Saw IV Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray video presentation of "Saw IV" marks a significant improvement in the series, exhibiting a 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that surpasses its predecessors with flying colors. The film’s characteristically dark and grainy aesthetic is preserved, yet the transfer manages to avoid the pitfalls that dimmed the quality of earlier entries. Black levels are strikingly refined, offering deep, inky blacks that maintain detail without succumbing to artificial enhancement. The unusual yellow-green hue that defines the film's palette is captured with precision, ensuring the film’s unique visual style is translated accurately. Despite the overall flatness and a lack of depth in the image, the level of detail is commendable, keeping the stylized look intact while achieving a high standard of visual fidelity.

The Blu Ray leverages a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode which flawlessly blends the gritty and glossy elements, setting a new benchmark for the series’ high-definition releases. Colors oscillate between being subdued in pedestrian scenes and vividly overstated in moments of intensity, occasionally pushing into oversaturation. Nonetheless, the colors remain robust. Blacks tend to be purposely muted, contributing to the film's gloomy atmosphere, and contrast is heightened without exaggerating the visuals. The transfer showcases a commendable depth, carefully balancing sharpness and softness without resorting to edge enhancement or succumbing to distracting compression artifacts. However, minor posterization was noted in some areas, pointing to slight room for improvement.

In summary, "Saw IV" offers a visually compelling experience that sets a new standard for the franchise’s Blu Ray presentations. Its mastery in rendering deep blacks and maintaining the film’s deliberately unsettling color scheme, alongside an adept handling of details amidst the overarching grittiness, confirms its status as a must-see for enthusiasts. Despite minor issues such as slight oversaturation and posterization, this installment stands out as a meticulously crafted visual feast that respects its roots while enhancing its appeal for high-definition viewing.

"Saw IV" sets a new benchmark within its series for audio presentation on Blu-ray, being the first to feature a high definition lossless audio track. The DTS-HD Master Audio track, accompanied by the Dolby Digital 5.1 EX mix, provides an unparalleled sonic experience reminiscent of the visceral intensity the franchise is known for. The track's stellar dynamics allow for impeccable clarity and detail across a wide range of sounds, from the deafening to the subtle, crafting an atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the film's rapid camera movements and suspenseful sequences. Surround effects are robust, adding layers of immersion with their impactful delivery, while the bass—though not groundbreaking—adequately underscores the film’s tension and action scenes with a satisfying depth. Dialogue maintains its clarity throughout, free from distortions or dropouts that could detract from the overall auditory experience.

Expanding on this auditory prowess, 'Saw IV' introduces a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 7.1 Surround track that elevates the rear presence dramatically, making every scream and sound of torment disturbingly crisp and engulfing. This expanded setup particularly excels in distributing ambient noises and subtle audio details across channels, creating a dynamically creepy environment that enhances the film's horror elements. The score weaves through this soundscape with effective dread-inducing cues, further immersing viewers in the unsettling world of "Saw IV." However, it's not without its limitations; owing to the franchise’s traditionally modest budget, some aspects like Foley and ADR work can occasionally feel less polished, and the mix’s dynamic range doesn’t always reach the highs seen in top-tier high-res audio presentations. Moreover, despite clear dialogue, there are times when the cacophony of background noise might benefit from a more dominant center channel to anchor the listener's focus amidst the chaos.

In summary, "Saw IV" impresses with its audio presentation on Blu-ray, pushing the boundaries with its use of DTS-HD MA tracks to create a deeply engaging and horrifyingly vivid soundscape that fans of the series will find thoroughly satisfying. While minor critiques can be noted regarding its dynamic range and moments of audio balance, they do little to diminish the overall effect of what is arguably the best-sounding entry in the "Saw" series thus far.

The 'Saw IV' Blu-ray extras provide an interesting mix of content that navigates the familiar and the innovative in supplementary materials. While not breaking new ground, the content is keenly curated for fans, featuring a blend of technical discussions and behind-the-scenes looks. The first audio commentary, led by producers Oren Koules, Mark Burg, Peter Block, and Jason Constantine, is particularly engaging, offering insights into the production process, film's technical aspects, and teasing future installments. This contrasts with the more relaxed and humor-filled commentary by director Darren Bousman and actor Lyriq Bent, which may appeal more to die-hard franchise fans. Additionally, Darren's Video Diary offers a candid, verite look at the filmmaking process, from dealing with leaks to the physical construction of traps. The featurettes on the traps and props provide a deep dive into the creativity behind the film's iconic elements. Despite its shortcomings in revolutionary content, this extras package is a commendable effort to enhance the viewer's experience with a mix of high-definition and standard-definition presentations, even though some content appears upscale from lower-quality sources.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Producers: Insightful discussion on the film's production.
• Audio Commentary with Director and Actor: A lighter, fan-oriented commentary.
• Darren's Video Diary: Behind-the-scenes look at the production process.
• The Traps of 'Saw IV': Exploration of trap creation from concept to execution.
• The Props of 'Saw IV': Detailed look at the film's props.
• 'Saw IV' Music Video by 'X Japan': A music video related to the film.
• Deleted Scene – Police Station: An additional scene not included in the final cut.
• Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for 'Saw IV' and other related promotions.

"Saw IV" perpetuates the legacy of its predecessors with a narrative deeply entrenched in the macabre traditions of the franchise, albeit with a diminishing sense of innovation. Opening with a graphically detailed autopsy of the Jigsaw killer, this installment wastes no time diving into the gore that fans have come to expect, showcasing its visceral prowess in high definition on Blu-ray. Notably, the film embarks on a journey with Officer Rigg and introduces FBI profilers into the mix, injecting fresh blood in an attempt to unravel the continually complex web of Jigsaw's legacy. However, despite this infusion of new characters and daunting traps, "Saw IV" struggles under the weight of its own ambition, recycling familiar themes while simultaneously striving for narrative depth and coherence.

Technically, "Saw IV" stands as a testament to the franchise's evolution in film-making, with Director Darren Lynn Bousman bringing a level of polish and dedication that is evident throughout. Yet, it's this very embellishment in the series' fourth iteration that paradoxically highlights its creative stagnation. As the film attempts to bridge past and present events within its universe, the elaborateness of its traps and the convolution of its plotlines tread into territories that risk self-parody. The movie's dedication to continuity is commendable, but it comes at the expense of originality, leaving audiences with a spectacle that feels all too familiar.

Despite its shortcomings, "Saw IV" continues to serve the franchise's core audience, delivering on the expectations of gore and convoluted puzzles. The film's attempt to return to a more plot-driven horror compared to its immediate predecessor is noticeable, offering glimpses of character-driven narratives amidst its elaborate setpieces. However, the reliance on shock value over substantive suspense reveals the limitations of a once-pioneering series now struggling to innovate within the confines of its self-created labyrinth. As "Saw IV" navigates through its intertwining timelines and gory revelations, it encapsulates both the peak and plateau of the franchise—technically adept yet creatively constrained.

"Saw IV," the latest installment in the notorious horror franchise, offers a blend of psychological thrills and horror that aligns with its predecessors while making an attempt to provide a more narrative-driven experience. The film diverts slightly from its traditional gore-heavy approach, favoring a storyline with intriguing twists and a shocking conclusion that will satisfy series loyalists. Despite its efforts, the movie does not completely escape its gruesome roots nor does it appeal to those outside the franchise's fan base; the intricate plot may alienate newcomers or those with a faint heart for horror. From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release sets a new standard for the series, boasting exceptional video and audio quality that significantly enhances the viewing experience. With a solid array of extras, this release is a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew who have continually shaped the world of "Saw."

The Blu-ray presentation distinguishes itself with outstanding visual and auditory fidelity, positioning "Saw IV" above many of its genre counterparts in the home video market. Fans will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in the transfer, which promises an immersive horror experience. The supplemental features provide additional value, offering insights into the making of this complex chapter in the "Saw" saga. However, despite these technical merits, the film's appeal remains narrowly tailored to its established audience, potentially limiting its reach.

In conclusion, "Saw IV" on Blu-ray represents a high point for the series in terms of production values, albeit not broadening its appeal beyond the franchise's fervent followers. The film's emphasis on story over spectacle marks a commendable shift, yet it may not be enough to entice a wider audience. Nevertheless, for enthusiasts of the "Saw" series, this release is an indispensable addition to their collection, showcasing remarkable audiovisual quality and enriching extras that complement the film's intricate narrative and its place within the larger "Saw" universe.