DVD Corner

Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 Blu-ray Review

“Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3” is arguably the best ‘Chainsaw’ sequel.

After the goofy and deeply divisive second installment in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” series, the franchise went back to its scary roots with “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3.” Plot wise, there’s not a whole lot going on here as the story follows a young couple (Michelle and Ryan) on a road trip who, as you can likely surmise, soon find themselves being preyed upon by Leatherface and his cannibalistic family. Throughout their horrifying journey, the two meet other individuals who are also on the run from the psycho Sawyer fam.

For the third entry in the franchise, there’s not much in the way of surprises and, indeed, the plot is sort of a rehash of the classic first film. With that said, however, when compared with the rest of the sequels, remakes, and prequels in the series, it at least feels like a proper sequel and might actually be the best follow-up (not that that is saying much). Sure, it lacks originality, is frequently poorly lit, and features far too many scenes of people wandering around in darkness, but it’s intense and holds your interest.

Part of the reason the film works so well is because of the cast. Ken Foree (of “Dawn of the Dead” fame) kicks ass as always and a young Viggo Mortensen shines in a role I won’t unveil so as to avoid spoilers. Kate Hodge is also solid as the film’s female hero Michelle. Together, they all elevate an otherwise by the numbers slasher flick.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The transfer is solid. Some shots are very grainy as to be expected while others look as crisp as can be.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The roar of Leatherface’s new chainsaw has never sounded so sharp.

Extras: “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3” trailer, an alternate ending, a fascinating near half-hour documentary called “The Saw Is Family: Making Leatherface,” an extra titled “We Knows What To Do With Them Parts…Deleted Scenes Documentary” that showcases a collection of deleted or alternate footage (including more gore), and a loaded commentary featuring Jeff Burr and David Schow, R.A. Mihaloff, William Butler, Greg Nicotero, and Mark Odesky.

February 10, 2018 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Greg Nicotero, Ken Foree, Leatherface, Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 Blu-ray Review, Viggo Mortensen, Warner Archive