The Texas Chainsaw Massacre DVD: Review By Dodd

American audiences today are exposed to a fair share of horror pictures. While most of them lack a much expected terrifying edge, there are still acceptable examples such as The Descent or the Saw films. However, no matter how original, or how high the budget, no horror film will ever match the status of some classics.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one title that has gained notoriety during the past few years. Thanks to the box office success of the Michael Bay-produced remake, a prequel is in the works for October. It is clear that kids today are attracted to the young, sexy appeal and the impressive direction of the remake installments. However, despite the lucrative profit, no single redeux will match the morbid insanity of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In light of the prequel's release, the original masterpiece is receiving the Special Edition DVD treatment once again in a 2-disc set.

Texas Chainsaw is notable for its raw scare tactics, but it is also a piece of cinema history. After decades of horror films depicting the defeat of invasive creatures, Chainsaw became part of the post-Vietnam movement of internal threats in motion pictures. Taking a cue from revolutionary youth and the deterioration of the nuclear family, Chainsaw joined the ranks of The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby as a story that brings danger, not only close to home, but inside the home.

The premise of Texas Chainsaw is not regarded as original by today's standards. After a string of mysterious grave robberies, Sally (Marilyn Burns) and her wheelchair-bound brother Franklin (Paul Partain) set out with some friends to check on their grandfather's plot. While driving through the dry desolation of rural Texas, the trip is far from uneventful as they encounter an insane, knife-wielding hitchhiker (Edwin Neil) who manages to slash poor Franklin.

However, the madness does not end here. Somewhere beyond the land of abandoned slaughterhouses and dead animal carcasses lives a disgruntled family of cannibals. After the young travelers make a wrong turn, they encounter a day of merciless pain and torture.

Texas Chainsaw has been and still is one of the best horror films ever made. On a miniscule budget with amateur actors, it is proof that one does not need Hollywood connections to make a quality film. From the well-articulated opening narration by the then unknown John Larroquette, and the establishing shot of a dead armadillo, the sick eeriness of this picture is made evident.

Like many examples of the horror genre, TCM includes the standard "jump out and scare you" tactics. However, the direction of Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist) brings a gritty edge to this traumatizing product. Unlike the remake, there is no glamour or sex appeal to this film. The camera acts more as a doc*mentary apparatus that captures every grain of dirt, bead of sweat, and drop of blood. It is the element of reality that makes this film so utterly frightening. While the Texas Chainsaw killers are out of the ordinary, there is no comforting voice that stresses for the audience the impossibility of such people. They are insane rural dwellers that could very well live alongside the road of anyone's next vacation.

This is a film that allows its viewers to experience furniture made from bones, a chainsaw-wielding imbred, and a freezer full of human flesh. No matter how many times I see this film, I feel violated and emotionally scarred after its bloody conclusion. Others may see this as an unpleasant thing, but this is how I know that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best horror pictures ever laid onto celluloid.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth

This is the doc*mentary that horror fans have been waiting for. The retrospective film clocks in at an hour and 12 minutes, and covers every detail of the film's conception. Tobe Hooper with the original cast and crew discuss the grueling shoot in the Texas heat, the difficulty of distribution, and the various sequels that spiraled out of control. A must watch.

Flesh Wounds

Fans rejoice yet another doc*mentary on the film that lasts an hour and 11 minutes. As opposed to the general "making-of" content of the previously mentioned doc*mentary, this focuses on seven stories pertaining to the film. These range from cinematographer Daniel Pearl's involvement with both the original and remake films to the status of the original Texas Chainsaw family farmhouse. This doc digs deeper into the film's origins and is an essential viewing for fans of the film.

A Tour of the House

Leatherface himself Gunnar Hansen explores the Chainsaw house in its current state as a country restaurant. Some of this footage is mostly featured in the previously mentioned Shockign Truth doc*mentary. While not superb, this is still worth a look as it is only a 7 minute feature.

Deleted Scenes and Outtakes

Clocking in at 25 minutes, this reel of vintage footage can get tiresome after a while. This is mostly superfluous material that was best left on the cutting room floor.

Blooper Reel

While only two minutes long, it is still quite remarkable that bloopers were uncovered from this classic. In all honesty, the gags are not hilarious, but it is still a fun time.

Outtakes from Shocking Truth

Now this is getting a tad ridiculous. Outtakes from the making of doc*mentary? For anyone with a keen eye for every detail, this may be worth a shot. However, this is a tad excessive for my taste.

Making Grandpa

A still gallery that shows 19-year-old actor John Dugan's transformation into the crusty Grandpa.

Commentary Tracks

Owners of the original special edition, such as myself, will be familiar with the first track which features director Tobe Hooper, cinematographer Daniel Pearl, and actor Gunnar Hansen. This is probably the more insightful track being that the director and Leatherface himself are the cure for any horror fan's anticipation. However, as a bonus, this DVD contains a fresh additional track featuring cast members Marilyn Burns, Paul Partain, and Allan Danziger, and art director Robert Burns. While taking more perspective from people in front of the camera, as opposed to behind, this second track is a fun gathering of old friends.

The film is in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. It contains a new HD transfer from the original 16 mm prints, and the finished product is fantastic. TCM is seen with pure clarity while still retaining the dirt quality that makes it a classic.

5.1 and 2.0 Dolby stereo soundtracks are included on this digitally remastered soundtrack. I honestly do not detect a difference between the sound here and the previous special edition of the film, but this is still complimentary. Every piercing scream and hootenanny country song is played as clear as a bell.

Standard DVD keep case. Since I received a screener envelope for this film, the package detail of this DVD is subject to change.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is quality horror to the core, and this new Special Edition DVD is a must own for fans of the film. For those already possessing the prior Special Edition, rest-assured this DVD contained a whole second disc full of goodies that are not found on the original copy. I highly recommend purchasing this DVD and praying to the heavens that this is the final and most ultimate edition of this disturbing classic.

*Note: This is an early review. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is slated for release on September 26, 2006.

Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com