Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

Can you hear that? What’s making that soft distant moan? It’s getting closer…and louder.

No, it’s not Leatherface, it’s horror movie fans and their moaning over horror remakes. We can pretty much point to Marcus Nispel’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake from Platinum Dunes in 2003, for kick starting this trend we horror fans, are living in. For some, it’s a fate worse than death, for others, they’re a fine take for a new generation. I think every remake has to be taken at face value, but that’s been hard, since there has been an avalanche of remakes of our beloved genre films, and Platinum Dunes has been at the forefront of this movement.

So taking it at face value, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre remake is pretty good. Tobe Hooper’s 1974 original, was a wildly unpredictable terrorfest, with dark humor, and bubbling subtext ripped straight from the headlines of the times. Leatherface was a fierce child, and the film is probably the best example of insanity ever put to screen. That’s a tough task to try to redo, and for the most part Platinum Dunes and Nispel went back to the drawing board, and fleshed out a different world here for Leatherface. There are some stumbles along the way, and I’ll get to those soon, but I think the strength of the film lies with the cinematography and the brutality. Daniel Pearl’s amazing set design and art direction is showcased here, with some of the most sickening living conditions ever filmed for a fictional world. While film is a visual medium, one can smell the decay of flesh, the mold in the basement, and the sweat on the characters almost as if we are there.

But it’s Leaherface’s show, and he doesn’t disappoint. Giving a little back story, this new ‘Face, played by Andrew Bryniarski, as if he’s a living bulldozer. He’s larger, more intimidating, and is a ferocious take on the character, that is vastly different than the Gunnar Hansen take on the character in the original. That’s great, I say, even though I’m a huge fanatic when it comes to the original Bryniarski developed a fresh take on the character and it seems to have a trickle down effect in other remakes. Michael Myers and Jason in their own remakes are just like ‘Face; they’re bigger, faster, and more brutal than their original counterparts.

Even Jessica Biel is superb here, playing an equally terrified Final Girl, as Marilyn Burns from the original did, but is defiantly a stronger woman in the end. Tough as nails, even though what she goes through is terrifying, I enjoyed seeing a tough, no nonsense Final Girl for a change. To me, the best parts of the film are the black and white documentary footage taken at the house. It’s inventive and scary. But the film isn’t perfect. I think there are three things that keep it from truly being a modern great, and it’s the film’s first half pacing issues which seemed to slow and uneven. The film feels too plotted unlike the original, where that film felt unpredictable, and I don’t get the family dynamic. What’s with the town’s weird Bermuda Triangle aspect to it? Why are they always coming back to the abandoned slaughterhouse? How did the family survive, and where are the other town’s folk? I know they explained it all in the absolutely unnecessary Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, but for this film, it doesn’t work, because we are left with too many questions. Still, despite these things, I think this remake succeeds and by itself it is a good horror film. Even though the original film feels like Hooper captured lightning in a bottle, this remake is a fine updating for us now days-warts and all.

One thing that really bugs me about audiences who see the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, original or remake, is the complete belief that the film is 100% based on a true story. I’ve been in constant arguments for years with friends fans, and co-workers. It’s a great marketing ploy Hooper devised to ensure the maximum scariness for the film, but it is not real or based on anything. While cannibalism is perhaps humans greatest taboo, and a worthy area of film exploration, the fact that people believe this is amazing. Ed Gein, the real American Psycho, and maybe America’s Godfather of Cannibalism, is a source of inspiration for Leatherface, but he is only a starting point. Sorry to burst your bubble, but ‘Face and his chainsaw are fictional.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: For a film being shot to look so grimy and dark, this Warner/New Line Blu-ray is superb. Day time scenes are magnificent and detail is high on everything. Night scenes have a grayness to them, but I think this is a source of the film’s stylistic tendencies, rather than a bad transfer. I’ve seen the film numerous times, on all media outlets-theater, DVD, and TV, and without question, this Blu-ray is the best transfer out there.

I do wish a DTS track was included, but the Dolby Digital is a loud, aggressive, full sounding track. Bass hits at a thick and heavy manner, surrounds are employed, and I’m happy that everything is here and sounding good. The film really works with a good sound design, and fans will be pleased.

All the extras are from the film’s original two-disc Special Edition released a few years back, and sadly are all in standard definition.

Commentaries: We get three commentaries, a technical one, a story based one, and a actors track. All three are a must listen. They’re recorded from different sources, so none of the participants are together, but that keeps things well edited, and never a dull spot in them. Each have their own wealth of information, little is repeated, so this makes for each to be a solid addition to each other.

Chainsaw Redux: Making of a Massacre: Running well over 75 minutes, this is one thorough documentary on the film, taking its time to focus on all aspects of the production, and importantly the reason why to remake it. It takes an in-depth look at the creation of the film from FX to ‘Face’s mask, to casting, and while they are some repeated bits from the commentaries, that should not sway you away. This was one of the better making-ofs out there in 2003, and it still holds up well. A must watch.

Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield: I consider myself well schooled in all things Ed Gein, and I still found this to be fascinating. Using real photos, archival footage, and interviews with true crime novelists and psychologist, we get a great look at the man who was the sickest killer out there. From digging up graves, to making body suits out of the dead, I hope you watch this to understand the case of Gein, and why he inspired a generation of filmmakers.

Severed Parts/Additional Footage: Viewed all together with interviews or separately, this is a look at the deleted scenes. There are some really good scenes in here, so make sure if you loved the film, be sure to check them out. .You’ll see an alternative ending that could have worked.

Screen Tests: Three are provided. We get a rare chance to see Biel, Balfour, and Leerhsen trying out for their characters before getting the roles.

Trailers: I don’t normally re-watch trailers, but there are a handful offered here, with two you must see. One is a Michael Bay directed trailer, that helped sold the idea of remaking it to the studio, and it’s pretty cool. The other is the original trailer, to which I think is still the scariest trailer ever made.

A Music Video and TV Spots round out the extras.

Conclusion: I know, I know, we’re suppose to dislike remakes to our favorite flicks, but whatever. I thoroughly enjoyed the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, even with the flaws I mentioned. The Blu-ray is top-notch, and with its low asking price, is a must purchase,and thankfully has kept all of the great extras.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: