The Huntsman: Winter’s War [Blu-ray] [2015]

Great sequel first class quality playback.

A sequel to the 2012 fantasy movie 'Snow White and the Huntsman.' Although this focuses on the latter rather than the former. As actress Kristen Stewart declined to return to the franchise, the focus here is solely on the Huntsman. Eric. Played by Chris Hemsworth.Snow White is glimpsed just once. From behind. But the story manages to get on okay without her.You might be able to get into this without having seen that, but it will work better for you if you have.It's actually both a prequel and a sequel. As the first fifteen or so minutes - all of this is framed as if it's a story someone is telling - tell of Eric's upbringing. When wicked Queen Ravenna [Charlize Theron] betrayed her sister Freya [Emily Blunt] the latter became the cold hearted ruler of a cold hearted land.Once we get past all this, it then becomes a sequel, as the narrative continues on from after the end of the first film. This narrative structure is perfectly easy to understand and follow though.Eric has a new quest. Because Ravenna is back. And Freya is involved as well. So it's up to him, and a group of motley dwarf sidekicks, to save the day.This film looks absolutely gorgeous. With great sets and art direction, and some superb costumes. The actors give their all, especially the two Queens. And Chris Hemsworth and his leading lady here, Jessica Chastain, do have a very good chemistry.The stalwart cast of British thespians playing the dwarves are a dab hand at the kind of roles they are asked to portray. And it's really great to see Sheridan Smith among them, appearing in a big budget Hollywood movie.The scriptwriter does okay. The quest proceeds in a somewhat predictable manner. Lots of things happen in the final act. And it ends just in the manner that stories of this kind usually do. Whether this was a necessary sequel or not will be open to debate. But it's a perfectly adequate piece of fantasy escapism. That won't stay in the mind for long but is entertaining enough while it lasts.The dics has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, French, Italian.Subtitles: English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish.It's also English audio captioned. But only on the cinema release version of the film.Because this disc also contains an extended edition of the film. Extended by four not desperately important minutes. You can choose via the menu to watch that one or the cinema version.The disc begins with some trailers, which can be skipped via the next button on the dvd remote.It contains the usual flyer with code you can use to download a copy of the film to a digital device.Extras are:Four deleted scenes. Which run for eight minutes if you watch them in a row, but they can also be watched individually. The last three aren't bad.Gag reel: nine minutes of outtakes from the film. These usually have too many shots of people pulling funny faces and being deliberately silly, but this one avoids much of that and thus is quite fun. It would be even better without the comedic score.Two making of featurettes:Dressed to Kill. Five minutes about the costume design.Love conquers all. Five minutes about what a great time all had on set.As with all of these these days, these are too short but not bad for what they are.

Good

What an excellent film.Perfect casting, great story...and better than the first one. They got rid of that miserable-faced Kirsten Stewart, and added the funniest dwarves since the Hobbit. Possibly even funnier, with Nick Frost and Rob Bryden. Not really for kids, but any adult who enjoys a bit of medieval fantasy, some hot babes and a hard case 'softie' Huntsman, Chris Hemsworth, you're in for a treat. As good as Lord of the Rings in my opinion. Whilst you're at it, try 'Seventh Son', not in the same league, but still good.

I only bought it because I was excited with "The Snow White and the Huntsman", and I must say that this one is equally exciting!!!I would recommend this to everyone.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first film so when I knew there was a second film I wanted to see it. It was as good as the first film, great action adventure and the scenes are amazing. Charlize Theron portrayed the evil queen brilliantly and of course Chris Hemsworth was enjoyable to watch as the action hero. The added bonus this time of Rob Brydens humorous touches and Sheridan Smith. Really enjoyed.

I have watched this film a heap of times and just wanted to add it to my collection of DVD's.

It is hard to describe bit in my opinion this film lacked a lot of the character and style of the first film.