ULTIMATE 3-DISC EDITION UK DVD REVIEW
Tobe Hoopers original 1974 cult classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a film that surely needs no introduction. Heralded as the prototype of the slasher film, it caused a huge storm of controversy upon its release in the US back in 1974 and was infamously banned in the UK for both a cinema and video release by UK censors, the BBFC, for over 25 years.
But in these more enlightened times, the BBFC are not so harsh as once they were, and since 1999 UK viewers have been able to see for themselves what every other country on the planet has long enjoyed. So taking advantage of our censors liberal progressiveness "Second Sight Entertainment" have just released their "Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Ultimate 3-Disc Edition"
Now, just for those very number of people who may not be familiar with the plot, the film centres around the a group of 5 youths, who go out for a drive in the country one sunny afternoon and decide to take a look at one their old family homesteads, which stands abandoned on some lonely backroad.
Unfortunately, it seems they've acquired some new neighbours since they last visited and as they start to wander round the old property, they come up against a chap named Leatheface, who sports a mask made out of human flesh and wields a chainsaw.
I'm sure you can all guess what happens next.
Whilst the film looks a little dated now it never-the-less remains a piece of cinematic horror history and one that no horror fan should be without in their collection.
The film has had various special edition DVD releases here in the UK since it was passed for release in 1999. But on "Second Sights" "Ultimate 3-disc release" you get...
On Disc 1 with the film, you get...
An audio commentary track with director Tobe hooper and Gunnar Hansen
Audio commentary with cast members Paul Partain, Marilyn Burns and Allan Danziger
On Disc 2
"Off the Hook" - an interview with actress Terri McMinn, (who was the girl who got hung on the meathook in case you were wondering)
Interview with production manager Ron Bozman
A tour of the killers house used in Texas Chainsaw by Gunnar Hansen
The "Shocking Truth" documentary
"Shocking Truth" outtakes from the documentary.
And on Disc 3
The documentary "flesh wounds"
Interview with director Tobe Hooper
Interview with director Writer Kim Henkell
Deleted scenes and outtakes
Theatrical trailers and TV spots
Poster, stills and artwork gallery.
This release appears to be a repackage of the US version from Dark Sky films and features the same new hi-def transfer from that, along with the newly remastered Dolby 5.1 track.
All told a pretty impressive looking package and there's also limited edition version which comes in an even more impressive steel book case. So if you haven't added this film to your collection yet, then you'd be advised to pick up this "Second Sight" release.
- Simon (The Dark Angel of Horror)
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