Blu-Ray Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy)

Official Synopsis:
Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… no one sees the connective thread between these seemingly random events—no one, that is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has discerned a deliberate web of death and destruction. At its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty.

Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to France, Germany and finally Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and moving perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and power but alter the course of history.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as Holmes and Watson, along with Rachel McAdams, Kelly Reilly, and other minor characters from the previous film. Downey and Law have the same fantastic chemistry as before. Though, Downey seems to be acting even more eccentric than ever as he follows the clues and his wild theories on a high speed adventure across Europe. Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza, a gypsy who Downey and Law must team up with along the way. Simza is a mysterious character, though a bit wooden. Jared Harris does an excellent job as the infamous Professor Moriarty. As Holmes’ greatest adversary in the original novels, Moriarty is the only person who is on the same intellectual level as Holmes.

A Game of Shadows is a strong sequel to Downey’s first Sherlock Holmes film. I enjoyed this story a bit more in fact, as there were no elements of the bizarre mysticism of the first. This was another wild ride of humor, drama, mystery, and action-packed adventure. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. And the many comic relief lines had me laughing out loud. The suspense built to a massive climactic ending that was a bit predictable, yet completely enjoyable all the same. I hope this series continues with the same fine actors and keeps the light-hearted humor paired with intense action and intrigue.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack or Digital Download 6.12.12
Be sure to check out the free Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows movie app for iPad2 or Kindle Fire. The app synchs with the Blu-ray disc to start exploring the rich and exciting history of Sherlock Holmes. http://bit.ly/JlZkvR

Blu-Ray Special Features:
o Maximum Movie Mode: Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes – Hosted by Robert Downey, Jr.
o Focus Points:
– Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: A Perfect Chemistry
– Holmes Without Borders
– Moriarty’s Master Plan Unleashed
– Holmesavision on Steroids
– Sherlock Holmes: Under the Gypsy Spell
– Meet Mycroft Holmes
– Guy Ritchie’s Well-Oiled Machine
o UltraViolet Digital Copy of the film

DVD Special Features:
o Focus Points:
– Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: A Perfect Chemistry
– Moriarty’s Master Plan Unleashed
– Holmesavision on Steroids
o UltraViolet Digital Copy of the film

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows™ Movie App Notes:
• The Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows™ Movie App enables your iPad 2 or Kindle Fire to control your Blu-ray™ movie and expand your movie watching experience. Sync the app with your Blu-ray disc of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows to start exploring the rich and exciting history of Sherlock Holmes.
• The Movie App is free and can be downloaded from iTunes Store now.
• The Movie App is optimized for Apple iOS 4.0 and above.
• For the first time, the Movie App flips the notion of how you watch a movie at home as the App enables your iPad to control your Blu-ray™ movie and expand your movie watching experience
• The Movie App synchs with the Blu-ray disc of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows to provide enhanced content and interactive features.
• The Movie App acts like a remote control for your Blu-ray player taking you to specific scenes in the film and into the Maximum Movie Mode that complement the different chapters in the App allowing you to watch at your own speed instead of having to keep pace with the film.
• Noted Sherlock Holmes expert Leslie Klinger consulted on the Movie App contents.