Texas Chainsaw Massacre 40th Anniversary Gets a Black Maria Limited Edition!

Dark Sky Films has announced a special limited edition set dubbed The Black Maria for the upcoming 40th anniversary home video release of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

The set boasts a great poster, a Leatherface apron, and the film in all it's 4K glory!

This release is a complete 4K restoration with some fantastic features!

Read on for more!

Dark Sky Films Brings

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary

Black Maria Limited Edition

Exclusively Available Through Gorgon-Video.com Starting September 16th

Collector's Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo and Single DVD and Blu-ray Also Available on September 16th

 

It's been imitated and remade, but never equaled. Tobe Hooper's THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE rose from a notorious 1974 sleeper sensation to rank as one of the greatest horror films ever made. Now, to mark the film's 40^th anniversary, Dark Sky Films is presenting the digitally re-mastered masterpiece on Blu-ray for the first time in a stunning Limited Deluxe "Black Maria" Collector's Edition box set.

 

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE appears in an all-new 4K digital transfer and with a newly created 7.1 surround sound mix supervised by director Hooper (Poltergeist). This release marks the only transfer of the film to go back to the original 16mm A/B rolls, the actual film that rolled through the cameras. The Limited Deluxe "Black Maria" Edition of THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE will be released at retail in October but will be available exclusively at www.gorgon-video.com for 30 days starting September 16, 2014. Fans of the film will recognize the unique packaging as a replica of the iconic 'Black Maria' cattle truck that comes to Sally Hardesty's rescue when she's being pursued by Leatherface, a fitting nod to the legions of TCSM enthusiasts who were instrumental in keeping the film at the forefront of the genre throughout for the past 40 years and a true collectible display piece.'

 This four-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo pack will include a wealth of extras, including:

A Leatherface apron

Theatrical mini-poster

Five audio options

Four feature commentaries with the filmmakers and cast,

Several making-of featurettes

Deleted scenes, outtakes, bloopers, trailers and much more

 

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE received a mixed critical reception upon its initial release - the Los Angeles Times called it "despicable" - but horror fans immediately recognized it has a breakthrough in unbearable suspense. The story, written by director Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel, is dreadfully simple: Five young people on a weekend getaway in remote Texas countryside fall prey to a chain saw-wielding butcher (dubbed Leatherface because of his mask made of human skin) and his demented cannibalistic family. Thanks to startling scenes such as a woman being impaled on a meat hook, horror cinema would never be the same. Violent, confrontational and shockingly realistic, the film terrified audiences and was the most buzzed-about release of its time (a buzz fueled by the marketing campaign that claimed it was based on a true story).

Thrust upon an America disillusioned by the Vietnam War and Watergate, the 1974 shocker faced a storm of controversy, censorship and outcry. But this masterpiece of horror has stood the test of time to become a landmark motion picture and cultural milestone, having opened the (sliding steel) door to the entire slasher genre of the 1980s and beyond.

In addition to the Limited Deluxe "Black Maria" Edition of THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE , the film will also be released as a standard DVD, Blu-ray and DVD/Blu-ray Combo on September 16 at retail outlets nationwide.

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE 40^th ANNIVERSARY BLACK MARIA LIMITED EDITION BOX SET

Street Date: Exclusively at gorgon-video.com only September 16, 2014

Street Date: retail outlets nationwide October 14, 2014

SRP: $99.98

Rate R

4K Digital Transfer, 7/1 Surround audio

EXTRAS:

A Collector's Edition Bonus Disc:

* The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth

* Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw

* A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen

* Off the Hook with Teri McMinn

* The Business of Chain Saw: An Interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman

* New Deleted Scenes & Outtakes

* Grandpa's Tales: An Interview with John Dugan

* Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview With Editor J. Larry Carroll

* Deleted Scenes & Outtakes

* Blooper Reel

* Outtakes from "The Shocking Truth"

* Horror's Hallowed Grounds: TCSM

* Dr. W.E. Barnes Presents "Making Grandpa"

* Still Gallery

* 40th Anniversary Trailer

* Trailers

* TV Spots

* Radio Spots

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE 40 ^th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR'S EDITION DVD & BD COMBO

Street Date: September 16, 2014

SRP: $49.98

Rated R

4k Digital Transfer, 7.1 Surround audio

EXTRAS:

Collector's Edition Bonus Disc:

* The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth

* Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw

* A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen

* Off the Hook with Teri McMinn

* The Business of Chain Saw: An Interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman

* New Deleted Scenes & Outtakes

* Grandpa's Tales: An Interview with John Dugan

* Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview With Editor J. Larry Carroll

* Deleted Scenes & Outtakes

* Blooper Reel

* Outtakes from "The Shocking Truth"

* Horror's Hallowed Grounds: TCSM

* Dr. W.E. Barnes Presents "Making Grandpa"

* Still Gallery

* 40th Anniversary Trailer

* Trailers

* TV Spots

* Radio Spots

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE 40 ^th ANNIVERSARY DVD OR BD

Street Date: September 16, 2014

SRP: $24.98 DVD / $29.98 BLU-RAY

Rated R

4k Digital Transfer, 7.1 Surround audio

EXTRAS:

4 Feature Commentaries:
 

* Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, actor Gunnar Hansen, Cinematographer Daniel Pearl

* Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, and Paul A. Partain, and Production Designer Robert Burns

* NEW Commentary with Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper

* NEW Commentary with Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou

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Movie Trailer: TUSK #WalrusYes

Kevin Smith returns to horror with his insane looking Tusk.

The official synopsis reads: From the singular mind of writer/director and podcaster Kevin Smith, and conceived from one of Smith’s own Smodcast’s, TUSK is a story unlike anything that has ever been committed to screen before. A tale that is equal parts hilarious and horrifying, TUSK will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Word is this is part of a Canada set trilogy which is pretty intriguing. I don't know about you but I am definitely interested in this one.

Check out the trailer below.

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Blu-ray Review: Curtains

It's been over 30 years since Curtains was first released and relatively forgotten. As the years went on, the film grew a cult like status and its fans have been clamoring for a proper home video release (a DVD released in 2010, was not acceptable due to its poor transfer). Well, thanks to the folks at Synapse Films, that day has finally come as Curtains has finally gotten the loving respect it deserves.

The film is about a director casting a coveted role of Audra so he invites several actresses to his remote mansion to work towards finding his perfect cast. Of course his first choice is a method actress so she locks herself away in a mental institution to learn what it means to be crazy. She breaks out once she hears of Stryker's (the directors) plans to choose another Audra.

Of course murder and strangeness occurs as the women do whatever they can to earn the part in this film.

The interesting thing about Curtains is the lack of a main character. There is no Laurie Strode, no Nancy Thompson. This is interesting because that means that no one is NOT the killer. There is no one safe to identify with because anyone could be hiding underneath that creepy old hag mask. You never really know who the killer is until the ultimate revelation.

The film is acted well and is among the better examples of 80s slasher films. This one is a bit calmer than most. It's not kill after kill and it gives the viewer room to breathe and to suspect who might be behind the killings.

The real star here now is the absolutely wonderful transfer Synapse has delivered. They did a masterful job, the likes of which only someone with a love of the film could be capable of. Fans should be ecstatic over the picture and sound. They've got some good features to dig through as well, including a trailer, commentary, and more. Synapse has really gone above and beyond with this title and it should serve as an example to other horror labels. Treat your films right and your fans will love you all the  more for it. I can't wait to see what Synapse does with Prom Night.

Fans of early slashers will eat up Curtains, and the beautiful transfer makes it a definite must watch for fans of the genre.

Well done, Synapse Films. You've raised the bar on what a label can do for a much loved film and a genre sorely in need of more respect in the home video market.

Curtains is available now.

Curtains

8/10 Hag Faces!

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@AchorBayEnt and @Scream_Factory's Halloween Complete Set Extras Revealed! #MichaelisComingHome

We finally have the full details of the extras included in the EPIC upcoming Halloween Complete Collection which is coming in a 10 disc and deluxe 15 disc set on September 23.

I for one cannot wait for this. I've supremely excited and hope it's a monster success so we can get more releases like this.

Highlights include a high def transfer for the holy grail of Halloween lore, the Producer's Cut of Halloween 6!

Check out the full specs by clicking the RAWR!

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Blu-ray Review: @Criterion Collection's Scanners

One of the most eagerly anticipated blu-ray releases has arrived as David Cronenberg's sci-fi/horror classic Scanners has finally hit in glorious high def thanks to the folks at Criterion Collection. 

Scanners is one of those holy grail titles that fans have been chomping at the bit to see on blu-ray since the format launched. Until now, all that was available was sub par imports from overseas. Demand hit a fever pitch last year when Scream Factory released their double feature set of Scanners 2 and Scanners 3 and a lot of fans were expecting Scream Factory to drop the bombshell that they were going to release it. Instead, months later, thanks to one of Criterion's teaser images, word broke that the much loved label was releasing Scanners. 

And here we are, at long last, with a high def release that this classic film deserves.

Click the RAWR for the full review.

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Halloween Complete Collection Artwork! #MichaelIsComingHome

This September, Anchor Bay and Scream Factory are teaming up to deliver a complete box set of all things Halloween.  Above is our first look at the set in all its glory.

I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

The Halloween Complete Collection box set arrives September 23.

More details to come.

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Blu-ray Review: Dan Curtis' Dracula

Now, I fancy myself a horror aficionado and I like to think I have a lot of knowledge about the genre but I do not by any means consider myself an encyclopedia. I have a lot to learn and experience in the genre, especially with the older classics, which thankfully I am able to see when they get blu-ray upgrades.

That said, I am a little surprised that I had absolutely zero knowledge of the existence of a Dracula movie directed by the creator of Dark Shadows, starring Jack Palance and written by the legendary Richard Matheson. Surely this kind of pedigree would make this a more well known film. Sure enough, it does exist and MPI has just released it on Blu-ray.

Click the RAWR for my thoughts on this 1974 classic!

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Anchor Bay and @Scream_Factory Team Up for #Halloween Mega Set!

After a weekend of speculation, we can announce that it is true, Anchor Bay and Scream Factory have come together to release a gigantic franchise spanning mega box set of the Halloween franchise.

The set will feature every single Halloween film, theatrical, unrated, and in some cases TV versions of the films. Also included is the holy grail of this franchise, the Producers Cut of Halloween 6!

The set also includes all new bonus features, commentaries, documentaries, and more. I can barely contain  my excitement.

There will be two versions of this set available on September 23. A 10-disc and a 15-disc limited edition.

This is crazy awesome. I'm pretty much jumping for joy right now.

Click the RAWR for the full press release!

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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Is Getting A 40th Anniversary Restoration and Theatrical Release!

One of the scariest films of all time is getting a massive facelift.  MPI and Dark Sky Films have performed a massive Frame by Frame 4K restoration of Tobe Hooper's classic horror film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  The sound is also getting some love with a newly remastered 7.1 soundtrack.

The restoration will premiere at SXSW on Monday so if you are lucky enough to attend let us know what you think!

Full theatrical release details have yet to be announced but as soon as we hear word, we'll post it here.

This is really awesome news and I can't wait to see the new print.

For the full press release click the RAWR.

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Blu-Ray Review: Cat People & Die Monster Die

Our favorite genre label, Scream Factory,  is back to release two more classics on blu-ray today.   One of them goes back to 1965 and features horror legend Boris Karloff.  The other is a cult classic from the 80s which I don't really think is a horror film.

Click the Rawr for my thoughts on Cat People and Die, Monster, Die!

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DVD Review: Cassadaga

Now available on DVD is the new horror film Cassadaga.  Is it worth your time?  Is it full of psychics and mystery and scares?

Well...

Click the Rawr and I'll tell you.

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DVD Review: All Hallows Eve

I'm not gonna lie, I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder when it comes to horror movies that appear to go straight to video.  I grew up during a time where this meant your movie was terrible and in a lot of cases this is still true.  The thing is that today is a rapidly evolving world in terms of film and film distribution so have a movie release on DVD and not have a big (or any) theatrical release is not necessarily an indication of the quality of the movie.  Look at Curse of Chucky for a prime example, which I think went direct to DVD more as a way to get the Chucky Collection box set to sell more copies rather than as a determiner of its quality.  It's great btw.

So it was not without a bit of trepidation that I sat down to watch All Hallows' Eve, an anthology/narrative hybrid about a babysitter and her two charges watching an unmarked VHS tape.  The tape contains three stories all featuring a maniacal clown, amongst other things, doing all manner of horrific things to various people.

I had seen the trailer for this one and I found myself interested in seeing it, and after watching it, I am pleased to say it's damn good.  I watch a lot of horror movies and it takes a lot for me to get creeped out.  I'm not talking jump scenes, I am talking genuine creeps.  All Hallows' Eve delivers the good old fashioned under your skin back of your neck creeps.  The kind you just don't get anymore.

Heavy on gore and scares, this film delivers something for pretty much any horror fan.  When I finished watching it, I'll be honest, I was hesitant to turn the lights off.  I had no idea what manner of demon or monster would show up once the light was gone.

That is exactly the way you should feel after a good horror movie, the need to check your locks and then get up out of bed to check them again.  All Hallows' Eve left me with that feeling.

This is definitely a fun flick to watch with friends and one that you can enjoy scaring yourself with even if you're all alone.  Don't let the cover fool you.  This movie is about so much more than a clown.  It's really rather multilayered in terms of its scares and what kind of monstrosities you experience.

I'm not going to spoil anything for you just do yourself a favor and check it out.  It's a fun little flick that does prove that releasing on DVD does not have to be a indicator of a bad movie.  Not by any stretch.  I, for one, can't wait for a sequel.

All Hallows's Eve is available now.

All Hallows' Eve

9/10 Cursed VHS Tapes

RAWR(for more)

Blu-ray Review: Twilight Time's The Other and MindWarp

BTW I use Grammarly for proofreading online because I'm supposed to be a professional blogger right?  RIGHT?

Twilight Time releases a horror classic and a horror sci-fi hybrid in time for Halloween with their limited edition (3,000 copies) blu-rays of The Other and MindWarp.

The folks over at Twilight Time have such an interesting roster of films and their latest two releases are no exception.  One being a slow burn classic horror film and the other being a sc-fi horror cult classic that doesn't spare the schlock.  

Click the RAWR for our thoughts on The Other and MindWarp!

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Blu-ray Review - The Conjuring

Just because our 31 Days of Scream'O'Ween feature is ending today doesn't mean the horror has to stop.  In fact, there is a great little horror movie that came out just this year that you can enjoy.

The Conjuring took the world by storm and exploded into theaters bringing in a huge amount of money and unless I am mistaken, out performing any expectations.

Click the RAWR and see just how it even exceeded mine!

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@Scream_Factory Is Going To Camp!

Our friends at Scream Factory are kicking Halloween off with a bang, or a slice, with this huge announcement.

They are releasing the horror classic, and much demanded, Sleepaway Camp on Blu-ray for the first time!  UNCUT.

Read below for their post on their official Facebook page.

Happy Halloween everyone! We are super excited to announce to you on this special day that we will be releasing the original uncut SLEEPAWAY CAMP film on Blu-ray for the first time next Spring! 

This will most definitely be a Collector's Edition (new art is being worked on it as we type) and is planned to come loaded with great extras that will be announced at a later date. We love this film and will certainly aim to please fans of Angela, Aunt Martha, cussing cousin Ricky, Judy, Meg and the rest of Camp Arawak's memorable counselors and campers.


We'll post more info as it is released.

Happy Halloween everyone!

RAWR(for more)

31 Days of Scream-O-Ween! - The Amityville Horror Trilogy

By Adam Ruhl

Happy Halloween Scream fans! Tonight is the night for dressing up, getting candy, drinking (for the adults), and watching scary movies with your loved ones. For many of you, it’s your favorite night of the year, as it is for us too and we’re going out with a bang. Thank you for following us on this strange and terrifying journey through a lot of great horror films (and, with all due love to Scream Factory, a couple of appalling bad ones). We’ve covered 30 Scream Factory films and now it’s time for the grand finale, our review of the Scream Factory’s The Amityville Horror Trilogy. This film has been a household name for almost 35 years; it has spawned numerous sequels and remakes and continues to scare the hell out of us. Did it really happen? Was it faked? Only the people involved know for sure, but one thing is certain, it captivated us and chilled us to the bone and continues to do so. Fire up the Jack-O-Lanterns and turn out the lights as we explore review 31, The Amityville Horror Trilogy.

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31 Days of Scream-O-Ween! - Halloween III

By David Massey

 

One of the more baffling choices made in 1980’s Hollywood was to release a movie about witch toymakers combining computers with pieces of Stonehenge as a weapon to kill children under the title ‘Halloween 3’. Sure, from one perspective, associating this one-off horror flick with a tried and true franchise must have seemed like easy money but the deception reviled audiences and, regardless of the films many qualities, it was a total flop. Now, 30 years later, the film has finally found its cult and Scream Factory has given the unique ‘Halloween 3 – Season of the Witch’ the stand-alone credit it deserves in a 30^th Anniversary “Silver Shamrock” Edition Blu-Ray.

 

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31 Days of Scream-O-Ween! - Halloween II

By Adam Ruhl

John Carpenter’s Halloween is a classic among the genre. It routinely tops number one lists and is generally credited with getting the ball rolling on the franchise monsters of the 80’s. Halloween 2 is lesser known, but should not be confused with any of the other sequels (certainly not Halloween 3 where Michael Myers doesn’t even appear). Unlike the later installments, Halloween 2 was written by Carpenter to form the second half of a larger story with his original.  There’s something charming and offbeat about this follow up that distinguishes it from its predecessor and over the years it’s become a guilty pleasure favorite of mine. I am tickled orange to be reviewing Scream Factory’s Halloween II Blu-ray Collector’s Edition. Let’s dive right in.

 

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31 Days of Scream-O-Ween! - Scanners 2 & 3 Double Feature

By David Massey

Telekinesis is the subject of today’s double-feature Blu-ray release from Scream Factory. ‘Scanners 2: The New Order’ & ‘Scanners 3: The Takeover’ are more stand-alone interpretations of the themes and scenarios introduced by Cronenberg’s 1981 classic than actual sequels. By all rights, it’s no surprise that few have seen these; they are oozing with an early-1990’s, straight-to-video feel but, as a couple, there is some genuine weight here and both films definitely have their merits.

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31 Days of Scream-O-Ween! - Dead Souls

By Garon Cockrell

Scream Factory isn’t just about the classics.  They’ve also brought us some more contemporary titles.    Well two so far.  The first of which is a film that first aired on Chiller called Dead Souls.    Don’t let that scare you off (like it almost did me) though.

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