A Sequel That Stands on Its Own

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MOVIE REVIEW
Tremors 2: Aftershocks (Limited Edition)
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 1996, 2023 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): S.S. Wilson
Writer(s): Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson, Ron Underwood
Cast: Fred Ward, Chris Gartin, Helen Shaver, Michael Gross, Marcelo Tubert, Marco Hernandez, Jose Rosario, Thomas Rosales
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In TREMORS II: AFTERSHOCKS, the essence of the original is still there, albeit with a twist in theme and execution. Directed by S.S. Wilson and supported by the original creative duo, Ron Underwood and Brent Maddock, the sequel brings us back to the dangerous realm of Graboids, but with an evolutionary curveball. This challenges returning characters and introduces us to new faces in this monster-laden adventure.

Fred Ward reprises his role as Earl Bassett, whose journey to a Mexican oil field to confront the Graboid menace motivated by the lure of a handsome reward; this plotline anchors the plot and makes the film an added old-school comedy aspect. Joining him are Michael Gross as Burt Gummer and Chris Gartin as the enthusiastic Graboid hunter Grady, each adding their unique flavor to the mix.

The film, a direct-to-video release following the surprise success of the original (and paving the way for many a sequel,) pivots towards a blend of action and humor, stepping away from the horror undertones that made its predecessor. While adding a unique zest to the movie, this switch slightly waters down its horror enthusiast's enjoyment. The narrative thrives on the interplay of situational comedy and character dynamics, spotlighting Earl's wit and Burt's comedic timing.

TREMORS II: AFTERSHOCKS showcases a blend of practical animatronics and CGI in its special effects (props to Phil Tippett!,) diverging from the more realistic approach of the first film. The storyline explores the aftermath of the initial movie, highlighting the journeys of characters from the original film, like Val, played by Kevin Bacon, whose absence is felt yet compensated for by fresh plotlines and new characters.

The evolution of the Graboids with heat sensors and new twists adds a new level of intrigue to the film. This adaptation forces the characters to adapt their strategies, maintaining a high level of action and suspense. The film also delves deeper into the characters' backstories and motivations, adding layers to the monster-hunting narrative.

Despite its departure from the original's roots, TREMORS II: AFTERSHOCKS is a satisfyingly entertaining film, particularly appealing to fans of the first movie and the monster film genre. It achieves a commendable balance of humor and action, supported by well-crafted characters and a storyline that extends beyond being a mere sequel. It’s not the original, but it does a valiant job of trying to carry on the tradition.

While TREMORS II: AFTERSHOCKS may not eclipse the acclaim of its predecessor, it emerges as a compelling and enjoyable sequel. The combination of humor, action, and character development, alongside the new iteration of Graboids, offers a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.

Bonus Materials
– 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
– New 4K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films, approved by director S.S. Wilson
– 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
– Original lossless 2.0 and 4.0 surround audio
– Optional English subtitles are available for accessibility
– Brand new feature commentary by director/co-writer S.S. Wilson and co-producer Nancy Roberts
– Brand new feature commentary by Jonathan Melville, author of Seeking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide to Tremors
– Graboid Go Boom, a newly filmed interview with special effects designer Peter Chesney
– Critical Need-to-Know Information, a newly filmed interview with CG supervisor Phil Tippett
– The Making of Tremors 2, an on-set featurette with the cast and crew
– Outtakes
– Trailers for Tremors and Tremors 2: Aftershocks
– Image Gallery
– Illustrated perfect bound booklet featuring new writing by Jonathan Melville on the Tremors 2 scripts that never got made, and Dave Wain & Matty Budrewicz on the history of Universal’s DTV sequel division
– Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank
– Small fold-out poster featuring new Shrieker X-ray art by Matt Frank
– Limited Edition packaging featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]