I Still Know What You Did Last Summer - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Picking up a year after where the first movie left off, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer sees the horror-favorite hook-wielding Fisherman (Muse Watson) return to terrorize Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt), who is still haunted by the events of the previous summer. Directed by Danny Cannon, the follow-up delivers another dose of suspense and frights, which makes it feel like a repeat of its predecessor, except that filmmakers move the terror to a tropical paradise after Julie's roommate, Karla (Brandy), wins a trip to a remote Bahamian island for a vacation. While it doesn't reach the same level of tension and scares as its predecessor, it decently maintains a sense of dread, and the tropical setting adds a unique twist to the slasher genre with the lush island surroundings providing a deceptive contrast to the violence that unfolds.

The young cast, which includes Freddie Prinze Jr. and Mekhi Phifer, provide solid performances, but they are hilariously and unintentionally overshadowed by a young Jack Black as the pot-smoking pool boy Titus and Jeffrey Combs as the ill-tempered hotel manager. The sequel's greatest strength lies in its thrilling, atmospheric sequences, and Vernon Layton's cinematography captures the beauty of the Bahamian landscape while also enhancing the suspenseful moments with well-executed camera work. It may not surpass Jim Gillespie's first entry, but Cannon still manages to deliver an entertaining and suspenseful horror flick. It's a guilty pleasure for sure, offering a chilling continuation while keeping the mystery and horror alive until the final credits.

For a more in-depth take on the film, check out Tom Landy's 2009 Blu-ray review HERE.

Vital Disc Stats: The Ultra HD Blu-ray
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings I Still Know What You Did Last Summer to Ultra HD Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack with a flyer for a Digital Copy, which when redeemed, users have access to the 4K Dolby Vision HDR version with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio. The dual-layered UHD66 disc sits comfortably opposite a Region Free, BD50 disc, and both are housed inside a black, eco-elite vortex case with a glossy slipcover. At startup, the disc goes straight to a static main menu with the usual options while music plays in the background.

The horror sequel arrives on the shores of Ultra HD with an exceptionally gorgeous, jaw-dropping HEVC H.265 encode, giving fans a massive upgrade over the previous Blu-ray release. Struck from a brand-new remaster of the original 35mm camera negatives and was approved by director Danny Cannon, the native 4K transfer has done wonders for this movie, providing viewers with a visually stunning and razor-sharp picture throughout. Every drop of rain, every blade of grass and every terrified expression on the characters' faces is crystal clear. 

The tropical setting truly comes to life in Dolby Vision HDR, making you feel like you're right there on the Bahamian island. The action is bathed in a vibrant, richly saturated palette, creating a visually striking contrast between the lush paradise and the gory horror that unfolds, especially the dynamically animated reds of the blood. Contrast is right on the money with spotless, brilliant whites while crisp, radiant specular highlights add tight, energetic pop to the brightest spots and a resplendent sparkle along the killer's hook. The black levels are significantly inkier and more luxurious with excellent gradational differences between the various shades, and the silky, stygian shadows maintain outstanding visibility during the poorly-lit sequences while enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere, providing the 2.39:1 image with a three-dimensional depth and a lovely cinematic quality.

Awash in fine layer of natural grain, the 4K video is a film-like, demo-worthy presentation, making it a surprisingly good addition to the HDR collection. (Dolby Vision HDR Video Rating: 96/100)

In yet another surprise turn, the horror follow-up slashes and slaughters its DTS-HD MA counterpart with a highly impressive, reference-quality Dolby Atmos soundtrack, adding a small layer of enjoyment to an otherwise plodding movie. 

Similar to the first, the sequel opens with music and subtle sounds spreading evenly across the screen and into the top heights with excellent channel balance and fidelity, creating a broad and expansive half-dome soundstage that's consistent. The mid-range is extensive with outstanding clarity and distinction in the upper frequencies while vocals remain precise and well-prioritized even during the loudest, most chaotic moments, of which there are many. Although nothing particularly noteworthy or standout, the low-end is nonetheless robust with ample weight and presence to the song selections and action, delivering a few pleasing, couch-shaking moments. One of the better improvements in this object-based remix is the surrounds and heights often employed with excellent directionality and flawless movement above the listening area, filling the room with the faint atmospherics of the island like the trees, crashing thunder or pouring rain, generating a very satisfying hemispheric soundfield. (Dolby Atmos Audio Rating: 96/100)

To celebrate the movie's 25th Anniversary, Sony Pictures tempts fans with a pair of new supplements that are exclusive to this release while the Blu-ray contains the same set as before.

UHD Disc

• NEW Audio Commentary features director Danny Cannon
• NEW He Still Knows What You Did (HD, 12 min) is an interview with actor Muse Watson, who stars as the hook-wielding Fisherman

Blu-ray Disc

• Making of Featurette (SD, 6 min)
• Music Video (SD, 4 min)
• Trailers (HD)

Picking up a year after the first movie, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, frankly, delivers much of the same, making it predictable while also failing to achieve the same level of suspense as its predecessor. Still, by moving the terror to a tropical paradise, the direct follow-up comes with solid performances and manages some thrilling, atmospheric sequences, making it a decently entertaining horror sequel. And there's Jack Black! Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the movie lands on the shores of 4K Ultra HD with a demo-worthy Dolby Vision HDR presentation and a reference-quality Dolby Atmos soundtrack, making it an outstanding upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor. Although the selection of bonus material is lacking, two new and exclusive supplements are offered in this UHD edition, making for a Recommended addition to the library. 

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