Twister

The 4K UHD Blu-ray transfer of "Twister" represents a significant upgrade over its previous home video releases. The new 2160p/HDR10 transfer, supervised by director Jan de Bont and Warner Bros.' senior colorist Shari Eisenberg, profoundly improves upon the 2008 Blu-ray's middling VC-1 encoded video quality. Original camera negative elements are scanned in native 4K, offering immense detail and refined texturing, especially in live-action shots. However, visual effects footage remains softer, showcasing generation loss due to the era-specific technology used. Notably, black levels are more controlled with sporadic instances of crush, and individual colors are more striking in a natural manner.

HDR application has led to some dimming compared to earlier Blu-ray releases, introducing a slightly cooler palette and a noticeable green tint that may divide purists. Particularly around the 21-minute mark as a major storm approaches, the sky now shows a prominent green hue, emulating real tornado conditions—an effect well-received by viewers and approved by de Bont himself. While some scenes might initially strike viewers as altered, it maintains fidelity to the original experience with minimalist revisionism. The 35mm photochemical nature of the source combined with Arriflex, Bell & Howell Eyemo, and Panavision cameras offer detailed fine details that still exhibit the 1990s aesthetic but without the past artifacts like waxy faces and Digital Noise Reduction (DNR).

Bit rates average between 60-70 Mbps, with occasional spikes into the 90s, ensuring smooth playback on the disc that captures a much more film-like and stable image. Though minor issues such as grain calibration during lightning shots exist, these are inherent to the original production rather than flaws in remastering. In summary, this UHD transfer breathes new life into "Twister," providing an enhanced visual experience that has been long overdue for this disaster classic.

The Twister 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation delivers a phenomenal upgrade to its legendary status within the home theater community. The newly introduced Dolby Atmos mix is a substantial improvement over its previous iterations, including the revered yet lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track on the Blu-ray. This Atmos track immerses listeners with a dynamic and enveloping sonic experience that elevates the film's intense tornado sequences to unprecedented levels. Ambient sounds like debris rain all around, enhancing the sense of immersion. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clean, although a minor muffling issue was noted around the 1:03:43 mark. Nevertheless, this mix brings a rich tonal quality and muscular depth aided by well-utilized surround and height channels. The bass is truly monstrous, notably shaking seats during the film's thunderous opening tornado scene.

Director Jan de Bont's enthusiasm for this remix is justifiable as it potentially surpasses even the theatrical experience. The sound design meticulously employs height channels to create a grand sense of vertical space during storm sequences, making F4 and F5 tornadoes frighteningly realistic. Surround activity is abundant, with flying debris seamlessly transitioning across speakers and into height channels, further intensifying the auditory drama. Mark Mancina's score sounds fully dynamic with pleasing fidelity, and even the diegetic pop music cues are rendered with excellence. Alternate audio tracks in French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 2.0 stereo Dolby Digital are available, with subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish. Ultimately, this Dolby Atmos mix of Twister is reference quality and proves to be not only a technical marvel but also an exhilarating enhancement to the film’s dramatic impact.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Twister" comes with a robust collection of both new and legacy bonus features that provide deep insights into the film's production and legacy. The standout is the new retrospective interview with Jan de Bont, "The Legacy of Twister: Taken by the Wind," which offers a fresh perspective on the groundbreaking special effects, production challenges, and the film's enduring impact. The legacy extras, including an engaging audio commentary from de Bont and VFX supervisor Stefen Fangmeier, along with various featurettes, provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look. Although some content from previous releases is missing, such as the History Channel program and theatrical trailers, the included features are well-curated and informative.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW: The Legacy of Twister: Taken by the Wind: Jan de Bont discusses the groundbreaking film.
• Audio Commentary: Jan de Bont and VFX Supervisor Stefen Fangmeier.
• Chasing the Storm: Twister Revisited: In-depth look at the film.
• Anatomy of a Twister: Detailed exploration of key scenes.
• HBO First Look: The Making of Twister: Early featurette on the film's production.
• Van Halen Humans Being Music Video: Rock hit accompanying the movie.

"Twister," directed by Jan de Bont, remains a hallmark of the mid-90s disaster movie genre. Loosely based on a story by Michael Crichton, the film is pure blockbuster entertainment, eschewing intricate plot mechanics for thrilling set pieces and intense storm-chasing sequences. The narrative revolves around Dr. Jo Harding, portrayed by Helen Hunt, whose childhood trauma from an F5 tornado becomes the fulcrum for her career as a tornado hunter. The chemistry between Hunt and the late Bill Paxton, who plays her estranged husband Bill Harding, is palpable and magnetic. Supporting cast members like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cary Elwes add quirky, memorable performances that elevate the otherwise straightforward storyline.

While "Twister" isn't a paradigm of scientific accuracy, it excels in delivering a visually and emotionally engaging experience. The combination of CGI and practical effects was groundbreaking at its release in 1996, despite some dated elements like the infamous satellite shot and a few less-than-convincing CGI bits. However, this 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition significantly enhances these visuals with a 2160p/HDR10 transfer. The updated Dolby Atmos audio further immerses viewers, magnifying the sheer power and chaos of the on-screen twisters to spectacular effect.

This release comes as a timely revival, ahead of an anticipated Twister remake, ensuring the original gets the technological restoration it deserves. While the plot may wobble under scrutiny, the film's heart lies in its relentless drive to entertain, powered by its dynamic cast and visceral special effects. "Twister" continues to hold up as a nostalgic yet exhilarating journey into nature's fiercest forces, a testament to its enduring appeal in the disaster movie canon.

Jan de Bont's "Twister" remains a captivating staple of 90s-era thrillers, epitomizing the visceral excitement and groundbreaking special effects of its time. Warner Bros.' long-overdue 4K UHD edition delivers a significant upgrade over the antiquated 2008 Blu-ray, featuring a crisp new 2160p/HDR10 transfer. Although the colors are slightly tweaked, the image quality is nothing short of satisfying. The Dolby Atmos audio track is particularly noteworthy, creating an immersive experience that enhances the film’s dynamic soundscape, from the roaring tornadoes to the subtle environmental noises that set the scene.

The cast, including Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, elevate "Twister" from a standard disaster flick into a memorable summer blockbuster. The charisma and chemistry among the ensemble add warmth and depth to the adrenaline-pumping storyline. While the film occasionally stretches believability—most notably during the scenes where characters outrun a category 5 tornado—its sheer entertainment value compensates for these moments of lunacy. Bonus features in this edition remain largely unchanged from previous releases, with a new retrospective interview adding some fresh insights.

In conclusion, "Twister" is simply an engaging popcorn flick with exceptional audio and visual enhancements in its new 4K UHD release. Despite the absence of a much-needed remastered Blu-ray, Warner Bros.’ effort is commendable. This edition comes highly recommended, both for long-time fans and newcomers alike, affirming its status as a fun and thrilling watch that holds up remarkably well after almost three decades.