Jigsaw 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's release of 'Jigsaw' on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an intriguing visual upgrade that justifies its addition to the horror enthusiast's collection. The film is encoded in 3840 x 2160p resolution and takes advantage of the HEVC (H.265) codec, ensuring a seamless viewing experience on compatible displays, with a review here noting its performance on a Samsung UE55KS8000 Ultra HD TV paired with a Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Although originating from a 2.8K digital shoot with a 2K Digital Intermediate, the UHD presentation surpasses its 1080p Blu-ray counterpart, thanks largely to the wider color gamut (WCG), HDR (including Dolby Vision and HDR10 support), and an increased video depth of 10-bit, enhancing fine details and color dynamics.

Visual fidelity is commendable across the board, with reviewers noting a discernible improvement in detail, particularly in close-ups where facial features and textures, even the gristly aspects, are rendered with striking clarity. The upgraded contrast benefits from HDR-enhanced black levels, improving shadow detail and giving depth to darker sequences without compromising clarity. Colors are reported to be more vibrant and saturated, aiding in the differentiation of fine details such as rust on metal and textures on wood in the grim setting of 'Jigsaw's' games. Enhanced shadow definition and minimal noise maintain the film's moody atmosphere effectively.

The broader palette thanks to Dolby Vision accentuates 'Jigsaw's' distinct environments - from dingy, ominous rooms laden with cold filters to the warmer hues of wooden barn settings, making each scene pop with detail and color differentiation that adds layers to the visual storytelling. Deep, inky black levels, alongside a commendable absence of crush or bleed, and a meticulous attention to detail right down to splintered wood and worn torture devices affirm Lionsgate’s commitment to an exemplary home theater experience. Despite its few technical constraints related to its digital intermediates, 'Jigsaw' on 4K UHD delivers impressively on clarity, color fidelity, and detail, setting a high standard for horror films transitioned to the latest home video format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Jigsaw" delivers an audio experience that is both immersive and technically proficient, highlighted by its Dolby Atmos track. This track, building on a solid Dolby TrueHD 7.1 foundation, excels in rendering a comprehensive soundscape, punctuated by precise directionality and hefty LFE support that brings the film's harrowing traps and tense chases to life. The Atmos mix, described as demo quality by enthusiasts, stands out for its dynamic range, especially in scenes featuring thunderous gunshots, the visceral sounds of traps engaging, and the immersive effect of environments such as bars or crime scenes. Despite the mix's front-heavy design and softer ceiling effects, its ability to stir the audience into the film's suspense is commendable, with effective use of the subwoofer adding depth to the experience.

Dialogue in "Jigsaw" remains clear and well-prioritized within the frontal array, ensuring that every word, from the panic-stricken screams of victims to the more subdued exchanges during police investigations, is consistently intelligible. The rear and height channels adeptly enhance the atmosphere, from the ambient sounds of city life to the specific terror of traps activating around the characters. Although some effects might feel recycled and the music score occasionally forgettable, these moments are offset by the impactful use of strings during key scenes, ensuring emotional engagement remains high.

While certain aspects of the audio presentation, such as a slightly subdued mix for ceiling effects and a wish for more comprehensive surround activity, suggest room for improvement, "Jigsaw's" Dolby Atmos track overall provides a solid and satisfying auditory experience. The late-night 2.0 option and additional Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital track offer flexibility for various listening environments. Despite its minor flaws, the audio track captures the essence of the film's intense horror and suspense, complementing the visual experience with a rich and terrifying auditory landscape.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Jigsaw" enhances its appeal with a well-curated selection of extras, thoughtfully preserved and ported from the Blu-ray edition. Fans and newcomers alike will find the audio commentary by producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block both insightful and entertaining, offering a deep dive into the production process, casting, and the franchise's legacy. A standout addition is the comprehensive documentary "I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw," an 82-minute exploration that covers an array of topics including trap design, sequel ideas, and Tobin Bell's portrayal of Jigsaw. Complementing these is "The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props," a shorter feature that provides a fascinating look at the creation and recreation of the film's iconic devices and traps. Collectively, these extras enrich the viewing experience by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Jigsaw," catering both to enthusiasts of the series and those interested in the finer points of filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth commentary by producers Gregg Hoffman, Oren Koules, and Mark Burg.
• I Speak For The Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw Documentary: A detailed 82-minute documentary covering every aspect of the film and franchise’s history.
• The Choice is Yours: Exploring The Props: A brief but interesting featurette on the film’s props.

The latest entry in the long-running Saw series, "Jigsaw," persists in the franchise's signature blend of gore and psychological torment, albeit with mixed results. It kicks off with a high-octane chase scene, setting expectations for a potentially fresh take on the exhausted narrative. However, the film quickly settles back into the familiar territory of its predecessors, recycling the same torturous puzzles and moral quandaries without significant innovation. Despite an attempt to inject new life into the series after a seven-year hiatus, "Jigsaw" struggles to captivate, largely rehashing elements seen in earlier installments, making it a somewhat wearying watch for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The film makes a nominal effort to delve into the legacy of the eponymous Jigsaw killer, pondering the cultural impact of his brutal legacy and introducing a faintly intriguing discussion on the fascination with his morbid craftsmanship. Nevertheless, these potentially compelling themes are overshadowed by a predictable plot and lackluster character development. The cast is composed of thinly drawn characters whose fates are met with indifference, diminishing the emotional stakes. Even with the inclusion of Tobin Bell's iconic portrayal of John Kramer, and some nods towards expanding the lore of the Saw universe, "Jigsaw" feels like an underwhelming attempt to rekindle interest in a franchise that perhaps has little left to offer.

"Jigsaw" does manage to deliver on the gore factor, with a handful of gruesomely creative traps that hark back to the visceral highs that initially drew audiences to the Saw series. Yet, these moments of macabre invention cannot compensate for the film’s overall lack of originality and the sense that it is merely going through the motions. While it boasts some stylistic shifts towards a brighter and less grimy aesthetic, these surface-level changes do little to rejuvenate the underlying formula. Moreover, the film's twist ending, a hallmark of the series, feels both underwhelming and contrived, lacking the impact of earlier revelations. In essence, while "Jigsaw" may offer fleeting entertainment to the franchise's die-hard fans, it ultimately signifies a franchise running perilously low on new ideas.

Jigsaw's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation emerges as a beacon for enthusiasts of the franchise, offering solid technical merits that both complement and elevate the viewing experience. The film, an addition to the Saw series known for its gritty and gore-laden narrative, delivers with a 4K resolution that accentuates the visceral horror elements with chilling clarity, thanks to the Dolby Vision HDR. Audio fidelity is not left behind, as the Dolby Atmos track encapsulates the viewer in a cocoon of immersive soundscapes, from the subtlest whisper to the most thunderous scream. Supplemental materials are abundant and informative, providing a comprehensive insight into the making of this thriller, all conveniently accessible across both the 4K and the standard 1080p Blu-ray discs included.

While the movie itself may not reach new thematic heights for the franchise, described by some as a "fun return" despite its narrative predictability and heavy reliance on established tropes, it remains a visually and sonically arresting piece that fans are likely to appreciate. The inclusion of a feature-length documentary and a commentary track further enriches the package, making it a commendable addition to a Saw aficionado's collection. The film's standalone nature, coupled with callbacks to its predecessors, provides a mixed viewing experience that oscillates between freshness and familiarity.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Jigsaw presents a dual-edged sword of remarkable technical quality and a divisive cinematic offering. For followers of the Saw series, this release represents an opportunity to immerse themselves in the high-stakes, morally ambiguous world of Jigsaw with unparalleled visual and auditory clarity. While the film may not redefine the horror genre or the franchise itself, its home release stands as a testament to technological progress in home cinema, making it a recommended acquisition for those invested in the saga or seeking to start their 4K collection with a sharp, albeit bloody, slice of entertainment.