Official Synopsis:
“Having just returned from a mission to Mars, Commander Ross (Justin Lazard) isn’t exactly himself. He’s slowly becoming a terrifying alien entity with a one-track mind – to procreate with human women!
When countless women suffer gruesome deaths while bearing half-alien offspring, scientist Laura Baker (Marg Helgenberger) and hired assassin Press Lennox (Michael Madsen) use Eve (Natasha Henstridge), a more tempered alien clone, to find Ross and his virulent brood. But they underestimate Eve’s maternal drive, and before long she escapes to mate with Ross in order to create a pure, unstoppable race that could spell doom for mankind.
As time is running out, the ultimate battle takes place in a chilling climax that puts Darwin’s theory to the ultimate test… only the strongest species will survive.”
Species II continues the story of naked aliens fornicating the human race out of existence. This time the threat is even larger as those who didn’t learn their lesson the first time around get a fairly large dose of karma.
Instead of blindly following a how-to-guide to create an alien-human hybrid from an unknown alien message as in the first film, humans encounter the hostile DNA during the first manned mission to Mars. This is a solid introduction to the new story-line and new characters. The first act quickly sets up the new story and re-introduces us to characters from the first, namely Laura Baker (Marg Helgenberger) and Press Lennox (Michael Madsen).
The blending of these two stories and how well it is accomplished was the first thing that struck me. The pacing is excellent in the first act, and quickly establishes this new story and how it is about to unfold. There is a lot of character development here which only enhances the story with three dimensional characters.
The action intensifies in the second act as the search for the new alien is underway. Press and Dennis Gamble’s (Mykelti Williamson) buddy-cop relationship is probably the best thing about this film. It brings a lot of humor and levity to a story about aliens impregnating as many people as possible, which was all too serious the first go-around. What I liked best about the second act was that the stakes are so much higher than the first film. In Species, they were trying to prevent a single pregnancy. Here, there are dozens of offspring already walking around. I was consistently impressed with the production value of the film as well. Everything seemed elevated from the first, including the make-up effects and gore, which were very well done. The only thing not up to par was the CG. Granted, computer effects were its infancy at the time, but Jurassic Park set the bar pretty high in 93′, and a whopping five years later it seems we’ve taken a large step backwards here. It’s clear you get what you pay for, and these really take you out of the scene they are so bad.
In the third act all these offspring are about to reach maturity. It’s a race to the finish line with a big climactic scene and turned allegiances. Although everything was ramped up for the sequel, ultimately the ending is just the same. Species II is a good companion piece to the first, but it is too much of the exact same formula for it to take any recognition on its own.
Somehow, Species and Species II cast some pretty amazing talent. In Species II we have the return of Michael Madsen, Marg Helgenberger, and Natasha Henstridge. Joining the cast is Mykelti Williamson, James Cromwell, and Peter Boyle, who steals the few short minutes he appears in the film. Each add great respectability and great performances that definitely elevate these films a notch above B-status.
Video
Species II is presented in 1080p 1.85:1. The transfer is in pristine condition, and I was very surprised of how good the transfer was. There was a little grain noticed in a few of the scenes, but no major defects, scratches or blemishes of any kind.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Levels are consistently good, with the majority coming from the center speakers. In the action scenes, the surrounds are utilized very well and don’t drown out dialogue.
Special Features
Scream Factory has gone all out for the special features for this release. These are highly entertaining and informative and a must-watch. On this disc you’re going to see:
NEW From Sil To Eve – An interview With Actress Natasha Henstridge
NEW Creature Creations – Interviews With Creature & Special Make-up Effects Creator Steve Johnson, Supervising Cosmetic Designer Leonard MacDonald, Transformation Supervisor Joel Harlow, And Chrysalis Effects Supervisor William Bryan
NEW Alien Evolutions – An Interview With Screenwriter Chris Brancato
NEW Special Effects Outtakes & Behind-The-Scenes Footage
Audio Commentary With Director Peter Medak
Scenes From The Film Featuring Uncut Footage Not Shown In Theatres
Species II: Eve Of Destruction Featurette
Theatrical Trailer
Still Galleries – Posters, Lobby Cards, Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Special Effects Behind-The-Scenes Photos And H.R. Giger Sketches
Species II is a good companion piece to the first, but has trouble finding anything new to stand on its own. The caliber of actors involved make this much more enjoyable to watch, and fans of the first will want to add this to their collection. The special features alone make this purchase well worth it.
