The original storm-chasing adventure Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton has been spun into a new franchise with Twisters starring Glen Powell and Daisy-Edgar Jones. At its core, Twisters feels like a natural extension and continuation of the original that strikes similar beats. And that’s two thumbs up for home theater visual and audio thrill-seekers.
While Twisters and its chase for the next big tornado, or tornados, doesn’t necessarily brave new territory or seem as memorable as the original, what it provides in sheer summer blockbuster entertainment value is hard to fault. Glen Powell chews up every scene is in as an arrogant and impulsive storm chaser who may or may not be a little softer under the hood. Daisy-Edgar Jones is his perfect foil, serving up a more caution to the dangerous profession while not being a bit affected by Powell’s continual charming flirtations.
When the winds pick up and debris starts to fly is when Twisters, much like its predecessor, begins to shine on 4K Ultra HD. These two films belong next to each other on a shelf not only because of their obvious connection, but their demo-worthy presentation as Mother Nature’s wrath unfolds on-screen.
Tornadoes kick up a lot of stuff, and Twisters renders that mess beautifully in Dolby Vision HDR. It’s not over-the-top, but instead a mellow and warm palette befitting the Heartland’s dusty landscape where the film takes place. There’s a lot to love and really nothing to complain about.
The Dolby Atmos audio soundtrack also delivers smiles with dialogue holding its own against on-screen action, and that action ratcheting up bass and surrounds to pull you into the storms. I never felt like there was too much bombarding my eardrums, and that’s a testament to a well-mixed soundtrack.
Bonus features provide a well-balanced walk through about everything you’d want to know after watching the film, including following around Glen Powell for a day. A commentary track offers a great excuse to cue up a second viewing.
- 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
There’s a lot to like about Twisters as it introduces a new generation to the pitfalls of storm chasing. It may not making lasting memories the same way the original did, but it stands toe-to-toe with that classic’s presentation on 4K Ultra HD. They make for a great summer double-feature with sights and sounds-a-plenty.
