Twisters (2024) [Digital 4K Review]

Twisters is the kind of movie I’m shocked to see Hollywood returning to Post Pandemic. After all, we had grown accustomed to winking sly revivals of old properties, but made on the terms of a new audience flushed with cash. Then, a few shutdowns later, America’s youth realized they don’t care about movie theaters. And that reset a ton of things for American entertainment.

I don’t expect much from mainstream audiences, so I’m never disappointed

When we talk mainstream disappoint, Film Nerds are hard up to admit that newer generations age the mainstream like milk. However, that approach splits into two factions before and after 2020. It’s not a secret that Hollywood has been struggling to get back on its feet after the Pandemic. So, what’s not better than continuing to dig out franchises that either predate the youth market or were relevant when they were in Pre-K? It’s been known that Twisters has been in development for a little bit.

So, it’s not like the semi disconnected approach is all that new. Twisters knows that it’s real star is the Tornadoes. The only thing else that matters is how many people you feed to it and how many people are left alive to stop it. While I love seeing Hollywood use filming locations in the real America, what here is different than what we had in the 90s or any other tornado movie? The answer is simple, blind spectacle.

Do you have fond memories of Twister?

Twister is a nearly 30 year old film that’s more famous for being ran as much on basic cable as Step Brothers. When Twisters was announced, the first response many people had was who wants to see more Helen Hunt movies? The second response was wondering if it would be like the Jaws sequels with related tornadoes coming back for revenge. Other responses followed, but they aren’t suitable for print.

But that is the beauty of spectacle cinema and probably why your parents loved Twister and Twisters. They remember the cows being picked up and flung around the air. The old ones might even remember Dorothy and the Drive-In theater assault. But, what else? You can rack your brains for awhile, but the answer will be nothing.

This is where most writers insert a personal story about tornadoes or other natural disasters.

Tornadoes are scary. All of humanity has a natural fear of being destroyed by majestic forces that are greater than themselves. There was a theory that whatever your fear is must have been what killed you in a past life. That kind of stuff is garbage, but it’s an interesting idea. Especially because it’s a low-level explanation behind the different phobias out there.

Why aren’t you talking about Twisters? Well, in a way, I am. Films like this are designed to be spectacle first and to be disposed until you need them again. For example, when was the last time you thought fondly of Independence Day or Deep Impact? Unless you are a person of a certain pedigree, then you are probably just not remembering they exist. Why? Because films like this are built around moments and not longevity. Those moments thrill kids and get slow pokes excited about the cinema. But, you’re meant to grow up and move beyond it.

Amblin doesn’t like kissing

Much was made of the effort to pull the romance out of the Frankenstein theater tornado. I get why Amblin did it, but at the same time it doesn’t hurt my argument that Spectacle Cinema is meant for kids. But, who cares? If you like Twisters or anything similar, then jump at it. One thing I noticed when reviewing the film on Digital 4K is that it’s just fun. The transfer is stunning and sports amazing color grade. Plus, that lossless mix really puts you into the activity. Did I remember any dialogue after watching? Of course not!

It’s not Cinema, it’s Streaming

Much has been made of the watering down of the theatrical experience. I view it more as opening up all media channels to give film a chance at a bigger audience. The economics of which are putting a ton of traditional offerings into jeopardy, but I have observed something interesting about the general audience. Basically, the theatrical experience to Joe Six Pack was an annoying side trip. Taking premium films out of the idealized and gross chain theater and then putting the easiest of barriers to access has produced some fascinating results.

Streaming has been victimized by the same thing, as more and more people who would have made up the lion’s share of the audience for films like Twister are learning that tech changes mean they don’t have to stick to things with giant barriers. Rising costs, competing interest and general distaste for the cinema have killed the audience for spectacle cinema.

Lee Isaac Chung is an amazing director, but…..

Twisters is kinda beneath him. Now, I’m not an arthouse snob that will poo-poo anyone’s attempt to branch out into big budget fare. But, Minari is so good. Hell, even his early films I got to watch via Film Movement are stunning. Whether it’s his Mandalorian episode or Twisters, I don’t see his style shining through. I get the push for Oklahoma and the rural trappings and tornado fear feels more authentic. But, what else is there?

What do you get when you buy Twisters through your favorite digital spots like Fandango at Home or Amazon or something else?

Twisters hits Digital with a gag reel and deleted scenes as the special features. What’s even better is that the 4K transfer is stellar. While I love the movie for what it is, feel free to watch it and just enjoy a movie. Plus for two lucky readers, we got a contest for codes. Keep your eyes on the hub before the weekend, as we give you a chance to get one.

Twisters is now available on Premium VOD right now!