When Fox released the Special Edition of “Predator” a few months back, I became curious as to when they were going to offer viewers the same type of set for the sequel, “Predator 2.” After all, while most fans of sci-fi seemed to prefer the original, I was just as impressed with the follow-up. For some reason there seemed to be no end of negative comments about “Predator 2”, and for the most part they were unfounded. Most of the comments seemed to be directed at the fact that the film was nothing at all like its predecessor. They wanted to see the Predator in the jungle (again), pitted against Arnold Schwarzeneggar (again). I for one couldn’t have disagreed more with these unimaginative twerps. I loved the idea that they decided to make a much different film as opposed to creating a carbon copy of the first. It was a bold move, and one that I felt they succeeded with.

“Predator 2” brought the ultimate hunter from the jungle into a more urban setting. Its prey wasn’t heavily armed soldiers or fortune, but instead heavily armed soldiers of crime. Unfortunately, while most of us are thrilled to hear that some drug dealers are being ‘taken out’; the police are required to have an entirely different outlook on it. Such is the case in this movie. Danny Glover plays Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, a hard nose cop who has spent the better part of his career in the war zone known as Los Angeles. Everywhere you look, gang warfare is taking over. But when a certain someone… or something… decides to start taking out said drug dealers, he wants to put a stop to it, if for no other reason than to keep the streets as safe as possible.

As he probes deeper into the investigation, he hits obstacles every step of the way. His superiors are telling him to stay out of it, and even the government appears to want him out of their way. Soon he learns that the perpetrator is not a gang member, but is decidedly from out of town. Way out of town. When the killings begin to increase, and even include some of his own men, Harrigan takes matters completely into his own hands with the intent to take whomever…or whatever… the killer is down.

In my book, “Predator 2” was a great sequel in the fact that it took the story into an entirely new direction and setting. Director Stephen Hopkins brought in an excellent cast that included Gary Busey, Ruben Blades, Robert Davi, Bill Paxton and even (in a small role) Adam Baldwin, who would go to bigger fame with roles in “Firefly” and “Angel.” The sequel added a lot to the lore of the predator, even allowing for a little shot of his ‘trophy room’, where we see an “Alien” skull hanging on the wall. This little piece of footage sparked a huge outcry to bring the two sci-fi giants together into one film.

This was not to happen for some time, but for years fans were treated to all manner of comic books and novellas that brought the two together in battle. Rumors of a possible film circulated for what seemed like an eternity, until just last year when the rumors were made a reality. (For more on “Alien vs. Predator” see my review elsewhere on this site).

The new Special Edition DVD for “Predator 2” is every bit as good as the one that was released for the predecessor. It is a 2-disc affair, which includes an excellent transfer of the movie. There are a few specks here and there, but it offers an otherwise pristine image and superlative audio track. But it is in the extra features where we find the DVDs dessert.

There are two audio commentaries present, the first by director Hopkins. This is a pretty good track, and though there are a few dead spots, when he does start talking the information is fascinating. The other commentary is from the writers Jim and John Thomas, and I’d have to say this is the livelier of the two tracks. Mostly because the two spend a lot of time playing off of each other, and they are able to fill the time quite well.

The 2nd disc of the set offers up a lengthy documentary called “The Hunters and the Hunted.” The documentary gives a very in-depth look into the making of the film. And while this in itself is a very good feature, there are also several other shorter featurettes that focus on particular parts of the production, from the creation of the character to a look at how the film translates internationally. You’ll also find some clips that show some of the weapons and progression of the special effects. There is even a featurette that shows some of the mock news reports that were made for the film.

So, don’t believe what your friends might have told you about “Predator 2”, it’s a great follow-up to the original film, and a heck of a fun ride.

Directed by: Stephen Hopkins
Starring: Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Ruben Blades, Maria Conchita Alonso, Bill Paxton, Robert Davi
Extras: Audio Commentary by Director Stephen Hopkins, Audio Commentary by Writers Jim Thomas and John Thomas, All-New Documentary “The Hunters and the Hunted”, “The Predator Goes to Town”, “International Featurette”, “Creating the Ultimate Hunter”, Predator 2 Evolutions, Predator 2 Weapons of Choice, Promotional Gallery, “Hard Core” Full-Length Mock News Reports from the Movie, Behind the Scenes Still Photo Gallery
Specifications: Widescreen (1:85.1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 1/25/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
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We'll give Predator 2: Special Edition a B+.