Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, The

In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, who began her journey fighting to survive the brutal Hunger Games, and rose to lead the rebellion against Panem's tyrannical president (Sutherland). Now, Katniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the epic battle that will decide Panem's future. Based on the third novel in Suzanne Collins' trilogy. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson, Pawns Nor More: an eight-part documentary (HD 02:21:45), a photographic journey, the featurettes Cinna's Sketchbook: Secrets Of The Mockingjay Armor (HD 09:22) and Jet To The Set (HD 41:58), Panem On Display: The Exhibition, upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy. Also available The Hunger Games Complete 4-Film Collection.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was a conversion by Legend3D but not released as such here. The picture exhibits a dynamic visual presence, from bright to extremely dark scenes that still manage to reveal shadow delineation, though, a darkened home theatre environment is an absolute requirement as the troupe seemingly meanders in the capital's underground tunnel below the rapid transit system, toward President Snow's mansion residence. Lighting effects punctuate the contrast. The imagery is effectively mysterious. In brighter moments, the color palette exhibits natural hues, such as fleshtones. Deep blacks contrast with the off-white mutant monsters, who live in the sewers. Black levels above ground are solid, such as the oily swell segment and in clothing and objects. Resolution is quite good during the brighter scenes but is significantly softened in the underground segments. Still, the overall experience is quite effective. Visually, this is a well-crafted and engaging picture. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is frequented with overhead aircraft, in the height channel and during the advent of the oily swell, which ends in the entrapment of Katniss' troupe. The orchestral and choral music score occupies all of the channels and provides an impressive holosonic® spherical surround experience. James Newton Howard's music shifts from quite loud to nuanced support. Deep bass in the .1 LFE channel is often quite prominent and extends to sub-25 Hz during intense explosions. Gunfire is bolstered strongly and enhances the excitement. Atmospherics are realistic throughout. Both atmospherics and sound effects expand to the surrounds, particularly during explosions, and provide effective directionality and envelopment. Dialogue sounds natural and generally well integrated spatially. The ending scene with the drum cadence is sonically engaging, with the drum sounds extended from the soundstage to the surrounds. Then the single arrow and the mass riot add to the dramatic ending. This is a really dynamic-sounding soundtrack, from virtual silence to blasting explosions, for a reference-quality experience. (Gary Reber)