Product: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original Uncut) [Region 2] (1974)
Rating: 5.0
I LOVE THIS FILM
I cannot express how much I love this film. Well, I'll try. I first saw this with a few buddies, on a big screen TV, in the basement around the age of 13. Although the movie never really scared me, I would describe this film as one of the creepiest films ever. I believe it's banned in Germany and England. For a low Budget movie, this is an A+. The only one equal would be the first evil dead. It was Tobe Hooper's 3rd or 4th film and sadly he hasn't made one that has topped this one since. People also have to consider that this came out in 1974 and was the first of its kind. (I'm sorry but as much as I love it, Psycho is NOT a slasher Film) People walked out of the trailers of TCM in shock. I like the Idea that it's based on a true story, but it really isn't. Leatherface is somewhat based on the serial killer Ed Gein. Buffalo Bill from Silence of the lambs and Norman Bates are also based on him. And to put it bluntly, ED GEIN NEVER OWNED A CHAINSAW!!!!!! But back to the movie.The Plot: I think the best way to describe the film is to tell what is said in the short description in my TV guide (this movie is rarely ever shown on premium channels).Young Teens encounter a Houseful of demented Butchers who chase them with chainsaws and other deadly tools. It is Rated 3 out of 4 stars With a Highly recommended sign.Now to the average person, this may sound like a piece of crap that would appear on svengoolie. But its much more then that. It's best to just see the film; it would take forever for me to explain. This film is also one of the most creative movies I have ever seen; you will know when you see the furniture. I'm not surprised that people became vegetarians after watching this. (like the Director of Blade 2) Yes there is cannibalism. And as for the acting, the "family" is great, truly psychotic. The only thing that bugged me was that the hitchhiker was never given a name, in the credits he is just labeled hitchhiker. The 5 teenagers are the problem, some people complain that there isn't enough character development, I agree and disagree with this. These are supposed to be your average 70's teens who just want to have a fun time, no, not Friday the 13th nudity=death crap. There is no nudity. But back to the actors. The actress who played Sally is fantastic at being afraid. Her eyes are all I can say. Franklin (wheelchair guy) was supposed to be annoying to everyone else, and this succeeds in a few levels. The other 3 are where the characters need development. During the car trip we can tell that Pam likes the supernatural-sun-horoscopes things, which is cool. Some People belive that Activity with the Sun affects the behavior of living creatures or something like that. Her boyfriend seems like he would be a jock if he were at school. It's Jerry (Sally's boyfriend) who has almost no character development. In the car scene with the hitchhiker, he is simply the driver and never says a thing. Now one of the things that makes TCM, TCM are the sound effects. They are Creepy as hell. The score is absolutely brilliant, Wheather it's pots clanging together, camera flashes or just weird noises in general, Its great.DVD features: Ok first off, this has a blooper reel, some of them are really funny, but it is not long enough. Where is the one where the guy playing Jerry ran out of the room? For those of you who don't know, that guy wanted to be scared when Leatherface came in and killed him, he never saw the mask or costume before. So what ended up happening is when Leatherace walks in the room he screams and runs out the room scared sh*tless.The commentary features Tobe Hooper(Director)And Gunner Hanson (Leatherface)and Daniel Pearl (Director of Photgraphy). If you're a fan of this film it's really entertaining and a little funny. The deleted scenes were for good reason, the film quality sucks. They probably decided not to use them before redoing it with better quality stuff, its expensive you know. And as for all the other features; they are great, simply put.In Conclusion if you are tired of the overrated Jason, Michael, or Freddy. Pick this one out at your local video store or better yet, buy it, it will make its mark into your brain. The thing about this film back in 1974 is that something like this could really happen. Leatherface is not invincible like Jason, Mike and Freddy; He is just a strong inbreed-retarded-cannibalistic-butcher. A Guy at my school (yes I'm 16) Rented it and got up to the 2nd kill before turning it off, finding himself disgusted. Now if you thought that was bad I also tried to show it to a friend of mine at midnight. He never made it to the first kill; he got nauseous from the hitchhiker doing what he likes. BUY THIS MOVIE TODAY!!!!!!P.S. There is also not much blood, I think they only used something like one Can. it's all in your Head People.