The Saw Trilogy DVD Credits:

Region: 1

The Saw Trilogy DVD Release Date: 22nd October 2007

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The Saw Trilogy DVD Review:

It is always somewhat disheartening when a franchise releases all of the films on DVD just as the next one is hitting theaters. There is a guarantee that another set will be released in the future, and the Saw series has already made a habit out of continually releasing different versions and sets for this particular gore-horror franchise. As frustrating as this can be, it is increased even more by the continual creativity in packaging. From the very first Saw DVD release that had a clear cover and a disc that looked like a saw to the dropping blood special edition case the Saw series has always paid close attention to packaging, and the collection with all three film so far is no exception. Although the actual discs within the package are nothing that hasn’t already been released, the packaging is all uniquely created. The six discs include the uncut special edition of Saw, the special edition for Saw II, and the director’s cut of Saw III, all fit into a slim case. The room saved is used for the rest of the packaging. On the front of the disc is a protruding mask of the infamous doll from the Saw trilogy, often used to deliver messages. This whole package is fit inside a plastic cover, appropriately made to look worn. If you don’t already own these films but love them enough to want to, this is absolutely the best set to buy. At least until they make a better one. The only criticism I have is the lack of a DVD guide. There is no booklet or even an insert listing the contents on each disc.

Saw: Uncut Edition
Saw is a suspenseful horror film about a serial killer who never actually kills his victims. Instead he just places them in situations in which they must make a decision which may or may not kill them. It is actually kind of silly when you stop and think about it because if you were to lock a person in a room and they starved to death, you could never claim that they killed themselves by not eating. Silly as it may be, it is a horror film and they are not meant for thinking. When two men wake up in a large and disgusting bathroom together, both chained to the wall, they find themselves in the middle of the madman’s games.
Although filled with a great deal of fast cuts and a loud soundtrack, a great deal of Saw is actually psychological. It is disappointing that the acting is so bad considering the story is rather ingenious, and many moments are genuinely frightening. Even good actors seem to be way off track in this film, which was shot very quickly. There are so many elements which are awful, but because of the few things that work great, the film still survives.
There are also a number of special features on the two discs. The way the DVD menus are set up you must explore in order to find things, because they are under objects instead of being titled. It may be quite obnoxious if you are trying to find something specific, but if you have time to just explore it may be fun. The features include two audio commentary tracks, both of which are fairly entertaining. It is always interesting to hear how a film like this was made so quickly and for a minimal amount of money. In order to make the film they filmmakers first shot one scene from the script to try and sell the idea. That scene is on the special features as well. There is also a behind the scenes featurette and a look at Saw II. There are other features such as storyboards and art galleries. There is even a “Build a Puppet” DVD-ROM. Fans of the film will be satisfied with the disturbing care which was given in making this DVD package.


Saw II: Special Edition
With everything left obviously unresolved in the first film, the killer is still on the loose. At the beginning of the film we are introduced to a new cop, Detective Eric Mathews, who is running an investigation of Jigsaw. It looks as though he may even kill the twisted mastermind behind a number of gruesome deaths, but once the suspect is apprehended, it is obvious that things won’t be that simple. The cat and mouse games begin again, with all new victims in mind, except for one unlucky woman who has been trapped in his web for the second time.
Eight victims are trapped in a house, and as they try to find their way out of it, they realize that every area has been booby trapped. The premise is not much different from the Cube series, except it is much more real. The traps are creative, but they lack the same simplicity that the ones from Saw seemed to have. Some of them are so complicated, or obvious, that it is hard to believe all of the people in the house are stupid enough to fall for them. Mostly they all seem to be set up to encourage the audience to cheer for their demise.
The menus are as equally fitting for the series, with hints at gruesome acts. The highlight of the DVD, aside from the film, is the audio commentary track with director Darren Lynn Bousman, and actors Donnie Wahlberg and Beverley Mitchell. It is only unfortunate that Leigh Whannell, the driving force behind the films, could not have been on the commentary track. There are also a number of other features which will be appreciated by horror fans. The most fun of the features is “The Traps of Saw II” which shows all of the deadly creations used to kill the victims in the house. Along the same lines is “Bits and Pieces” which has all of the props used in the film. There is also a gallery with some of the artwork used to plan the shoot in pre-production. There are storyboards and conceptual art. The last feature is mostly just a fun one, which is Jigsaw’s Game.

Saw III: Director’s Cut
As though the series would end even if Jigsaw was dying at the end of the last one. As though it would end even after he has died, apparently. Even though the plot allows Jigsaw to be further away than he was in the first films, he is no less creative in his plans of torture and decisions. He is able to orchestrate a new plan into motion from a hospital bed, and the usual gruesome carnage follows. This time the bloodbath is significantly worse and it seems that the filmmakers are looking to make audiences sick if not scared.

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The Saw Trilogy DVD review written by: Ryan Izay