REVIEW: ‘Ong Bak 2′ (DVD – Magnet Releasing)

Magnolia Pictures has released ONG BAK 2: THE BEGINNING to Blu-ray and DVD. Being the old school leaning type who still hasn’t gotten on board the Blu-ray bus, I’m sticking with a review of the “2-Disc Collector’s Edition” DVD release. Apart from lacking hi-def resolution and having its content spread across two discs, it’s the same as the Blu-ray version. Even the pricing is the same. The single-disc DVD version is a couple dollars less, depending on sale prices, but contains all of the same bonus features apart from an alternate cut on the 2-disc and Blu-ray editions. This alternate version is 10 minutes shorter than the original 98-minute version.

None of the bonus material is must-have for collectors but there is welcome behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew. Most of the featurettes appear to have been produced for Thai audiences and later subtitled for this release. The most unusual addition is exclusive preview footage for ONG BAK 3 that’s about two minutes long.

Disc One

“Behind the Scenes: Capturing a Warrior” (5 min.) – A montage of behind-the-scenes video footage capturing action scenes on set as they’re being filmed. The danger involved in the choreography is revealed in several serious injuries where stuntmen are carried away on stretchers.

“HDNet: A Look at ONG BAK 2″ (3 min.) – Village Voice film critic Robert Wilonsky provides an introduction to ONG BAK 2 for viewers of high-definition cable and satellite channel HDNet which is one of the venues where ONG BAK 2 premiered in the U.S. ahead of its limited theatrical release.

“Ong Bak 3 – Exclusive Footage” (2 min.) – This first sneak peak at the sequel reveals more intense fight footage with Jaa’s character seemingly rising from the dead to continue his battle with the enemies who had captured him at the end of ONG BAK 2. Good news for fans of Jaa’s elephant escapades, he performs even more elaborate fighting on and around elephants.

Trailers – RED CLIFF, DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM, THE WARLORDS.

Disc Two

“The Making of ONG BAK 2: The Story and Characters of an Epic” (7 min.) – The first of a three-part making of featurette focuses on the development of the plot and lead characters. Interviews are conducted with cast and crew including Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai, Prachya Pinkaew, and A-list Thai actors Nirut Sirijunya, Sarunyu Wongkrachang and Sorapong Chatree.

“The Making of ONG BAK 2: Revealing the Majesty” (7 min.) – The making of featurette continues with actress Primrata Dej-Udom discussing her role as Tien’s childhood sweetheart. Jaa and company go on to discuss two action sequences, Jaa’s run across a herd of elephants and his Drunken Fist boxing.

“The Making of Ong Bak: The Art of War” (7 min.) – The making of featurette concludes by highlighting Jaa’s use of varied martial arts styles and finishes up with an extended preview of the film.

“Behind the Scenes: The Kingdom” (6 min.) – Video montage of behind-the-scenes footage.

“Behind the Scenes: The Community” (7 min.) – Another behind-the-scenes montage with emphasis on showing Jaa directing.

“Interviews with Cast and Crew” (25 min.) – Collection of eight interviews with cast and crew neatly divided up between each person.

Trailers – International and U.S. trailers for ONG BAK 2.

Format: Region 1 NTSC DVD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio: English 5.1, Thai 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Length: 98 min., 88 min. (alternate cut)
Release Date: February 2, 2010