Twister 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
SteelBook Limited Edition
Score: 82
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Twister's 4K UHD release boasts an excellent HDR10 transfer and a dynamic Atmos mix. Exceptional upgrades bring Jan de Bont’s beloved storm-chasing classic into the modern home theater domain.
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Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 85
The new 2160p/HDR10 transfer of 'Twister' offers impressive clarity with fine film grain, better color timing, and enhanced CGI tornado effects. The tweaks provide a more natural look with rich reds and yellows, deep blacks, and excellent shadow detail, making the wait for 4K worth it.
Audio: 92
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of 'Twister' offers a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix that excels in delivering wall-to-wall immersion with pinpoint effects and thundering LFE. Dialog prioritization is strong, though some extraneous lines feel softer. The mix, distinct from Turbine's, provides subtle surround usage and impressive audio dynamics.
Extra: 72
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Twister' features a visually appealing Steelbook packaging, retains most of its previous on-disc extras including insightful audio commentaries and documentary segments, and adds a brief but valuable new interview with director Jan de Bont, enhancing its collector's appeal.
Movie: 82
Twister's 4K UHD SteelBook offers a thrilling nostalgia trip with excellent 2160p/HDR10 transfers, Dolby Atmos audio, and entertaining extras, despite cosmetic differences and some outdated CGI. A definitive upgrade for fans, though it lacks the remastered Blu-ray.
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Video: 85
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Twister represents a significant upgrade, featuring a 2160p/HDR10 transfer that truly brings the film to life. Notably, the new director-approved color changes and enhanced resolution deliver an experience that exudes both aesthetic fidelity and technical precision. In contrast to the over-bright, flat look of prior releases, this version restores the natural film grain without it becoming intrusive or noisy. Details are exquisitely rendered, from facial features to the intricacies of vehicles, providing an authentic cinematic feel. Some CGI elements, particularly the tornado effects, impressively hold up and seamlessly blend with the improved resolution.
This transfer has also undergone strategic color timing adjustments that greatly benefit the film's atmosphere. The previously criticized "bright and sunny" look during storm sequences has been mitigated, offering a slightly darkened scene to maintain an appropriate mood. While blues are more pronounced, reds and yellows stand out vividly. The HDR10 grading performs admirably, with Jo’s bright yellow Jeep and Bill’s red Dodge Ram appearing particularly vibrant. The shadows offer excellent depth, and black levels are deep and inky, contributing to a well-rounded and visually satisfying presentation.
Moreover, certain scenes—including the newly green-tinted opening tornado—illustrate Jan de Bont’s vision more cohesively, even if the green tint might initially seem overdone. This meticulous attention to detail, coupled with improved depth, clarity, and color representation, makes this release of Twister a visually compelling experience.
Audio: 92
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Twister" features a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix that is distinctly different from the track offered by Turbine three years ago. The immersive sound design begins strikingly with the opening tornado scene, setting the tone for the entire film. Dialogue is well-prioritized in the front and center channels, although occasional lines might seem softer, these are mostly inconsequential utterances. Scenes like Aunt Meg's "steak and eggs" breakfast demonstrate subtle yet effective surround usage, with ambient sounds enhancing the realism. The big tornado chases capitalize on dynamic surround imaging, making full use of side, rear, and height channels. Noteworthy is the substantial low-frequency effects (LFE) during moments such as the first tornado chase with the yellow Jeep, delivering an authentic theater-like experience.
When compared to the Turbine Atmos track from three years ago, both tracks excel but differ slightly in their execution. Turbine's version offers more LFE rumble earlier in the first tornado chase scene, adding heft to the crashing sound effects. Conversely, the new Atmos mix builds tension earlier in the drive-in scene, introducing floor-rattling sub-rumbles sooner. Both tracks handle critical scenes like the "sisters" waterspouts with remarkable similarity, maintaining intensity and immersion throughout. While each track has its unique strengths in delivering pinpoint effects and immersive soundscapes, they both ultimately provide an outstanding audio experience.
Extra: 72
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Twister" arrives in a sleek matte-finish Steelbook packaging with green-dominant art, reminiscent of classic home video covers, featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton evading a tornado. This edition retains all the extras from the standard 4K release while excluding the History Channel Nature Tech feature and trailers. Notable additions include a brief but insightful interview with the retired Jan de Bont, providing a rare glimpse into his reflections on the film's notoriously challenging production. Fans of the original release will appreciate the continuity and enhancement of content, despite some minor omissions.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Jan de Bont and Stefen Fangmeier.
- The Legacy of Twister - Taken by the Wind: Recent feature (HD).
- Chasing the Storm: Twister Revisited: Retrospective (SD).
- HBO First Look: The Making of Twister: Behind-the-scenes (SD).
- Anatomy of a Twister: In-depth look (SD).
- Van Halen “Humans Being” Music Video: Accompanying music video (SD).
Movie: 82
Twister on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers fans a truly immersive experience of Jan de Bont's 1996 weather disaster epic. Presented with an impeccable 2160p resolution and enhanced by HDR10, the video's quality allows for a vibrant and dynamic display of the film's intense storm sequences. The Dolby Atmos audio track further complements the visual excellence, creating a booming and engulfing soundscape that brings each tornado to life with visceral intensity. The combination of these technological updates catapults the film into a new realm of visual and auditory impact, catering perfectly to home theater enthusiasts and longtime fans alike.
The film itself remains a thrilling journey of storm chasers Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) and Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) who, amidst a series of massive tornadoes, race against a rival team to deploy a sophisticated tracking device. Despite its sometimes-heavy meteorological jargon and a rather tepid romantic subplot, Twister shines through its spectacular special effects, gripping action, and nostalgic resonance. The practical effects, such as gas tanker explosions and city set demolitions, coupled with classic digital effects remind viewers of a time when disaster films prioritized tangible stunt work.
Although the story occasionally falters with melodrama and technical jargon that may go over most viewers' heads, the film's dynamic pacing and spirited performances ensure it remains an enjoyable watch. Twister may not be universally acclaimed as a cinematic masterpiece, but its iconic moments and impressive sound design solidify it as a beloved popcorn classic—perfect for fans old and new. While the Steelbook edition features unique albeit subdued artwork, the true value lies in the upgraded audiovisual experience, making this 4K release an essential addition to any disaster film aficionado's collection.
Total: 82
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Twister is an exceptional upgrade, bringing Jan de Bont’s beloved storm-chasing classic into the modern home theater domain with remarkable audiovisual enhancements. Presented in standard and non-store exclusive Steelbook editions, the new release features identical technical specifications and bonus content, allowing viewers to focus on the film itself without concern over varying quality. The 4K transfer, showcased with HDR10, represents a significant improvement over previous iterations, delivering sharper detail and more vibrant colors, although some minor greenage issues remain.
In terms of audio, the new Atmos mix is particularly noteworthy, meticulously enhancing the film’s soundtrack and immersing viewers in the tempestuous environment that Twister so vividly portrays. This mix elevates the experience, turning ordinary living rooms into a cacophonous stormfront. However, while the core features of this release are commendable, the bonus content does leave something to be desired. Aside from a new interview with Jan de Bont, there is an impression that more substantial extras could have been included to further deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the production.
In conclusion, Twister on 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. is a must-have for fans of the genre, offering an unparalleled audiovisual experience that breathes new life into this nearly three-decade-old classic. While the SteelBook packaging may appeal to collectors, most viewers will be perfectly satisfied with the standard edition, which offers the same excellent content at a more accessible price point. This release undoubtedly sets a new benchmark for disaster film restorations and serves as an appetizing precursor to the forthcoming sequel.
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
For my thoughts on Twister's new 2160p/HDR10 transfer (which includes a few new director-approved color changes), please see my recent review of the the standard 4K edition....
Audio: 100
Similarly, for my thoughts on the new room-rattling Dolby Atmos remix, please see the above-linked 4K review....
Extras: 60
This one-disc release -- which, like the standard 4K edition, does not include a Blu-ray copy of Twister, remastered or otherwise -- ships in matte-finish Steelbook packaging (above) with a fittingly green-dominant...
Movie: 80
Announced by Warner Bros. before the standard 4K edition but scheduled to drop simultaneously, this wide-release 4K Steelbook variant of Jan de Bont's 1996 thriller Twister features the same on-disc contents...
Total: 80
Since the A/V specs and bonus features are identical on both versions, this slightly pricier packaging variant is mainly aimed at packaging collectors and die-hard fans only....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
One of the criticisms of the film and early discs was how “bright and sunny” the movie could look when a killer storm is raining down just a few feet away....
Audio: 100
I thought the Turbine Atmos offered a little more rumble in the subs earlier than this new track and gave a little more heft to the crashing sound effect of the Jeep hitting the bridge while maintaining...
Extras: 60
As for bonus features, we don’t see all of the old materials return, namely, we lose the History Channel Nature Tech feature and trailers, but that’s all....
Movie: 80
Our local multiplex had just upgraded to digital sound and it was a crushing cacophony of action and adrenaline and we were loving it… then the film broke just as the last tornado was chasing our heroic...
Total: 80
The SteelBook is an okay piece of original art, but it’s not very exciting and rather uninspired so unless you’re a diehard fan of metal cases housing your movies, stick with the standard release - it's...
Director: Jan de Bont
Actors: Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes
PlotIn the midst of a volatile tornado season in Oklahoma, a team of storm chasers, driven by their passion for extreme weather and scientific exploration, embarks on a high-stakes mission to deploy a revolutionary tornado research device directly into the path of an oncoming twister. The device, named Dorothy, is designed to release thousands of sensors into the tornado, with the aim of gathering unprecedented data to improve early warning systems and save lives. The team is led by a fiercely determined and skilled meteorologist, whose personal life is deeply intertwined with the destructive power of tornadoes. Complicating matters is her estranged husband, an equally talented weather researcher, who has rejoined the team for this ambitious project, setting the stage for professional rivalry and unresolved personal tension.
As the team races against time and the elements, navigating through a landscape ravaged by monstrous storms, they encounter competitive storm chasers with less noble intentions, threatening to derail their mission. The journey brings them face-to-face with nature's most formidable challenge, leading to a series of heart-stopping encounters with some of the most powerful tornadoes ever witnessed. Their quest forces them to confront not only the physical dangers posed by the deadly twisters but also the emotional storms brewing within, testing their courage, determination, and the fragile bonds that hold them together in the face of nature's overwhelming fury.
Writers: Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Release Date: 10 May 1996
Runtime: 113 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English