Saw Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Saw" brings the film into high definition with mixed results, leaving fans with a bit of uncertainty about the quality of the upgrade from previous DVD releases. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution, the video quality does see an improvement, particularly in clarity and color fidelity when compared to the earlier DVD versions of the film. However, the image struggles with consistency; details and textures in darker scenes, especially, can be muddled. The film's low-budget origins are evident in the presentation—while close-ups and certain sequences show a reasonable amount of detail and sharpness, the overall image is hampered by graininess and occasionally lackluster black levels.

On a more positive note, the high-definition transfer respects the director's intended visual aesthetic, preserving the film's gritty ambiance through its color palette dominated by mucky greens, yellows, browns, and bold reds. Contrast and shadow detailing are commendable, with solid blacks contributing to a visually engaging experience that should please fans despite some inherent limitations. Meanwhile, the picturesque quality benefits from the HD upgrade, exhibiting a nice sense of depth even within its predominantly dark settings. Further enhancing the viewer's experience is the color grading, which remains faithful and vibrant without succumbing to noise or smearing.

However, a significant technical issue detracts from the overall viewing experience—an occasional stutter in the image during fast-moving shots, likely attributable to frame rate conversion problems. This hiccup, observed regardless of output resolution via HDMI on specific Blu-ray players, may prove distracting once noticed. Despite this flaw and some inconsistencies in image quality attributable to its source material and low-budget production values, "Saw" on Blu-ray represents a notable improvement over past releases, offering fans a version that, while not perfect, showcases the horror classic with enhanced visual clarity and fidelity, albeit with room for improvement in future reissues.

The audio presentation of "Saw" on Blu Ray, featuring both DTS ES 6.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX tracks, showcases a commendable effort from Lionsgate, even though it might not push the envelope in the realm of high-definition soundtracks. The DTS track, in particular, delivers a robust and immersive 360-degree sound experience, characterized by its aggressive use of the surround environment. This enveloping sound field compliments the film’s tense atmosphere, with dynamic pans and an adept use of both overt and subtle sounds that effectively contribute to the overall sense of immersion. However, some of the rear channel effects can feel gimmicky and disconnected from the on-screen action, detracting from an otherwise cohesive soundscape.

Bass response in the DTS track is notable when it comes into play, providing a substantial impact that enhances the film’s more jarring moments. Despite this, the audio does sometimes suffer from a lack of consistency, with certain segments coming across as overly loud—most notably the Lionsgate intro—and instances where the balance seems amiss. It is also worth mentioning that the absence of a lossless audio option feels like a missed opportunity to elevate the auditory experience to its full potential.

Critically, 'Saw's' audio does not quite attain the echelons of what is achievable with today’s advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or uncompressed PCM. Nonetheless, considering the film's modest budget, the creativity and effort invested into its sound design are laudable. The Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES tracks perform admirably, maintaining a level of quality that, while not groundbreaking, significantly contributes to the overall cinematic experience of this horror classic. The sound possesses a commendable dynamic range, avoiding harshness at the high end and delivering satisfyingly deep bass, making 'Saw' sound impressive for a film of its financial stature.

The Blu-ray edition of "Saw," a notoriously lean release by Lionsgate, perplexingly eschews the wealth of supplementary content found in its DVD predecessors. This early iteration bears the hallmarks of a bygone era in Blu-ray menu design: a notably uninspired and monotonous interface, complemented by an equally tedious auditory backdrop, making for a markedly underwhelming user experience. The absence of any extras is a glaring omission, especially given the previous DVD editions' rich array of supplements. This choice seems like a missed opportunity to enhance the Blu-ray offering with even minimal additional content, such as a low bitrate audio commentary, which could have significantly enriched the viewer's engagement with this seminal horror film.

Extras included in this disc:

There are no extras on this Blu-ray edition.

The original "Saw" film, directed by James Wan and penned alongside star Leigh Whannell, is an intricate blend of psychological horror and gruesome spectacle that redefined the genre upon its release. A far cry from the slasher antics of yesteryear and the emerging trend of torture-porn heralded in its wake, "Saw" thrives on its intellectual premise and the moral quandaries it presents. Its low-budget roots (under $1 million) never impede its ambition, as it delivers a tightly scripted narrative that feels both innovative and refreshingly grim. The film juxtaposes a grisly visual aesthetic with a potent storyline involving two men trapped in a dilapidated bathroom by the enigmatic Jigsaw killer, forced into a macabre game of life or death. The setting—a dank, despair-filled restroom—becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the film's intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.

"Saw" challenges viewers with its complex narrative structure, unfolding in flashbacks that reveal the intricate web woven by its antagonist. The moral dilemmas faced by its characters push the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling, engaging the audience with scenarios that are as intellectually stimulating as they are disturbing. The film smartly navigates through its plot holes with compelling pacing and a series of well-crafted twists, culminating in a climactic reveal that remains one of cinema's most talked-about moments. Despite its gore, "Saw" does not rely solely on shock value; instead, it probes the depths of human desperation and the dark choices people make under duress, setting itself apart with a unique blend of psychological depth and horror.

In essence, "Saw" stands as a landmark in horror filmmaking, bridging the gap between classic serial killer narratives and the visceral intensity of modern horror. Its success lies not just in the innovative traps or the bloodshed they cause but in the film's ability to immerse viewers in a nightmarish world where morality is distorted, and survival comes at a grotesque cost. As the progenitor of a new wave of horror, "Saw"’s legacy is cemented by its originality, clever plot twists, and the unsettling questions it leaves lingering in the minds of its audience.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Saw" is a compelling offering for aficionados of the horror genre, particularly those vested in the film's unique place as a reinvigorator of mass-produced horror. While not aligning directly with the raw viscerality of films like the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remakes or "Hostel," "Saw" stands out as a sophisticated blend of thriller and horror, appealing to those seeking intellectual engagement alongside their frights. However, this edition leaves much to be desired in terms of physical presentation. Despite its pivotal role in reshaping horror cinema expectations, provoking audiences with its clever and engaging plot twists, the Blu-ray execution falls notably short of enhancing this experience on a technical level.

The primary issue with this release lies in its average-at-best visual quality and its somewhat better audio performance. Disappointingly, it comes devoid of any supplementary content, which could have significantly enriched the viewing experience by providing deeper insights into the film’s intricate making and its impact on the genre. This scarcity of extras makes the Blu-ray edition less appealing for casual fans or those new to "Saw," serving only the most dedicated followers of the franchise who might prioritize collection over quality. Furthermore, despite the film's noteworthy soundtrack, it’s insufficient to overcome the shortcomings of its visual transfer, leaving much room for improvement in future editions.

In conclusion, while "Saw" remains a pivotal piece in the horror genre, revitalizing interest and demonstrating that horror can be both smart and engaging, this particular Blu-ray release does not do justice to the film's legacy. The lack of supplementary material and the average video and audio quality render it a missed opportunity to showcase "Saw" in the best possible light. Dedicated fans might still find value in adding this to their collection, but others would be advised to seek out editions that offer a more comprehensive and satisfying viewing experience.