Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Four years after Jennifer Lawrence first appeared on the big screen as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Lionsgate’s (NYSE: LGF) critically acclaimed series based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book trilogy comes to a thrilling resolution in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, arriving on Digital HD March 8 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack + Digital HD,  DVD + Digital, and On Demand March 22, the company announced today. In addition, for the first time ever, The Hunger Games Complete 4-Film Collection will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on March 22.

With $647 million worldwide box office and counting, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 set the world on fire and enthralled millions of devoted fans across the globe. With a critically acclaimed cast including Academy Award^® winner Jennifer Lawrence (Best Actress, Silver Linings Playbook, 2012), Josh Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth), Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables), Academy Award^® nominee Woody Harrelson (Best Actor, The People vs. Larry Flynt, 1996), Emmy^® nominee Elizabeth Banks (TV’s “Modern Family”), Academy Award^® winner Julianne Moore (Best Actress, Still Alice, 2014), Academy Award^® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Actor, Capote, 2005), Golden Globe^® winner Jeffrey Wright (HBO’s “Angels in America”), with Academy Award^® nominee Stanley Tucci (Best Supporting Actor, The Lovely Bones, 2009), and Golden Globe^® winner Donald Sutherland (Citizen X), The Hunger Games franchise is a worldwide phenomenon earning over $2.9 billion at the box office worldwide.

Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, who began her journey fighting to survive the brutal Hunger Games, and rose to lead the rebellion against Panem’s tyrannical president (Donald Sutherland). Now, Katniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the epic battle that will decide Panem’s future.

Based on the third novel in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, the must-own limited edition Blu-ray release is packed with over five hours of special features, including the “Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2” 8-part documentary – an in-depth look at the making of the film from production design, costumes, hair, make-up, stunts, special effects and post production. The documentary also includes a touching piece – from the last day of shooting – in which the cast reflects on their experience shooting the four films. Also included is a detailed look at Cinna’s sketchbook and a walk through the on-set photography along with audio commentary by director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson. The Blu-ray is encoded in Dolby TrueHD and features a Dolby Atmos^® soundtrack, which delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

My Thoughts

The finale we've all been waiting for has finally arrived on Bluray and DVD. In Mockingjay Part 2, Katniss and her friends are in the midst of a full-fledged revolution in an attempt to overthrow President Snow and his evil regime. Her team of rebels will unite all the districts and they will enter the capital and face a series of traps more life-threatening than anything they faced in the original Hunger Games.   There will be victories and heartbreaks along the way, and an epic battle that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

One of the things I really love about this series is that Katniss never wanted to be a hero. She volunteered to save her sister, and fought for her life  in the most humane way she could. She didn't see herself as anything special, but her integrity started an uprising that would lead to the overthrow of a tyrannical government. She really is a sign of hope, and proof that even the smallest person can make a difference.  Katniss is a strong female heroine, but also a very human one. We get to see her weaknesses and fears, but also watch her overcome them again and again.

While I'm sorry to see the series come to and end, I couldn't be happier with this final chapter of the Hunger Games.  The special effects are amazing. The actors all did a fantastic job, and they even managed to stay pretty true to the books. The Blu-ray set also gives you a full five hours of exciting bonus footage including deleted scenes and audio commentary.