Blu-ray Review “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition”

Starring: Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal
Director: Tobe Hooper
Number of discs: 4
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Dark Sky Films
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 83 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Love it (myself) or hate it (my wife), “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is an absolutely classic in the horror genre. It is iconic and has stood the test of time. Speaking of time, the film is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year. MPI Media Group is re-releasing the film on Blu-ray presenting the original restored film in an all-new 4k scan authorized by Tobe Hooper and a ridiculous all-new 7.1 channel soundtrack. If you think you have seen “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” before, think again because watching this Blu-ray is like an entirely new experience.

Official Premise: It has been called grisly, sick, and perverse, as well as raw, unshakeable, and the movie that redefined horror. It was attacked by churches, banned by governments, and acclaimed by only the bravest of critics. It stunned audiences worldwide and set a new standard in movie terror forever. Today writer-producer-director Tobe Hooper s dark, visionary tale remains unparalleled in its impact as perhaps the most frightening motion picture ever made.

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” is released as a kick ass DigiPack  combo pack with two Blu-Rays and two DVDs. If this only had a digital Ultraviolet copy, it would be absolutely perfect. The film itself is gritty and was shot on 16mm film, so this film never looked really amazing. I remember watching it on VHS tape and if you could compare that to this new Blu-ray, it would be like two different films. For this release, the film was mastered in 4K and presented on Blu-ray in 1080p high definition. It just looks terrific. Horror fans get ready to do a back flip.

I never thought I would be seeing a film like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track on Blu-ray but that is what we get here. You would expect this track from a big-budget summer action but never a 40 year old horror film. This track is fantastic and works so well with all aspects from the revving of the chainsaw to the  famous flash photography sounds. Along with this epic track, there are three other tracks including a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, LPCM 2.0 and LPCM Mono. So there are tracks for everyone whatever you are craving

The special features are split over two discs. The first disc is purely audio commentary tracks. Anything you ever wanted to know about this film is included in these tracks. The first track is with Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, Actor Gunnar Hansen, and Cinematrographer Daniel Pearl. The second is with Production Designer Robert Burns and Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, and Paul A. Partain. The third is Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper. The last is withCinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll, and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou. One is better than the next.

The second disc includes “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth”, which runs over 70 minutes. “Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw” is another 70 minute featurette. Between these two extras, you will be exhausted with knowledge. “A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen” is a chat with Leatherface himself. “Off the Hook with Teri McMinn” and “The Business of Chain Saw: An Interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman” are interviews with the respective actors.

“Grandpa’s Tales: An Interview with John Dugan” features the actor reflecting on his iconic role. “Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview with Editor J. Larry Carroll” talks about his work on the film. There are 15 minutes of BRAND NEW Deleted Scenes and Outtakes along with the previous released 25 minutes of additional Deleted Scenes and Outtakes. There is also a Blooper Reel, Horror’s Hallowed Grounds, Still Gallery, Trailers, TV and Radio spots included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 40th, anniversary, bluray, chain, collectors, edition, ...

Texas Hippie Coalition talks about album “Ride On” and Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival

The southern heavy metal band Texas Hippie Coalition are set to release their fourth studio album titled “Ride On” in mid October of this year and are currently out on tour as part of this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Media Mikes was able to catch up with the leather vested 4 piece backstage in Scranton, PA recently to discuss the bands upcoming album and the bands progression since their debut release in 2008

Shawn Meas: What can you tell us about the bands upcoming album?
Texas Hippie Coalition: It’s going to be bad ass! We went back to more of our roots on this album and it’s going to be really hard hitting. We went and worked with Skid Mills at the Sound Kitchen and it turned out really well. We are anxious to hear what everyone thinks. We definitely went back to the format of the first record while spending more money. (Laughs)

SM: What type of process do you guys take when starting to record a new album?
THC: We start off by drinking a little moonshine and smoking a little weed. Then we cuss a little bit and things start to work. (Laugh) Cord Pool and I (Big Dad Ritch) are the only guys in the band who can really do math so song structure is pretty easy to come out. (Laughs) I think if we really used any true written format that it was the same every time we wouldn’t have as good of a creative flow as we did. Things are never the just as long we are all in good spirits and have positive energy around us we can write good tunes together. This time we flipped things and worked on the album early in the morning as opposed to late at night because you could never get all of us in the same room at the same time when it comes to working at night. (Laughs)

SM: How do you feel the band’s sound has evolved from your debut album “Peacemaker” to your upcoming release “Ride On”?
THC: I think we have evolved as players. With the new record we certainly tapped into our roots but we are all better players these days. With this band you get what you came for. We try and keep things real and carry out that theme from album to album.

SM: The band has gone through a number of lineup changes to get to where it is now. What do you guys feel each of the new members bring to the band?
THC: This is actually Timmy Braun’s second album with us. He left for awhile to do some side projects that he has and now he back. We are happy to have him back 100% now. Cord has actually been with us since the release of “Peacemaker” however he joined just after we finished recording that album. We have a pretty good team of guys and we are all having a lot of fun. Cord does seem to be everyone’s favorite though and he has said that if he was ever fired he would still show up anyways. (Laughs) Getting out here is like a bull ride with the music business being the bull. It can take a lot out of you and all four of us can take it while some of our previous members couldn’t stay on for the full 8 seconds. This crew is going to be there at the end to get our buckle!

SM: What are the bands plans for the rest of 2014?
THC: The first single off the new album just got released and is titled “Monster and Me”. The full album titled “Ride On” comes out October 7th and we have a lot of stuff going on leading up to that release date. We are going to be making stops at Gas Monkey Garage in Texas and also playing at this year’s Ride for Dime. Once this album comes out we are going to be going through some tires! There are still a lot of people who aren’t familiar with us so we want to get out there and try to get in to as many homes as possible.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: album, coalition, drink, energy, festival, hippie, ...

3D Blu-ray Review “Texas Chainsaw”

Directed by: John Luessenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine Neverson, Tania Raymonde, Thom Barry, Paul Rae
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Running time: 92 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about Leatherface that makes him such a great horror icons. “Texas Chainsaw 3D” is a direct sequel to the original 1974 film and literally picks up in the same day after the original’s events. The ending film’s is weakest point, so I was hoping for a director’s cut to fix that. Oh well, the film has it problems but it is overall a fun time to watch. The 3D effects are used to add extra “Chainsaw-in-your-face” but doesn’t really add much depth and only works in terms of gags. Fans of the series will enjoy the return of series stars including Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen and Marilyn Burns. If you are a fan the Leatherface series, then this is worth checking out…just expect tongue-in-cheek.

Official Synopsis: In Newt, Texas, people have been going missing without a trace for decades. Years later and hundreds of miles away from the original massacre, a young girl named Heather (Daddario) discovers that she has inherited a sprawling Texas estate from an unknown grandmother. To claim her estate, Heather goes on a road trip with her friends to Newt, but soon learns that wealth comes at a price when she discovers the horror that waits in the cellar of her new mansion.

The Blu-ray release is titled “Texas Chainsaw” but does still features both the 3D and 2D presentations of the film. The 1080p transfer looks very sharp and works well with the 3D presentation. I am very impressed with the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track but I would have loved to see a bit more scares in the film to fully take advantage of it. But there is still a lot of rip-roaring chainsaws sawing by you ears. There is also an UltraViolet digital streaming copy included.

The special features are impressive and worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. There are two audio commentaries track. The first is with producer Carl Mazzocone and Tobe Hooper, who is the director of the first “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. This is a very interesting track and a must listen for any fan. I was excited to hear what Hooper has to say about the film. The second track is with the returning cast from past “Chainsaw” films including Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen, Marilyn Burns and John Dugan. This is a fun track with the cast.

“Texas Chainsaw Legacy” is a trip through the 40-year legacy of this series. A must watch for any fan. “Resurrecting the Saw” features director John Luessenhop, producer Carl Mazzocone and writers Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, Kirsten Elms and Stephen Susco talking about reviving this series (again). “The Old Homestead” is feature on re-creating the location from the first film. “Casting Terror” is a chat with the new cast of the film. “Leatherface 2013” is an interview with the new Leatherface actor Dan Yeager. “Lights, Camera, Mayhem” is a look into filming in 3D with DP Anastas Michos. “It’s in the Meat” is a look into the special make-up effects with make-up effects supervisor Robert Kurtzman and his team. Lastly there are “On-Set Short Subjects: Five Minute Massacres”, which are fun bumps into the production.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, chainsaw, review, texas

Film Review "Texas Chainsaw 3D"

Directed by: John Luessenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine Neverson, Tania Raymonde, Thom Barry, Paul Rae
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Running time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first saw 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, I believe I wasn’t able to sleep for weeks. Leatherface is overall one of my favorite horror icons. He has changed so much over the years within the various sequels, remakes and prequels – some for the better and some not. “Texas Chainsaw 3D” is a direct sequel to the original 1974 film and literally picks up in the same day after the original’s events. I was especially excited about this creative twist to this franchise but unfortunately the thrill of keeping this sequel with the same feel of the first wares off quick. Still though, I can’t say that I didn’t have fun watching this film.  It is not perfect but the 3D effects are sharp and really add a lot to the film. Also for those that need a refresher on the original, there is quick recap of the original film’s keys scenes in the opening credits.

If you are a fan of the franchise, then you will be excited for the fact that this film brings back actors from past films in the franchise. Bill Moseley who played Chop Top Sawyer in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”, came back to portray Drayton “The Cook” Sawyer (taking over for the late Jim Siedow). Marilyn Burns who played Sally Hardesty in the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, returns as a character named Verna. John Dugan who played Grandpa in the 1974 film comes back to reprise his role. Lastly, Gunnar Hansen who portrayed Leatherface in the 1974 film also has a brief cameo. Brief is the key word for all of this though. I was extremely excited about this but was left thinking…”That was all?”. You barely don’t even get a glimpse of John Dugan as Grandpa, blink and you miss it. Overall, I still like the ode but wish it was incorporated a little more.

The story picks up after hours of first film with an angry mob going after the house of the Sawyer family to get revenge after the confession of the young girl Sally that escaped. The mob ends up burning the house and the family, supposedly killing every last member – or so they thought. The story picks up years later where a girl named Heather (who has the hardest time not showing off her stomach and very tiny waist) finds out that she has a grandmother that she never knew and has inherited the family house. After realizing that her life has been a lie and she was the only one who escaped the night of the massacre. [Note: the original took place in 1974 and this is suppose to place about 20 years later but ends up being present day with iPhone’s etc., so I think there is an issue with the timeline]. The girl and her friends take a road trip to check out the house. Of course they find that they are not alone in this house and the reign of the Sawyer family is far from over.

Now back to the 3D! Since the film was heavily marketed for its use of 3D, I was excited to experience the horror in this format. There are a lot of in-your-face chainsaw scenes, which are a lot of fun and expected. The best though (which I am not going to divulge) involves a skin mask. If you see this film then 3D is definitely the way to go. The film was also very gory, in parts. Is it bad that I wanted more though? Maybe we are just too desensitized since 1974, don’t get me wrong though since the film definitely rocks in the gore department. In fact, it had to be re-cut before release, since it originally received an NC-17 rating. So hopefully we will get an unrated Blu-ray (boo-ya!). Of course I have a feeling that we have seen the last of Leatherface and the Sawyer family.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 3d, chainsaw, film, review, texas

Richard Riehle talks about playing Santa Claus, “Office Space” and “Texas Chainsaw 3D”

Richard Riehle is best known for his cult favorite role of Tom Smykowski in “Office Space”.  He has played Santa Claus more than five times, including films like Disney’s “The Search for Santa Paws” to “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”.  Besides comedies, he has also broke out in the horror genre with films like “Hatchet” and the upcoming “Texas Chainsaw 3D”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Richard about his amazing career to date and his love for what he does.

Mike Gencarelli: After playing roles in over 150 films and over a 100 TV series; what keep you drives and keep you inspired?
Richard Riehle: I love it because every project is a new experience and adventure. You go from playing Santa Claus one day to a serial killer the next. It offers all sorts of opportunities to try new things. Whether it is for a physical or psychological role. It is just great.

MG: Since it is the Holiday season, I have to ask what do you enjoy most about playing Santa Claus five times now, most recently in “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas”?
RR: They are all different. It ranges from “The Search for Santa Paws”, which is a family film with talking dogs, to “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas”, where I am a bong smoker [laughs]. I just love it.

MG: Can you tell us about how you got involved with “Office Space”?
RR: “Office Space” was just an amazing experience. Mike Judge spent a long time casting it, partly because he wanted a group of people that enjoyed hanging out with each other. I think that aspect really shows in the film. We got down to Austin and he told us flat out that we are going to be working some long hours but that every night he would take us out to the clubs or dinner. We just had a great time. It was a 26 day party.

MG: Can you reflect on the cult following that the film and your role Tom Smykowski has developed over the years?
RR: It has been absolutely amazing. When it first came out it wasn’t in theaters very long. We were excited about the good response it got and our work in it but we figured that it was done with. But about six months later, people were stopping me in the streets and asking me to quote the film. It just so happened at the time, I was doing a show for Fox, so I ran into Mike and he said it just came out on VHS and cable and has developed this whole new life. The most amazing part for me is that it has continued still through today. People are still quoting the film and spreading the word to their friends that haven’t seen it. It is just great.

MG: I have the “Office Space” stapler on my desk [laughs]
RR: [laughs] I will tell you a fun story about that stapler. I was at a cigar place in Beverly Hills. We were about to leave but my friend said that Sammy Hagar just called and said he was coming in and always brings a bunch of really beautiful girls. So we ordered another round and waited. Sure enough he came in with all these beautiful girls. Before we left my friend said he wanted to show me his humidor, which was right under Arnold Schwarzenegger’s. So as we were leaving two of Sammy’s girls where heading to the bathroom and they stopped me and said “Oh you were in “Office Space”, can we have an autograph?” I said “Sure” and they asked me to put down the line about the stapler. I said that actually wasn’t me and that was my buddy Stephen Root…but I was in the film. I asked them again if they still wanted an autograph and they said “Yes, please…and can you put down your line about the stapler?” [laughs].

MG: You not only just play roles comedies, you have a nice range into horror genre like “Hatchet”; what do you enjoy most about switching it up in films like that?
RR: “Hatchet” was sort of my introduction to horror. I have always enjoyed watching them but for some reason I never got cast in them. A buddy of mine, Joel Moore, was played the lead in the film and called and asked if I wanted to fill in for someone that dropped out. I told him “Of course” and that I was waiting to do one. It was just such a great and fun experience. Since you are dealing with these horrific things, it is usually one of the most fun sets to be on – horror films in general. Horror films are also shot all over, so you get to go to all sorts of strange and cool places. I did one called “Growth” and we got to shoot in Martha’s Vineyard, which was terrific and we got to explore the island, which was amazing.

MG: Tell us about your role of Farnsworth in “Texas Chainsaw 3D”?
RR: “Texas Chainsaw 3D”, which comes out January 4th, was shot in Shreveport, Louisiana. I had never been there either. We shot a bunch of it on this old munitions plant from WWII. The film is really a great idea and it works really well. They go back to the original “Texas Chainsaw” from 1974 and start from the last shot of that film with Sally jumping into the pickup truck. Leatherface goes back to his house after his dance of frustration. The local police chief shows up at the house and tries to bring him in but the family will not let him do it. A group of vigilantes show up and level the place and everyone is thought to be dead. 18 years later, the grandmother of the whole group, who is living in a mansion outside of town, dies. I play Farnsworth, her lawyer, and I have to find this girl that supposedly didn’t die during the attack and bring her back and offer her this mansion. But then of course…all hell breaks loose!

MG: Do you have a role that stands out for you’re as most memorable or challenging?
RR: I certainly love Tom Smykowski in “Office Space”. It was a wonderful experience doing it and since then it has lived on. I really like playing Carlson in “Of Mice and Men”, which was a while back. He is the guy that shoots the dog. I also did a TV series on Fox a while back called “Grounded for Life”, which was a wonderful experience as well. The thing is that it goes back to your first question; every role is so interesting and different and each with their own individual challenges. My next role is always going to be my favorite.

MG: What other projects do you have in the cards for 2013?
RR: It is hard to tell. A lot of the projects I do are these little independent films. The greatest difficulty is not so much getting them in the can, as it is finding distribution. I did this Western called “Dead Man’s Burden”, which I really liked. Clare Bowen, who is one of the leads in “Nashville” right now, is the lead in that. It was shot in New Mexico with no time and money. So that was recently shown in an LA film festival and I thought it came out really good. So keep an eye out for that one hopefully soon.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: 3d, chainsaw, claus, office, playing, richard, ...

“Texas Chainsaw 3D” Prize Pack Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

In theaters January 4th
www.TexasChainsaw3D.com
Facebook.com/TexasChainsawMassacreMovie
http://twitter.com/lionsgatehorror

To celebrate release of “Texas Chainsaw 3D”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway the following prize pack items below. If you would like to win one of this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite horror character. This giveaway will be open until January 7th at Noon and is only open to residents of the United States. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

* Five (5) Pairs of Run-of-Engagement Passes
* “Texas Chainsaw 3D” Official Posters
* “Texas Chainsaw 3D” Official T-Shirts
* “Texas Chainsaw 3D” Official Shotglasses
* Horror DVD Prize Pack – including “Scream”, “My Bloody Valentine” and Saw: The Final Chapter”

Lionsgate’s TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D continues the legendary story of the homicidal Sawyer family, picking up where Tobe Hooper’s 1974 horror classic left off in Newt, Texas, where for decades people went missing without a trace. The townspeople long suspected the Sawyer family, owners of a local barbeque pit, were somehow responsible. Their suspicions were finally confirmed one hot summer day when a young woman escaped the Sawyer house following the brutal murders of her four friends. Word around the small town quickly spread, and a vigilante mob of enraged locals surrounded the Sawyer stronghold, burning it to the ground and killing every last member of the family – or so they thought.

Decades later and hundreds of miles away from the original massacre, a young woman named Heather learns that she has inherited a Texas estate from a grandmother she never knew she had. After embarking on a road trip with friends to uncover her roots, she finds she is the sole owner of a lavish, isolated Victorian mansion. But her newfound wealth comes at a price as she stumbles upon a horror that awaits her in the mansion’s dank cellars…

With gruesome surprises in store for a whole new generation, TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D stars Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine ‘Trey Songz’ Neverson, Scott Eastwood, Tania Raymonde, Shaun Sipos, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, James MacDonald, Thom Barry, Paul Rae and Richard Riehle, along with special appearances from four beloved cast members from previous installments of the franchise: Gunnar Hansen (the original Leatherface), Marilyn Burns, John Dugan and Bill Moseley. The film is directed by John Luessenhop (TAKERS), from a screenplay by Adam Marcus & Debra Sullivan and Kirsten Elms, based on a story by Stephen Susco and Adam Marcus & Debra Sullivan and based on characters created by Kim Henkel and Tobe Hooper, and produced by Carl Mazzocone. Lionsgate presents a production and Main Line Pictures production.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: 3d, chainsaw, giveaway, pack, prize, texas, ...

Vinyl Review “The Rolling Stones: Some Girls – Live In Texas”

The Rolling Stones
“Some Girls – Live In Texas”
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Number of Discs: 3
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of The Rolling Stones, then you already know   and love “Some Girls – Live in Texas” from ’78.  It is one of the best live shows from the band. This release is getting the rare vinyl treatment thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment. The vinyl set contains 180g vinyls in a three-panel gatefold sleeve. The audio sounds truly amazing and really allows fans to go back in time and experience these songs the way that they were meant to be heard.  ’78 was also the highlight of The Stones and delivers some of their best tracks.

“Some Girls: Live In Texas” originally took place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on July 18, 1978. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman perform the tracks live just as good as they do on the album.  Even though this is a new vinyl release, it sounds like it pressed back in the day.  The sound is superb and really sharp.  It is polished but still holds the charm that makes vinyls still relevant. Some of the Stones classics tracks are showcased on these vinyls including, “Beast Of Burden”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin Jack Flash”. If you are looking for the live recording of this concert, it was also recently released by Eagle Rock on DVD and Blu-ray. If you are a classic days Stones fans or someone just discovering them, this vinyl will make you an instant fan.

TRACK LISTING:
Side A: 1) Let It Rock 2) All Down The Line 3) Honky Tonk Women 4) Star Star 5) When The Whip Comes Down
Side B: 1) Beast Of Burden 2) Miss You 3) Imagination 4) Shattered
Side C: 1) Respectable 2) Far Away Eyes 3) Love In Vain 4) Tumbling Dice
Side D: 1) Happy 2) Sweet Little Sixteen 3) Brown Sugar 4) Jumpin Jack Flash

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: girls, live, review, rolling, stones, texas, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”

Director: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Bill Moseley, Dennis Hopper, Caroline Williams, Bill Johnson, Lou Perryman, Chris Douridas
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was released in 1974 and is still one of the most disturbing films I have ever seen. It has had three direct sequels, a remake and two sequels to that remake with the latest “Texas Chainsaw 3D” coming in January 2013. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” is one hell of an ambitious big-budget sequel to a very small horror film. It might not have been the best idea for Hooper to go so mainstream in the sequel but is has become one of horror best sequels. Bill Moseley gives an amazing and cult classic performance as Chop-Top. The last Dennis Hooper is such a nut as Lefty. Of course Caroline Williams nails the role of Stretch, which is also such an iconic role in horror genre.

This sequel is not only more horrific but also funny as well. It follows Lefty (Hooper), who is a Texas Ranger looking to seek vengeance against the flesh-eating family from the first film. He also goes head-to-head in one of the most notable high-octane chainsaw showdowns with the legendary Leatherface. Radio deejay, Stretch, (Caroline Williams) is kidnapped and brought in between this battle and the family’s madness.

The Blu-ray presentation looks great with its restored 1080p transfer and original aspect ratio: 1.85:1. The audio track is decent but could have used a little extra umph with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The special features are very impressive with the ported extras from the 2006 DVD edition. There is a commentary with Director Tobe Hoooper and David Gregory, director of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth”. This is a little dull but still worth-wild for fans. There is another commentary track with actors Bill Mosely and Caroline Williams and special effects makeup creator Tom Savini. This one is the best and most recommended. There are six deleted scenes in “The Cutting Room Floor” mostly dealing with an abandoned story dealing with the Sawyers going hunting in the city. “It Runs in the Family Documentary” is an amazing 90 minutes documentary covering every aspect of the production. Lastly there is original Theatrical Trailer included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2, bluray, chainsaw, massacre, review, texas, ...

Check out video for Texas in July’s latest song “Cry Wolf” and pre-order the upcoming album now!

Texas In July has just premiered a brand new track today, called “Cry Wolf” from their self-titled album that will be out on October 9. This is the very first song revealed off of the new album. Texas In July is the follow up to their Equal Vision Records debut, One Reality, which was released in April 2011 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard New Artist/Heatseekers Chart and also placed on the Billboard 200, Rock, Independent, and Hard Rock charts. The band has just returned from a tour in Australia, and will next headline a Canadian tour with support from labelmates Glass Cloud, before heading out on the full US Unshakeable Tour supporting For Today this fall. They will close out the year on a UK/European tour as direct support to Miss May I this winter. All upcoming tour dates can be seen here. Pre-orders for the new album also launched last week, with each bundle coming with an instant digital download of “Cry Wolf”.

Pre-order link – http://texasinjuly.merchnow.com/

 

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Filed Under: Music Headlines Tagged With: album, check, cry, july, preorder, song, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Rolling Stones: Some Girls – Live in Texas ’78”

Starring: The Rolling Stones
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Running time 105 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I remember listening to the cassette of “Some Girls” with my uncle back in the late 80’s. It is definitely considered by fans to be one of The Rolling Stones’ very best. This concert was the bands 1978 tour to support the album and it was the time when the album had hit the #1 spot on the US charts. The concert was filmed at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 18th, 1978. The concert was really featured the band focusing on their music with little or no focus on its staging, though The Rolling Stones still deliver a very energetic performance.

The Blu-ray release for this concert is really clear and crisp. The footage was originally shot on 16mm film and has been restored, remixed and remastered by Bob Clearmountain from the original tapes. The sound is very clear and definitely sounds great on the Blu-ray. The movie features many classics including “Honky Tonk Woman”, “Tumbling Dice”, “Brown Sugar”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Miss You” and “Beast of Burden”. If you are fan of the Stones, this is definitely a no-brainer and a great opportunity to see the band its prime peak.

There are tons of great bonus features included on this release as well. There is a newly filmed interview with Mick Jagger, which is very fun. There is a great sketch from Saturday Night Live, October 1978, featuring Dan Aykroyd as Tom Snyder interviewing Mick Jagger. It is very funny and a fantastic feature. Also included from Saturday Night Live and introduced by Laraine Newman is “Shattered”, “Respectable” and “Beast Of Burden”. There are excerpts from a ABC 20/20 Special, introduced by Hugh Downs with interviews by Geraldo Rivera from June 1978/ This includes interviews with Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Bill. Lastly there is another interview with Mick from Aug 2011 conducted in France. The interview runs about 15 minutes and honestly, I could listen to Mick talk for hours. Great features overall for a great release. Congrats Eagle Rock Entertainment for delivering again.

Track Listing:
1) Let It Rock
2) All Down The Line
3) Honky Tonk Women
4) Star Star
5) When The Whip Comes Down
6) Beast Of Burden
7) Miss You
8) Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
9) Shattered
10) Respectable
11) Far Away Eyes
12) Love In Vain
13) Tumbling Dice
14) Happy
15) Sweet Little Sixteen
16) Brown Sugar
17) Jumpin Jack Flash

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 78, bluray, girls, live, review, rolling, ...

Interview with Texas in July

Texas in July released their second full length album this spring titled “One Reality” Media Mikes got a chance to chat with the whole band recently and it was quite entertaining to say the least. A huge thank you goes out to the band as well as their manager Jimmie and publicist Natalie for making this happen.

Adam Lawton: How did you guys get involved with the iMatter festival?
Christian Royer: 3 years ago they asked us to do it.
Ben Witkowski: A few years ago we got the offer and I think that was the year Devil Wears Prada played as well as Kid Napkin.
CR: We were really stoked to be asked!
BW: Shout out to Kid Napkin! Their bass player is wicked good!

AL: What has been your take on playing the festival?
Adam Gray: It’s great!
BW: It’s cool and I love playing it!
Alex Good: The kids are all really great and nice!
CR: They always treat us really great. They love us and we love them.
BW: The crowd has been really great each year we have played.

AL: Chris I would like to say you look a little bit like Russell Brand.
BW: OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!
AG: (Laughs)
CR: The interviews over!
Chris Davis: I am leaving now! (Laughs)

AL: It’s not a bad thing.
AG: He gets that all the time.

AL: What can you tell us about your recent release “One Reality”?
BW: We put a lot of hard work into it and we are really proud of it!
Alex: It’s our second full length album but our first on Equal Vision.

AL: Does anyone have a favorite track off the album?
CD: The title track “One Reality” which we just started playing for our upcoming tour with We Came as Romans.
CR: I think I am with you as that song has been really fun playing live.
BW: It’s a toss-up between when I listen to the album and when I go out and play the album. It could really be any of the songs.

AL: Do you guys have any crazy tour moments you can tell us about?
AG: I was held up at knife point!
BW: We blew a tire in the Bronx one time and were stuck there until 4am.
AG: The trailer got stranded there for a few days but it never got robbed.
CD: We ran out of gas in Montana one time in a blizzard. We ended up pulling over at a gas station and waited out front until they opened at like 6am. I was driving. I’m an idiot!
CR: Europe was pretty crazy just in general.

AL: How is it for you guys touring overseas as compared to in the states?
CD: I think its better.
AG: There just tends to be double the kids each night coming out to the shows.
CR: It’s great because none of us have to drive over there or worry about being up. They treat all the bands like gods.
BW: I love Las Vegas!
CD: What? (Laughs)
BW: I was just teasing. (Laughs)

AL: Can you tell us about your upcoming fall tour?
BW: We are very excited for that. We are playing with our good friends We Came as Romans and we hear good things about Miss May I and the rest of the guys on the tour.
CD: The full line up is We Came as Romans, Texas in July, and Miss May I, Of Mice and Men and Close to Home.
BW: It’s going to be a great time and the tour wraps up at the Tuxedo Junction in Danbury, CT with Miss May I.
CD: We get one day off then we have to fly to Europe.

AL: Adam can you tell us about your appearance on the “Late Show with Jay Leno”?
AG: Probably the most stressful thing I have ever experienced in my life. It was awesome to meet everyone but I was just so nervous and stressed out that I couldn’t clear my head. I did enjoy it though.

AL: How did you get involved with doing the show?
AG: There was a video of me that had gone viral going around. Hayley Williams from Paramore kind of helped it and really started it off by posting it on her Tumblr site. From there Ryan Seacrest posted it in Twitter to Travis Barker and from there it just blew up.

AL: Jay treated you alright?
AG: Yeah! He walked in dressed in all denim and told me not to be nervous as my grandma was watching. That’s all I needed.

AL: You had to be in front of William Shatner as well correct?
AG: Yeah but him I don’t care about!
BW: William Shatner better watch his back!
AG: I am really not a big fan of his.

AL: I assume he wasn’t very pleasant?
AG: Yeah but It doesn’t really matter. I didn’t exactly know who he was at first and I know that’s kind of stupid but I never was a real “Star Trek” fan. As soon as I got back from that thing I laid down, turned on the television and the first thing I see is William Shatner on the Priceline commercial.

AL: Other than the fall tour what else do you guys have planned?
BW: Were starting to write some new rock songs!
CD: We have pretty much all of November and December off. So we will probably start writing for the new album. We have some touring at the beginning of the year planned as well,which should be good.
AG: That tour will be a good one! But we can’t tell you who is going to be with us.

 

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Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: interview, july, texas
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