Blu-ray Movie Reviews

In this last installment, Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge - against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.

Like the previous film, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest was actually shot for TV and not for theatrical release. Unfortunately this presents problems for the image, especially in comparison to the first film in this trilogy. Resolution is wanting, despite the opened up aspect ratio. Detail is on the soft side and the inherent grain of the film looks a bit unruly at times. Colors also have a muted quality. Contrast is decent with solid black levels and shadow detail, but this is still a far cry from the image quality we saw with the first film. Like the previous films the soundtrack is still limited to Dolby Digital 5.1 in both its native Swedish or an English dub. While the mix is pretty good, it is disappointing to see Blu-ray releases that still lack a lossless audio option. Dynamics are decent here but lack the polish of a full theatrical production. Surrounds are used sparingly but imaging is good.

Extras are limited to the theatrical trailer.

Continuing seconds after the last film left off, Hornet’s Nest is still every bit as involving and gripping as the last film. It is disappointing that the presentations for these last two couldn’t have had the same polish as the first film, but the film is still spectacular. Definitely recommended.