Saw II Blu-ray Review

"Saw II" on Blu-ray is presented in its original cinematic aspect ratio of 1.78:1, delivering a viewing experience that retains the movie's intended visual aesthetic. The 1080p resolution brings forward an image quality that, despite its inherent flaws, is commendable. Notably, the film displays a considerable amount of grain, particularly in its darker scenes, which might detract from the viewing experience for some. This is compounded by issues with black levels, where shadows and dark areas sometimes appear unnaturally brightened, revealing more detail than one might expect. However, it’s worth mentioning that the sometimes-drab color palette and the less-than-vivid visual presentation appear to be deliberate artistic choices rather than shortcomings of the transfer itself.

The Blu-ray's MPEG-2 encode handles the film's heavily stylized color scheme with aplomb, maintaining sharpness and clarity in a film world that deliberately veers away from realistic hues. Scenes are drenched in exaggerated tones of red and green, yet the image remains unexpectedly crisp. This release reveals an increased level of detail compared to the standard DVD, from the texture of decaying walls to the intricacies of the film's infamous traps. However, the visual presentation is not without its faults. The occasional presence of dirt and white speckles on the print, reminiscent of issues seen in earlier Blu-ray releases like MGM's "Species," momentarily distracts, though these defects are few and far between. Fortunately, these minor blemishes do not mar an otherwise clean transfer free from compression artifacts or other digital issues.

In summary, the Blu-ray presentation of "Saw II" offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience over its DVD counterpart, with improved fine detail and a faithful adherence to the film's unique visual style. Despite some issues with grain and black levels, as well as occasional print defects, this release is likely to satisfy fans of the franchise and horror aficionados alike, thanks to its sharp image quality and maintained artistic integrity.

The audio presentation of "Saw II" on Blu-ray provides a compelling auditory experience, leveraging the strengths of its DTS-ES 6.1 soundtrack along with a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track, comparable to its predecessors and successor, "Saw III". Despite the notable absence of a lossless or PCM uncompressed soundtrack, the DTS track effectively immerses viewers with a blend of screams, musical cues, and ambient sounds that envelop from all sides, creating a cohesive soundstage. The mix manages bass impact and dialogue volume adeptly, though it's worth noting dialogue tends to be slightly subdued, requiring volume adjustments. The overall balance avoids gimmicky effects, favoring a more authentic, theater-like experience that is powerful yet not oversaturated.

The sound design emphasizes front-heavy audioscapes, transitioning to a fuller surround sound experience during moments of intense action or terror, demonstrating a well-considered dynamic range. This execution showcases "Saw II" as particularly effective within the series due to its confined setting, amplifying the tension and horror through smart use of offscreen noise and directional sound effects for sudden scares. The adept layering of the score and ambient elements like mechanical drones in the background enriches the atmosphere, adding to the film's eerie charm.

With quality that belies its budget constraints, "Saw II" avoids common pitfalls like ADR mishaps or unconvincing dialogue—instead offering clear, well-balanced audio that spans from robust low bass frequencies to crisp highs. Enhanced by strategic uses of the surround channels to build envelopment and occasional shocks, the audio track stands out for its ability to maintain immersion and tension, rendering "Saw II" as an exemplar of effective horror film sound design on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Saw II" offers a mix of extras that may not comprehensively cover the breadth of material found in previous editions but still provides significant value for fans of the series. The inclusion of two commentary tracks stands out, with the first being a light-hearted yet technically insightful discussion featuring director Darren Lynn Bousman, production designer David Hackl, and editor Kevin Greutert. They openly discuss the making of the film, including continuity errors and the challenges of bringing a horror sequel to life. The second track features creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell, offering a more relaxed and humorous take on the film that die-hard fans and aspiring filmmakers will find valuable. Although some desirable documentaries from earlier DVD editions are missing, the Blu-ray compensates with high-definition presentations of the remaining extras, including the peculiar Scott Tibbs Documentary and the heartfelt Gregg Hoffman: In Memoriam. However, the overall packaging might leave some feeling that more could have been included to fully honor the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Production Designer David Hackl, and Editor Kevin Greutert: A technical and light-hearted commentary track.
• Audio Commentary with Creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell: A humorous and insightful discussion.
• The Scott Tibbs Documentary: A mockumentary bridging "Saw II" with "Saw III".
• Gregg Hoffman: In Memoriam: A tribute to the late producer of the Saw franchise.
• The Story Behind the Story: A brief featurette on the origins of Jigsaw's character.

"Saw II" escalates the macabre stakes of its predecessor, enveloping viewers in a narrative that's as grim as it is enthralling. The sequel introduces us to Jigsaw’s darkly intricate world, where his victims, ensnared in a harrowing game of survival, confront a series of brutal puzzles in hopes of gaining their freedom. The film's exploration of Jigsaw's philosophy—his twisted rationale that those unappreciative of life deserve to face death’s immediacy—adds a compelling layer to the narrative. This is not just a mere exercise in gore; it is a psychological dive into a madman’s creed, suggesting that beneath the surface-level sadism lies a deeper, if utterly perverse, intention to invoke a gratitude for life among his subjects. The character development, particularly that of Jigsaw and detective Eric Matthews, played by Donnie Wahlberg, enriches the storyline, providing a sturdy emotional backbone to the horror spectacle.

Technically, "Saw II" does not deviate significantly from the aesthetic established in the first film, favoring quick cuts and a frenetic filmmaking style that may not cater to all tastes but certainly amplifies the tension. This approach complements the movie's core—the claustrophobic, visceral experience of Jigsaw's lethal traps, set within a house that becomes as much a character as its inhabitants. While the movie might lean more towards the grislier side of its genre, forsaking some of the suspense that characterized its forerunner, it compensates with a raw, unflinching portrayal of human desperation, engaging the audience with its relentless pace and inventive, albeit horrifying, scenarios.

Despite its departure from traditional suspense towards more direct horror and gore, "Saw II" manages to retain its thematic essence, weaving moral quandaries with heart-pounding thrills. It aligns itself more with being a cultural artifact, reflecting broader societal anxieties and our collective fascination with mortality. The film’s success lies not just in its ability to shock or disturb, but in sparking introspection about life’s value and the human condition. As such, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the horror genre, striking a chord with audiences seeking an escape into darker fantasies while confronting the ultimate inevitability faced by all: death itself.

"Saw II" stands as a commendable sequel, mirroring the manner in which "Halloween II" honored its precursor, and solidifying itself as a blend of horror, psychological thriller, and mystery. It brilliantly picks up from where the original left off, weaving a storyline ripe with suspense, intrigue, and the expected dose of scares, without straying from its foundational roots. This continuation is among the upper echelon of horror sequels, navigating the thin line between homage and innovation with grace, though within the context of horror follow-ups, this accolade comes with its caveats. The Blu-ray edition presents an audio and video quality that, while not reaching the pinnacles of reference material, delivers a competent upgrade from the DVD version. The visual experience is slightly marred by graininess, yet these minor imperfections hardly detract from the overall viewing pleasure, supplemented by a solid audio track.

Regarding the special features, this Blu-ray release leaves something to be desired. Fans may find the extras somewhat wanting, especially when comparing to more robust offerings from previous DVD editions. This aspect hints at a potential missed opportunity to delve deeper into the "Saw" universe through behind-the-scenes footage, director's commentary, or comprehensive making-of documentaries. Despite this shortfall in supplemental content, devotees of the franchise are likely to find enough value in the improvement in visual and auditory presentation to warrant adding this version to their collection. However, it’s worth noting the sentiment that Lionsgate might offer a more expansive Blu-ray release in the future which could address these shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Saw II" on Blu-ray is a purchase recommended for series enthusiasts and those intrigued by its evolution into a cult classic. It effectively escalates the narrative and thematic elements introduced in the first film, supported by a respectable audiovisual upgrade. Yet, the dearth of extensive special features slightly undermines its potential as a definitive edition. With this in mind, "Saw II" remains a solid addition to a horror fan's Blu-ray library, encapsulating a pivotal chapter in a franchise that continues to captivate and horrify audiences in equal measure.