V/H/S/2 (aka VHS 2) is definitely a step above or two above the first film.  The sequel to the first anthology film has a ghost story, zombies, demons, and an alien abduction at a slumber party (through the point of view of a camera on the back of the pet dog).   It is one of the best consistent horror anthology films I have seen in the last few years and I applaud the directors for making it a better product than the first V/H/S.  This time the directors of THE RAID, YOU’RE NEXT, HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN, and THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT are part of the slate of directors this time for this disturbing sequel.  I only hope THE ABCS OF DEATH 2 can be half as good as this sequel. My favorites have to be the one with the video crew visiting the cult (SAFE HAVEN) and the alien abduction from the POV of a camera on the pet dog’s back (SLUMBER PARTY ALIEN ABDUCTION).  I did get a little irritated by the beginning of A RIDE IN THE PARK (I wonder how many people aren’t aware of zombies when you see one- run, you stupid biker).

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The audio commentary with the filmmakers goes into the mythology of the V/H/S series and the production of the movies.

 

TAPE 49 REWIND- a behind-he-scenes look at the story that bookends the movie and fills in between the tapes that are each tale in the anthology sequel

DISSECTING PHASE I CLINICAL TRIALS shows the director taking on the lead role since the POV is from a camera implanted on the main character’s eye.

INSIDE SAFE HAVEN- the directors talk about the various cameras used and a few of the secrets of the production

SLUMBER PARTY ALIEN ABDUCTION: BEHIND THE LIGHTS- see filming tests from the dog’s POV and the aliens in their diapers (no wonder the alien are pissed and want to abduct kids due to those diapers and probably freezing)

A RIDE IN THE PARK: I DARE YOU- the director dares his crew during a location scout to push a tree down

AXS TV: A LOOK AT V/H/S/2- promotional featurette

Two theatrical trailers

Behind-the-scenes photo galleries for each short in the sequel

 

Previews for HAMMER OF THE GODS, EUROPA REPORT, PRINCE AVALANCHE, SYRUP, and AXS TV

 

FINAL ANALYSIS:   V/H/S/2 is an improvement over the first film.  I wish they had a few more extras though, but the extras do provide some useful behind-the-scenes insights.

 

This DVD review is (c)9-24-2013 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com

 

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