Official Synopsis:
“In 1974, horror fans rejoiced upon the release of Tobe Hooper’s masterpiece, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The movie raised the stakes of in-your-face filmmaking and changed the face of horror. Twelve years later, Hooper and the Sawyer clan are back with this deviously entertaining sequel, starring Dennis Hopper in one of the most deliciously crazed performances of his career.
For a decade, Texas Ranger Lefty Enright (Hopper) has sought to avenge the brutal murder of his kin by the cannibalistic Sawyer family – Leatherface, Chop-Top, The Cook and Grandpa. With the help of a radio DJ (Caroline Williams), who’s also bent on putting an end to the terror, Lefty finds his way to the Sawyers’ underground slaughter shop, where a battle of epic proportions will soon rage… and the line between good and evil gets chopped to bits!”
Tobe Hooper returns after twelves years to direct the sequel in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. The first film being considered a cult classic and iconic slasher films of the genre, the sequel had a lot to live up to.
The film opens right away with two people joy riding through Texas. Armed with a handgun and annoying personalities, these two yuppies wreak havoc on the road, shooting signs and playing chicken with everyone they come across, all the while calling into a radio show and commentating their entire experience. Unfortunately for them, but lucky for us, they piss off the wrong motorist. In one of the greatest re-introductions to a character I’ve seen, especially in this genre, Leatherface appears wielding his giant chainsaw in a thrilling side-by-side car chase sequence. The entire ordeal gets recorded by the radio station and thus begins our journey back to this cannibalistic family.
After such a powerful and thrilling opening scene and first act, the second act tends to drag its feet a little. The saving grace of the second act by far is Dennis Hopper. In typical Dennis Hopper fashion, he seems to be left to do what he does best: act like Dennis Hopper. Unpredictable, over the top, insane, are all words used to describe the characters Dennis Hopper has played, Lefty is no different. It’s hard to imagine anyone actually directing Dennis Hopper, so in my mind he just ran around the set being himself and they just so happened to film him doing it. The second act also introduces another great character, Chop-Top played by Bill Moseley. This character makes a great addition to the Sawyer family. The tense first encounter between Chop-Top and Stretch (Caroline Williams) is hilarious and horrific all at the same time, which leads to one of the great scares of the film.
The third act takes place at the Sawyer’s underground slaughter house where all hell breaks loose. In addition to Dennis Hopper running around wildly with three chainsaws haphazardly cutting down support beams all around him, we also get to explore a very strange relationship between Leatherface and Stretch. The best part is the family dynamic between the Sawyers. We are taken on a wild ride until the final sequence, giving us lots of cringes along the way, with a brutally tense final moment.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 goes above and beyond in almost every category. Make-Up effects by horror legend Tom Savini guarantee this will be a memorable ride from start to finish. Acting all around is great as the cast bring to life a black comedy horror film that will delight first time viewers as well as die hard fans of the original.
Video
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. The new transfer from Scream Factory is simply astonishing. Levels are good, with a crisp and clear picture. There is some noticeable grain in a few of the darker scenes, but overall this is a gorgeous transfer that certainly gives this film due justice.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-Master Audio 5.1. The track is equally as impressive, boasting some great levels between the score and dialogue. There were no noticeable issues with the track, and hearing chainsaws blaring in all their glory is truly something to behold.
Special Features
Every Collector’s Edition seems to pale in comparison to the special features gathered for this set. This is a well deserved treatment for such a fantastic film and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it. Listen to every commentary, watch every behind the scenes features. These are great tributes to a great sequel. On this set you’re going to get:
DISC 1:
NEW 2016 2K HD Scan From The Interpositive Film Element
NEW Audio Commentary With Director Of Photography Richard Kooris, Production Designer Cary White, Script Supervisor Laura Kooris And Property Master Michael Sullivan
Audio Commentary With Director Tobe Hooper
Audio Commentary With Actors Bill Moseley, Caroline Williams And Special Effects Makeup Creator Tom Savini
NEW Extended Outtakes From It Runs In The Family Featuring L.M. Kit Carson And Lou Perryman
NEW Behind-The-Scenes Footage Compilation From Tom Savini’s Archives
Alternate Opening Credit Sequence
Deleted Scenes
Still Galleries – Posters And Lobby Cards, Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Stills And Collector’s Gallery
Theatrical Trailers
TV Spots
DISC 2:
MGM’s Original HD Master With Color Correction Supervision By Director Of Photography Richard Kooris
NEW House Of Pain – An Interview With Makeup Effects Artists Bart Mixon, Gabe Bartalos, Gino Crognale And John Vulich
NEW Yuppie Meat – An Interview With Actors Chris Douridas And Barry Kinyon
NEW Cutting Moments – An Interview With Editor Alain Jakubowicz
NEW Behind The Mask – An Interview With Stunt Man And Leatherface Performer Bob Elmore
NEW Horror’s Hallowed Grounds – Revisiting The Locations Of The Film – Hosted By Sean Clark Plus A Special Guest
It Runs In The Family – A Six Part Feature-Length Documentary Featuring Interviews With Screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson, Actors Bill Moseley, Caroline Williams, Bill Johnson, Lou Perryman, Special Makeup Effects Artist Tom Savini And More…
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 has its ups and downs, but when it is up it is WAY up. This is such an enjoyable film, fans of the original or ones with only a passing familiarity with the characters will want to pick this up as soon as possible.
