Blu-ray Review - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

PG-13; 137 mins; $39.99; Amazon

Being somewhat of a movie buff, I had nearly forgotten the fact that the final installment of The Hunger Games franchise, Mockingjay - Part 2, was released to theaters last November. I recall seeing a few advertisements for the film, but between the Spectre (the 24th James Bond flick) and the Star Wars madness last year, it totally slipped my mind.

Despite being judged for the studio's decision to split the final installment into two films, Mockingjay - Part 2 was a commercial success; taking in $653 million at the box-office, thought it was the least profitable of the franchise.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 will be arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack tomorrow, March 22nd, from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Also being released tomorrow is The Hunger Games Complete 4-Film Collection on Blu-ray and DVD. The Digital HD was released on March 8th.

Based on the best-selling book series by author Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 picks up where the previous film had ended. The rebels had rescued Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson), but he's been brainwashed by the Capitol, resulting in his hatred for Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).

Against orders from President Alma Coin (played by Julianne Moore), Katniss sneaks aboard a supply ship that will take her to the Capitol. Upon arrival, Commander Paylor (played by Patina Miller) assigns Katniss to the Star Squad, a team lead by Boggs (played by Mahershala Ali). Basically, they will film Katniss as a hero at the same time the rebels take control of the Capitol; though their mission is put into jeopardy when Peeta joins their team.

Sadly, President Coriolanus Snow (played by Donald Sutherland) is more than ready for the rebels, and unleashes several rounds horror upon them. However, Katniss is determined to reach President Snow's mansion and assassinate him.

Specail Features on the Blu-ray Combo Pack are:

"Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games - Part 2" - an 8-part documentary with an in-depth look at all aspects of the making of the final movie including the acting ensemble, visual and costume design, special effects, post-production, and more!

The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey

Cinna's Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor

Panem on Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

Jet to the Set

Audio Commentary with Director Franics Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson

Final Thoughts: Personally, I don't like the fact that the studio/producers decided to split the final novel into two films as it could have been made into one three-hour movie. Nevertheless, whether you like it or not, there are four films in the series.

Francis Lawrence returns once again as director, and thankfully, he makes up for the boredom of Mockingjay - Part 1. The screenplay is better written this time around; though the ending is dragged out a bit too long. All the acting is superb; especially from the performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.

Overall, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 is a well-crafted final installment of the dystopia series. The picture quality on the Blu-ray is excellent as well as the sound. There are plenty of extras to satisfy any Hunger Games fan.

*Disclaimer - I received complimentary copy in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.