Get ready to have your holiday season haunted—Black Phone 2 is coming to 4K Blu-ray just in time to turn your Christmas stockings a shade of crimson. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the film is still sending shivers down the spines of theatergoers worldwide and raking in a respectable $105 million at the global box office, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is already spilling the beans on its home release. Is this a gift for fans or a rushed cash grab? You decide.
Universal isn’t holding back on this one. Despite the film’s relatively short runtime of just 1 hour and 53 minutes, Black Phone 2 will be unleashed on a whopping 100GB disc—a luxury not all releases get. This means the 4K high dynamic range (HDR) master has plenty of room to shine, minimizing the need for compression that can sometimes ruin the viewing experience. And this is the part most people miss: Universal’s track record with high-quality releases suggests they’ll treat this horror sequel with the care it deserves. But will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
The film will maintain its theatrical 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and while Universal hasn’t confirmed the HDR formats, the first installment received a Dolby Vision grade. It’s a safe bet the sequel will follow suit. Speaking of audio, Dolby Atmos is confirmed for the English track, with French Canadian and Latin American Spanish options available in Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. For audiophiles and cinephiles alike, this is a win.
Now, let’s talk extras—because who doesn’t love a little behind-the-scenes magic? Universal has packed this release with hours of bonus features, headlined by a feature-length commentary from director, co-writer, and producer Scott Derrickson. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a sneak peek at what else is lurking in the shadows:
- Seven Deleted Scenes: From Gwen and Ernesto’s library chat to a chilling prayer scene, these cuts offer a glimpse into what could have been. Why were they left on the cutting room floor? That’s a debate for the comments.
- Dialed In: The Cast of Black Phone 2 Featurette: Dive into the creative choices and personal connections that brought these characters to life. But does it reveal too much, or just enough?
- A Story Carved In Ice Featurette: Explore the grueling stunt work and jaw-dropping prosthetics that made the film’s horrors so believable. Is it art or just shock value?
- Frozen In Time Featurette: A behind-the-scenes look at the dreamlike yet terrifying set design. Does it enhance the story or distract from it?
Arriving on December 23, this 4K Blu-ray release is shaping up to be a must-have for horror enthusiasts. But here’s the burning question: With so much care put into the home release, will Black Phone 2 become a cult classic, or will it fade into the shadows like so many sequels before it? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!