Tobe Hooper’s cult classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre returns to theaters today to celebrate the 50th anniversary in a fully restored 4K version, courtesy of MPI Media Group and Dark Sky Films. Originally released in 1974, the iconic horror film is being shown across 900 venues nationwide, including major chains like Regal, Cinemark, and Alamo Drafthouse.
Fans can catch this fresh release in theaters through Halloween and into early November. Special screenings are happening at notable venues, including Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, which will feature the film in its massive 700-seat auditorium. With strong pre-sales, theaters have been adding extra showtimes to meet the demand.
The film, starring Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, and Gunnar Hansen as the infamous Leatherface, tells the grisly story of five friends who become the prey of a family of cannibals. Known for its graphic violence and raw intensity, the film sparked outrage upon its initial release, facing censorship battles, but has since cemented its legacy as a horror masterpiece. It has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and remakes over the decades.
The re-release marks a significant milestone for MPI Media Group, which originally acquired the rights in the 1970s when it was focused on home video distribution. Now, under the leadership of Justin DiPietro—formerly of Cohen Media Group, Alamo Drafthouse, and Netflix—the film’s theatrical return is a major event for the relaunched MPI and its genre label, Dark Sky. “They had this thing cooking,” said DiPietro, referring to the 50th anniversary re-release, which kicked off with a screening at this year’s SXSW.
The celebration has been building with recent red-carpet events, including a premiere at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles, featuring a Q&A with the cast and crew moderated by horror aficionado Eli Roth. The film also enjoyed a prestigious New York premiere at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Watch the restored 4K version trailer here:
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