Released in 2004 with about 7 months between the original film, Kill Bill Volume 2 tells the story of The Bride, a former assassin who decides to leave her clan when she finds out she’s pregnant. Thurman is great in the role, she’s far less bubbly than she has been in the past, and everyone had probably forgotten about her up to this point.
The scope of Kill Bill Volume 2 is not just in how convoluted the plot is, but how much care is actually given to develop the Bride. This is Uma Thurman at her very best, and Tarantino wrote the script specifically with her in mind.
There’s no doubt there were several stunt doubles and actual martial artists, but for consistency purposes, Thurman transforms from the girlish, ditsy slut from The Truth About Cats & Dogs to this unstoppable killing machine. It’s effective, but most importantly, it’s fun. A popular entry in the Tarantino filmography simply because of its high entertainment value, Kill Bill Volume 2 is an homage still and focuses on several types of filmmaking to tell the story. It incorporates spaghetti western styles, Japanese yakuza film, martial arts, animation, blaxploitation, among others.
The volumes are decidedly different While Kill Bill Volume 1 focuses on the first part of revenge, the very basic, graphic, even sadistic violence that befalls Beatrix’s foes, it seems Kill Bill Volume 2 remains the least favorite of audiences, but the more critically lauded since it spends more time devolving Beatrix and her occupation’s past. More story driven than the first film, Kill Bill Volume 2 opens before the wedding massacre and actually shows a great deal of it. More empathy is evolved here because you see how the Bride came to make her decision and feel the utter heartache of the final confrontation between Bill and Beatrix.
Kill Bill Volume 2 is a tragedy of course, and with tragedy there is usually death and that’s something the film has plenty of. But none come more devastating than that of Bill’s because of the emotion involved with it. There’s no sense in hiding it, BIll does die, that’s the point of the movie. But forgetting about how much of a “non-spoiler” that truly is, the quest to get to that point is intriguing all on its own, and the final moments between Bill and Beatrix and great filmmaking, top notch.
Kill Bill Volume 2 remains, from my point of view, an instant classic. Tarantino is at his most experimental with Kill Bill Volume 2 than he is with his other films. It’s truly an homage to the films that inspired him to become a director, and it’s this fundamental aspect that separates Tarantino from other modern filmmakers. Some steal ideas, but Tarantino elaborates on them and wants you to go watch those Yakuza films and old Pam Grier movies from the 70s because he doesn’t think they should be forgotten. In a time when “new” is the only way to go, it’s refreshing to have someone reflect on a forgotten gem and bring it back to your attention.
Lionsgate Limited Exclusive SteelBook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital 4K
Home Video Distributor: Kino Lorber
Available on Blu-ray - January 21, 2025
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free
Available in striking 4K for the first time, Kill Bill Volume 2 is the must-see movie event from writer and director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), that completes the action-packed quest for revenge begun by The Bride (Uma Thurman) in Kill Bill Volume 1! Having already crossed two names from her Death List, The Bride is back with a vengeance and taking aim at Budd (Michael Madsen) and Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), the only survivors from the squad of assassins who betrayed her four years earlier. It's all leading up to the ultimate confrontation with Bill (David Carradine), The Bride's former master and the man who ordered her execution! Experience the other half of the story in the acclaimed Kill Bill Volume 2 — even more mind-blowing on 4K Ultra High Definition!
VIDEO
Presented in spellbinding Dolby Vision HDR, this stunning 4K UHD edition preserves Tarantino’s cinematic vision and the richness of Robert Richardson’s original cinematography. The film has been meticulously remastered from beginning to end, resulting in a superior visual experience that far surpasses the upscaled releases of the past years. Colors are more vibrant, details are sharper, and the overall picture quality is nothing short of breathtaking. This meticulous attention to detail has truly elevated a beloved classic into a new era of home entertainment.
AUDIO
Per Tarantino’s wishes, the original 5.1 audio mix is presented on the UHD release.
Supplements:
Commentary:
- None
Special Features:
Immerse yourself in the film's striking cinematography and iconic soundtrack, brought to life with premium video and audio quality. Explore the mind behind the madness with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and commentary. Whether you're revisiting the Bride's journey or experiencing it for the first time, Kill Bill: Volume 2 in this SteelBook format is the definitive way to enjoy one of modern cinema's most influential masterpieces.
- SteelBook art by Oliver Barrett
- Legacy Special Features:
- The Making of Kill Bill Volume 2
- “Damoe” Deleted Scene
- “Chingon
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Composite Blu-ray Grade |
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 137 mins
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Writer: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Uma Thurman; David Carradine; Michael Madsen
Genre: Horror | Thriller
Tagline: A new film from Quentin Tarantino.
Memorable Movie Quote: "The lioness has rejoined her cub, and all is right in the jungle."
Theatrical Distributor: Miramax
Official Site: https://lionsgatelimited.com/products/kill-bill-vol-2-4k-bd-dgtl-steelbook?variant=42619384463471
Release Date: April 16, 2004
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: January 21, 2025.
Synopsis: The Bride continues her quest of vengeance against her former boss and lover Bill, the reclusive bouncer Budd, and the treacherous, one-eyed Elle.