Back for seconds! “Meg 2: The Trench” is the summer’s highly anticipated next chapter of the global blockbuster that returns to the big screen with Jason Statham once again headlining and now partnered with Wu Jing, star of five of the ten highest- grossing films in China. Our unstoppable heroes battle a frenzy of ferocious Megs, led by the biggest Meg ever, along with new, never- before-seen creatures in a monstrously-sized action thriller. Featuring jaw-dropping effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills and high-octane battles, “Meg 2: The Trench” is a summer joyride at its combustible best!

For in-depth thoughts on Meg 2: The Trench, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.

Video Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Meg 2: The Trench offers a really incredible visual presentation in 2160p HDR/Dolby Vision, but there is not an accompanying Blu-Ray, so the exact level of uptick is unclear. Skin tones are very natural with a robust helping of crisp detail on faces such as pores and stubble. The range of the color spectrum is dazzling on all accounts. The implementation of Dolby Vision and HDR imbues these colors with unbelievable life when it comes to vibrancy. This film explodes with color and visits stunning new locations in this entry.

Highlights in the film are impeccably defined with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. The black levels are extreme in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. Elements in the film taking place in the darkness of the trench are vivid and finely delineated. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong showings in clarity and color. The Blu-Ray is likely up to the task, but Warner Bros. has delivered another can’t-miss transfer on this latest 4K release.

Audio Quality

This disc comes equipped with a dynamite Dolby Atmos presentation that delivers the raw power this story needs. This is a title that thrives when it is played loud as it provides complete immersion, notably aided by the addition of the height channels. Various overhead elements provide a unique touch that will have you looking up to make sure you are in the clear. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to a few moments of interpersonal dialogue

Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The momentous score from Harry Gregson-Williams envelopes the room with a ferociousness that you will not soon forget. Dialogue is presented perfectly clearly without ever being drowned out by any of the competing sonic elements. The shark attack destruction and explosions provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end digs deep in a way that will have your house shaking. Warner Bros. has delivered a mighty track for fans. There are optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles provided.

Special Features

Making Meg 2: The Trench: A 13-minute featurette is provided in which the cast and creative team discuss upping the ante in this follow-up, the new and returning cast members, the direction of Ben Wheatley, and much more.

Up From The Depths – Even More Beasts: A ten-minute piece in which many of the same participants discuss opening up the world to more creatures, the creation and design of these beasties, the evolution of the special effects, what each creature brings to the story, and more.

Final Thoughts

Meg 2: The Trench is another installment in what may be the franchise with the most squandered potential. A big, ridiculous killer shark movie should be a home run, but they continue to be a toothless, tedious exercise. There is a good hour-plus of this film which is bogged down by uninteresting corporate villainry and limp interpersonal conflicts. No one comes to The Meg for the human characters, but the movie really goes out of its way to make them extra uninteresting. The movie gets a semblance of a pulse in the last 30 minutes, but even the chaos of the finale is hindered by the neutered violence that pleases no one. There are moments that work, but not nearly enough to justify its existence. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has provided a 4K UHD Blu-Ray that impresses with its A+ technical presentation and a fine pair of supplemental features.

Meg 2: The Trench will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD on October 24, 2023. The film is currently available to own on Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home 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.