When I reviewed the theatrical release of Saw III, I gave it a 'fresh' rating on the old Tomato-Meter, because I thought fans of the franchise would really like the film (they did — the movie opened at #1 and performed very well at the box office). Personally, I am only lukewarm on the whole concept. I did quite enjoy the first movie but I could have lived my whole life happily, never having seen a sequel.
But sequels, and sequels to the sequels (ad infinitum), are a big part of the horror movie biz, so here were are talking about the Saw III DVD, which is, of course, loaded with extras and is unrated.
Personally, I couldn't tell what was added, but whatever it is, it doesn't not affect the course of the story. To wit: Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) and his protégé Amanda (Shawnee Smith) are up to their old tricks, trapping and killing victims based upon their twisted morals. The pair's elaborate traps usually involve some kind of release mechanism that can be manipulated by the prey it holds, but much like caught wild animals who can free themselves only if they gnaw off a limb, severe choices must be made.
In this installment of the franchise (oh, yes… there will be a Saw IV), Jigsaw is dying of a brain malady and Amanda is trying to prevent him from kicking off before they can finish their final game — in order to ensure that, she kidnaps a doctor, Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh). The M.D. is forced to perform a delicate operation on Jigsaw in spite of the less-than-sterile conditions of their hidden lair; she has incentive, though — a crude metal collar is fitted around her neck, armed with explosives, and set to detonate if Jigsaw flatlines.
While I do appreciate the detailed storyline and the look inside Jigsaw's head (literally and figuratively), I can't really recommend this DVD for the casual fan stumbling upon the disk in the video store. You do need to have seen the first two films prior to viewing.
- Darren Lynn Bousman (Director), Leigh Whannell (Writer/Executive Producer), Peter Block and Jason Constantine (Executive Producers)
- Oren Koules, Mark Burg (Producers)
- Darren Lynn Bousman (Director), Kevin Greutert (Editor), David A. Armstrong (Director of Photography)
I don’t think Saw III really warrants three commentaries, but maybe it's supposed to mesh with the title of the film. The first commentary is the most interesting (Whannell is a riot), but it would have been nice to hear something from the actors.
- The Details of Death: The props used in the film are examined, in detail. Pretty interesting, for those who like to explore the minutiae.
- The Traps of Saw III: Here's one for the gore-hounds. This featurette focuses on how the traps were conceived and brought to fruition. It's interesting to see how they evolved, and to see the actors trying them on for size.
- Darren's Diary: This is the best of the lot, a video diary following our intrepid director working on the movie from start to finish.
- Rock Star: Leigh Whannell's excised cameo appearance as a guy trying to pick up on Amanda (rightly deleted due to pacing issues).
- Girl Fight: Amanda and Lynn square off (for far too long).
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Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson