Having just returned from a mission to Mars, Commander Ross (Justin Lazard) isn’t exactly himself. He’s slowly becoming a terrifying alien entity with a one-track mind – to procreate with human women!

When countless women suffer gruesome deaths while bearing half-alien offspring, scientist Laura Baker (Marg Helgenberger) and hired assassin Press Lennox (Michael Madsen) use Eve (Natasha Henstridge), a more tempered alien clone, to find Ross and his virulent brood. But they underestimate Eve’s maternal drive, and before long she escapes to mate with Ross in order to create a pure, unstoppable race that could spell doom for mankind.

For thoughts on Species II, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Scream Factory presents Species II with a sterling 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HD. The film was previously released by the label on Blu-Ray in 2016 from a dated master. We do not have that release to compare the level of improvement, but few will argue that this is the best the film has ever looked. Even if you are not yet 4K UHD capable, this new release comes with a new Blu-Ray sourced from the same 4K master. This master embraces the impeccable texture of the practical effects complemented by natural film grain. Fans will love the flourishes on display in the goopy creature effects and within the production design. The grain resolves impeccably well with nothing ever feeling clumpy even within the shadowy environments. All specks of damage have been eradicated thanks to the restoration.

The implementation of Dolby Vision/HDR for sumptuous and precise color output elevates things to ideal levels when it comes to depth and nuance. Highlights are firm with no semblance of blooming in the brightest moments. This disc handles every discrete environmental change with ease. Black levels are exceptional with nothing in the way of crush or banding present even in the dark corners of the screen. Audiences can now decipher much more shadow detail with figures properly defined instead of blending into the murky background. There are no ugly digital anomalies such as compression artifacts or any other such impediments. The digital effects look a bit dated, but they are rendered faithfully. This presentation is a home run from the team at Scream Factory.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio track which both serve up a deftly executed mix. This narrative seems to show off a complex sound design that becomes very immersive with the surround mix. Both tracks provide a steady soundscape that accurately captures the artistic intent with a fidelity that is flawlessly translated. Environmental sounds such as rain and gunfire are rendered effortlessly alongside everything else. The score has never sounded more full of life and is used perfectly to establish the mood of the story. There is never a moment where it threatens to drown out the competing sounds, and it maintains a respectable balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. There do not seem to be any serious instances of age-related wear and tear. Scream Factory has treated this one with due respect. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Peter Medak provides a commentary track in which he reflects on his decision to take on a bigger studio picture, his condition for signing on, working with the special effects, the talents of the ensemble, and more.

From Sil to Eve – Interview with Actress Natasha Henstridge: A 16-minute interview with the actress in which she reflects on her early decision to transition to acting, working with other performers up for the role, her appreciation for the franchise, doing some of her own stunts, her brief cameo in the third outing, and more.

Creature Creations – Interview with Creature & Special Make-up Effects Creator Steve Johnson and More: A 29-minute featurette with Creature & Special Make-Up Effects Creator Steve Johnson, Supervising Cosmetic Designer Leonard MacDonald, Transformation Supervisor Joel Harlow, and Chrysalis Effects Supervisor William Bryan. These artists discuss the strive to keep things as practical as possible, the challenges of the production, memorable moments, and more.

Alien Evolutions – An Interview with Screenwriter Chris Brancato: A 19-minute interview with the screenwriter in which he discusses his background, the twisted ideas in the film, disagreements with the studio, and more.

Special Effects Outtakes & Behind-The-Scenes Footage: A nearly 14-minute collection of footage that shows some attempts to create some of the most grotesque moments of the film.

Scenes From The Film Not Shown In Theaters: An eight-minute glimpse at some footage that didn’t make the final cut in an unfinished form.

Species II – Eve of Destruction Featurette A 12-minute vintage featurette that sells the film with interview and behind-the-scenes footage.

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

Still Galleries

- Special Makeup Effects

- Stills

Final Thoughts

Species II does not reach the artistic achievements of the original film, but it does double down on the insanity in a way that will excite many audiences looking for a more extreme picture. Not everything makes complete sense narratively, but you generally have a great time thanks to the largely practical effects and boundary-pushing ideas. The performers are not given as much to work with this time out, yet the production still feels like some effort was put into it. It is a flawed film that succeeds in its most basic goals. Scream Factory has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a gorgeous A/V presentation and a collection selection of special features. If you have a soft spot for this film, don’t miss the ultimate presentation. Recommended

Species II (Collector’s Edition) is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.

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

Disclaimer: Scream Factory 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.