Product: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original Uncut) [Region 2] (1974)
Rating: 5.0
The original, and by far, the best...
The idea to remake this horror classic in 2003 was not a bad one (though I can't say much for the endless sequels), as it differed in sorts to its original, but in no way could it compare to this 1974 classic.Tobe Hooper gives us the privilege of experiencing what happens to a group of friends on a hot, Texas summer afternoon. Upon hearing news reports of a series of grave robbings, Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns, in her signature role), her boyfriend, Sally's wheelchair-bound brother, and another couple set out to check on their family plot, eventually deciding to go sightseeing about the Texas countryside. What they eventually come across is the most despicable scenario that has ever graced cinematic horror--well, horror period.Hooper's masterful filmmaking should be noted with a viewing of this film. Blood and gore (though kept to a surprisingly minimum level) are not featured here for blood and gore's sake. They are rather displayed to make the story appear to the viewer as how they should be: as real as it should be. Most of the film's suspense is contained in the atmosphere--another element of quality horror. With the pulsating, teeth-chattering soundtrack, the seemingly bright, sunny--though ironically dark--surroundings and landscape, the claustrophobic photography, and the overall feeling of tension remaining throughout, "T.C.M." ranks among the levels of "Psycho", "Halloween", and "The Exorcist" as one of the best horror films of all time.