Next week, two films from `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre` franchise will debut on 4K Blu-ray, offering horror enthusiasts a 50% discount on Amazon preorders. Arrow Video`s new limited-edition 4K restorations of the 2003 remake and its 2006 prequel, `The Beginning,` are available for just $25 each (originally $50). Given the limited nature of Arrow Video`s editions and their tendency to sell out quickly, early purchase is advised. Both limited 4K Blu-ray editions of `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre` are set for release on August 26.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) – Limited 4K Blu-ray Edition
Available for preorder at $25 (originally $50), releasing August 26. This limited edition includes a 4K Blu-ray (2160p) disc with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, offering DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound. The display-worthy packaging features reversible cover art and a sleeve with original illustrations by Aaron Lea (known for Disney and Marvel work). It also includes a large, double-sided poster showcasing Lea`s art and an illustrated collector`s booklet with a retrospective by Michael Gingold.
Special features encompass a new audio commentary, several new crew interviews, and extensive legacy content from prior releases, such as three additional audio commentaries, a making-of documentary, and alternate scenes.
Key Features of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) Edition:
- Reversible sleeve with new artwork
- Double-sided poster
- Illustrated collector`s booklet
- 4K Blu-ray with Dolby Vision & HDR10
- DTS-HD MA 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound / lossless stereo audio
- English subtitles
- New audio commentary with Steve Barton (Dread Central) and Chris MacGibbon (The Spooky Picture Show)
- Three archival audio commentaries featuring director Marcus Nispel, producer Michael Bay, writer Scott Kosar, actress Jessica Biel, and other cast/crew members.
- New interview with director Marcus Nispel: `Reimagining a Classic`
- New interview with cinematographer Daniel Pearl
- New interview with actor Brett Wagner
- New interview with makeup effects artist Scott Stoddard
- New interview with composer Steve Jablonsky
- `Chainsaw Redux: Making A Massacre` – Making-of Documentary
- `Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield` – Featurette on the real killer inspiring Leatherface
- `Severed Parts` – Featurette on scenes cut from the final edit
- Deleted scenes
- Alternate opening and ending
- Screen tests: Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour, and Erica Leerhsen
- Additional behind-the-scenes featurette
- Additional Cast and crew interviews
- Theatrical trailers and commercials
- Concept art galleries
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning – Limited 4K Blu-ray Edition
Also available for preorder at $25 (originally $50), releasing August 26. This prequel to the 2003 remake features a 4K restoration by Arrow Video, including both the original theatrical cut and an uncut edition. Both versions support Dolby Vision and HDR10. Audio configurations vary slightly: the theatrical version offers DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0, while the uncut version adds 7.1 surround sound.
Its packaging and inserts mirror the aesthetic of the 2003 Limited Edition. Aaron Lea`s original artwork graces the reversible cover, sleeve, and double-sided poster, complemented by new writing from Michael Gingold in the illustrated collector`s booklet.
This edition`s special features are comprehensive, especially considering it provides two film cuts. Most bonus content is new, including an audio commentary and multiple interviews. Archival features include a making-of documentary and a director`s audio commentary for the uncut version.
Key Features of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Edition:
- Reversible sleeve with new artwork
- Double-sided poster
- Illustrated collector`s booklet
- Theatrical and Uncut versions on 4K Blu-ray
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 (Theatrical & Uncut)
- DTS-HD MA 7.1 (Uncut) / DTS-HD MA 5.1 & 2.0 (Theatrical & Uncut)
- English subtitles
- New audio commentary with Steve Barton (Dread Central) and Chris MacGibbon (The Spooky Picture Show)
- Archival audio commentary for the Uncut version with director Jonathan Liebesman and producers Andrew Form and Brad Fuller
- New interview with actor Lew Temple
- New interview with special effects makeup artist Jake Garber and special effects makeup technician Kevin Wasner
- New interview with director of photography Lukas Ettlin
- `Down to the Bone: Anatomy of a Prequel` – Making-of Documentary
- Deleted scenes with optional director commentary
- Extended scenes with optional director commentary
- Theatrical trailer
While the `Texas Chainsaw Massacre` franchise spans nine films, only the 1974 original and its 1986 sequel previously had 4K Blu-ray editions. Arrow Video recently launched `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2` on 4K Blu-ray in the UK. This region-free release is currently hard to find and more expensive than the upcoming duo, as it`s not officially distributed by US retailers.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Films on 4K Blu-ray
- `The Texas Chain Saw Massacre` (1974) — $20.59 (was $45)
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2` (1986) — $45
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre` (2003) — $25 (was $50) | Releases August 26
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning` (2006) — $25 (was $50) | Releases August 26
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Collectible Editions
Most recent editions focus on the 1974 original film. Options abound, including a slipcased 4K Blu-ray for $20.59 and a Steelbook Edition for $28.65. For a more luxurious collectible box set, consider the 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition. Released last fall, this 4K Blu-ray set includes a mini chainsaw replica, a slipcased 4K Blu-ray with exclusive artwork, a collector`s box, and a functional VHS edition (if you still own a player). Originally priced at an imposing $400, the 50th Anniversary Edition is now 50% off at Amazon for $200 – still a significant investment, but a notable collector`s piece. For a display-oriented collectible, the 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition features a standard Blu-ray encased in a replica semi-truck box inspired by the “Black Maria.”
- Slipcase Edition (4K Blu-ray) — $20.59 (was $45)
- Steelbook Edition (4K Blu-ray) — $28.65 (was $55)
- 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition (4K Blu-ray) — $200 (was $400)
- 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition (Blu-ray) — $50 (was $100)
- Game & Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $58 (was $80)
- Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $20.76 (was $30)
- 40th Anniversary (DVD) — $12.49 (was $25)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Films on Standard Blu-ray
Unlike many horror franchises, `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre` has not been released as a comprehensive box set, requiring individual purchases to complete a collection. Furthermore, a truly complete collection is currently impossible, as the 2022 film `Texas Chainsaw Massacre` is a Netflix exclusive and rarely moves off the streaming platform.
Below is a list of the first eight films in the franchise available on standard Blu-ray. It`s important to note that `Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation` (1997) is the director`s cut of `The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre` (1995), with Shout Factory`s Blu-ray release including both versions. While most Blu-ray editions are quite affordable, `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2` is primarily available from resellers on Blu-ray; its DVD edition is included here as a more budget-friendly alternative.
- `The Texas Chain Saw Massacre` Steelbook (1974) — $20.76 (was $30)
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2` (1986) — $30-$40
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2` (DVD) — $13.89 (was $15)
- `Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III` (1990) — $16.36
- `Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation` (1997) — $26
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre` (2003) — $8 (was $15)
- `The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning` (2006) — $12.31 (was $20)
- `Texas Chainsaw 3D` (2013) — $9 (was $15)
- `Leatherface` (2017) — $9.19 (was $15)