The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Shot on 16mm, Texas Chain Saw isn't flushed with detail, even when compared to the Blu-ray. In terms of raw resolution, those who deny UHD shows improvement over the Blu-ray have a case. Add this to the grungy, visible damage on the print (which is for the best in this case rather than a flaw) and this doesn't appear as a strong case study for upgrading.

And yet, to so denounces the Dolby Vision pass, which is potent, aggressive, and never subtle. Contrast runs so hot, suiting the heated intent, clipping happens often. Crush follows the black levels too, appearing every bit the 16mm source it is. Color improves to a level near hyper-saturation, especially the flesh tones. There's a detectable digital touch, if not one that harms any tone or intent.

Grain resolves the best it can with a hearty encode going to work. Texas Chain Saw carries a digital veneer likely unavoidable until disc media has more space to work with. Note this doesn't diminish detail, rather just giving the grain a noisy edge.

Audio

DTS-HD 7.1, 5.1, and mono tracks are on the UHD, but the newcomer is Dolby Atmos. Like the video, it's aggressive, too much so even. Every effect sweeps through the soundstage, and while effective when it works (cars passing the van), other times every speaker fills from basic touches like boards being lowered for Franklin's chair. Yet, when the family moves upstairs and their footsteps drop from the wood, the height channels make a premium contribution that sounds completely real.

Captured raw, dialog passed through the center roughly, less aged than natural for something exhibiting a documentary flair.