Twister 4K Review: New Transfer Is Best Home Release of 90s Blockbuster

As a longtime fan of 90s cinema, I hold Twister in high regard for its thrilling ride and nostalgic value. Having grown up during its initial release, I remember the excitement surrounding this action-packed disaster epic. The late Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt’s performances as storm chasers/ex-lovers captured my imagination, and the visual effects left me in awe.


Twister from the 1990s is an entertaining movie filled with action and excitement. Its plot moves swiftly, but the script follows a typical formula and the characters are flat. The storyline may be foreseeable, but this disaster film continues to amaze with its stunning visuals, even though it falls short in terms of deep themes compared to other films in its genre.

On the brink of an exceptional summer for cinema, Twister debuted, keeping pace with blockbusters such as Independence Day, Mission: Impossible, The Rock, and The Nutty Professor, impressively raking in $241.7 million and securing the second-highest box office revenue of the year. Surprisingly, a follow-up failed to materialize, leaving Twister as an uncommon one-hit wonder. However, Hollywood eventually revisited the property, leading to this week’s release of Twisters, featuring Glen Powell in the cast.

Warner Bros. decided to provide fans with a high-quality 4K version of the 1996 hit movie as a gift. But is this new release worth the investment, especially if you already own the 2008 Blu-ray? Let’s explore that question together.

Twister 4K: A Vibrant New Transfer

Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, who passed away, appear in the movie “Twister” as storm chasers and former lovers, testing innovative equipment aimed at enhancing tornado warnings. Supporting cast includes Cary Elwes, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jami Gertz. While it may not delve deep into human emotions, this film more than makes up for it with an exhilarating rollercoaster experience. Jan de Bont’s direction brings the same pulse-pounding intensity found in “Speed,” making for a thrilling summer spectacle that leaves you breathless. Simply put, it’s a whole lot of fun.

Approximately three decades after its initial movie premiere, Warner Bros. has given Twister an upgraded 4K version, perfectly timed for the long-anticipated sequel’s arrival. It’s worth mentioning that Twister was the pioneer film to be released on DVD on March 25, 1997 – making you feel a bit ancient, isn’t it? I can still recall purchasing the DVD case from Camelot Music and enjoying the insightful director’s commentary on that very day. Oh, the nostalgia of the ’90s!

Ten years after the initial release, WB provided a Blu-ray edition of Twister with fresh commentary and a few making-of documentaries, yet nothing particularly remarkable. The visual improvement on Blu-ray was noticeable, while the audio surpassed contemporary standards. Since I grew up in the late 80s and 90s, I have an affinity for film grain. Consequently, Twister’s early releases, with their muddled appearance, hold a special place in my heart due to the noise, texture, and subdued colors.

A fresh 4K update noticeably enhances Twister’s appearance, making it seem more contemporary. However, the improved clarity sometimes highlights the aged CGI effects in a less favorable light. The rest of the film shines with vibrant characters and stunningly detailed rural settings. Furthermore, the Dolby Atmos sound system significantly amplifies the movie’s impressive sound design, such as Mancina’s heart-pounding score and the intense tornado sounds that seem to engulf the room during action scenes. At times, it feels like a real F5 tornado is tearing through the living space, especially in the third act’s thrilling sequences. An explosion scene featuring a truck caused my house to tremble noticeably, almost making me seek shelter.

The unique aspects are quite satisfactory. This edition includes remarks from the 2008 version, some vintage behind-the-scenes material, and a music video by Van Halen. Additionally, there’s a new “Legacy of Twister” segment that explores the significance of the 4K release and the film’s enduring influence. It’s not disappointing but doesn’t generate much enthusiasm.

In the end, the Twister 4K edition is worth buying due to its impressive visual quality, which makes the 1996 blockbuster look better than ever before, despite some outdated special effects. The audio track is also noteworthy and justifies the cost. Take it easy and enjoy the nostalgia this updated version brings.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Great.” Although there are some small flaws, this grade indicates that the artwork accomplishes its purpose effectively and leaves a lasting impression.

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2024-07-19 17:10