Unfortunately, those plot holes mentioned in the beginning will likely linger for some time afterwards, maybe even more so than the ending. Also hampering the overall feel is the simply atrocious acting, especially from Cary Elwes. It's an inexcusable performance that could pull you right out of the film early on. Some of the directors choices seem off too, especially the fast movement/rapid cuts that seem out of place. That's not exactly the way to keep your audience involved.
If anything, "Saw" is a wholly unique, smart thriller that plays with your mind the entire running time. It will require a somewhat strong stomach (it was edited down from a NC-17), but the rewards are many. Just know your brain will likely be required to be in the off position to avoid having to scour the internet for answers, some of which you'll never find. (**** out of *****)
This is a tough disc to grade video on. It's intentionally grainy for a gritty look that suits the movie. If you like to see movies in pristine condition, this could be annoying to you. Ignoring that, compression artifacts are really irritating, especially on Elwes shirt. Other scenes are not that bad (surprisingly absent in the dark room sequence) and you'll have to really look to see them. Black levels are really nice, never compromised even when everything occurs without light. It's shaky overall, but it services the movie nicely. (***)
Lions Gate went all out in the audio providing a DTE-ES track and 5.1 EX. The audio is a very important part of the film and this disc preserves it. The only real complaint is that it's hard to hear separation during the louder scenes in either track. Everything is sort of lumped together. However, you still feel like you're there, even if you can't figure out where something is coming from. Subtlety is not this discs strong point. Bass is brutal and required for a few scares. Note that this disc is mixed higher than normal, so be sure to turn the volume down a notch or two from your normal setting. (****)
Article comments
1 - DrPat
For someone sitting on the fence about whether to buy or rent this DVD, your review is perfect, Matt. I look for more extras on DVDs I will buy, so it sounds like this is a rental for me.
Thank you from the bottom of my budget... er, heart!