The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Massacre is bloody and sick. It’s also very difficult to stop watching, as it commands our attention much like a train wreck. This release has the benefit of being remastered in high-definition (though this is a standard DVD), pumping up the quality of the production values,which fortunately can hold up to the task. It’s not Hollywood slick, so it may require adjusting your attitude, as well as the basic display settings. But the results are worth it because be-tween the serial killer and the gruesome “Leatherface” and his family of demented cannibals, this is one sick puppy who really scares the bejeepers out of you. And for once, adding in multichannel audio has a purpose: to twist and alter the aural landscape in cohesive play with the visuals. What we’re getting at is that the sound knows how to scare you, too. 

“Ultimate” aptly describes this edition, which has more extras than one can eat in a single sitting. These range from commentaries by director Tobe Hooper and members of the cast,to behind-the-scenes documentaries and featurettes, to deleted scenes, TV and radio spots,and more. Even a blooper reel?