Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The

In The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, there is more love and laughter as new arrival Richard Gere joins an all-star ensemble cast returning for this heartwarming sequel. Now that his venture has been proven successful, ever-confident Sonny (Patel) is busy juggling plans for a second resort…as well as his own wedding. But his efforts are constantly hampered by complications, and in order to pull it all together he'll need a little help and encouragement from his resident friends. (Gary Reber)

Special features include six featurettes: Story (HD 03:06), Cast (HD 03:38), Returning To The Marigold Hotel (HD 02:52), Blossoming Romance (HD 02:54), The Marigold Wedding (HD 02:35), and Filming In India (HD 02:34); a gallery; upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

Unlike The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which was photographed on Kodak film, this follow-up was shot digitally with the Sony CineAlta 65 camera system. The 2.39:1 1080p picture is vibrantly colorful, with fully saturated hues throughout. Colors are richly and warmly rendered and often pop. Every scene, including backgrounds, are colorfully and brightly crafted. Fleshtones appear natural throughout. Contrast is well balanced with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited in facial features, hair, clothing and object texture. This is a beautifully colorful picture that exhibits a vibrant image. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is conventionally produced with a dialogue focus that sounds forward, with wanting spatial integration. Still, the dialogue is clear and intelligible throughout. it is the unique Indian-tinged music score that enhances the sense of surround envelopment with at times an aggressive surround presence. The music is spread wide and deep across the soundstage, extending to the surrounds. Deep bass is absent, but there is natural low-frequency balance to the music. Atmospherics enhance the sense of environment in the Indian locations. This is generally a pleasing soundtrack, but the dialogue is not well integrated. (Gary Reber)