Flawless picture, audio featured in ‘Saw’ DVD
By John Grundman
IV Leader Staff
For many people, Feb. 14 was a day greatly anticipated.
However, for myself, and countless others similar to me, Feb.15 was the highly
anticipated day, for that was the day in which “Saw” was released on DVD.
The film begins when two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes)
and Adam (Leigh Whannel), awaken only to find themselves chained to pipes on
opposite sides of some kind of subterranean bathroom. Neither of the two has any
idea why or how he is there. They do know; however, that between them lay a dead
body clutching a .38 revolver in one hand and a micro cassette player in the
other. It is revealed from the cassette that Dr. Gordon must kill Adam in eight
hours or his wife, Allison (Monica Potter) and daughter will be killed. Dr.
Gordon then tells Adam of a recent murder investigation headed by a detective
named Tapp (Danny Glover), which sought the elusive and brilliant killer known
only as "Jigsaw," who Dr. Gordon now believes has brought them to their current
location to play his twisted game. As the hours tick by Dr. Gordon and Adam are
forced to unravel the web of mysteries that surrounds them. Jigsaw has left them
only a few clues and two hacksaws that are far too weak to cut through the
chains that hold them, but are strong enough; however, to cut through flesh and
bone.
The film is presented in either Widescreen or Full Frame
formats, depending on which DVD you happen to pick up. The colors are simply
outstanding. There was not a single scene which I detected fading or shadows,
unless intended by the filmmaker. It is important to remember that “Saw” is
considered a horror movie of sorts, so darkness and drab colors are inevitable.
In my opinion the video seems flawless.
I found that the audio is basically flawless like the video;
however, there were a few points during the playing of the micro cassettes that
I found it difficult to hear, but that is expected. Other than that the various
Dolby Digital tracks successfully do their respective jobs. There are no
explosions or anything like that to give your sound system any kind of jolt, so
have no worries.
Now for everybody's favorite part, the extras. There are a
few of them, but nothing that I would call extraordinary. First off there is a
commentary track by director James Wan and writer/star Leigh Whannel. The track
is entertaining, due to the two being good friends and also insightful about the
production in which Wan mentions a number of times that they only had 18 days to
shoot the entire film. The two also remind listeners that this is their first
commentary so we have to bear with them. The disk also features a short making
of featurette, that only lasts about two and a half minutes, two versions (rated
and unrated) of the Fear Factory video, "Bite the hand that Bleeds You," three
theatrical trailers, two TV spots, and finally a poster gallery.
All in all I would have to say that this DVD is worth a
rental at the very least. The story, plot, and twists are well worth the
viewing. Once you think you have everything figured out and are positive of the
killer's identity, the film throws another twist at you, and you're left in
complete suspense until the end.