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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Mission: Impossible II

    Featured In Issue 122, July/August 2007

    Picture3.5
    SoundNR
    WSR Score
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    Paramount Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    11992
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG13
    (Rating Reason):
    For intense sequences of violent action and some sensuality.
    (Retail Price):
    $29.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Single Layer (BD-25)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    123
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    No
    (Regional Coding):
    Not Indicated
    (Theatrical Year):
    2000
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    05/22/07
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    John Woo
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    (Story):
    (Music):
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    (Theatrical Sound):
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    Based on the perennial favorite TV series created by Bruce Geller and following the successful first film in 1996, Mission: Impossible II stars, once again, Tom Cruise as agent Ethan Hunt as he chooses to accept his next mission, code name: Chimera. He is told, through those really cool talking sunglasses, that he must choose as one of his team members, civilian Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Newton), a highly capable high-tech thief. (Of course, this sets up the PG-13-level steamy love story that adds a bit of emotional sizzle to the adventure.) Sean Ambrose (Scott), a fellow IM agent has double-crossed the force and made off with a secret formula that could kill off all of humanity. He hopes to sell it to the highest bidder. And what of Nyah? Turns out, she wasn't hired for her skills as a thief. As Ethan is told by the head of the force (Anthony Hopkins), she broke Sean's heart, and it is assumed if she renews her love affair with him, she can lead Ethan and his team to the formula. But what about Ethan and Nyah...? As The Spy Movie Soap Opera Turns.... (Laurie Sevano)

    In addition to the same special features that were found on the DVD reviewed in Issue 45 (Director John Woo's audio commentary, a 15-minute "Behind The Mission" making-of featurette, a five-minute "Mission Incredible" segment on the making-of the stunts, a 34-minute "Impossible Shots" segment that breaks down eleven of the action sequences, the Metallica music video "I Disappear," and an alternate title sequence), there is also a nine-minute tribute that was shown when Tom Cruise was awarded the 2005 Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award For "Excellence In Film" and a 3-1/2 minute tribute that was shown when Tom Cruise was awarded the first ever 2005 MTV Generation Award.

    The MPEG-2-encoded Blu-ray Disc and VC-1-encoded HD DVD look virtually identical, with decent resolution and good contrast and black levels. Minor edge enhancement can be noticed, and the image depth is not consistently good. (Danny Richelieu)

    The HD DVD's Dolby® Digital Plus 5.1-channel encoding sounds very similar to the Blu-ray Disc's Dolby Digital version. Both contain deep bass, very good fidelity, and an engaging mix, and both are very enjoyable experiences. (Danny Richelieu)

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    Tom Smith
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