Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

The Jigsaw Murders Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 10, 2017

1989’s “The Jigsaw Murders” (where only one titular killing takes place) is positioned as a crime story with occasional interruptions by the demands of exploitation cinema. Some nudity remains, and a few ghastly encounters are detailed, but director Jag Mundhra prizes characterization first and foremost, bending the Roger Corman-released project in a way that explores psychological issues, not just a body count. It’s a valiant attempt to do something different with bottom-shelf production values, and while “The Jigsaw Murders” isn’t completely victorious, there’s some grit and excitement to hold attention, and the picture’s gradual evolution into camp isn’t entirely unpleasant.

In the heart of L.A., Detective Joe (Chad Everett) and his partner, Detective Elliot (Michael Sabatino), have picked up the case of a murderer portioning out body parts of a nude model he’s slaughtered, stashing them around the city. Joe is particularly sensitive to the crime, as his estranged daughter, Kathy (Michelle Johnson), is trying break into the modeling business, already working with unsavory types, such as photographer Mosley (Eli Rich). Failing a test of sobriety, Joe plunges himself into work, following leads and interviewing witnesses, trying to catch up to the killer, who’s preparing to add to his collection of severed limbs.

While Mundhra doesn’t have a grand budget to truly inflate the thriller aspects of “The Jigsaw Murders,” he attempts to keep the picture energized through mild stunt work, finding Elliot teasing supercop instincts as he tries to take down a suspect in a speeding van while riding on the roof. There’s also a mid-movie encounter between the masked killer and Joe at a water park, with the poor cop sent down a winding slide on his back after being knocked out, adding the unexpected visual of Everett getting smacked around by slide walls while trying to play semi-unconscious. While the feature is hardly a steamrolling actioner, “The Jigsaw Murders” delivers some pep between moments of crude police work and domestic drama. Joe doesn’t have it easy in the script, saddled with a drinking problem, daughter issues, and a case he can’t solve, giving Everett something to play as he supplies a better than average performance for this style of forgettable entertainment.

The Jigsaw Murders Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with a surprisingly colorful world for such a periodically grim movie. Hues are vivid, representing period fashion trends and L.A. location visits, also keeping alert with ample skintones and greenery. Detail is also encouraging, making close- ups stand out with compelling facial particulars, and costuming is textured, keeping suits fibrous and serious amounts of spandex shiny. Delineation is comfortable. Source is in solid shape, without pronounced points of damage.

The Jigsaw Murders Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix remains as powerful as expected for a B-movie, leading with clear, crisp dialogue exchanges that handle volatile performances and remain intelligible in difficult environments. Scoring is sharp and supportive, secured with strong instrumentation. Atmospherics are acceptable, with healthy group activity, and sound effects such as gunshots and car accidents retain snap and crunch.

The Jigsaw Murders Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Katarina's Bucket List Mode" (3:59, HD) offers a fairly weak introduction to "The Jigsaw Murders" from host Katarina Leigh Waters, who dusts off an actual jigsaw puzzle to help shape a mild skit before launching into her customary reading of IMBD credits for each of the main players and director Jag Mundhra.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:29, SD) is included.

The Jigsaw Murders Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Despite showcasing the discovery of severed limbs and a predatory nude photographer, "The Jigsaw Murders" isn't as crude as one might expect. There's a B-movie sheen to it all, and some detours into absurdity keep the mood light. One wonderfully goofball scene has Joe recognizing a nude model on the cover of a two-sided jigsaw puzzle, inspiring a feverish game of assembly with a pack of drunken cops inside a bar reserved for Elliot's bachelor party. The screenplay has more than a few moments of silliness, and it makes an unwise choice of revealing the killer in the second act, but this weird blend of police procedure and soap opera doesn't completely fold when trying to dream up challenges for the character. It's not richly realized work, but it works when compared to similar VHS gold rush endeavors that often give up after 30 minutes.