Saw X becomes the fourth Saw movie released on 4K UHD after the original, Jigsaw and Spiral. The warehouse trap rooms remain as grimy as ever. The sparse lighting holds up in high dynamic range as John Kramer’s control room is shrouded in pure shadow and Billy rides his tricycle out of a pure black void.
The Mexico setting of Saw X offers some different looks. It is lush and green upon Kramer’s arrival, with a golden outdoor light during his recovery. But it returns to the traditional trap warehouse of course.
All the gory details are extra squirmy in 4K. Valentina’s leg skin pulls up just before the whole thing severs. Blood gushes a dark maroon.
On the soundtrack, trap gears whirring in the background and explosive blasts echo. Chains clank in full surround and even dialogue comes from each corner of the room. The Charlie Clouser score rises with frequent rear stingers.
Saw X includes 95 minutes of behind the scenes extras, longer than most of the sequels. It is very thorough. Saw X’s place in the franchise shifted almost like the franchise timeline, although it was only pushed one movie after Spiral.
All the interviews reflect the depth of the series. The actors seem to appreciate the depth they’re given over the series, and even the new cast. The filmmakers certainly do. It gets very technical on making the current digital photography match the 35mm first six. There’s some behind the scenes on the trap work shop and an in depth music session with Clouser.
37 minutes of deleted scenes from director Kevin Greutert’s rough cut include more Jigsaw test sketches and a deleted scene from Saw VI that ties into the plot. A lot of it is just tightening the business of getting Kramer to Mexico and dialogue setting up the traps. They pared it down correctly.
Then there’s 33 more minutes of specific scene breakdowns and 17 more minutes of trap workshops. Plus a full audio commentary that gets even more technical. They have to repaint the carnage on the ground every time they move equipment.