Twisters – 4K Blu-ray Review

In the world of cinematic disaster films, few movies capture the primal force of nature quite like Twister (1996). Nearly three decades later, Twisters arrives as a standalone sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, with a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. The film seeks to recreate the terror, thrill, and emotional beats of the original while updating the storm-chasing drama for a new generation. Featuring a talented cast led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos, Twisters pulls viewers back into the path of danger with an electrifying narrative about clashing storm chasers. The newly released 4K Blu-ray edition of Twisters elevates the film with stunning visual and audio enhancements, making it a must-own for fans of the disaster genre.

Plot Overview:

Without delving into spoiler territory, Twisters follows Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former storm chaser grappling with the trauma of a tragic tornado encounter that cost her friends’ lives five years prior. After quitting storm chasing and relocating to a stable job at the NOAA in New York, she’s drawn back into the field by her old colleague Javi (Anthony Ramos), who offers her a chance to test groundbreaking tornado-scanning technology. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Kate and her team confront a series of increasingly violent tornadoes in Oklahoma, including an apocalyptic EF5 that threatens entire towns. Alongside Javi and a YouTube-famous storm chaser named Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), Kate must overcome her personal demons and push the boundaries of storm science to save lives and prevent further devastation.

4K Blu-ray Picture Quality:

The 4K Blu-ray transfer of Twisters is nothing short of breathtaking, and one of the release’s most notable achievements is its impeccable visual quality. The film’s tornado sequences, in particular, benefit from the 4K resolution, which brings every detail of the swirling, chaotic storms into sharp relief. The film captures the awe-inspiring yet terrifying nature of these storms through detailed landscapes, swirling debris, and the sheer power of wind. Watching the tornadoes evolve from EF1 to EF5 is a jaw-dropping experience, with the 4K disc offering a clarity that allows viewers to see every individual strand of rain and dust as it whips around the characters.

Daytime shots, such as those of the storm-chasing teams racing across Oklahoma’s flat, rural terrain, are crisp and vibrant. The wide-open plains are portrayed with an almost painterly beauty, and the high dynamic range (HDR) adds depth and contrast, making the grasslands pop against the looming storm clouds. The transfer also handles the film’s darker scenes well, such as the night-time tornado at the rodeo and the intense final act, ensuring that shadow detail remains rich and defined. This is particularly crucial during sequences involving rain-wrapped tornadoes, where the murkiness of the storm’s center contrasts starkly with flashes of lightning and the fires caused by the tornadoes.

Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos at its Best:

The Twisters 4K Blu-ray also delivers an immersive audio experience, featuring a Dolby Atmos track that puts viewers in the heart of the storm. The sound design is intricately layered, with the rumble of distant thunder, the crackle of debris, and the howling winds swirling around the soundstage. The audio transports you right into the action, making it feel as though tornadoes are closing in from all directions.

Dialogues remain clear and discernible even amid the chaos, with the center channel doing a commendable job of isolating the characters’ voices during tense moments. The mix is precise, allowing quieter moments of character interaction to stand out while heightening the impact of the destructive tornadoes. As a result, the film’s quieter scenes—such as those where Kate contemplates her past mistakes—are given just as much weight as the storm-chasing set-pieces.

One of the standout audio sequences is the EF5 tornado scene, where the combination of visual intensity and audio power delivers an overwhelming sense of dread and urgency. The sound of the tornado tearing through the town is bone-rattling, punctuated by the roar of collapsing buildings and vehicles being flung into the air. This auditory experience further enhances the tension, making the danger feel all the more real.

Special Features: A Deep Dive into Storm Science:

The 4K Blu-ray release comes packed with a host of special features that complement the film, offering behind-the-scenes insights into both the story and the technology used to portray the tornadoes. One standout feature is the “Tracking the Fronts: The Path of Twisters” feature, which takes us behind the scenes and chronicles the creation of the film right from day one.

There is also a hilarious gag reel that’s worth the watch, as well as an amusing feature titled “Glen Powell: All Access,” which showcases the actor providing us with a private tour of a day in his life on the film’s set. Other special features include “Into the Eye of the Storm,” “Front Seat to a Chase,” “Voice of a Villain,” “Tricked-Out Trucks,” and “Feature Commentary with Director Lee Isaac Chung.”

Performances: Emotional Depth Amid the Chaos

While Twisters certainly excels in its technical achievements, the film’s heart comes from its performances. Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a standout performance as Kate Carter, portraying the character’s internal struggles with a raw vulnerability that adds depth to the film’s more action-driven moments. Her chemistry with Glen Powell, who plays the charismatic storm chaser Tyler Owens, provides a dynamic and engaging subplot that balances the high-octane tornado sequences. Anthony Ramos also shines as Javi, offering a nuanced performance that underscores the importance of science and human connection in the face of natural disasters.

Conclusion

Twisters is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging disaster film that honors its predecessor while bringing a fresh perspective to storm-chasing cinema. The 4K Blu-ray edition elevates the experience even further with top-tier picture and sound quality, making every tornado chase and storm-fueled moment an immersive thrill. Whether you’re a fan of the first film or new to the world of storm-chasing films, Twisters is a must-have addition to any collection. With powerful performances, cutting-edge special effects, and an array of insightful bonus features, this 4K release is a whirlwind of excitement that doesn’t disappoint.

Information:

Release Date: October 22, 2024
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for intense action and peril, some language and injury images
Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish
Sound: English (Dolby Atmos for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Run Time: 02:02:05

Bonus Features on 4K Blu-ray:

• GAG REEL
• DELETED SCENES
• TRACKING THE FRONTS: THE PATH OF TWISTERS – Trace the trajectory of TWISTERS from its earliest inception to production and get to know the cast as they lead this look into creating their characters, using science to add authenticity, and working through extreme weather wreaking havoc on set.
• INTO THE EYE OF THE STORM – Discover how TWISTERS blends practical and visual effects to turn nature’s most destructive forces into entertaining thrills.
• GLEN POWELL: ALL ACCESS – Glen Powell provides a private tour of a day in his life on the TWISTERS set.
• FRONT SEAT TO A CHASE – Strap in with the cast and professional storm chasers as they brave the elements to track tornados in Oklahoma.
• VOICE OF A VILLAIN – Hear the creation of the film’s deafening howls with a seat in the studio where the audio team mixes unexpected sounds to give the storms a new dimension of depth.
• TRICKED-OUT TRUCKS – Buckle up for a wild ride in the film’s custom vehicles fitted with unique features ranging from rocket launchers to advanced radar tech.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR LEE ISAAC CHUNG