The demonic, toilet-dwelling goblins are back! Stowed away in “Satan’s Den,” the traveling House of Horror operated by carnival workers Larry and Uncle Ned, the Ghoulies merrily devour the sideshow attraction’s patrons… until Larry realizes his horror house is for real and tries to flee the scene! Deliciously outrageous special effects and over-the-top antics ratchet up the horrific fun!

For thoughts on Ghoulies II, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/NtnntbeGwqs?si=hiMyblzS3ogNrpA5&t=481]

Video Quality

Ghoulies II comes to Blu-Ray via the MVD Rewind Collection with a 1080p transfer that has been scanned and restored in 2K from the 35mm interpositive overseen by MGM. This film was first released on Blu-Ray in 2015 as a part of a two-pack with Ghoulies courtesy of Scream Factory. Unfortunately, we don’t have that disc, making comparisons impossible at this time. The results here are largely very good given the budget-conscious nature of the production with a naturally filmic presentation that may even look better than it did during its initial release. Instances of nicks and scratches still show up occasionally, but they have been cleaned up substantially for a clear viewing experience. Any softness seems to date back to the nature of the source.

Colors are robust during the brighter portions of the film, and the hues retain a good amount of nuance in the shadows. Black levels could be a bit more formidable, but they provide some amount of depth. The transfer exhibits some favorable detail, although some shots experience fluctuations in density. The most enjoyable visual elements are the facets of the special effects makeup, production design and clothing. While the first film received a 4K UHD Blu-Ray, this sequel was not afforded the same treatment…yet. MVD Entertainment has indicated that they are doing what they can to secure elements for a future 4K UHD release, so those who have the patience may choose to wait for that potential release. As it stands, though, this Blu-Ray release is quite good overall and pairs nicely with the first film.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a nice LPCM 2.0 mono track that represents the film without issue. The low end does not try to be too ambitious, but it provides some texture within the source roots. Dialogue comes through clearly even in the most chaotic environment. Environmental noises such as the carnival music or the screams of patrons are distinguished well within the mix. The music is represented favorably without any signs of damage or distortion. The audio experience comes through with first-rate fidelity. MVD Entertainment has delivered a first-rate audio experience that honors the roots of the film. English, Spanish and French subtitles are provided for those who want them.

Special Features

Introduction by Screenwriter Dennis Paoli: A 75-second introduction from the director who briefly discusses the practical nature of the and how much of that magic is lost in modern filmmaking.

More Toilets, More Terror – The Making Of Ghoulies II: A fun 17-minute documentary with many of the key creative figures in which they reflect on the creation of the film, how they approached this as a follow-up, the special effects work, shooting on a limited budget, filming on a huge sound stage, and much more.

Under A Magic Moon – Interview with Dennis Paoli: A nearly 34-minute interview with the screenwriter who discusses his approach to screenwriting, his love of pushing the boundaries of narrative, his friendship with Stuart Gordon, working in Chicago, the inspiration for this work, and much more that is well worth checking out.

Deleted Scenes: A three-minute collection of unused scenes is provided including the Ghoulies terrorizing some folks in gruesome ways.
Photo Gallery: This disc provides a photo gallery of behind-the-scenes photos, marketing material and more.
Trailers: The minute-and-a-half trailer is provided for Ghoulies II. There is also a trailer provided for Ghoulies, Vampire’s Kiss, Swamp Thing and The Return of Swamp Thing.

Poster

Final Thoughts

Ghoulies II doubles down on the fun of the first film in a way that honors the spirit of the initial installment while also blazing its own trail. In some ways, this entry surpasses the first film, but both are fun in their own way. The production was obviously working with limited resources, but the creative team seems to have made the most of their efforts. It is solid, kooky entertainment. MVD Entertainment has provided the film with a Blu-Ray release that delivers a decent A/V presentation and a fine assortment of special features. If you are a fan of the series, this release should treat you well. Recommended

Ghoulies II is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: MVD Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.