Horror enthusiasts have a prime opportunity to grab the 2003 remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and its 2006 prequel, “The Beginning,” on 4K Blu-ray for the very first time. Arrow Video is releasing these new limited editions with a generous 50% discount on Amazon pre-orders, bringing the price down to just $25 per film (originally $50). With their launch scheduled for August 26th, fans are encouraged to secure their copies quickly, as Arrow Video`s limited editions are known to sell out rapidly after release.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) Limited Edition (4K Blu-ray)
$25 (was $50) | Releases August 26
The Limited Edition of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) boasts a 4K Blu-ray disc (2160p) supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10, along with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound. Consistent with Arrow Video`s esteemed limited releases, the physical packaging is a collector`s delight. It features reversible cover art and a sleeve adorned with original illustrations by Aaron Lea, known for his work with Disney and Marvel. Lea`s distinctive artwork also graces a large, double-sided poster. Additionally, an illustrated collector`s booklet containing a retrospective by Michael Gingold is part of the package.
The disc is packed with special features, including a brand-new audio commentary and several new interviews with the film`s crew. It also compiles extensive legacy content from previous releases, such as three additional audio commentaries, a comprehensive making-of documentary, alternate scenes, and much more.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) Features:
- Reversible sleeve with new artwork
- Double-sided poster
- Illustrated collector`s booklet
- 4K Blu-ray with Dolby Vision & HDR10
- DTS-HD MA 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound / lossless stereo audio
- English subtitles
- New audio commentary with Steve Barton (Dread Central) and Chris MacGibbon (The Spooky Picture Show)
- Three archival audio commentaries with director Marcus Nispel, producer Michael Bay, writer Scott Kosar, actress Jessica Biel, and other cast and crew.
- New interview with director Marcus Nispel – Reimagining a Classic
- New interview with cinematographer Daniel Pearl
- New interview with actor Brett Wagner
- New interview with makeup effects artist Scott Stoddard
- New interview with composer Steve Jablonsky
- Making-of Documentary – Chainsaw Redux: Making A Massacre
- Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield: Featurette on the real killer Leatherface is based on.
- Severed Parts: Featurette on scenes cut from final edit.
- Deleted scenes
- Alternate opening and ending
- Screen tests: Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour, and Erica Leerhsen
- Additional behind-the-scenes featurette
- Additional Cast and crew interviews
- Theatrical trailers and commercials
- Concept art galleries
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Limited Edition (4K Blu-ray)
$25 (was $50) | Releases August 26
“The Beginning,” the prequel to the 2003 remake, receives a meticulous 4K restoration from Arrow Video. This edition includes both the original theatrical cut and the uncensored version, with both supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10. Audio configurations vary slightly: the theatrical cut offers DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0, while the uncut version expands on this with 7.1 surround sound.
Mirroring the 2003 remake`s release, its packaging and inserts are stylistically consistent. Aaron Lea`s original artwork enhances the reversible cover, sleeve, and double-sided poster. Michael Gingold also contributed new written content to the illustrated collector`s booklet.
While “The Beginning” may contain fewer special features compared to the remake, this is partly due to the inclusion of two distinct film cuts. However, a significant portion of the bonus content is new to this release, featuring a fresh audio commentary and multiple interviews. Additionally, it retains valuable archival material like a making-of documentary and a director`s audio commentary for the uncut edition.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Features:
- Reversible sleeve with new artwork
- Double-sided poster
- Illustrated collector`s booklet
- Theatrical and Uncut versions on 4K Blu-ray
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 (Theatrical & Uncut)
- DTS-HD MA 7.1 (Uncut) / DTS-HD MA 5.1 & 2.0 (Theatrical & Uncut)
- English subtitles
- New audio commentary with Steve Barton (Dread Central) and Chris MacGibbon (The Spooky Picture Show)
- Archival audio commentary for Uncut version with director Jonathan Liebesman and producers Andrew Form and Brad Fuller
- New interview with actor Lew Temple
- New interview with special effects makeup artist Jake Garber and special effects makeup technician Kevin Wasner.
- New interview with director of photography Lukas Ettlin
- Making-of Documentary – Down to the Bone: Anatomy of a Prequel
- Deleted scenes with optional director commentary
- Extended scenes with optional director commentary
- Theatrical trailer
The “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” franchise spans nine films, though only the seminal 1974 original and the 1986 sequel have previously received 4K Blu-ray treatments. Arrow Video also recently issued a 4K Blu-ray of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” in the UK. While this release is region-free, its limited availability and higher price point compared to the forthcoming pair make it less accessible, as it`s not officially distributed by US retailers.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies on 4K Blu-ray
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – $20.59 (
$45) - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) – $45
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) – $25 (
$50) | Releases August 26 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006) – $25 (
$50) | Releases August 26
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Collectible Editions
Over the years, numerous special editions have been dedicated to the 1974 original film. Fans have several choices, including a slipcased 4K Blu-ray priced at $20.59 and a Steelbook Edition for $28.65. For those seeking a more elaborate collector`s set, the 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition is available. This 4K Blu-ray set, launched last autumn, includes a miniature chainsaw replica, a slipcased 4K Blu-ray with exclusive artwork, a collector`s box, and a functional VHS tape – for those with a compatible player. Originally priced at an imposing $400, this edition is currently available at a 50% discount on Amazon, though its $200 price point remains substantial. Another display-worthy collectible is the 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition, which houses a standard Blu-ray within a replica semi-truck box, styled after the iconic Black Maria.
- Slipcase Edition (4K Blu-ray) – $20.59 (
$45) - Steelbook Edition (4K Blu-ray) – $28.65 (
$55) - 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition (4K Blu-ray) – $200 (
$400) - 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition (Blu-ray) – $50 (
$100) - Game & Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) – $58 (
$80) - Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) – $20.76 (
$30) - 40th Anniversary (DVD) – $12.49 (
$25)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies on Blu-ray
Unlike many popular horror series, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” franchise has not been compiled into a single box set, requiring collectors to purchase each film individually. A complete collection is further complicated by the 2022 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” film, an exclusive Netflix original that is unlikely to see a physical media release. Below is a compilation of the first eight films available on standard Blu-ray. Notably, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1997) is actually the director`s cut of “The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1995), with Shout Factory`s Blu-ray offering both versions. While most Blu-ray editions are budget-friendly, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” is primarily found through resellers on Blu-ray, leading to higher prices. For this reason, a more affordable DVD option for the second film is also included.
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Steelbook (1974) – $20.76 (
$30) - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) – $30-$40
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (DVD) – $13.89 (
$15) - Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) – $16.36
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1997) – $26
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) – $8 (
$15) - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Beginning (2006) – $12.31 (
$20) - Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) – $9 (
$15) - Leatherface (2017) – $9.19 (
$15)