BLU-RAY REVIEW

The Two Jakes

Featured In Issue Issue 273, May/June 2024

Picture5
Sound5
WSR Score4.5
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):
45
(MPAA Rating):
R
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$39.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
138
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
6/18/2024
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Jack Nicholson
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"The Two Jakes" is the sequel to the 1974 film Chinatown. The film is directed by and stars Jack Nicholson, who reprises his role of J.J. “Jake” Gittes from the first film. Set a decade after the first film, The film follows private investigator Gittes as he becomes embroiled in a web of corruption, adultery, and murder involving a client, also named Jake. The deeper he goes, the more he realizes the events may be related to the events surrounding Evelyn Mulwray ten years prior. (Gary Reber)

There are no special features.

The 1,85:1 1080p AVC picture,
, was photographed on 35mm film stock in Super 35 using the Panavision Panaflex camera system and sourced from a 2K Digital Intermediate. Film grain is fine resolved. The picture is beautifully shot. The color palette is warmly and richly hued with well balanced levels, that are never exaggerated. The imagery appears completely natural. Flesh tones are healthy in natural hue. Contrast is well balanced with natural blacks, revealing shadows and realistic white levels. Resolution is excellent with facial features during closeups finely detailed, as well as period costume fabrics, such as on suits, neckties,hats and other wardrobes, and objects. Environments are sharp throughout the film's varied locationsThis is a beautifully crafted picture that projects style. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack delivers excellent sonics that project period realism. Atmospherics are a prominent sound element, including city street din, which enhance the realism of the settings and the period. Stereo imaging is excellent with sounds spread wide and deep across the soundstage. Atmospherics include prominent nature sounds and various interior sounds. Sound effects include car movements and gun shots and a huge explosion, among other effects. Foley sound effects are precise and busy. Surrounds are generally nuanced but deliver effective stereo envelopment. The orchestral score is spread wide with good stereo imaging. Dialogue sounds intelligible throughout with good spatial integration. This is an elaborately nuanced hlosonic® soundtrack that nicely complements the picture. (Gary Reber)