Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" on Blu-ray, delivered by the Warner Archive Collection, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The transfer considerably handles the film’s modest budget while maintaining an organic quality. Throughout the daytime sequences against the expansive Texas plains, the transfer exhibits commendable clarity and detail, supported by a natural color palette that captures the bright, sunlit setting effectively. However, slight variances in detail are noticeable, especially when transitioning into more shadowy areas like Alfredo's office.

The film's numerous nighttime scenes present certain challenges for the transfer, including occasional deficits in shadow definition and a decrease in fine detail levels. Despite these challenges, the grainfield remains consistently natural, and there are no noticeable compression artifacts, ensuring an overall stable viewing experience. Minor focus pulling issues arise occasionally, contributing to moments of perceived softness but do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the presentation. This Blu-ray transfer successfully balances the film's inherent limitations with a technical proficiency that keeps it visually engaging.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that excels in its execution, maintaining an eerie, immersive atmosphere throughout the film. The mix balances the menacing roar of the chainsaw and a wide variety of disturbing sound effects with precision, ensuring an unsettling experience. Outdoor scenes provide ample opportunities for ambient environmental effects to be strategically placed around the soundfield, adding layers of realism and depth to the auditory experience. Dialogues are cleanly rendered and well prioritized, allowing for clear understanding amidst the chaos.

Despite the film's low-budget nature and frequent dark, night-time sequences, the surround sound track remains effective. It maintains a strong presence without being overly enveloping. Ambient activity is frequent, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming the viewer. The score and music selection, although not offering grand amounts of fidelity, have appropriate lift in pivotal moments. This balance ensures that sound effects have excellent bite while dialogues stay comprehensible. In summary, this audio track is a commendable effort that significantly elevates the viewing experience of "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III".

The Blu-ray extras for "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" deliver a compelling and in-depth look at the film's production. The filmmaker commentary stands out with contributions from director Jeff Burr, makeup effects artist Gregory Nicotero, actor R.A. Mihailoff (Leatherface), writer David J. Schow, actor William Butler, and New Line executive Mark Odesky. The commentary offers valuable insights into the various levels of production, including the strategic efforts by New Line to franchise the film. "The Saw is Family: Making Leatherface" is an engaging featurette detailing the film's inception and development, complete with a cautionary note about its graphic content. Director Jeff Burr's "We Know What to Do with Them Parts" documentary sheds light on the deleted scenes. Also included are an alternate ending and the original trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Insightful discussion from key production members.
• The Saw is Family: Making Leatherface: An engaging documentary on the film's genesis.
• We Know What to Do with Them Parts: Analysis of deleted scenes.
• Alternate Ending: An alternative conclusion to the film.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, directed by Jeff Burr and written by David J. Schow, was an ambitious attempt by New Line Cinema to reinvigorate the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series after the lackluster reception of its predecessor. The film’s marketing featured an iconic teaser, with Leatherface catching a chainsaw in an Excalibur-like moment, which piqued interest but unfortunately did not translate into box office success upon its initial release. Over time, this third installment garnered a cult following, driven by its darkly menacing tone and the central focus on Leatherface himself, sidelining the notorious cannibalistic family.

The narrative ventures into road movie territory, following protagonists Michelle (Kate Hodge) and Ryan (William Butler) as they encounter a series of bizarre characters while trying to escape the clutches of Leatherface (R.A. Milhailoff). Among these characters is Benny (Ken Foree), a survival expert whose skills add an element of tactical resistance against the ever-menacing Leatherface. The film attempts to return to the horror roots inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, maintaining a grim atmosphere punctuated by graphic violence. Fans of the visceral gore synonymous with the series will find satisfaction in these harrowing sequences, though it may fall short for those seeking a fresh narrative reinvention.

Despite its commendable moments, Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III grapples with maintaining consistent momentum. Disturbing elements, reminiscent of Gein's real-life atrocities, lend authenticity but do not fully compensate for a storyline that errs on predictability. Originally trimmed to avoid an X rating, the film’s provocative content may appease gore enthusiasts but limits broader appeal. Nevertheless, the included commentary and making-of featurette on this Blu-ray edition provide intriguing insights into New Line's vision and aspirations for this troubled franchise during that period. For dedicated fans, these supplemental materials offer valuable context and enhance appreciation of this darkly notable chapter in horror cinema history.

The Blu-ray release of "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" by Warner Archive offers a gritty continuation of the iconic horror franchise, despite the absence of original director Tobe Hooper. The unrated version provides relentless gore and mayhem, true to the series' essence, albeit with uneven pacing. Highlighting the technical merits, this release boasts solid audiovisual quality with commendable clarity and detail, ensuring an immersive experience. The commendable efforts by Warner Archive to present an excellent video transfer with little grain and accurate color reproduction make it a worthwhile collector’s item.

Further enhancing the package is an impressive array of supplementary materials, providing in-depth insights and entertainment for both seasoned aficionados and new viewers alike. Interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentaries round out a well-curated collection of extras that spotlight the film's tumultuous production history and its eventual resurgence. This attention to detail in the supplemental content elevates the overall value of the release, ensuring hours of additional engagement beyond the main feature.

In conclusion, "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" may be for franchise completists more than the general public. There is some undeniably graphic and disturbing material here, but the film tends to work only in fits and starts. Technical merits are solid for those considering a purchase, and the supplementary package is very enjoyable.