I thought I was done buying The Texas Chain Saw Massacre after upgrading to the 40th anniversary edition Blu-ray in 2014. Between the crisp presentation and the copious extras, I was certain it was the definitive version of Tobe Hooper‘s 1974 masterpiece. Yet here I am, nearly a decade later, ready to sing the praises of Dark Sky Films‘ 4K Ultra HD edition.
Long before “gritty” was an industry buzzword, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre epitomized the term. As such, one might be wary that a 4K restoration could hinder the viewing experience, but that is not at all the case. Utilizing the 4K scan from the aforementioned Blu-ray, which was approved by Hooper, and now with a wider color gamut courtesy of HDR, the picture is presented in staggering clarity while maintaining the 16mm film grain. The oppressive heat is virtually palpable.
Co-written by Hooper and Kim Henkel, the plot follows a group of five teenagers — Sally (Marilyn Burns), her paraplegic brother Franklin (Paul A. Partain), Jerry (Allen Danziger), Kirk (William Vail) and Pam (Teri McMinn) — on an idyllic road trip to a familial home in rural Texas. They encounter a maniacal family of cannibalistic killers, among them a chainsaw-wielding, human skin-wearing butcher colloquially known as Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen).
The rest, as they say, is history.
Loosely inspired by serial killer Ed Gein, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the most effective horror films of all time. More than merely scary or macabre, it’s truly unnerving. Deceptively short at only 83 minutes, it’s something of an endurance test. The performances are manic across the board, likely exacerbated by the arduous shooting conditions, and Robert A. Burns‘ (Re-Animator, The Hills Have Eyes) art direction is equally unhinged.
Hooper and cinematographer Daniel Pearl (who also shot the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake) balance the deluge of raw, grisly imagery — including people hanging from meat hooks and furniture fashioned from body parts — with nimble craftsmanship. Iconic shots — such as Leatherface’s stark reveal, the low angle dolly following Pam to the house, extreme close ups on Sally’s eye, and Leatherface’s deranged chainsaw dance bathed in orange sunlight — are breathtaking in 4K.
Two versions of the 4K UHD are available: a Steelbook edition featuring the original poster art and a version in standard packaging with a slipcover featuring artwork by Jason Edmiston. The film features Dolby Atmos audio along with DTS-HD MA 7.1, 2.0, and 1.0 options. Burns’ blood-curdling screams — which make up the majority of the last act — have never been so piercing. While the film doesn’t have a traditional score, the unconventional, atmospheric soundtrack by Hooper and Wayne Bell enhances the picture’s inherent discomfort.
The two-disc set features over 400 minutes of extras, including four audio commentaries from various previous editions. The first track features Hooper, Hansen, and Pearl from the 1996 LaserDisc offering a nice mix of on-set anecdotes and technical details. A second track with Burns, Partain, Danziger, and Robert Burns from the DVD era includes bits about Partain staying in character, the hardships Burns endured during the shoot, and their underwhelmed reactions to the then-recent remake. A solo commentary by Hooper from 2014 is a bit light on content, which is forgivable since his input is present in so many other extras. The final track, also from 2014, features Pearl, editor J. Larry Carroll, and sound recordist Ted Nicolaou addressing several technical aspects of the picture.
The Blu-ray disc kicks off with The Legacy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a new, 87-minute documentary from director Phillip Escott (The Found Footage Phenomenon) in which genre filmmakers and journalists discuss the film’s lasting impact. It features franchise alumni Marcus Nispel (director of 2003’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Adam Marcus & Debra Sullivan (writers of 2013’s Texas Chainsaw), Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury (directors of 2017’s Leatherface), and Fede Alvarez (producer of 2022’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre), plus Mick Garris (The Stand), Jamie Blanks (Urban Legend), Rob Savage (Host), and more. Most of the analyses and sentiments have been brought up countless times since 1974, but hearing it all tightly edited together from the mouths of experts gives it value. There are some interesting asides, ranging from the perception of Leatherface as a trans allegory to Nispel admitting he didn’t see the original until he got the offer to direct the remake.
While other documentaries have been produced since, 2000’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth remains the gold standard. Director David Gregory (Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau) assembled nearly the entire surviving cast and crew — several of whom have since passed away — to discuss the film. 2006’s Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw, also included, is a perfect complement, as director Michael Felsher (Just Desserts: The Making of Creepshow) covers different aspects not mentioned in The Shocking Truth.
Another highlight is a 45-min conversation between Hooper and fellow master of horror William Friedkin that preceded a 40th anniversary screening presented by Cinefamily in Los Angeles. Hooper is reserved compared to the gregarious Exorcist director, but it’s a treat to hear the two old friends candidly chat about the movie that, as Friedkin puts it, “transcends the genre.”
Other special features include: 25 minutes of deleted scenes and outtakes, which are fascinating to see even without audio; interviews with Grandpa actor John Dugan, McMinn, Carroll, and production manager Ron Bozman; a tour of the Chain Saw house with Hansen from 2006; Horror’s Hallowed Grounds’ filming location tour; “Making Grandpa,” a slideshow of stills from makeup artist W.E. Barnes turning Dugan into the character; three trailers; three TV spots; two radio spots, and a still gallery.
Try as many have, there never will be another Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Even after nearly 50 years, it still feels as transgressive and singular as ever. Despite inspiring countless imitators, redefining the horror genre, and launching an array of sequels, remakes, and reboots, the 4K UHD edition is a blunt reminder that nothing cuts like the original.
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