OK, so this isn't really about the DVD Special Edition; it's more about the movie. Sometimes it's really boring to get into DVD extras. The extras are quite enjoyable (audio commentaries-my personal favorite, behind the scenes, Easter eggs, etc.), but going into detail about them on this website is just too dull for me. So, let's get to the movie.

I can pretty much guarantee that 8 out of 10 people who go to this site have never seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It makes sense though; the movie was made in 1974 and it's one of the most gruesome and terrifying movies ever made. For gore freaks like me and a select few out there, it's nothing short of amazing.

First of all, it's shot like a documentary, thus making it feel like it actually happened (and NO, IT DIDN'T ACTUALLY HAPPEN! It was based on the true life story of serial killer Ed Gein). It starts out with an opening monologue by John Larroquette (you know, Dan from Night Court). The thing about it is that it sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Just seeing the words on the screen and hearing John's voiceover is downright frightening. It is then followed up by corpses dug up at a graveyard and placed in (*cough*) compromising positions. So 5 young adults decide to see if one of their grandparent's was dug up. Things get weird immediately.

After picking up a maniacal hitchhiker, they luckily dispatch his crazy ass back on the road. They get directions to the place at a gas station and go about their way. Of course, they stop at the old house.

The problem is that they don't know who's currently staying there. That's right: the world's favorite cannibalistic family. Oh yeah, the maniac hitchhiker hangs with Leatherface too.

From there, the true definition of horror is brought out in every way. Sneak killings, obvious killings, chainsaws, meathooks, knives, basically everything except guns. And my favorite part about this movie, it doesn't necessarily have a happy ending. Sort of does, but not really. I ain't gonna spoil it for you. I double dog dare you to watch it.

Also adding to the true horror of this movie is that the killings aren't just senseless. This family actually lives on eating human flesh. They cook it up in their chili. Hey, when you're starving to death someday, tell me you won't do anything to survive.

I guess I'll get into "the family." Everyone knows Leatherface, the chainsaw-weilding maniac often referred to humbly as "Bubba." He wears three different flesh masks. Did I mention he's a crossdresser too?

Heading up the family is Drayton Sawyer, the "dad." He goes to chili cookoffs and wins with his "special ingredients." Ewwwwww. He maintains a firm grasp of control over the family, including Bubba.

The hitchhiking maniac doesn't have a name in the movie. He likes to carve people up with his knife and is by far the most wired bastard in the movie.

Let's not forget Grandpa. An old, crusty man who has to be pushed around in his chair likes to club people while the others hold down the victim.

I think you've come to the conclusion by now that they don't just kill people; they torture them for a damn long time first. Even if someone were to survive, they'd be mentally f***ed up the rest of their damn lives.

I openly embraced this movie the first time I ever saw it simply because it's one of the few movies to ever truly scare me. It still does to this day. I'm also a fan of horror flicks that don't just throw in gore for the sake of gore. Everything put into this movie is completely necessary. Hats off to Tobe Hooper for directing a true piece of art and to Gunnar Hansen for portraying Leatherface the way it needed to be done.

Rating: 4 Leather faces out of 4