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Author
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Topic: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted November 24, 2004 04:53 PM
I'd like to give a little personal history on this super 8 release before the review. Please indulge ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I purchased this feature from Iver Films back in 1978. This super 8 print was all the rage here in America, since the movie had been released to theaters here in 1974 to huge publicity and controversy, then dissapeared from existence for a few years (after Bryanstone Pictures ran off with all the profits). Many teens my age at the time had never gotten to see it, and it would'nt be until the early 80's that it would recieve wide release again by New Line Cinema.
Everyone asked me "how in the world did you get this? is it boot-leg? this can't be the REAL TCM, is it?" Needless to say, I was the life of many parties for the next few years ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
REVIEW:
Iver Films of the U.K. released this in I believe three versions-
- a single 400 foot version
- a 4 x 400 foot version (very slightly abridged)
- full length 5 x 400 foot version (unconfirmed)
This review is for the 4 x 400 foot version:
Picture Quality-
the colors on most of the film were very good and sharp, with exception to a few daytime scenes, which seemed a little on the red side. The night scenes were just fine, easy to see what was going on (not always the case on super 8 prints back then, as sometimes night scenes leaned more on the dark side). Grade B.
Sound Quality-
The sound was good, though a little high-toned, which was usually easy to clear up through the tone control switch.
Grade B.
Film Quality-
The film itself was of a thin texture. It did tend to shake a little from time to time, but seemed to improve with each showing. Grade B.
Content-
the following scenes were edited out of the 4 x 400 version-
-The pre-title narration and words that come up on the screen before the first scene in the movie telling the history of the "true" story.
-Part of the scene where Sally is beat with the broomstick at the BBQ shack.
-The scene where the younger brother is kicking and slamming the door to the father's truck.
I won't go in to the plot (info available on IMDB). This is a cult horror classic not for all tastes, but one of my favorites, its well made with little on screen gore.
Misc. neat stuff-
- Two very nice clam shell type cases that open up with one 400 foot reel on each side. Nice color illustration on the front. Only a synopsis on the back.
- The Bryanstone Pictures opening logo- this was the original logo that played on the original feature in 1974- VERY COOL, and a little creepy ![[Eek!]](eek.gif) Actually my favorite scene in reel one! Wish they would put it on the DVD. I know, it wouldn't be practical.
Please feel free to add or correct me on this review.
Nick.
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted July 31, 2008 06:57 PM
I was rather unimpressed with this film when I saw it. As a photographer, I thought the filming was quite sloppy (if I'm not impressed with the film, I tend to then observe the technique itself), with an enormous amount of steadicam or the equivilance of it.
The story was rather convoluted in general.
I will say this for it ... I can't think of another film that so ushered in the modern slasher/gore film more than this one.
Sure there are the Mario Bava films, but this "Texas" film really did lower/raise (depending on who you talk to) the bar.
It certainly ushered in the end of the "Vincent Price" styled horror films that I used to love, as it seemed like everybody started to try to ape this film.
Now, "Horror Express", I really enjoyed THAT film! (great cast too!).
--------------------
"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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Tom Photiou
Film God
Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted August 02, 2008 05:46 AM
Joe, you are right, it does have the full logo with Byanstan films, it then morphs to the BP logo,
The opening to the film itself with black screen, the bone crushing sounds and the flash of a red image of various body parts decompossing together with the camera click and electronic sound starts the film well,
Then its bit slow for 30 minuites or so but once it kicks off it doesnt relent,
Compared to todays films it does seem tame but in its day it was quite a movie being banned in most towns and citys over here. Personally i still think its a very good horror film and unlike todays teen slasher shit films it doesnt have to relay on filthy langauge, youngs girls with next to nothing on being knocked up before there hacked up, or a 1000 tons of gore, the TCSM is a well put together film and only costing 300,000 to make and was shot quickly and cheaply using 16mm cameras, not 35mm, it made £6 million in its first year, a pretty good return i'd say for 1974 and certainly for BP pictures.
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted August 04, 2008 07:59 AM
That's correct. It was 16mm. And I believe everyone envolved in making this movie back in 1974 were students in film school. In fact, the whole production story is really quite interesting. CINEMAFANTASTIQUE magazine did an increadibly in-depth story on this movie back in the early 80's (when it was still a good magazine). It tells of the horrendous conditions that had to be endured by everyone envolved, and how mafia-owned Bryanstone Pictures kept all of the money. The actors don't even get royalties ![[Frown]](frown.gif) .
Osi- Yes, this movie did cross boundries in some ways. It certainly wasn't the bloodiest movie to date in 1974 though. Herschell Gordon Lewis had made much bloodier movies in the 60's (Blood Feast, Wizard of Gore, etc.) I think TCM was probably one of the first "good", or "mainstream" movies to depict these kind of demented acts (meathook, chainsaw, etc), while actually displaying MUCH less gore to the viewer.
As a teenager, I did like gore movies, but have no desire for them now. I havent even seen any of the "Saw" movies. I did watch the TCM remake though, and was very dissapointed. I happened to catch part of "Hostel" on cable last year, and it really worries me that these movies take so much pleasure in gratuitous blood, pain, and violence. Why do they keep making these types of movies? Because its what many audiences (especially the young) want to see. And thats REALLY scary.
I still consider TCM (1974) a well made film. With its incredibly low budget, amature film makers, and terrible working conditions, and lack of on-screen gore, its so VERY effective. Which is why its become such a cult-classic today. People even travel across country to see the old house (which is a resturaunt now). But, I'm afraid TCM probably does bear some responsibility in ushering in more violent content and slasher movies.
James.
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