Review: The Hills Have Eyes Part 2

Blu-ray: The Hills Have Eyes Part 2 (1984)

Bobby and Ruby (2 survivors of the original 1977 movie) are preparing for a big motorcycle race in the desert, but when Ruby leaves with some of the racers in tow, things begin to spiral out of control when they get lost and stray too close to where the original horrors took place.

A short 86 minute running time is generously padded out with flashbacks to the original movie, including the now infamous \’dog flashback\’ scene, which over the years I have to admit has gotten ever more enjoyable…and hilarious.

Toning down (a lot) on the brutality of Part 1, writer/director Wes Craven seems to play it more for goofball laughs and silly situations, though the occasional chase and kill scene gives a (bloody) taste of what previously happened all those years ago.

Michael Berryman returns as \’Pluto\’, but even his character seems watered down from what was witnessed in the superior original movie.

A solid set of special features helps to make this package more appealing, but the original (and indeed, the 2006 remake) is the version you should default to watching.

A solid release to complete your \’Hills\’ collection, but one that may not get many plays.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 2K restoration from original film elements
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• Original uncompressed mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues
• Blood, Sand, and Fire: The Making of The Hills Have Eyes Part II – brand new making-of documentary featuring interviews with actor Michael Berryman, actress Janus Blythe, production designer Dominick Bruno, composer Harry Manfredini and unit production manager/first assistant director John Callas
• Still gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• 6 Postcards
• Reversible fold-out Poster
• Limited Edition 40-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by Amanda Reyes and an archival set visit from Fangoria
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper

Review by Dave from a disc kindly supplied by Fetch Publicity.

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