The second season of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian blasts its way onto 4K UHD Blu-ray.
The Production: 4.5/5
In the second season of The Mandalorian, we learn a bit more about Mando’s little green guy, referred to as “The Child” last season, but after a visit with Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in the fifth episode, we learn that his name is Grogu. But first, Mando lands on Tatooine in search of other Mandalorians, and meets Marshall Cobb Vanth who is in possession of a set of Madalorian armor that he purchased from a group of Jawas, who is willing to trade the armor if Mando helps him take down a dragon that has been terrorizing his remote desert town. This is a very cinematic episode directed by series creator Jon Favreau, who uses the IMAX aspect ratio (and reportedly IMAX-certified cameras) for the length of the battle with the dragon. Carl Weathers returns in two episodes and even directs one where he and Cara Dune team up with Mando to take out an Empire installation on the planet Nevarro. Giancarlo Esposito even gets to chew some scenery in a few episodes as we learn more about his character, Moff Gideon. Of course, in addition to the introduction of Ahsoka, this season marks the return to the Star Wars franchise of a few familiar faces, including Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). It is a fun and exciting second season that concludes with a bittersweet ending.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
This second season of The Mandalorian was captured digitally on Arri Alexa LF IMAX cameras and completed as a 4K digital intermediate in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio (with one sequence in the first episode in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio) and graded using Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range for its 4K streams on Disney+. This 2-disc set features four episodes per BD100 disc. The 2160p HEVC encodes exhibit a vastly superior picture over the Disney+ streams thanks to the higher bitrate (often hovering in the 80 Mbps range), although they only offer HDR10. There is a lot more detail on display here, from individual grains of sand on Tatooine, the scars on Boba Fett’s face, and individual strands of fuzz on top of Grogu’s head. Colors are also more defined here, offering better gradations of colors than on the streaming versions. This is definitely the best way to view the series.
Audio: 4.5/5
Default audio is lossless Dolby Atmos (using a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core), and like the video, is superior to the lossy Dolby Digital+ version of Dolby Atmos featured on Disney+. The mix has a wider dynamic range, allowing for a richer and deeper sound overall, but I would not consider it demo-worthy. It is not a showy mix, going for a more subtle but pleasing experience than one would find in a feature film. The front soundstage is wide and expansive, with excellent stereo separation and active surrounds and heights that add some dimensionality to the mix. LFE is good, adding some low-end support to explosions and laser blasts. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.
Special Features: 3/5
The set includes two brief featurettes on disc two that have been re-edited from some of the more detailed behind the scenes specials on Disney+, such as Disney Gallery.
Designing the New Republic (1080p; 4:46): Taking older designs from the movies and creating something new but familiar for The Mandalorian.
Forging the Covert: Part Two (1080p; 6:02): A look at Mandalorian weapons and armory.
Concept Art Cards: Three postcard sized concept drawings are included.
Overall: 4.5/5
Many thanks to Disney for releasing this second season on physical media, the best way to experience this fun and exciting series. Hopefully the third season isn’t too far behind. Highly Recommended.
Mandalorian, The : Season 2 [4K UHD]
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Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.
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