Twister is the ultimate 90s popcorn flick. Action-packed, crisply paced, and boasting a by-the-numbers script, cardboard characters, and a predictable storyline, this disaster epic dazzles with its still impressive visuals even if it lacks the thematic gusto of similar genre entries.
Released on the eve of one of cinema’s most impressive summers, Twister held its own against the likes of Independence Day, Mission: Impossible, The Rock, and The Nutty Professor, earning an astonishing $241.7 million and becoming the second-highest grossing picture of the year. Oddly, despite the high numbers, a sequel never came about, leaving the picture as a rare one-hit wonder. Of course, Hollywood eventually spun its way back to the property, resulting in this week’s legacy sequel Twisters, starring Glen Powell.
As such, Warner Bros. saw fit to gift fans a solid 4K edition of the 1996 blockbuster. Is it worth the purchase, particularly if you already own the 2008 Blu-ray? Read on to find out.
Twister 4K: A Vibrant New Transfer
The late Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt star as storm chasers/ex-lovers experimenting with new equipment designed to increase tornado warnings. Co-starring Cary Elwes, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jami Getz, Twister doesn’t earn points for exploring the human condition but satisfies as a literal thrill ride. Director Jan de Bont infuses the picture with the same kinetic energy he applied to Speed and delivers the breathtaking excitement summer audiences seek. It’s an absolute blast.
Nearly 30 years after its theatrical release, Warner Bros. gives Twister the 4K treatment just in time for the long-awaited sequel. Uniquely, Twister was the first film released on DVD on March 25, 1997 — feel old yet? I remember purchasing the snap case from Camelot Music and listening to the informative director’s commentary that same day. Ah, the good ol’ 90s.
Anyway, a decade later, WB delivered a forgettable Blu-ray featuring a new commentary and a handful of making-of docs — nothing too special. Visually, the Blu-ray presentation was a step up from the DVD, while the audio pushed the limits of modern technology. As someone who grew up in the late 80s and 90s, I have a soft spot for film grain. So, while Twister may appear muddled in these early releases, the noise, texture, and muted colors add to the charm.
The new 4K transfer certainly gives Twister a modern facelift, but the sharp details occasionally make the old-school CGI effects stand out negatively. Everything else looks great. The characters pop, and the scenic country locations boast incredible detail. Moreover, the Dolby Atmos mix does wonders with the jaw-dropping sound design, including Mark Mancina’s adrenaline-pumping score. Sometimes, it sounds like a literal F5 tornado blowing around the living room, particularly in the action-heavy third act. A sequence involving an exploding truck shook my house and nearly caused me to duck for cover.
The special features are decent. We get commentary lifted from the 2008 release, some old making-of docs, and a Van Halen music video. A new “Legacy of Twister” feature goes into a little more detail about the 4K release and the film’s lasting impact. Not bad but nothing to get too excited about.
Ultimately, the Twister 4K set is good enough to warrant a purchase. Visually, this is the best the 1996 blockbuster has ever looked, janky special effects aside, and the audio track alone is worth the price. Kick back, relax, and let the old times blow you away.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
