shots where they get launched directly at you. But we also get everything heading out at you from swords, hammers, Shen's head, a water droplet, various characters performing martial arts actions, sparks, and debris. There's one shot where Crane creates another dust wave. And while it doesn't protrude the screen like it did in the first film, it does send two boat sails out your way. Even during Po's 2D flashbacks, the 3D continues to impress with floating snow, a deep forest, and almost subliminal flashes of Shen's peacock symbol in Po's head.
There's so much to praise Kung Fu Panda 2 for all the 3D eye candy it gives during its 90 minute runtime. However, there is one issue I think that some people might have an issue with. And that would be the fact that almost half the movie takes place at night, and some scenes take place in very dark places. And it leads to a picture that I think spends more time in the dark than A Christmas Carol. This isn't really the fault of the 3D. But those who get easily bothered by the inherent dimness that 3D glasses provide might find it difficult to appreciate the 3D in certain parts. And it feels a bit of a step down from the consistent brightness brought on in the first Kung Fu Panda.
If you can get pass the dimness though, Kung Fu Panda 2 is still one of the best 3D Blu-rays you can find. This is a film simply meant for 3D, and it delivers everything a 3D movie is designed to: thrills, action, mesmerizing composition, and just sheer fun. A lot like the movie itself, it knows how to switch between the wild action and calmer scenes while still remain captivating to watch. Does it outdo the first movie's 3D? In some ways, yes. But in some way, not so much. If I had to choose one or the other though, I think I personally might go with Kung Fu Panda 2 as there was clearly a lot of visible passion put into its 3D and should be commended for it. Though that doesn't discredit the first movie's 3D by any means. They're both excellent in 3D and should be watched if you're a 3D fan. But still, this installment in particular works in its own way to bring you an action-packed and immersive 3D experience you won't forget anytime soon. And just like the film itself, it's a bit of a shame not as much people talk about it as they should.
3D RATING: EXCELLENT
OTHER SOURCES THAT REVIEW THIS MOVIE'S 3D:
Cinemablend's To 3D or Not Review: https://www.cinemablend.com/new/3D-Or-3D-Buy-Right-Kung-Fu-Panda-2-Ticket-24878.html
High-Def Digest's Review: https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/4509/kungfupanda23d.html
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kung Fu Panda 2 is simply an absolute banger. It's a fantastic sequel, it's an entertaining martial arts movie, it's a visually incredible animated film, and it's an emotionally stirring character study. There's probably not much more I can say about it that others haven't said already. If you liked Kung Fu Panda 1, Kung Fu Panda 2 is a must-watch. And that applies 3D-wise as well as story-wise. Animated films have always worked great in the added dimension, but KFP 2 takes everything amazing animation is known for and injects it with steroids. The result is a tour de force in 3D choreography and one that anyone, 3D fan or not, should definitely get the chance to experience. Buy this along with the first one on 3D Blu-ray and experience not only two great animated films, but two stunning 3D masterpieces.
BUY IT HERE
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