April 22, 2016

Yet again, the fine fiends over at Scream Factory have set their sights on a beloved cult classic sequel and have given Tobe Hooper’s 1986 cult classic the “collector’s edition” treatment with a new Blu-Ray disc, now available. Like most of the horror classics, I tend to own multiple versions of these films, including CHAINSAW 2. There’ve been DVD releases, and even MGM has already produced a Blu-Ray version. So I’m sure you’re wondering, is it worth a double dip for this new version? The answer is a resounding yes! Here’re 5 reasons why…

Multiple Restorations Of The Film

If you have a great high definition set-up, then you want the movie to look its absolute best, and the new version of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 looks spectacular in this Scream factory edition. The gang have done a brand new 2K scan from the interpositive film elements and it looks great, in particular the very colorful lighting scheme to Bill Moseley’s introduction scene as Chop-Top in the radio station. For completists out there that are used to the last transfer from the MGM Blu, don’t fret. On disc 2, the original scan from previous Blu supervised by director of photography Richard Kooris is also included. So you’ve got multiple versions of the movie!

Horror’s Hallowed Grounds

Sean Clark returned with another brand new episode of his location scout show Horror’s Hallowed Grounds and yet again, he delivers another stellar segment. Clark and disc producer Michael Felsher (of Red Shirt Pictures that produced all the special features for this edition and the previous one) hit up as many of the Austin, Texas spots as possible. A lot of them are unrecognizable, but there’re still plenty of fun revelations, including the fact that Tom Morga (who appeared as both Michael Myers in HALLOWEEN 4 and Jason in FRIDAY THE 13TH V) played Leatherface in the infamous highway sequence with the yuppie prep boys. So Leatherface’s first on-screen appearance is actually Morga!

Another great bit was Sean’s visit to the “Mean-Eyed Cat Bar,” which was “Cut-Rite Chain Saws” in the movie, the spot where Dennis Hopper’s Lefty arms himself with a batch of chainsaws. It’s pretty epic to learn that it’s now a pub that serves barbeque, because now it’s on the top of my list as a place to dine & drink in next time I’m in Texas! Get a pen and paper, you’ll need it for your next trip to Austin!

House Of Pain featurette with FX artists

For us horror fans, we tend to love and respect the fine fiends that provide the FX for these movies. Tom Savini was the head of this particular show, but included among the features here is a brand new 45 minute documentary with makeup effects artists Bart Mixon, Gabe Bartalos and Gino Crognale. The trio break down all of the sequel’s very effective and top notch gags, all of which look pretty darned great on Blu. The highlight has to be seeing the VHS footage from the infamous deleted sports arena parking lot massacre scene. We’ve seen snippets of it before, but this is the most we’ve gotten to see of body parts flying and the Sawyers doing what they do best!

The Unsung Leatherface

Last October, I had written about this epic photograph that featured Leatherface, Jason, Freddy and Michael Myers and was used for a photoshoot and editorial piece in People Magazine. It was very obvious that Robert Englund was Freddy in the photo, and Kane Hodder was Jason. I had purchased the photo from George Wilbur, so I knew he was Michael, but for a brief period, I had a tough time uncovering the identity of Leatherface. I just assumed it was Bill Johnson who portrayed the madman in CHAINSAW 2. Finally, at a convention, Hodder told me it was Bob Elmore. The more I looked into the seasoned stuntman, I discovered he actually played Leatherface in a lot of sequences in CHAINSW 2, primarily the spots where he’s lugging around that giant chainsaw. So it’s nice to finally get his perspective on the making of the movie, as he’s never properly gotten credit for his work as Leatherface.

It Runs In The Family documentary

This was a feature length documentary directed by Michael Felsher that appeared on the last Blu-Ray/ DVD special edition, but it is just terrific. An absolute stand out document of the entire history and production of CHAINSAW 2. And I’m so glad it’s included here again. In fact, all of the previous special features from all the other DVD and Blu-Ray releases have been carted over making this the most complete version of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 out there.
This was a feature length documentary directed by Michael Felsher that appeared on the last Blu-Ray/ DVD special edition, but it is just terrific. An absolute stand out document of the entire history and production of CHAINSAW 2. And I’m so glad it’s included here again. In fact, all of the previous special features from all the other DVD and Blu-Ray releases have been carted over making this the most complete version of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 out there.

Bonus Reason? Caroline Williams in high def! What more do you need?