5/5
Extras! It's what the people want! NAM LAND!!
by EerieVonEvil (The Rabbit Hole)
If you are a serious fan of horror films or you already have the bare-bones DVD version of TCM 2 then you need to buy the Gruesome Edition now. Comparing Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 to the original or the other sequels/remakes is pointless because this film is a beast all its own. It was made to be different than the first and Tobe Hooper lived up to it. It is quite obvious that this film is camp, but thats what makes it so great. The absurdness, the heavy gore(lovingly provided by legend Tom Savini), the rockin' soundtrack(The Cramps, Concrete Blonde), and the action just makes this one of my favorite horror movies ever. The performances are completley memorable. Bill Mosley's Chop-Top character is one of the funniest and most iconic roles ever. Caroline Williams is one hell of a shrieker and plays the part of Stretch to a T. The locations and set pieces really gives this film an epic feel, especially the amazing underground lair of the Sawyer Family. The only horror fans that I can imagine that wouldnt like TCM II are those who like "serious" horror only or purists of the original. This was made for the American horror fan. I mean come on, dueling chainsaw battles between Dennis Hopper(Blue Velvet, River's Edge) and Leatherface? This is the stuff dreams are made of. The original carries the "classic" disturbing value, but Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 takes the cake as far as entertainment value is concerned.
The extras are great. The 90 minute interview segments with the actors/filmakers is great. Bill Johnson(Leatherface), Bill Mosely(Chop-Top), and Caroline Williams(Stretch) recall their fond memories and share great stories on this wonderful flick. The great Tom Savini also shares his memories on working on the film and creating the gore. The deleted scenes arent overly amazing, but the underground parking lot jock slaughter scene was FUNNY! You just have to see it. That and it was funny to know that Joe Bobb Briggs was going to have a role in the film. Bottom line is that this DVD is a must have. Nuff said.
4/5
Excellent extra features...BUT MISSING GORE!!
by B. McNeil (Portland, OR USA)
This DVD is definately worth buying if you're a die-hard TCM2 fan like me. However, MGM should be ashamed that they released a 'Gruesome Edition,' when it is still missing key "money shots." I'm lucky enough to own a laserdisc edition than Elite put out in 1996.
OK, before you doubt me, let me explain. After watching this new dvd edition, I was impressed by the sound and picture improvements that MGM did on the film. But if you're gonna release a cult movie like this and label it 'gruesome' and unrated, then relase it in its true, uncut form!
Here be the key differences between the Gruesome DVD and the Elite Laserdisc:
- L.G.'s assault at the K.O.K.L.A. radio station: The Laserdisc version has more close ups of the brutal hammer blows delivered by CHOPTOP. Although I didn't count and compare the details scientifically, there are more close-ups of the head shots and several more actual on-film blows to the head. Take my word for it-laserdisc version is more brutal overall. MGM must have chickened out and edited this scene, hoping that we fans wouldn't know the difference...SHAME!
-More panning back and forth between Rick and Buzz after Leatherface half-decapitates Buzz on the bridge. Very slight difference, but again, more gore on ELITE version.
-When Lefty shoves his sawblade into the stomach of Leatherface, the ELITE version shows a second or two extra close-up of the blade making a mess outta "Bubba's" guts. Of course, the new MGM release is missing this key insert shot.
There you have it, folks. While this release is a must-have for fans, I took a star away from my review for the simple fact that MGM didn't go for the true gory, uncut version of this cult classic like they should have. The resposible people at MGM should be put into the next batch of "Sawyer's Famous Chilli" as punishment. BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..........ZZZZZZZZZZZ
5/5
Incoming Mail!
by
Well, it's just really funny. I can say this. Nothing like the first, which drew a lot of praise from afficionados who know great filmmaking when they see it. TCM II is great for other reasons: these murderers are so whacked you have to laugh and you have to ask, over and over, were they REALLY acting? How could anyone ACT this well?
Chop-top owns the film. His scenes ooze brilliance, though Drayton's march down victory lane at the beginning, when he proudly accepts first prize in the Texas Chili Championship, leaves you breathless: "I love this town, this town likes PRIME MEAT!!"
How is it that Chop-Top comes to own the film? Several vignettes from a key scene tell the tale:
--The crazies have infiltrated the radio station and the female DJ is nervous. What do they want? Chop-Top wants to buy some "radio ad time" and while he waits for her to give him the particulars, he uses a heated coat hanger to scrape off and eat pieces of the scalp-flesh that help camouflage his metal plate.
--Later in the scene, the crazies are getting down to business. Program Director LG finds himself on the receiving end of a cast iron shampoo administered by our beloved metalhead. As he delivers the goods with the ball peen hammer, Chop Top screams, "Incoming Mail!"
--Same scene, Leatherface and Chop-Top scuffle. Chop-Top's hairpiece is compromised. He turns to Leatherface and lets loose: "Leatherface, you BITCH, you burned my Sonny Bono wig-doooooo!"
I won't give the rest away. Buy this one and watch it repeatedly.
5/5
LICK MY PLATE!!
by (Virginia)
If Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the King of Redneck Horror, here reigns the Duke. Take one serving of Leatherface, add in some Dennis Hopper, and kick it in the teeth with Bill Moseley as Chop Top, and you have a winning recipe for your next batch of cannibal chili. The secret's in the meat, friends.
While it lacks the serious, wet-your-pants horror of the first movie, this humourous spin has what it takes to make mouths happy. This chainsaw fan can't argue with anything involving Dennis Hopper wielding twin chainsaws in order to send his arch-enemies back to hell, while Leatherface shows his softer side and woos a disc-jockeying chickie. Even more fun is the random addition of Chop Top(Bill Mosely, of House of 1000 Corpses fame) and his Vietnam veteran antics.
If you're ready to settle down and take your TCM a little less seriously, slop yourself up a bowl-full of this film. It aims to please.
4/5
"Don't cry, my brother..."
by Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA)
If you're looking for a movie about the human spirit, or a movie that can change the world... then find something else. If you're looking for a brutal and disturbing slasher flick that's both ridiculous and cheesy (but is still a good time), then "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" is the perfect thing for you. From the original source behind "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," Tobe Hooper brings forth a disgusting and sometimes humorous sequel that will make you feel guilty for enjoying it.
Dennis Hopper plays a Texas Ranger, Lefty, who's bent on revenge and wants compensation in blood for the murder of his brother's children (from the original movie). A radio DJ may be his only hope of getting the murderers responsible, as she claims to have a tape of one of the murders taking place. The tape happened when a couple of goofballs decided to call her show, only to end up running into a chainsaw murderer and ending up dead. Lefty advises her to play the tape on air to draw the killer or killers out... the only problem is that the cannibalistic family has a record of "taking care" of witnesses in their own way. The results all lead up to a terribly disturbing and disgusting slasher flick that you won't forget (even if you want to).
Now, the movie is enjoyable if you take these few things under consideration: 1) This movie was not made with hopes of making it on the AFI list of Greatest Movies one day. 2) It doesn't live up to the original, so don't even think of setting your expectations that high. 3) This is a ridiculous and sometimes cheesy movie that its only purpose is really to shock, disgust, and perhaps even get a rise out of you. If you take all of these things into account, the chances of you enjoying this movie will increase.
What really makes the movie work is Dennis Hopper. He is usually a joy to watch in any movie, and this one is no exception. I don't know if the movie would be that great had he not been in it, as he really takes his character to the limit (and has fun in the process). The sequel is much more disgusting and violent than the original, but isn't really as shocking. Still, it is a pretty enjoyable flick if you're in the right mood and take it for what it is.
The DVD doesn't have a whole lot to offer, although I don't think a lot of special features are needed for a movie like this. The picture and sound quality is decent, but you really don't want a "great looking" picture with a movie like this. It adds the raw feeling to it better when the picture looks grainy and imperfect. The DVD offers both widescreen and standard versions of the movie. The only special feature that's included is the theatrical trailer for the movie (which isn't all that great).
All in all, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" is a great time if you know what you are getting yourself into and you know what to expect. Again, this is not "Citizen Kane" we're talking about; this is a stupid and goofy slasher flick that's only aim is some kind of entertainment. And, I happen to think that it achieves that, at least in my eyes. If you're looking for a goofy and disturbing slasher flick, this may be the one for you.
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