Plot: What’s it about?
When radio personality Vantia Block (Caroline Williams) fields a phone call on the air from some teenagers, she never expects to hear what happens next. As the youngsters drive along in their van having some laughs, they soon become the victims of the maniacal Leatherface and his masterfully wielded chainsaw. As the kids are chopped and sawed into pieces, the radio audience is able to hear it all, from the roar of the chainsaw to the helpless screams. While the recording doesn’t have top ten potential by any means, it has attracted the attention of Lieutenant “Lefty” Enright (Dennis Hopper) who has been hunting Leatherface and his family for the past fourteen years. Lefty has a plan that requires Vantia to play the recording of the murders on the air once again, with the hope that Leatherface and his clan will be listening and take notice. Once they hear, Lefty hopes they will come after her and then he can make his move and shut those bastards down once and for all. But these guys aren’t the usual idiots by any means, they’re special idiots who have no intentions to be captured that easily. When Lefty and Vantia go head to head with these maniacs, who will survive…if anyone.
Dog will hunt! After all this time, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 has been released on this beloved format and though MGM has issued another shoddy disc, I can’t help but be pleased just to see this on a shiny little disc. I won’t bother with comparisons to the original because they are different beasts, and as such shouldn’t be compared. This is a hilarious and blood soaked movie that deserves a place in any horror fans collection, especially those who love splatstick type movies. The blood and gore is in full effect in this movie and effects magician Tom Savini is behind the scenes, which means all the gore looks excellent. As if that isn’t enough, mix in a cast loaded with hilarious characters, chainsaws, one-liners, and the always impressive Dennis Hopper and you’re in business. While I can see why some don’t care for this type of movie, I could care less about them. I love this movie and am pleased as punch to find it on my favorite format. MGM has dropped the ball on this title though, as the disc includes the theatrical cut and no real bonus features. But since this movie is so cool and a must have for horror fans, as well as a bargain at the low asking price I recommend this title to those interested. And for those who claim this movie is trash, I quote directly from the film. “Lick my plate, you dog dick!”
This film was directed by Tobe Hooper, who also directed the original Chainsaw flick back in the day. Now I love the original so don’t get the wrong idea, but I think this one is much more fun to watch from start to finish. The original is a better film by leaps and bounds I agree, but this one is a riot to watch and it never fails to have me rolling with laughter and disgust. Hooper takes a whole new turn in the series and it works well, as the unusual characters and events offer much entertainment value. Hooper’s usual flair for atmospheric horror is present in this movie and the visuals allow for much exploration and attention to detail is tremendous. If you want to see more of Hooper’s movies (and who wouldn’t?) I recommend The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Funhouse, Poltergeist, Eaten Alive, and Lifeforce. The acting is over the tope at all times, which fits this movie like a glove. Dennis Hopper (Hoosiers, Waterworld) shines as Lefty and terrific performances are also given by Jim Siedow (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hotwire) and Bill Moseley (The Blob, Army Of Darkness). The supporting cast includes Caroline Williams (Days Of Thunder, Step Father II), Ken Evert, Bill Johnson (Future-Kill, Talk Radio), and Harlan Jordan (Tender Mercies, Johnny Be Good).
Video: How does it look?
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. If you hate those black bars, MGM has included a full frame version on the disc’s flip side. This is the best this movie has looked on home video, but problems still exist. The source prints shows grain and frequent blips and such, which aren’t distracting but are worth mentioning. Some edge enhancement is evident, but no other compression errors are present. The colors look bright and bold, with no bleeds and flesh tones appear warm and natural. The contrast is good also, with bold shadow layering and no detail loss I could notice.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a riotous movie to be sure, but since the audio isn’t the focus the included stereo surround track is adequate. I love the music used and it adds much to the atmosphere of the movie, so I am pleased that it sounds wonderful in this mix. The sound effects range from chainsaws blazing to cars racing to all manner of other stuff, but it all sounds acceptable in this track. The track is not that impressive or anything, but it gets the job done. The dialogue is what counts here and it comes through perfectly. You won’t miss a single one liner when you sit down with this disc.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains a theatrical trailer. That’s all. I don’t understand why the extra footage wasn’t re-edited back into film or at least offered as deleted scenes, but MGM has dissed all of us Saw fans will this bare bones release.
