Saw II Blu-ray

Saw II

 (2005)

Crime | Horror | Thriller



Jigsaw is back. The brilliant, disturbed mastermind returns for another round of horrifying life-or-death games. When a new murder victim is discovered with all the signs of Jigsaw's hand, Detective Eric Matthews begins a full investigation and apprehends Jigsaw with little effort. But for Jigsaw, getting caught is just another part of his plan. Eight more of his victims are already fighting for their lives and now it's time for Matthews to join the game...

For more details about Saw II on Blu-ray, see the Saw II Blu-ray Review

Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Shawnee Smith, Tobin Bell, Franky G., Glenn Plummer
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman

Saw II Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Saw II is prsented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This 1080p image demonstrates some intrinsic flaws, but on the whole it is a good one. The image is quite grainy, and the black level issue once again rears its ugly head. For instance, there is a scene near the end of the film where a character finds himself trapped inside a pitch black room. As the door is closed on him and all light removed from the frame, the image inexplicably and unnaturally brightens to reveal more detail than should be there. The image is drab and the colors suffer as a result, but I believe this is more due to artistic choices rather than a faulty transfer. This movie has a unique look to it that doesn’t lend itself particularly well to looking bright, sharp, and defined as we have come to expect from Blu-ray. Nonetheless, it looks good for what it is.

Saw II Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


The Blu-ray disc of Saw II, like it's predecessor's Blu-ray disc, does not contain a lossless or PCM uncompressed soundtrack. Fortunately, Lionsgate does provide a very good DTS-ES 6.1 soundtrack as well as a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track. The DTS track creates an impressive and immersive sound experience. Surround channels envelop the viewer in sound, be it the screams of the victims, loud musical cues, special effects, or simple ambience. All of the activity from both the front and the rear soundstage blends well with the film. There are never any trite or gimmicky effects. While bass is hard hitting, it's neither ever present nor overly bombastic. In other words, it is used to good effect and rumbles appropriately. Dialogue sounds just fine, but it seems to be recorded at a slightly lower volume, but that holds true for the track as a whole. I found I had to turn this one up a few notches higher than where I usually leave the volume. A few points must be knocked off for the lack of a lossless option, but as far as lossy tracks go, this one is very good. It has that theatrical "umph" to it that is powerful, clean, loud when needed, and not overly processed or phony. All in all, this is a good track.