DVD Review: High School Musical 2: The Extended Edition

It’s time to sing and dance because there’s so much more to celebrate in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: EXTENDED EDITION. Experience the movie in a whole new way with a never-before-seen music sequence and rehearsal footage plus sing lead vocals with High School Karaoke.

The East High Wildcats are gearing up for big fun as they land the coolest summer jobs imaginable.

Review:
So I finally can say I’ve seen what all the hype is about since I’ve now seen High School Musical 2, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The movie has without doubt created quite the mass following with the teen and tween crowd, and it’s easy to see why with such a talented and attractive cast.

This sequel to the 2006 hit is packed with all new catchy songs, impressive dance movies, and all the eye candy you could possibly want. Also, this time around the kids are dealing with more intense issues such as saving money for college which is merely a year away.

I love that Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) had an actual storyline this time around and didn’t just stand in Sharpay’s (Ashley Tisdale) shadow like he did in the previous film. I also love that we got to see more of Chad (Corbin Bleu) and Taylor (Monique Coleman). However, I still feel that this series is too heavy focused on Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens). While these two young stars are certainly deserving of their roles, there is more potential with this group to be tapped that I don’t think Disney has fully released yet, and I mean this purely in regards to the characters and their storylines, because Disney surely has no problem in successfully marketing this brand. I would just like to a plot that focused more on the entire group. Perhaps the 3rd installment will give us that pleasure.

While I did enjoy this title and was surprising able to take it seriously, I have to admit I did almost choke on my drink laughing during the scene where Troy runs through the golf course whilst singing. That being said, it is also one of my favorite movie scenes of all time merely because it evokes laughter in me like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

The release could have benefited from some additional special features to set it apart from the previous release of High School Musical 2. While it’s a great movie, and if you’re a High School Musical fan you should definitely own it, it’s not worth going out and getting if you already have a copy of the first High School Musical 2 release. With that being said, if you don’t own it, pick up this edition as compared to the original!

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B+
Official site: http://tv.disney.go.com/disneychannel/originalmovies/highschoolmusical2/
Buy on Amazon: High School Musical 2: The Extended Edition