In Sing 2, we revisit the story of Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), the ambitious koala producer, and his talented animal troupe. Having achieved local success, they set their sights on Redshore City, a glittering metropolis akin to Las Vegas. To break into this competitive market, they must impress Mr. Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), a powerful and discerning wolf mogul, with their ambitious space-themed show, proving it’s more than just “amateur hour.” The key to their success hinges on persuading the reclusive rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono) to join their production.
Pixar, a subsidiary of Disney, is often lauded for its contributions to animation with acclaimed films such as Soul, Up, and Toy Story. While their successes are undeniable, the studio has also produced less impressive works like The Good Dinosaur and the frenetic Red. However, Illumination, led by Chris Meledandri, deserves greater recognition. This studio has delivered beloved franchises such as Despicable Me, the Minions spin-off, Hotel Transylvania, and now Sing. Co-director and screenwriter Garth Jennings should be commended for effectively capturing the essence of the performing artist’s experience: the exhilaration, vulnerability, passion, the sting of rejection, and the complex relationship of seeking external validation. Sing 2 builds upon this foundation, exploring themes of readiness for a larger stage, the potential to overcome obstacles, and the significance (or insignificance) of talent scout evaluations. These themes, while seemingly straightforward, offer valuable reflection for anyone pursuing creative endeavors and navigating external criticism. Sing 2 resonates on an emotional level, enhanced by a soundtrack of expertly reinterpreted classic songs such as Where the streets have no name and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The voice acting is exceptional, even in the Swedish dubbing, making it a compelling alternative worth considering.
Image and Sound – Sing 2 UHD 4K
While animated films may not always showcase the full benefits of native 4K resolution, the upscaling from Full HD Blu-ray to Ultra HD on a 4K TV can often deliver a comparable visual experience. However, UHD 4K offers a significant advantage over Blu-ray: HDR, which enhances brightness, contrast, and color depth. The film utilizes the Dolby Vision format, providing 12-bit color depth and a consistent data stream of approximately 80 Mbit/second—a quality rarely achieved by digital streaming services. The stage lighting and intricate details of Redshore City exhibit a remarkable shimmer, making this film a visually rewarding experience on a high-quality home cinema system. The audio presentation offers an interesting contrast. The Swedish mix, presented in Dolby Digital+ (7.1), is notably vibrant, with the surround speakers actively engaged throughout the film, creating a strong sense of immersion that complements the dynamic stage show atmosphere. Conversely, the original English soundtrack, featuring a star-studded cast and presented in Dolby Atmos, delivers superior resolution and a more open soundstage but largely favors the front speakers. The surround channels are used sparingly for ambient effects and echoes, diminishing the immersive concert-like experience. Therefore, despite the advantages of the original dub (animated to the English performances), the Swedish mix, with its engaging sound design, may prove to be the preferred listening experience.
The Extras include two entertaining short films: one featuring Gunter the pig, hypnotized into believing he’s a secret agent, and another showcasing Darius, the talented yet conceited newcomer whose superficiality ultimately reveals a certain charm. Additional features include behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and mini-tutorials designed to teach children dance and drawing techniques. These extras offer a fun and engaging supplement to the main feature.
Sing 2 offers a delightful cinematic experience enriched by compelling music and engaging entertainment for both adult and child audiences. The film effectively incorporates a variety of themes without resorting to overt moralizing. Like all fables, the narrative transcends its animated animal characters, exploring universal human experiences: insecurity, dreams, passions, sorrow, and joy. Ultimately, Sing 2 encourages viewers to persevere in the pursuit of their aspirations, reminding us that a path forward always exists. Both adult and younger viewers gave the film enthusiastic recommendations. However, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack’s less-than-optimal mixing prevents a perfect score. Nevertheless, this edition remains a highly recommended addition to any home media collection.
Universal / SF Studios provided review copies of this film. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial evaluations.
