Let me start by saying – yes, this German import works flawlessly on my US 4K player! No region-lock nonsense, and English is the default audio. I specifically hunted down this standalone release because I refuse to rebuy the first Predator (already own it) or get stuck with unwanted sequels in a box set just for Part 2.
The 4K transfer? Glorious. Seeing that iconic City Hunter Predator's mandibles glisten with rain in HDR during the subway fight gave me chills. The Blu-ray backup disc is no slouch either – perfect for when my kids hijack the main TV.
What surprised me most was how different this feels from Arnie's jungle romp. The LA gang war setting turns this into a street-level thriller where Danny Glover's cop slowly realizes he's hunting something... not human. That scene where the Predator spares Maria Conchita Alonso's pregnant character? Still gives me goosebumps – these aliens have more honor than most movie villains.
Pro tip: Crank up the Atmos track when Busey's team raids the meat packing plant. The overhead channels make you feel like you're dodging plasma bolts alongside Glover. Just don't watch it at full volume if you have thin walls – my neighbor definitely thought I was being murdered during the final showdown.
For fans who want just Predator 2 without repurchasing films they already own, this import is absolutely worth it. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go rewatch that insane ending that teased crossovers decades before Marvel made it cool.