The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Blu-ray) R

Tobe Hooper's TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE appeared like a nightmare in 1974, establishing a whole new genre of horror film. Thirty years later, the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is back. Directed by well-known commercial and video director Marcus Nispel, and produced by Michael Bay (ARMAGEDDON, PEARL HARBOR), this remake begins in the same place as the original. Five friends are driving through Texas on their way to a concert in Dallas. But when they stop to pick up a hitchhiker, their trip takes a turn for the worse. The friends--Erin (Jessica Biel), Kemper (Eric Balfour), Morgan (Jonathan Tucker), Pepper (Erica Leerhsen), and Andy (Mike Vogel)--have no idea what they're in for when they ask the local sheriff (R. Lee Ermey) for help. It isn't long before the blood begins to pour and the notorious chainsaw of the maniacal, murderous Leatherface starts to roar.

Although considered relatively low budget (9.5 million) by 2003 moviemaking standards, Nispel's remake is worlds away from the no-budget feel of Hooper's original. Where that film left much of the actual gore off camera, Nispel and Bay up the ante by showing every death in all its gruesome detail. They also up the dramatic ante, building to a final act that is relentless and terrifying.