Spiral 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Spiral: From the Book of Saw" makes a remarkable entry into the 4K UHD Blu-ray domain, boasting an image quality that leverages its 6K source and 4K Digital Intermediate (DI) with astounding clarity and precision. Derived using Sony CineAlta Venice cameras paired with Angenieux lenses, this presentation exhibits an unparalleled sharpness across the board, rendering every detail with meticulous care—from the pronounced textures of facial features and clothing to the nuanced surfaces of the film's gritty settings. Viewers are treated to a visual feast, where even in darkly lit scenes, the enhanced contrast and expanded shadow detail facilitated by HDR10 vividly bring to life the tension-filled atmospheres. The distinction is especially palpable in sequences such as the subway tunnel opening and the notable encounter involving a female police captain, where improved shadow delineation and depth are evident.

The Ultra HD experience elevates "Spiral" not just through resolution, but with a stylized color palette that turns heads—from its initially vibrant display of fireworks to varied scenes bathed in intense teal and amber hues reflective of its thematic heat wave. This color treatment, while occasionally verging on excessive, considerably intensifies the film's emotional impact. Unlike the desaturated greens typical of earlier entries in the Saw franchise, "Spiral" opts for deeply saturated colors that maintain their richness even in less vividly lit scenes, rendering blacks inky deep and facial tones natural under normal lighting. The HDR grading shines here, adding layers to an already impressive palette, with none of the detail lost in shadows or crushed blacks, presenting a striking contrast to its predecessors.

This 4K UHD presentation masterfully balances sharp, reference-grade detail with cinematic color choices to create an immersive viewing experience. Not only does it enhance the overall atmosphere with its bold color grading and high dynamic range, but it also retains an exceptional level of detail across various lighting conditions—showcasing everything from intricate facial textures to the grim specifics of gore, all while maintaining natural skin tones outside of stylized sequences. Despite Lionsgate's decision to opt for HDR10 over Dolby Vision, this transfer lacks nothing in dynamism or depth, standing out as one of the best video presentations available, free from any noticeable video imperfections.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw" delivers an auditory experience that not only complements its visual prowess but also establishes a new benchmark for horror audio presentations on the 4K UHD Blu-ray format. The Dolby Atmos track, a standout feature, offers an expansive and aggressive soundstage that engages the audience right from the onset. Fireworks explode with meticulous clarity above, setting the stage for a sonic journey where ambient noises - from the cacophony of a police station to the unsettling quiet of claustrophobic spaces - are rendered with an impressive level of detail. The overhead channels are consistently active, not just with music, but with atmospheric sounds like rain, thunder, and the ominous echoes of distant screams and glass shards raining down, enveloping the viewer in a cocoon of suspense and terror.

Charlie Clouser's score is intricately layered across the platform, subtly enhancing the narrative's tension without overwhelming it. The attention to detail in the audio mix showcases a dynamic range that shines during sequences of intense action. Torture devices and their horrifying consequences are brought to life with sound effects that are precise and vivid, with each tightening screw, bone break, and scream cutting through with chilling clarity. The low-end bass provides a foundation that adds depth to these moments without ever becoming overbearing. Dialogue clarity is never sacrificed, ensuring that every whispered threat or scream is heard distinctly.

The technical specifications are impressive, offering optional audio tracks including English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, catering to a wide array of viewer preferences. Subtitle options extend this inclusivity further. The audio mix excels in creating a fully immersive experience that not only enhances the Saw experience but sets a high bar for horror film sound design. Being plunged into the world of "Spiral" is an auditory feast that mirrors the film's dark thematic elements and elevates the overall viewing experience to an unforgettable level.

The extra features of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Spiral" offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that enriches the viewing experience. Notably, the audio commentaries provide insight into the creative process, with Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Co-screenwriter Josh Stolberg, and Composer Charlie Clouser discussing their collaborative efforts and challenges faced during production. Another highlight is "The Consequences of Your Actions: Creating Spiral," an almost hour-long documentary that delves into the movie's development, featuring interviews and exploring the impact of the pandemic on its release. The trap mechanisms, a signature aspect of the series, are detailed in "Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated Trap Breakdowns," showcasing the intricate design and execution. Additionally, "Decoding the Marketing Spiral" offers a fascinating look at the promotional strategies employed over the years. Completing the package are trailers that cap off the extra features, providing both context and anticipation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Co-screenwriter Josh Stolberg, and Composer Charlie Clouser: In-depth discussions on the making of "Spiral."
• Audio Commentary with Producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg: Producers share their experiences and anecdotes from production.
• The Consequences of Your Actions: Creating Spiral: A thorough documentary covering various facets of production.
• Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated Trap Breakdowns: A detailed view into the design and functionality of the movie's traps.
• Decoding the Marketing Spiral: An exploration of the marketing approaches through the franchise's history.
• Theatrical Teaser Trailer & Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailers offering glimpses into the film's tone and style.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw," the latest iteration in the long-standing Saw franchise, attempts a bold yet somewhat uneven step forward. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and prominently featuring Chris Rock as Detective Ezekiel "Zeke" Banks, the film explores the dark corridors of a twisted justice system through the lens of a Jigsaw copycat killer. Unlike its predecessors, "Spiral" veers towards a procedural narrative, with Rock bringing an unexpected yet welcome comedic edge to the grim proceedings. Despite this, the film struggles with its identity, oscillating between an homage to the franchise's grotesque roots and a fresh procedural take with socio-political undertones.

Technical achievements further distinguish "Spiral" from its predecessors. The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation elevates the viewing experience, showcasing the franchise's gruesome aesthetic with striking clarity and depth, complemented by a riveting sound mix that immerses viewers into its macabre world. However, as Lionsgate attempted to rejuvenate interest in the Saw series with this release, the effort feels slightly undermined by an overreliance on franchise hallmarks such as intricate traps and a focus on police procedural elements rather than exploring new narrative depths or fully engaging with contemporary societal issues.

Adding layers to the narrative is the familial tension between Zeke and his father, Marcus (Samuel L. Jackson), intertwining personal stakes with the broader mystery. However, "Spiral" ultimately feels trapped by its allegiance to Saw's legacy, resulting in a film that slightly missteps in its ambition to redefine the series while still delivering the expected shocks and thrills. It presents a mixed bag—commendable for its attempt to reinvent while still being beholden to familiar tropes, embodied in its 90-minute runtime that blends dark humor, gore, and a nod to intricacies within its own universe, suggesting potential yet unrealized directions for future sequels.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw," the latest installment in the iconic Saw series, aims to revitalize the franchise with a blend of familiar terror and new twists. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release, courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment, does not disappoint in delivering an exceptional home viewing experience. The video quality is exemplary, showcasing the film's gruesome aesthetics with remarkable clarity and depth, especially in 4K resolution. The sonic accompaniment is equally impressive, anchored by a robust Dolby Atmos mix that enlivens the film's suspenseful atmosphere and dramatic score. However, the package's supplemental materials, while solid, present a mixed bag in terms of engagement and depth.

The Blu-ray features include an insightful yet sporadically focused duo of commentary tracks. The first, featuring director Darren Lynn Bousman, screenwriter Josh Stolberg, and composer Charlie Clouser, provides an engaging look into the film's creative process, though it tends towards generalities rather than deep dives into technical details. The second commentary, with producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, while freewheeling in parts, occasionally succumbs to silence or irrelevant anecdotes. Nonetheless, the additional materials such as "The Consequences of Your Actions: Creating Spiral," a multi-part documentary, and "Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated Trap Breakdown," offer valuable behind-the-scenes insights and reveal the intricate design and execution of the film's signature traps, complemented by the candid discussion on the franchise's marketing strategies in "Decoding the Marketing Spiral."

In conclusion, "Spiral: From the Book of Saw" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a commendable effort to rejuvenate the series by intertwining comedy and innovation with its established formula of thrilling horror. The stellar video quality and dynamic audio experience stand out, making it a worthwhile addition for fans and newcomers alike. Despite some shortcomings in the supplemental content's coherence, this release is highly recommended for its vivid presentation and engaging extras that deepen appreciation for the franchise's latest chapter.