The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Ultimate Edition

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to this day remains as shocking as when it premiered in 1974. It’s a remarkable feat for a horror film to hold up so brilliantly over 32 years but as this "ultimate edition” demonstrates, there is nothing scarier than TCM. It’s now an age-old tale where on a road trip a group of five frolicking friends discover a house in Texas owned by the scariest bunch of inbreds imaginable (including Leatherface). The original 16mm version of the film has been restored and remastered but cinematographer Daniel Pearl’s influential gritty look hasn’t been compromised whatsoever and the guttural realism has been sustained. Two commentaries are provided, one with Hooper, Pearl and Leatherface himself (Gunnar Hansen), as well as another with the actors and art director. Each is packed with some enlightening conversation between the parties, like Hansen’s disappointment over the title change from Leatherface. It’s "The Shocking Truth” documentary that makes this edition so special, however. As long as the actual film, the doc gives first hand accounts from the cast and crew about the horrific shoot in Austin, turning over every stone in shocking detail while holding its own as a riveting movie on the movie. "Flesh Wounds” is another featurette that tells seven tales relating to the film, including a tour of the infamous house by a hardcore fan that shows the renovated but still familiar structure as a nice family restaurant. The fact that my desensitised soul is haunted each time I see this still proves how vital and permanently effective this film is. There is nothing like it. Plus: bloopers, deleted scenes, tour with Hansen. (Dark Sky/Paradox)