I couldn’t wait for this movie to come out on DVD. It creeped me out and filled my eyes with the gore, and it has everything I look for in horror/thriller movie. I was checking my movie source web site for the release of this DVD.
However, I had a dilemma. The Grudge, another great horror movie, was being released two weeks before Saw. With my college budget (also known as lack of money), I had to choose one of the DVDs and hope to get the other later – much later. I made my choice based on what movie I like just a little more and not the extra features. Therein lies my dilemma.
Saw is a great movie. There is no denying that. Saw is basically about a sick and sadistic killer who captures his would-be victims and puts them his deranged game. The victims must find a way out of this game before a set deadline, and if they don’t find a way out, they die.
What makes this movie is a great storyline that keeps its viewers guessing until the very last minute. It is something original and very fresh – something Hollywood has been lacking lately. The fact that there is a sequel is the works makes me second-guess Hollywood’s ability to keep this original. At this moment, the original writers/directors have no involvement. The story alone is worth the price of the DVD.
However, Saw greatly lacks in its special features. When compared to the other horror release this month, The Grudge, Saw is rather lame in the features department. The picture looks crisp, even for a dark and gritty movie. Considering the movie looks like something out of a Nine Inch Nails or Marilyn Manson video, the picture is very nice. The audio commentary is also a bright spot.
Director/Writer James Wan and Writer/Actor Leigh Whannell record the commentary throughout the movie. This is a bright spot because of the insight they give.
The movie, oddly enough, was shot in only 18 days. They explain how some shots were rushed, how the editing and basically everything to do with the movie was rush because of this.
They also explain how they got veteran actors Danny Glover and Cary Elwes to join the movie. It’s a good view on how independent low-budget movies are shot.
Here, unfortunately, is where the bright spots end. There is a “Sawed Off” minifeaturette in which they weren’t lying. It’s only two minutes long. There is a “Making of the Music Video,” which features the unrated version of Fear Factory’s “Bite The Hand That Feeds Me.” This is five minutes and, well, I really don’t remember the song in the movie, so why have it? Then there is an art gallery and some trailers. That’s it.
I was really disappointed in the DVD, as far as special features go. I wanted more. I was really looking for deleted scenes, better featurettes, and maybe some look at Jigsaw or the creepy looking doll. I got none of that, and that is a big turn-off to this DVD.
Knowing Hollywood, they might have a different edition later on. They always do.
On its Tuesday release date, Saw sold 1.9 million units, which generated $22 million – nearly half of what is made in theaters, and nearly all profit.
If you’re looking to buy it just to have the movie, then go on and buy it. It’s not harmful. However, a huge warning sign shoots up for those who are looking for special features: It’s not here.

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