Few Horror movies have the same visceral effect as 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. A trigger of our humanity or perhaps deeply rooted animalistic instincts, the idea of being hunted down and turned into meat is utterly terrifying. Of course, there have been many more analytical interruptions of the co-written screenplay by Kim Henkel and Tobe Hooper, but on the surface, the film is a chaotic rattling of the psychic as you ponder any way to survive.
At this point, universally considered one of the best and most influential Horror films ever captured on film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s most effective attribute is the downright gritty textures that make the blood, sweat, and tears practically ooze from the screen. Aspects that drive the terror, while The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has been followed by five direct sequels, two prequels, and two reboots, none can ever recapture the time or place of the original. To be honest, many of the sequels almost diminish the impact of the leading antagonist, Leatherface, and make him into a caricature of a villain. Unlike Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Freddy Krueger, there is nothing supernatural about Leatherface, so making him into some sort of super monster is almost comical. This is more so a reason to honor and celebrate the original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in grand fashion as it turns fifty years old. An important anniversary, the film originally premiered on October 1, 1974, and in 2024, there has been plenty going on to celebrate.
To start, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is actively being shown in over 900 theaters nationwide starting September 27th. Perhaps the widest spread re-release of the film ever, this limited-time offer allows fans a chance to see The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in a movie theater, but in the restored 4K format. Something no one should miss, it is one thing to own the 4K edition (which was put out in February of 2023 by Dark Sky Films), but it is another to experience it on the silver screen.
Beyond this, on October 10th, The Terror Vision Museum opened in Savannah, Georgia. It will feature an exhibit of what is considered the most expensive private collection of memorabilia from the film. This is while Hooper’s Restaurant, a Kingsland, TX-based eatery owned by Austin’s own Simon Madera (known for his Taco Flats restaurant in ATX), will host a 50th anniversary celebration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. For those curious, Hooper’s Restaurant is located in the iconic house from the film and will be hosting a very unique weekend of events from October 25th through 27th, including costume contests, a special outdoor screening, music, and guest appearances from original cast members.
Truly awesome ways to honor The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, those looking for the ultimate collector’s item that they can appreciate for years to come, there is the lastly The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition set. This set is very limited, and it was first released on October 1st through Dark Sky Selects and is available exclusively through their store at darkskyselects.com. Retailing for $299.98, this set is an investment that takes careful consideration, but it is left up to the individual whether or not it is worth it.
Breaking it down, the set truthfully has a lot to offer; from the aesthetic appearance as a conversational piece, you can display, to the internal content of the packaging. Offered up in a lovely box with 50th-anniversary artwork dressing on each side, inside you get a plastic construction chainsaw with a faux blade that also dons the 50th-anniversary logo. From here, you learn that this chainsaw actually houses a 50th anniversary 3-disc 4K UHD edition of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, but also a nostalgic VHS copy with vintage art!
Rather exciting to unpack, the content of the 50th anniversary 4K three-disc mirrors that of the 2023 4K edition releases as far as bonus features. However, what is different here is that you get the 4K Ultra HD disc, the bonus features on a Blu-ray, and the 4K edition on a Blu-ray, too. On top of that, the new 4K set is slipped into a newly designed 50th Anniversary O-card, which actually looks pretty good.
All these pieces of eye candy explain that if you pick up one of the 2023 4K releases from Dark Sky Films, you are well aware that the transfers are outstandingly clear and top-notch. Taking this into consideration, you have to ask yourself, do you really want to get your hands on this 50th anniversary edition? Well, again, this is up to economics and how much of a completist you truly are. If it is something you absolutely are interested in, each box set is numbered and only 5,000 have been created… so act fast! This being said, if you are this type of individual, it is absolutely worth the investment because the set is cleverly put together and has a solid design; however, please be careful when taking the VHS or 4K set out for the first time, as they are pretty firmly in there. Additionally, strategically look at the blade attachment before attaching it; you do not want to accidentally get it stuck and risk breaking something.
Overall, it is hard to recall the 50th anniversary of any film being celebrated as expansively as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is in 2024. A testament to the fans and the film’s long-term impact, Cryptic Rock highly recommends that those within their means pick up The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition from Dark Sky Selects, giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
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