The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) (Michael Bay's Texas Chainsaw Massacre (DVD))

Member Name: aero-zeppelin

Product:	Michael Bay's Texas Chainsaw Massacre (DVD)
Date:	29/01/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: (2 disc version) Very good special features on bonus disc, good acting, gory

Disadvantages: Could be slightly longer

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was inspired by 'serial killer' Ed Gein, as were many of the slasher films at the time (Halloween and Psycho for example) and was made in 1973. Three sequels then followed the original, the latest before the 2003 installment being in 1994.

Michael Bay's take on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre would be subject to much interest by horror fans of the original generation and new generation of film fans being on the 30th anniversairy of the original. This incarnation of the film only contains Thomas Hewitt (Leatherface) from the original film. The other characters are based upon the originals and are given a new character, with others being completely new. The family in this version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre are given stronger characters and therefore make the whole family seem like the monster of the film rather than Leatherface in the original series.

Like many remakes, it was criticized for trying to be as good as the original or better it, but having watched this film a couple of days ago, I enjoyed it throughout. The acting was good, and the art department have done very well on setting the scene without using special effects. I haven't seen the original, but after seeing this version I am certainly inclined to watch it.

I bought the DVD and was surprised that it had a second disc with several special features. It contains two documentaries based on the 2003 Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake which includes behind the scenes footage, similarities between the original and new version, and a documentary on Ed Gein. The one documentary I did see was an hour long and I personally thought it was very good. There are also other features which I haven't had chance to look at yet, but include cast interviews, deleted scenes et cetera.

The film initially recieved bad reviews by critics such as Rotten Tomatoes but I disagree with there conclusion as I think it is a great remake and is worthy of being the latest installment of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.

Summary: Go see it if you haven't already!