Twisted Blu-ray Review

Twisted arrives on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The 1080p transfer offers a notable improvement over previous DVD versions, due in part to the new HD master derived from a 4K scan of the original 35 mm camera negative. While the overall presentation boasts impressive image stability and color balance, there are some inconsistencies in visual quality. Darker indoor close-ups reveal remarkable detail, clarity, and depth, whereas outdoor scenes under natural light tend to appear softer, with fine nuances occasionally fading. A possible application of a light filter may account for these variations, occasionally resulting in light black crush even in the best close-ups.

Cinematographically, the Blu-ray highlights the gritty, noir ambiance inherent in Peter Deming's 35 mm cinematography. The opening shot of the fog-enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge sets a familiar yet atmospheric tone. Subsequent scenes, such as the misty harbor and neon-lit alleyways, further contribute to the film's seedy, urban aesthetic. The AVC HD encode captures these settings with a balanced contrast and enhanced detail, while skin tones appear warm and natural—particularly evident in Ashley Judd's distinct pixie haircut. Night scenes bathed in red light and low-lying mist add to the cinematic texture and mood, providing a significantly more theatrical look and feel compared to the initial DVD release.

The Blu-ray also serves to accentuate the production design and make-up effects, lending authenticity to both celebratory and grim scenes alike. Key moments such as Jessica’s congratulation party are vibrantly detailed, packed with extras, while dimly lit settings like dive bars enhance the film's immersive gritty feel. Overall, despite some minor fluctuations in visual sharpness, this Blu-ray edition is a considerable step up in visual fidelity and atmosphere, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the film.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Twisted" provides two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix remarkably captures the native qualities expected from a contemporary soundtrack, highlighting Mark Isham's score with dynamic contrasts that enhance the atmospheric tension. The gunshots, car noises, and other effects are exquisitely clear and robust, while dialogue remains exceptionally clean and sharp throughout.

The audio tracks ensure a high level of fidelity in reproducing ambient sounds and effects. The background noises in scenes set in bars or during Jessica’s celebration are rich and immersive, complete with music and chatter that add to the film's atmosphere. Sound effects such as police sirens, gunshots, and natural sounds like sea lions barking or seagulls provide a vivid auditory experience. Although the surround effects appear sparingly, they are effectively used to enhance key moments, ensuring that the overall mix remains engaging despite not being groundbreaking.

The Blu-ray extras for "Twisted" offer a comprehensive dive into the filmmaking process and the atmospheric world of San Francisco noir. Phillip Kaufman's audio commentary is particularly insightful, shedding light on his long-standing ambition to create a film noir set in San Francisco. He meticulously discusses the unique characteristics of the main characters and their predicaments, which adds depth to understanding the narrative's complexities. The featurettes provide valuable behind-the-scenes footage, including interviews with cast and crew, exploration of the film's psychological layers, and the significance of its San Francisco setting. Furthermore, the deleted scenes come with optional commentary from Kaufman, providing an additional layer of insight into the creative decisions behind the film. These extras collectively enhance appreciation for the careful craftsmanship and thematic depth of "Twisted."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Philip Kaufman elaborates on his artistic vision and actor performances.
• Creating a Twisted Web of Intrigue: Standard EPK featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• The Inspectors: Clues to the Crime: Insights from film advisors, including a SFPD inspector.
• San Francisco: Scene of the Crime: Exploration of filming locations in San Francisco.
• Cutting Room Floor Deleted Scenes: Several deleted scenes with optional commentary by Kaufman.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Twisted."

Philip Kaufman's "Twisted" (2004) presents itself as a psychological thriller, but it falls short due to numerous fundamental flaws. The plot, involving inspector Jessica Shepard (Ashley Judd), who is entangled in a series of murders of her former lovers, initially has potential but quickly becomes muddled by a poorly constructed screenplay. The character development is weak, exemplified by Shepard’s excessive alcohol consumption and inexplicable blackouts, which raise obvious suspicions that are never satisfactorily addressed. Despite veteran actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Andy Garcia, the film struggles to deliver impactful performances, often appearing forced and unconvincing.

Technically, the film attempts to leverage the atmosphere created by cinematographer Peter Deming, known for his work on David Lynch projects. However, the execution of this atmospheric potential is hindered by simplistic and formulaic storytelling. Scenes intended to evoke tension or intrigue fall flat due to predictable twists and an illogical narrative progression. Moreover, the film's climax—where the murderer's motives and actions are revealed—fails to provide a coherent or satisfying conclusion, reducing the overall impact of the story.

In summary, "Twisted" showcases capable actors and technically proficient cinematography, yet these elements are undermined by a subpar script that lacks originality and depth. The film is replete with clichés common in lesser thrillers and fails to engage viewers in a meaningful or memorable way. Although there are sporadic moments of interest, they are insufficient to salvage the overall experience.

"Twisted" on Blu-ray, while offering a visually improved experience, still struggles to overcome its inherent flaws in execution. Despite its promising cast and a respectable director, the film fails to fully deliver on its potential. The setting of San Francisco is a notable highlight, adding a charm that almost compensates for other shortcomings. The new Kino release undoubtedly enhances the visual appeal of the movie, making it a more engaging watch than previous versions.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray transfer is commendable. The image quality is sharp with excellent color balance, breathing new life into the film’s distinct San Francisco locales. Additionally, the inclusion of Mark Isham's evocative score remains one of the film’s most significant strengths, effectively underpinning the narrative's tension and atmosphere. However, while these elements provide some salvaging grace, they cannot fully mask the screenplay’s logical inconsistencies and its reliance on well-worn cliches.

In conclusion, if you wish to understand why the great neo-noir renaissance ended with the 1990s, book a date with Twisted and compare it to the likes of "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Romeo Is Bleeding," "One False Move," "Red Rock West," and "The Hot Spot." The gap in quality between Twisted and these films could not be any more drastic. The only compliment I can give Twisted is to state that it was graced with yet another marvelous score composed by the always reliable Mark Isham.