Blair Witch 2, a.k.a. The Book of Shadows, was a vain attempt to follow up the phenomenal success of The Blair Witch Project. The original was so strange and quirky, so patently one of a kind, that any sequel seemed doomed to inferiority. At the same time, the original's astonishing success made the attempt at a sequel inevitable.

Blair Witch 2 begins well. The opening premise is that the Maryland town near the woods where the original movie took place is now overrun with tourists, neo-pagans, and thrill seekers. Tours are being offered, and four people go on a "witch hunt" with a creepy local guide. To no one's surprise except theirs, bad things happen.

There are a variety of styles and points of view. The opening scenes are shot as a documentary about what has happened to the town. As in the original, there is video footage purportedly shot by the witch hunters. A large portion is shot in 35 mm, as the local sheriff tries to put together the truth from the participants' differing versions.

DVD Extras

The DVD contains an audio commentary by director Joe Berlinger and interviews with the cast. There's a music video by Goodhead and a behind-the-scenes featurette. Blair Witch 2 is also available in a boxed set with The Blair Witch Project. The set is titled The Blair Witch Experience.