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DVD Review HTF REVIEW---The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) (1 Viewer)

Michael Elliott

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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)


:star::star:1/2/:star::star::star::star:




Studio: New Line
Year: 2003
Rated: R
Film Length: 98 minutes
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX, DTS-ES Surround
Subtitles: Spanish, English
Retail Price: $39.95





Being a rabid horror fan all my life, nothing I’ve ever seen started so much controversy as this film, a remake of Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. For the past couple of years fans have debated if such a classic film should be remade and most were wondering if we really needed it to be remade. Fans of the original protesting this remake and refused to watch it but a newer generation was probably seeing this without even knowing there was an original.

There’s no question the 1974 film is an all-time classic horror tale but I must come clean and admit that I think the film really doesn’t live up to its reputation. I’m not calling the original a bad movie, it’s far from that but I do feel the legendary reputation is a bit high considering there are several other films that dealt with this subject on a much better level. The rarely seen Deranged covered the Ed Gein story better as did Wes Craven’s later shocker The Hills Have Eyes, which actually deserves all the praise that the original TCM gets. As for my opinion on this remake, we didn’t really need it but then again, we don’t need many movies that are made today. I was open for the idea of a remake and I’m still not sure why fans are so unhappy with this being remade since Hooper basically remade his own film with Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.

Since most reading this already knows the basic story I’ll keep this rather short. Also, there are many changes in the story, which shouldn’t be given away so that’s another reason not to go into much detail. The basic story is about five teenagers (Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour, Erica Leerhsen, Jonathan Tucker, Mike Vogel) traveling across Texas who wind up at an old farm house where they are terrorized by a deranged family including the leader Letherface and his trusty chainsaw.

While there’s no way this remake will ever gain the reputation of the original film, at least this one here did try something new and added new stuff instead of simply doing a scene for scene remake of the original. I know a lot of fans were worried that the story would be set in today’s world and the director would use Scream tactics rather than what the original offered but don’t worry, the film has the look and feel of something made during the 1970’s but the rest of the film seems to be paying homage to the 1980’s with its ruthless violence and over the top gore, which made this feel more like a Friday the 13th film more than anything else. Like those 80’s slasher, the biggest problem here is that the director went with gore instead of actually trying to scare the viewer.

As I stated earlier, a lot of the story has been changed from the original film and I think this has some good and bad. The good thing is that we are in for a new ride since new characters are added and we aren’t really sure what role they are going to play in the film. The teenagers find themselves at the farmhouse for different reasons than in the original film, which is another plus. It’s good that the screenplay offered a differentscenario because a constant reminder to the first film would have made this one even harder to watch. Another plus is an eerie opening sequence (perhaps influenced by The Blair Witch Project) where the narrator tells us what the story is and goes back to police footage of the crime scene. All of this new stuff helps us forget the original and realize that we’re watching a different film that is an actual new story more than just a remake.

Then comes the bad stuff. A new character is introduced at the start of the film and this character is the reason the teenagers end up at the farmhouse. While I respect the director for trying this angle, it simply doesn’t work and this “shocker” plays a role throughout the first hour and really adds nothing to the film. This here also leads to a second problem, which is the amount of gore the film has in it. The original film, as well as other “scary” movies like Halloween, let the atmosphere and scenery scare you without having to resort to violence and gore. This new film has very little atmosphere and isn’t too scary because the mindless gore scenes get in the way of anything that could possibly be scary. Seeing someone chased, with the right direction and style, could lead to some wonderfully tense moments but seeing someone get their body sawed in half with blood, brains and guts flying everywhere isn’t going to do anything other than put a smile on your face wondering how the effect was done.

This new film also has some fresh actors playing the leads, which didn’t bother me too much. The original film had a bunch of unknowns and many think this helped the film and that’s probably true but their weak acting always bothered me somewhat. This new film actually has a pretty good cast playing the teenagers. Jessica Biel does a very good job in the lead bringing a strong presence to the screen and she’s likeable enough to have us cheering for her throughout the film. Eric Balfour also does nice work here, although we all know he’s just here for one reason. The big highlight of the cast is R. Lee Ermey of Full Metal Jacket fame. Ermey knows how to chew a scene up and spit it in the viewers face and he does his very best here offering some nice comic relief and he also manages to be a lot more creepy than even Leatherface.

Since I brought him up, Leatherface here actually does more harm than good. This is the one part where the remake really can’t hold a candle to the original. In the original film Leatherface was creepy because of how quiet and mysterious he was. The makeup of the added faces was also wonderfully done but in the remake you could say less would have been more. The face just looks too good so we’re left with something that isn’t scary and is too pretty to bring any scares. I would also add that his body structure is a lot more menacing than in the original film but nothing is really done to show this off.

I’ve got a certain friend out there who refuses to see this film because he thinks enough is enough when it comes to these remakes. Many classic films have been remade throughout film history but to him, and many others, the original TCM is something that should have never been touched. Was there a need for this remake? After seeing it I would have to say no. However, even though there wasn’t a need for a remake I must say that this film holds up just as well as any of the three sequels, which in reality were nothing more than remakes themselves. I’m sure if the title The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 5 had been put on this film then there wouldn’t have been as many complaints. While this remake will die soon and the original will carry on, what we have here really isn’t that bad and it certainly could have been a lot worse. I enjoyed many of the changes but while watching the film, it just made me realize how much better things in the original were done.


VIDEO---The movie is shown widescreen (1.85:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 TVs. Since this is a New Line production you should expect the very best and that’s exactly what you get. This is a film where scenes take place under the hot sun in clear skies as well as scenes at night in a dark fog and rain. The daytime scenes are incredibly clear without a hint of damage or dirt. The best looking scenes are the beautiful blue skies, which have a very natural look. The flesh tones look incredibly accurate as well. The nighttime scenes are just as impressive especially the stuff in the woods with all the fog, rain and dusty settings. It’s also good to report that there isn’t any edge enhancement that I could spot.

AUDIO---You get the option of a Dolby Digital EX 5.1 track as well as a DTS ES Surround. I went through both tracks and the DTS is a little more impressive but then again, I wouldn’t upgrade your system because of that because the main differences is in the sound of the chainsaw. The dialogue and other effects sound pretty much the same. Both are crystal clear and pack a nice punch especially the Surrounds, which are perfectly used for various sound effects from dripping water to insects. The opening song of “Sweet Home Alabama” also sounds remarkably well. The chainsaw buzzes from the left to the right with wonderful range and the level of the action will leave your speakers shaking. On the DTS track there’s a bit more range in the sound so that’s why I put it ahead of the DD track.

EXTRAS---On disc one we get three audio commentary tracks, all of which are pretty interesting. The first track, called “Production” features: director Marcus Nispei, producer Michael Bay, executive producers Andrew Porm and Brad Fuller and New Line co-chairman Robert Shaye. In this track we get everyone’s thoughts and ideas about remaking such a classic film and you guessed it, the biggest reason is that today’s crowds would know the name so that would put people in seats. The men also go into great detail about the production from the script to the casting. The second track, called “Technical” features: the director, cinematographer Daniel Pearl, production designer Greg Blair, art director Scott Gallagher, sound editor Trevor Jolly and composer Steve Jabinsky. While not as interesting as the first track, the biggest highlight is Pearl who was also involved with the original film. He tells some wonderful stories and speaks of how different the two productions were and the advantages of working with a higher budget. The third track, called “Story” features: the director, producer Bay, screenwriter Scott Kosar, the executive producers plus actors Jessica Biel, Erica Leerhsen, Eric Salfour, Jonathan Tucker, Mike Vogel and Andrew Bryniarski. This is another wonderful track and the really interesting thing is hear the new actors talk about the original film. The track is full of nice information and stories so this is certainly worth listening to.

Disc 2 is where we find the rest of the extras. We start off with the original theatrical trailer, Michael Bay’s teaser trailer as well as seven television spots. Both trailers are shown anamorphic widescreen. A music video is also included but this type of thing really isn't my cup of tea. There are also two art galleries covering the production as well as the visual look of Leatherface. We also get screen tests of Jessica Biel, Erica Leerhsen and Eric Balfour. All three segments are very interesting especially the Biel footage and how it compares to her performance in the film. Up next are seven deleted scenes including an alternate opening and closing. This alternate opening and closing sequence was going to be used over the police footage, which was eventually used in the film. This ending also sets up a sequel so it’s rather good they went with what was in the final film. Also included is an alternate death scene, which was apparently cut so that the film wouldn’t get an NC-17 rating. The scene features a lot more gore but I agree with the director that it took away from the action and the suspense he was trying to build. We also get an alternate, gorier version of the “secret” that happens in the van at the start of the film. You have the option of watching these scenes on their own or there's an option to select "documentary", which features the director talking about each of the scenes. All the scenes are shown anamorphic widescreen and look just as good as the feature.

Up next is a 25-minute documentary called Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield, which is pretty good, although I wish it would have been a bit longer. This goes through the basic history of Gein and how he influenced such films as this one as well as Psycho. The big bonus is a 72-minute documentary called Chainsaw Redux, which is a wonderful bonus. This here covers the entire making of the film and all the controversy about remaking such a classic film. The cast as well as the director and producer are interviewed and we also get a lot of behind the scenes stuff, which is very interesting.

NOTE---The extras listed above are for the Collector’s Edition, which also features some lobby cards inside the packaging as well as a collectible metal plate, which is in front of the main cover. The single disc version only features a trailer, the television spots and the music video. The rest of the extras are on the Collector’s Edition only.

OVERALL---All the fighting and controversy over the original being made will be long gone in a few years as will this film. While there’s a lot of good stuff in this remake there’s no way it’ll take the place of the original so fans of Hopper’s classic can remain calm. The film was a nice try but as usual the director seems to forget that gore is not scary. New Line has once again delivered a wonderful package for the fans. The video is remarkable without any problems and both the 5.1 and DTS tracks pack a nice punch to show off your system. The extras are all very nice especially the first and third commentary track as well as the wonderful documentary about the making of the film. I wish the Gein documentary would have been longer but perhaps that’s a bit too much to ask for. The deleted scenes, unlike most, are actually very interesting.

There’s been even more controversy about the $39.95 price tag to this set. While I do feel that’s a bit too high I can’t imagine any fan wanting to own the single disc version. If you enjoyed the film and want to know more about it then the extras given you enough to make the $40 retail price worth it. If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can forget about it because New Line certainly gives you your money’s worth.

Release Date: March 30, 2004
 

Michael Elliott

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The somewhat unknown E-town, which keeps getting bigger and bigger each day. :) An interesting note, the location of our Subway store is where the local drive-in used to be. The same drive-in where my parents saw the original TCM.

I'm sure more people will get to know E-town after the Cameron Crowe film is released so I hope the director shows the place off in a good way.
 

Chris Tedesco

Second Unit
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Aug 26, 2002
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Great review, I'll probably be renting this one as well. I never saw this in the Theater, but I've heard enough good things to give it a whirl.

By the way, I used to live in Winchester KY for 11 years before moving to Maryland. Love Lexington!

Seeya!
 

Adam_WM

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Good review, but having seen this in the theater, I think I'll pass. I really don't care if I ever see it again. I just didn't think it was that good.

Again, good review, Michael.
 

Robert Ringwald

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Thought it was good, but I'll hold off until the price hopefully drops. It's just a little too much for the one movie...

I can wait a while.
 

Malcolm R

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Yeah, what's up with that MSRP? Are the studios starting to jack-up prices?
 

Christopher*KH

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Dec 26, 2002
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I will be getting this without doubt.

Although it wasnt as "documentary film" feeling like the first one it was Still Very Entertaining and thats what movies are all about.

I saw this with my cousin and there were a few kids/teens around us yakkin on the cellphones to eachother, finally one scene took place and this girl grabbed her boyfriend and yanked him up and said "we're leaving!"

That was funny. Some of the scenes were pretty gruesome, but all in all, to me, worth owning. It was by far better than Freddy VS. Jason, I mean it was entertaining as well but it was not good as TCM 2003.

BTW the director's name of the Original is Tobe Hooper Not Hopper, Dennis Hopper was in TCM2.

STILL good reveiw
 

Michael Elliott

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There's also a single-disc version being released at $20 but this won't feature any extras outside the trailer and TV spots. I'm not sure what the point of the high price tag is but the extras are certainly worth owning. If you're going to buy the film then you'll certainly need the extras because of the wonderful documentary, deleted scenes and the audio commentaries. The strange thing about the retail price is that for $40 you could buy all four of the previous TCM films.


You know, as much as fans of the originals hate the remakes, I think the remakes serve a purpose. I remember my friend and I going to see the remake of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD without seeing the original. I know several people who had seen the original walked out but my friend and I were in terror by the film. I remember he actually ran out of the theater because he got so scared. Year later when I went to see the PSYCHO remake, I had seen the original and was rather upset that a favorite of mine was being remade. However, I noticed something strange and that was the younger folks were really into the film just as I was into the original. They were shocked at the ending even though I saw it coming since I had seen the original. With this TCM remake, I knew all the characters and I knew certain scenes, which were paying homage to the original but many new viewers wouldn't know this stuff so I'm sure this film scared the hell out of them.

What I'm trying to say is that even though we dislike remakes, I think those who are unaware of the originals will love them. PSYCHO the remake shocked crowds just the same as the original did decades earlier. Since those people didn't "know" the ending and story, the remake was a treat for them and I'm sure people who haven't seen the original TCM will feel the same way here. Of course, the PSYCHO remake was just horrid while this one here was pretty good.

As I've mentioned many times the past year, I think TCM 2 and LEATHERFACE: TCM 3 are a lot worse at "remaking" the original than this film was. Those two sequels really didn't try anything new other than changing the characters and making a few minor changes here and there. At least with this official remake we are given some different circumstances, which makes this a new viewing even for those who has seen the original. I think this film would have been better off with less gore/more atmosphere but overall I thought the film wasn't too bad.

I've come to enjoy TCM 2 over the years as an over the top remake of the original. I think the characters are all enjoyable and the silliness really makes the film a lot of fun. TCM 3 is pretty dumb but again, for a horror movie I think it worked out well. TCM 4 is without a doubt one of the worst films ever made. What they did to Leatherface should have gotten them thrown into jail. However, I think DERANGED was a lot better film than the original TCM. The mix of humor and gore was so wonderfully done that it makes this sleeper one of my favorite horror films of the decade. I also believe the great reputation TCM gets should all go to THE HILLS HAVE EYES. That is the one film that scared me to death as a child and when watching the recent Anchor Bay disc, there are still several scenes that got under my skin.
 

Jeff Reis

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If this was priced like 2-disc SEs are supposed to be priced, I'd pick it up on release day, but now I'll just wait a couple weeks til Hollywood puts it in the PV pile. If this is where the studios are heading with pricing, they will be seeing a LOT less of my money.
 

ChrisBEA

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I really liked this movie.
It was grueling horror like we don't see too often these days. May not stand up to the original, but I think it is better than a lot of horror we get these days. I'd like the 2 disker but that price.....:thumbsdown:
 

Malcolm R

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Other studios, including New Line, routinely release two-disc sets at standard prices (see "Blade 2" and any of the LOTR films). I think all these HTF DVD Awards are going to their heads. :thumbsdown:
 

David Dias

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I agree with you Dean, I also enjoyed the remake more than the original. Definitely picking up the Collector's edition version.
 

Justin_S

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I have no problem at all with remakes, and I loved this one. While not on par with the perfect original in my opinion, it was still a great and intense film, not to mention well acted and very atmospheric. Great cinematography too. Definitely getting this despite the price.
 

Matt Butler

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Im buying the CE blind. I love the original, never seen the sequels, and have been very curious about the remake. And the extras are very tempting. Hate the price but its about $30 preorder.

Good review BTW. :)
 

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