There isn't much to say about The Texas Chains Massacre that hasn't already been said a million times. It's influence on the horror genre is equaled by only a handful of other films, and after 30 years, the movie has lost little of its visceral impact (despite countless rip-offs, inferior sequels and a recent big-budget remake). Pioneer Entertainment probably re-issued this new version of the 1998 DVD release to capitalize on the high-profile 2003 remake. But still, Pioneer and director Tobe Hooper have lovingly restored this film, and loaded the DVD with extras fans are sure to appreciate.

When Sally (Marilyn Burns) learns her grandfather's grave has been violated, she and her wheelchair-bound brother Franklin, along with a few other friends, drive a van to the old family farmhouse. Along the way, they pick up a deranged hitch-hiker, who mutilates himself and injures Franklin. They also stop at a local service station, which has no gas. The old proprietor (Jim Siedow), advises them to stay and wait, but the kids elect to get to their destination. Of course, anyone who's seen the movie know these seemingly pointless segments foreshadow the horrible events to come. When they arrive at the farmhouse, they discover that a family of loony, cannibalistic slaughterhouse workers have taken-up shop nearby, including the monstrous (and infamous) Leatherface, who wields a chainsaw and dons a grotesque mask made of human skin. One-by-one, the kids are brutally murdered, until only Sally is left to confront and escape these psychos. Director Tobe Hooper does such a masterful job (with some incredibly creative shots and excellent editing) that the viewer quickly forgets about the shoe-string production values and a few amateurish performances; it's a credit to Hooper and his crew that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has developed the dubious reputation as a gore film, even though the movie is nearly blood-free. What's implied is far more horrifying than what could have been shown. A perfect example is the first murder scene, in which Leatherface clubs a guy with a hammer; It's far more unnerving to hear the hammer's sickening thud against the man's head, then watch the victim's legs kick spasmodically, as opposed to watching blood gushing all over the place. The execution of that scene, along with dark lighting and 16mm film stock in which the movie's shot, give it a stark realism that's tough to watch, even 30 years later. Hooper gets pretty decent performances from his cast, especially Burns, who's a strong and sympathetic heroine (this is 1974, so it's ironic that later genre films would do their best to set the woman's movement back twenty years). Also good is Siedow, who surprisingly underplays his role as the leader of this psychotic clan, resisting the urge to play it up as a bug-eyed, screaming loon - his almost good-natured performance renders the actions of his brood all-the-more horrifying. Kudos must also be given to Paul A. Partain as wheelchair-bound Franklin; he's so whiny, annoying and obnoxious that we hate the guy almost immediately, yet pathetic enough that we feel for him when he dies.

One must take into account that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was originally shot in 16mm, then later transferred. This new digital transfer was supervised by Hooper himself, and it's simply as good as this movie has ever looked. The original master has been cleaned up considerably; the colors are as vibrant and sharp as possible, and it's amazing how little grain is present for such a low-budget effort. The soundtrack is also nicely rendered, now offered in re-mixed Dolby Digital Surround, as well as a restored version of the original mono track.

A lot of great special features are included. The best one is probably the full-length audio commentary by Hooper, director of photography Daniel Pearl, and actor Gunnar Hansen, who played Leatherface. The three offer a ton of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes facts, and are entertaining to listen to. The commentary alone will make this new DVD worth buying for fans of the movie. Other extras include some deleted scenes and alternate footage, as well as a blooper reel; these features are interesting, but since they haven't been restored like the film, the picture quality is understandably terrible. There are also trailers for the movie and its sequels, as well as a poster gallery that includes lobby cards and newspaper ads for the film. These extras are pretty much the same as the 1998 DVD release...but the actual film wasn't as well restored as it is for this one.

Useless trivia: One of Hooper's few forays into Hollywood studio filmmaking was Poltergeist, produced by Steven Spielberg. There's also the long-circulated rumor that Hooper was continually undermined by Spielberg, who often enforced his own creative control over the movie. Similar films: The Hills Have Eyes, Psycho, Motel Hell, Wrong Turn, Mother's Day, Friday the 13th, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2, House of 1,000 Corpses, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) Summary: If you haven't yet purchased The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on DVD, this is the version you need, and it's a must for any serious fan of horror. The influence of the movie is felt even today, in such films as Wrong Turn and the recently released remake. Even after 30 years, the movie is a tense, unnerving experience.