Why So Blu?

Saw X (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

The Saw franchise came back into our theaters and into our hearts this past September hitting double digits with Saw X. Sporting rock solid reviews and good box office numbers, the series seems to be back on track after a pair of entries that weren’t necessarily bad, but were not too memorable either. This film between films has been available digitally, but will be arriving for 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray purchase on November 21st. There are a slew of extras with this release, including a commentary track from the director. You can order yourself a copy to complete your set of Saw films by using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review at the bottom of this very page.

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Film

John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of SAW I and II, this story finds a sick and desperate John traveling to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of obtaining a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

Having a Saw film that takes place between entries in order to resurrect Tobin Bell as John Kramer comes at no surprise to anyone who follows along with these films. They’ve been playing around with ways to keep him around in the movies via flashback or even sidequel since the fourth film. It only adds to the strict adherence and lore that retcons or adds layers to little things as the franchise has been known to do. Yes, we come for the traps, the blood, the guts. But, part of why we keep coming back is this background character stuff and continuity twist tying that feels ripe for a soap opera.

Kevin Greutert returns for his third go at a Saw film. One thing that stands out about his efforts in the series is that he aims to make his film about something. Many admire and praise his Saw VI for the commentary on the United States health care system. While Saw 3-D/Saw VII/Saw: The Final Chapter (Whatever you call it) ranks with the bottom of the series, the film actually does try to shine a light on trauma opportunists that maybe was something coming two decades too late. In the latest film, he plays with hope, unsanctioned procedures in other countries and people being played for shams. It does well in making Jigsaw somewhat of a tragic figure here and playing the evil against the evil in the best way the series has ever shown.

Saw X plays like a bit of a punk rock Saw, with Kramer having to makeshift a warehouse in Mexico for his games. But, as cozy as you’ll feel in this one, it does really have the hallmark twists and turns. The climax plays out like nothing we’ve ever seen before in a Saw film. Greutert’s film plays so well, that even though we know what comes after, you forget about it in the moment and are held to some good suspense. Also, every time you think this movie is dumb, its actually ahead of you for trying to think you’re so clever.

Jigsaw returns and breathes a whole new breath of fresh air into the Saw series in its tenth installment. The clever idea of filling in a gap (which was actually hinted at in the sixth film), proves to go a long way. There are terrific performances and character work being done in the film. I’ll actually accept the argument that this is the best Saw film as easily this one makes a case for being Top 3 at the very least. Even if you haven’t been keeping up on them, you should be able to plug right into this one and enjoy.

Video

Disclaimer: Screen captures used in the review are from promotional images supplied by the studio, not the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 4K (2160p)

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Layers: BD-66

Clarity/Detail: Saw X debuts on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray with a lovely looking transfer that really sings and gels with any filter thrown upon it. The grisly warehouse has a nice golden look to it and is crisp, clean and full of gruesome details. This movie looks pretty big for a Saw movie and is present here with strong depth.

Depth:  Depth of field is quite strong with good pushback and scale showing itself off. Movements are smooth and natural. No issues occur with blur or jitter happening from rapid camera or actor movements.

Black Levels: Blacks are an all star here as the dark warehouses, night scenes and shadowy ones all carry tremendous amounts of tints and shades and still radiate in the finer details. No crushing witnessed.

Color Reproduction: Colors are mostly rustic, but some nice blues and reds (like da blood) stick out. HDR glows on things like fire and the display screens and buttons that light up the control room.

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent from start to finish. Facial features and details are incredibly strong with dried dirt, blood, sweat beads, lip texture, freckles, make-up line and more coming through clear as day from any distance in the frame.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean.

Audio

Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French

Dynamics: Saw X has a Dolby Atmos track that really leaves no end of the room uncovered. This is a well thought out mix that fully encapsulates and feels completely presence in its balance, layering and depth. Each scene is full realized and feels authentic and even has some fun from time to time as well.

Height: From above you get plenty of accuracy to the screen with an airplane flying over, debris, chains, flames and more really having good volume presence and effect.

Low Frequency Extension: The subwoofer really rumbles and hums through this one. Heavy doors shake around, things smash and crash to good effect and most foley work hits as anticipated with power.

Surround Sound Presentation: From the rear and sides you get some good ambiance building, but also nice unique sounds and capturing off screen activity after angles changes and the like. Sound rolls around with good force and is dead accurate to the onscreen activities.

Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

Saw X comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code of the film.

Audio Commentary

• with Director-Editor Kevin Greutert, Cinematographer Nick Matthews, and Production Designer Anthony Stabley

Reawakening (HD, 1:35:47) – This is a rather dynamite 6-part documentary that chronicles concept (originally Saw 9: John Kramer until Chris Rock came in with his Spiral idea), trying to figure out how to make it work, the shoot, the traps…everything in great detail and feature length. Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Kevin Greutert and other members of cast and crew join in on a rather comprehensive look at the fil that includes plenty of behind the scenes footage.

Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated Scene Breakdowns with Director-Editor Kevin Greutert (HD, 33:55) – Here we have Greutert giving a sort “play by play” commentary, complete with the screen marker for 3 scenes (“Cecilia’s House”, “SC 89” and “Gabriela’s Test”).

Make-Up Department Trap Tests (HD, 17:28) – Behind the scenes footage of special effects tests in a warehouse and the like.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 37:10)

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:30)

Summary

Saw X restores excitement for the series with a more than high quality tenth edition of the traps and sinners games. Lionsgate treats it handsomely with an engaging presentation of terrific video and Atmos. There are a load of quality, immaculate bonus features here which is quite awesome and honestly stunning for a new release. Saw X on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray is the best you could ask for with a new movie hitting disc on the best format you can buy.

This is a paid Amazon Associates link