Twister 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Twister" offers a significant upgrade in terms of video quality, showcasing a striking 2160p/HDR10 transfer. This new version, supervised by director Jan de Bont, brings substantial improvements, such as fine film grain, enhanced color depth, and a more cinematic look. The darker, earthy tones maintain the "darker side of nature" atmosphere, with deep blacks and superb shadow details. The color timing tweaks have effectively enhanced the visual continuity, making it feel more immersive and true to the film's thematic elements. While there isn't a drastic night and day difference compared to the older Blu-ray, an A/B comparison clearly shows the superior detailing and color fidelity.

Notably, facial features, clothing details, and the texture of team vehicles now appear with remarkable clarity. The CGI tornado effects have impressively held up under the increased resolution, blending well with the overall imagery. However, some artificial rain effects remain slightly conspicuous but are consistent with past presentations. The HDR10 grade enhances dynamic range beautifully, ensuring that vivid colors like Jo's bright yellow Jeep and Bill's red Dodge Ram stand out without overwhelming the natural palette. This well-balanced approach adds depth and realism to the scenes.

Particularly striking are the changes to the color timing. Efforts to darken certain scenes help maintain the film's moody atmosphere, although some might find the added green for the "Going green" tornado sequence slightly excessive. Nonetheless, these adjustments align well with de Bont’s vision and do not overpower the overall aesthetic. The image maintains an excellent balance of clarity and depth, contributing to a visually appealing presentation that offers both nostalgic charm and modern refinement. Overall, this 4K release presents "Twister" in its best visual form yet, fulfilling both technical and cinematic expectations.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Twister" delivers an exceptional auditory experience with a newly minted Dolby Atmos mix. Differentiating itself from previous versions, this track stands out with meticulous attention to detail, channeling directional sound that immerses the viewer from all angles. The audio remix, overseen with input from director Jan de Bont, impresses right from the opening tornado sequence, setting the tone for a dynamic auditory journey. Dialogue is crisply anchored in the Front/Center channels, though there are occasional minor lapses in extraneous utterances. The LFE is expertly utilized, particularly in the storm scenes, providing potent sub-rumble that enhances the on-screen action. The "steak and eggs" scene at Aunt Meg's house serves as a wonderful example of nuanced surround sound, with subtle ambient noises adding to the lifelike experience.

This Dolby Atmos mix is a substantial upgrade over previous versions, like the Dolby TrueHD and legacy Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. It’s evident that significant effort was directed towards creating an immersive soundscape. The tornado chases are a showcase of surround imaging brilliance, with effects traveling through side, rear, and even height channels. During the third tornado sequence featuring intense hail and debris, the wall-to-wall immersion delivered by the mix is especially striking. An intriguing aspect is the occasional introduction of new effects, such as spontaneous lightning crashes that add to the film's intensity without being distracting.

Comparing this new Atmos track to Turbine’s mix from three years ago reveals both as stellar 5-star experiences, though with nuanced differences. For instance, the first tornado chase with the yellow Jeep reveals subtle variations in LFE intensity between the two mixes. While Turbine’s version offers more immediate sub-rumble, the new Atmos track builds tension subtly yet convincingly during key scenes like the drive-in sequence. Both tracks manage the film's intricate soundscape expertly, ensuring a faithful yet exhilarating audio presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Twister" offers a collection of extras that will appeal to long-time fans and newcomers alike. Packaged in a distinctive green-dominant matte-finish Steelbook, the visuals prominently feature iconic scenes and characters from the film. The on-disc extras provide a rich blend of retrospective features and technical insights. Highlights include an engaging audio commentary by Director Jan de Bont and visual effects supervisor Stefen Fangmeier, a new interview with de Bont, and several retrospective featurettes that delve into the making of the film. While it misses some older materials, the inclusion of new content makes up for it.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jan de Bont and visual effects supervisor Stefen Fangmeier.
• The Legacy of Twister - Taken by the Wind: Director discusses the film's long-lasting appeal.
• Chasing the Storm: Twister Revisited: A retrospective look at the casting and disaster creation.
• Anatomy of a Twister: A promotional feature with snippets from the film.
• The Making of Twister: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Van Halen "Humans Being" Music Video: A classic music clip featuring scenes from the movie.

Warner Bros. gives a knockout performance with the updated 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Jan de Bont's 1996 classic Twister. Boasting stunning new 2160p/HDR10 transfers, this edition truly amplifies the visual experience. The Dolby Atmos audio track is nothing short of spectacular, making full use of your sound system to immerse you in the roaring Maw of the tornadoes. The addition of both new and retrospective extras provides a well-rounded package for fans, just in time for the forthcoming sequel.

Twister transcends its 1996 roots by offering an unparalleled audio and visual experience. From its inception, the film captivated audiences with groundbreaking special effects and a solid cast led by Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. The narrative follows storm chasers Jo (Helen Hunt) and Bill (Bill Paxton) as they race to deploy a pioneering warning system against nature's fury, all while mending their fractured relationship. Iconic lines and practical effects heighten the movie's appeal, even if the background CGI sometimes fails to align seamlessly. However, this does little to detract from its nostalgic allure.

Despite its melodramatic undertones and occasionally clunky scientific dialogue, Twister remains a high-octane, popcorn-flick favorite. While younger viewers may critique its dated visual effects, the film's practical stunts and compelling characters make it a standout disaster movie. Jan de Bont harnessed the expertise from his work on Speed to deliver an action-packed thriller that's still cherished by long-time fans. With this release, even seasoned audiophiles will find the film's technical excellence reaffirmed.

Jan de Bont's Twister has received a much-anticipated 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Warner Bros., coinciding with the anticipation for its forthcoming sequel. Available in both a standard edition and a less elusive Steelbook version, this release offers fans a visual and auditory upgrade. The HDR10 transfer significantly enhances the film's visual appeal, making storm sequences more vibrant and engaging than ever before, despite some minor issues with greenage. The new Dolby Atmos mix dramatically enriches the auditory experience, creating a soundscape that feels immersive and compelling.

Twister remains a beloved storm disaster film, offering just enough characterization and humor to keep audiences engaged without detracting from the adrenaline-pumping action. This 4K edition ensures that the film's thrilling sequences are complemented by top-tier audio-visual quality. While past releases left much to be desired, this iteration elevates the viewing experience to new heights, making it a must-have for any serious collector or audiophile. The new supplementary material, including a de Bont interview, adds notable value, though it may leave some craving more substantial content.

In conclusion, Twister on 4K UHD is an essential addition to any collection. Whether you choose the standard edition or the Steelbook variant, rest assured that you're getting an impressive disc that revitalizes a classic film. This release is primarily aimed at die-hard fans and packaging collectors, as the core A/V specifications and bonus features are identical across editions. Overall, it's a thrilling ride that looks and sounds better than ever before.