In the world of horror movies, there is always going to be debate as to which one is the greatest of all time; it’s going to vary from fan to fan, from opinion to opinion. But one seems to universally be argued for and toted as one of the best and, even if it doesn’t make that top of that GOAT list, there is no denying that it is a bona fide classic that deserves its place in the cultural zeitgeist. This is to say that Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) is that film, and while the subsequent sequels, reboots, and prequels may not be as prominent as the milestone that was Hooper’s original, some of them still hold value and pedigree while others certainly faulter off to the sides of Leatherface and his family wrecking havoc on unsuspecting friends and families.
In 2003, for one reason or another, Michael Bay’s studio Platinum Dunes decided to remake this monumental film to expose it to a newer audience, presumably one that wanted something more from Texas Chainsaw or one that didn’t watch older movies. It launched a new generation of fans (though the reasoning is yet to be seen as to how). Arrow Video has brought the 2003 Jessica Biel-led The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to 4K UHD for those fans and those who are curious to see what improvements, if any, changes, or retellings can come from Marcus Nispel’s version.
Packshot of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003) 4K UHD edition. Photo courtesy of Arrow Video.
If you’ve never seen an entry in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise before, it would be highly recommended to watch the Tobe Hooper (1974) version and, if you’re a fan, then explore the sequels, remakes, reboots, etc., but, if you have seen it and this 2003 direct remake is a blindspot, you know what you’re getting into, at least. There are not many (if any) changes to the story, the ideology and basis for everything stays the same. The movie is just more modernized and a little more grotesque and brutal as that level of gore was more “acceptable” in ’03 than when the original came out in ‘74, but by no means is the original tame. The remake focuses on the same characters, this time with Jessica Biel (Blade: Trinity) in the lead as Erin, with Jonathan Tucker (The Virgin Suicides), Erica Leerhsen (Magic in the Moonlight), Mike Vogel (Blue Valentine), and Eric Balfour (Can’t Hardly Wait), with Andrew Byrniarski (Street Fighter; Hudson Hawk) as Leatherface/Thomas Hewitt, who presents a more menacing take on the character.
While Arrow is known for their restorations, limited editions, and inclusion of oodles of special features, there is something about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) that seems to be, unfortunately, lacking. While there are a handful of new interviews, the new features end there. While not a bad thing, a little more variety in the types of new features would be preferred, but the slew of archival features is certainly welcomed. Included in the limited edition are some new writings, a new sleeve/slipcover, and a double-sided poster, making the target for this release die-hard TCM fans. Unfortunately, having *never* seen this remake before, I cannot speak to how this compares to the previous releases of the title, but this doesn’t look as clean and polished as other Arrow releases. It almost has a compressed, gritty look to it and I cannot for certain say if this is a stylistic choice or a less-than-optimal transfer, but it certainly felt like there was more to be desired. While I am not personally a fan of the more grotesque and less polished version of Hooper’s masterpiece, I will be happy with an upgrade rather than not having one all together.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) 4K UHD Special Features:
- 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
- Original DTS-HD MA 7.1 and 5.1 surround audio and lossless stereo audio
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Brand new audio commentary with Dread Central co-founder Steve “Uncle Creepy” Barton and co-host of The Spooky Picture Show podcast Chris MacGibbon
- Archival audio commentary with director Marcus Nispel, producer Michael Bay, executive producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form and New Line Cinema founder Robert Shaye
- Archival audio commentary with Marcus Nispel, director of photography Daniel Pearl, production designer Greg Blair, art director Scott Gallager, sound supervisor Trevor Jolly and composer Steve Jablonsky
- Archival audio commentary with Marcus Nispel, Michael Bay, writer Scott Kosar, Brad Fuller, Andrew Form and actors Jessica Biel, Erica Leerhsen, Eric Balfour Jonathan Tucker, Mike Vogel and Andrew Bryniarski
- *NEW* Reimagining a Classic, a brand new interview with director Marcus Nispel
- *NEW* Shadows of Yesteryear, a brand new interview with cinematographer Daniel Pearl
- *NEW* The Lost Leatherface, a brand new interview with actor Brett Wagner
- *NEW* Masks and Massacres, a brand new interview with makeup effects artist Scott Stoddard
- *NEW* Chainsaw Symphony, a brand new interview with composer Steve Jablonsky
- Chainsaw Redux: Making A Massacre, a making-of documentary
- Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield, an in-depth look at the infamous killer who inspired the character of Leatherface
- Severed Parts, a look at the cutting room floor and some of the scenes excised from the final edit
- Deleted scenes including an alternate opening and ending
- Screen tests for Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour and Erica Leerhsen
- Behind-the-scenes featurette
- Cast and crew interviews
- Theatrical trailers and TV spots
- Concept art galleries
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Aaron Lea
- Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Aaron Lea
- Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michael Gingold
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray August 26th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Arrow Video The Texas Chainsaw Massacre webpage.
To purchase, head to the official MVD Entertainment Group The Texas Chainsaw Massacre webpage.
Share this:
Categories: Home Release, Recommendation
Leave a Reply