Saw X 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Saw X," released by Lionsgate, is an impressive upgrade over its 1080p counterpart. The film, shot on Sony CineAlta cameras and finished with a native 4K master, boasts a 2160p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The rich tapestry of visual details becomes particularly evident in the darker, macabre settings, where every greasy mark and drop of blood pops with precision due to the robust HEVC / H.265 encoding. The extensive use of a HDR10 enhancement further accentuates these elements by offering deep inky blacks, strong contrast, and minimized artifacts. Despite the film’s overall dark and grisly aesthetic, the nuanced color grading—ranging from the grim blues and greens to the starkly different sepia and yellow tones in Mexico—shows significant improvements in vibrancy and depth.

The HDR implementation plays a crucial role in elevating the film’s visual presentation. The early scenes set in a hospital leverage cooler, icier blues compared to their 1080p counterparts, while trap scenes showcase enhanced teal hues. Warmer sequences, particularly those shot in Mexico, bring out richer oranges and yellows, highlighting Billy the Puppet's vivid white and red contrasting attire impeccably. The digital grain texture is more noticeable against lighter backgrounds, adding a layer of faux nostalgia that mimics the 35mm feel of earlier installations in the franchise.

Technically, "Saw X" shines with sharp detail and impressive clarity. Close-ups reveal minute details like gory wounds, facial hair, and practical makeup effects with startling clarity thanks to the HDR10 working its magic. Wider shots maintain a robust depth of field without losing sharpness, crucial for exploring the claustrophobic trap rooms. The black levels stay rich without any signs of crushing or murkiness, ensuring that shadowy scenes retain their complexity. Overall, this transfer is clean and free of noise, banding, or aliasing issues, making "Saw X" a visually stellar piece even for the most discerning horror aficionados.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Saw X" sports a remarkable Dolby Atmos audio track that effortlessly engages all surround channels. This immersive soundscape is immediately apparent from the opening Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures mastheads, which make excellent use of Atmos' vertical capabilities. Pederson's mansion scenes notably highlight the overhead speakers, enhancing the sense of tension and immersion. Throughout the film, side and rear channels are deftly utilized, particularly during the unsettling trap sequences where dense, squishy sound effects add a palpable sense of dread. Charlie Clouser's atmospheric score is well-integrated, enveloping the listener and maintaining a high level of atmospheric tension.

The Dolby Atmos track excels in the subtleties crucial to a horror experience, where every bone crunch, skin slice, and metallic scrape resonates with visceral impact. The nuanced sounds travel seamlessly across channels, with height speakers effectively capturing noises from above and a dynamic low-end bass providing a menacing rumble without overpowering other elements. Dialogue reproduction is top-notch, with clean and clear vocal presentation, ensuring Tobin Bell's iconic voice remains as haunting as ever. Additionally, the track includes selections of English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, with optional English, English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles.

The overall balance, layering, and depth of this Dolby Atmos mix make it stand out. The film’s audio presentations are thoughtfully designed to encapsulate viewers fully. Each scene crackles with authenticity; be it the horrifying sound effects or the more atmospheric ambiance. The dynamic range is impressive, keeping the experience engaging without overwhelming the listener. The result is an exemplary audio experience that aligns flawlessly with the film's intense and unnerving tone.

The extras on the 4K UHD release of "Saw X" provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at the creation of the film, making it an invaluable resource for any fan of the franchise. The audio commentary by Director/Editor Kevin Greutert, Cinematographer Nick Matthews, and Production Designer Anthony Stabley offers insightful discussion on the movie’s production, casting, and set design. Notably, the six-part documentary "Reawakening" covers all aspects of the film's development with extensive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The illustrated scene breakdowns and make-up department trap tests deliver detailed analyses and practical demonstrations of key sequences and special effects. Additionally, the deleted scenes add depth to the narrative while providing extra content for aficionados. Overall, this robust collection of supplements enhances the viewer’s appreciation of the film's artistry and meticulous craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track with Director/Editor Kevin Greutert, Cinematographer Nick Matthews, and Production Designer Anthony Stabley.
• Reawakening: Six-part documentary exploring the film's origins, production, and on-set experiences.
• Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated scene breakdowns with commentary by Kevin Greutert.
• Make-Up Department Trap Tests: Behind-the-scenes look at special effects rehearsals.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content that adds layers to the story.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for the film.

"Saw X" seamlessly integrates into the convoluted timeline of the "Saw" franchise, positioning itself between the events of the first two films. The narrative sees John Kramer (Tobin Bell) grappling with a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, only to seize what appears to be a lifeline from Dr. Cecilia Pederson (Synnøve Macody Lund) in Mexico. This supposed miracle cure is a cruel scam, triggering Kramer’s vengeance as he subjects those responsible to his sadistic games. This installment marks a significant return to character-driven storytelling, endowing Kramer with a palpable depth through his complex moral code and interactions with Amanda (Shawnee Smith). The film’s choice to decrease the frequency of traps yet augment their gruesome intensity brings a fresh, emotional weight reminiscent of the series' early entries.

Technically, the film shines with its meticulous visual aesthetic. Shot on Sony CineAlta cameras, "Saw X" boasts a native 4K master that highlights the grungy realism of its settings. The color palette oscillates between heavy blue grading and stark sepia tones in Mexican scenes, enriching the visual storytelling. The practical effects are commendable, but the CGI in certain scenes—most notably the "bloodboarding" sequence—is less convincing. The film’s employment of fake grain subtly textures the image, contributing to an almost seamless feel despite being slightly discernible. Director Kevin Greutert’s precise execution ensures the horror is both visceral and immersive.

"Saw X" excels as one of the most introspective entries in the franchise. It balances psychological depth with the traditional visceral spectacle, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. Characters like Dr. Pederson morph from savior to adversary, enhancing the narrative complexity. While the film might not fulfill all expectations for a pure gorefest, it compensates by offering a richer, emotionally driven experience that delves into Kramer’s psyche and motivations.

"Saw X," the tenth installment of the storied "Saw" franchise, delivers a robust return to form, deftly balancing intense character study with the visceral traps that fans have come to expect. Tobin Bell offers a standout performance, bringing newfound depth to the character of John Kramer, while Shawnee Smith also shines. The technical specifications are impressive: presented in 2160p UHD 4K with HDR10, the image quality is pristine. The English Dolby Atmos track ensures an immersive audio experience, further enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Lionsgate’s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release is exemplary, featuring superb video and audio quality that do justice to the film's chilling visuals and soundscapes. The disc includes an array of bonus features, providing substantial additional content that enriches the viewing experience. This includes behind-the-scenes looks and insights into the film's production, making it valuable for both new viewers and longtime fans of the franchise.

"Saw X" successfully rejuvenates the franchise, offering a compelling blend of horror and character development. Despite some minor audio level issues in the early scenes, this release stands out for its overall excellence in both film quality and supplementary content. Highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike, "Saw X" on 4K Ultra HD is available from December 11th, 2023, and is a solid addition to any horror aficionado's collection.