Gas up your chainsaws and fire up the grill: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is turning 50 this year, and the good folks at MPI Media Group and Dark Sky Films are celebrating the occasion in style, with a year-long series of special events that are sure to delight fans of Tobe Hooper's 1974 classic.
It all kicks off at this year's SXSW in Austin, TX...
Fans will be treated to the live creation of an ice sculpture unveiling the new 50th anniversary TCM logo with a chainsaw wielding Leatherface. A local Austin-based ice sculptor will create the bloody carving in real-time using a real chainsaw at The Stay Put located on Downtown Austin's Historic Rainey Street. The live sculpture demo will take place from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm CST with photo opportunities from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Brand ambassadors will be on site with giveaways and additional info about THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition.
"50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition," did you say? Tell us more!
In late 2024, Dark Sky Films will release a multi-disc set, which will include the new 4K UHD edition of the film, a Blu-ray bonus disc containing new extra features, and an exclusive VHS release of the movie. The special edition collector’s set will be housed in a custom created box shaped as a chainsaw that will feature iconic sounds from the film when it is opened.
But that's not all: throughout the year, Texas Chain Saw fans can look forward to a number of other events and screenings. Like what? We're glad you asked:
Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE will continue to treat fans with special appearances and fan panels at various conventions throughout the country including one of the largest Chainsaw reunions ever with twelves guests appearing at this year’s Texas Frightmare Weekend in May.
In August, the re-release of the restored film will premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, where it is a part of the revered institution's permanent collection. Following that, screenings of the film will begin in selected theaters around the country, including major events in Los Angeles and Chicago. "Word of Mouth" showings and promotional screenings will kick off the Halloween season at film societies, museums and theaters.
All of this is tremendously exciting (just imagine seeing Texas Chain Saw Massacre at the MOMA; what I would not give), and with many of these cast appearances and screenings yet to be announced, there's sure to be plenty of updates about TCM's 50th anniversary celebration in the months ahead. Stay tuned for those as they roll in, folks!
