Away at college, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) thought she’d finally put the shocking murders that shattered her life behind her… until a copycat killer begins acting out a real-life sequel. Now, as history eerily repeats itself, ambitious reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), Deputy Dewey (David Arquette) and other SCREAM survivors find themselves trapped in a terrifyingly clever plotline where no one is safe or beyond suspicion.

For thoughts on Scream 2, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

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Video Quality

Scream 2 makes its eagerly anticipated 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with a dazzling 2160p HDR/Dolby Vision transfer derived from a remaster that gives the film the presentation it has always deserved. When compared to the old Blu-Ray, this disc offers substantial improvements in all respects. That release was bogged down with artificial sharpening, noise and dismal black levels, among other issues. This new disc contains very deep colors throughout such as in the costumes, production design and certain foliage. The Dolby Vision implementation brings about vivid and stable hues unlike this movie has ever delivered. Numerous lighting effects also pop off the screen in a notable manner. White levels are brilliant and offer a greater stability without veering into blooming. Black levels are substantially deep and allow the frame to maintain an excellent amount of depth and detail in darker environments. There are numerous shadowy scenes where this comes in handy.

This new 4K scan retains the perfect amount of natural film grain which resolves well without ever seeming clumpy or unnatural. This allows the movie to show off its fine texture and detail which really comes through on film. For the first time on home entertainment, you will be able to spot specific text and objects located deeper in the production design. You can thank the improvements in depth which makes these locations feel more spacious and three dimensional than ever. The gains in contrast and overall clarity are a game changer, especially when you look at the interior of certain classrooms and the textures of clothing. Skin tones look natural and present a striking amount of facial detail including fine pores and cuts. This transfer is the ideal way to watch the film at home.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a good DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless audio track that represents this film well. This is the same track from the previous Blu-Ray rather than a new Dolby Atmos presentation, but it is hard to fault the studio for not messing with what was not broken. The score from Marco Beltrami comes through with a great amount of clarity and fidelity. Music sets the tone for this story, but it never overpowers the dialogue or other important information. The all-important dialogue comes through clearly and never falls victim to any digital anomalies.

The sound design never fails to open up the world in a really effective way. Rear speakers get a nice amount of activity throughout, and low-end support is hard hitting when the moment calls for it. The movie offers up opportunities for the track to show off with moments such as car crashes and breaking glass. The sound design really opens up and shows how rich it is in its execution. It could possibly be given some more power and nuance with an upgraded track, there is not too much to hate here.

Special Features

This new release comes with an optional sleek new SteelBook that is quite fetching in person. The black glossy SteelBook features front artwork with a large Ghostface mask with a knife beside it and a theater full of Ghostface imitators underneath, and the rear features a bloody knife with a famous quote from the movie above it. The interior sports the “Scream eyes” which were on the theatrical posters. Videos of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.

Audio Commentary: Director Wes Craven, Producer Marianne Maddalena and Editor Patrick Lussier provide a very informative commentary track in which they reflect back upon the production of the film, the opening scene being leaked thanks to a large crowd shoot, figuring out effective editing choices, addressing the development of a horror sequel, having actors play against type, improvised moments and more that is good for a listen.

Deleted Scenes: There are four minutes of unused material provided here in very rough form which are close to scenes that are actually in the movie, only shot differently. There is an optional commentary provided with the participants on the feature track which provides some insights into why this material was not used.

Outtakes: A nine-minute piece is here which finds flubs, laughing fits, and more from the production of the film.

Featurette: A seven-minute look at the sequel with the cast and crew in which they discuss getting the gang back together, the new faces, how the story remains fresh and more.

Music Videos
- Master P – “Scream” (3:06)

- Kottonmouth Kings – “Suburban Life” (3:47)

Theatrical Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided here.

TV Spots: Over six minutes of TV Spots are provided here.

Final Thoughts

Scream 2 is a terrific sequel which mostly lives up to the legacy of the iconic initial entry. This is always going to be a series where you have to suspend some amount of disbelief, but the rollercoaster thrill ride aspect of the journey is pretty much unparalleled in modern horror franchises. The returning faces once again make a huge impression on screen, while the new blood often make serviceable fodder for our new Ghostface. Paramount Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray which sports a dramatically improved, top tier A/V presentation and a couple of decent legacy special features. The SteelBook presentation is very flattering in person and worth seeking out if you like these types of releases. Fans of the film will definitely want to upgrade to see this one in the best presentation around. Highly Recommended

Scream 2 is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in Standard and SteelBook options. The film is also available on Digital.

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

Disclaimer: Paramount 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.