The Evil Dead [Blu-ray] (1981) (Region 2) (Import)

All directors have to start somewhere, and this is Sam Raimi's first full length feature film. It's may have been seen as a trashy horror film at the time, but it's become a cult classic and the blood spattering story of a holiday gone wrong holds a fond place in many a
film watcher's heart.

We see a group of young students on their way to a secluded cabin hoping for a quiet break in the country. From the very first moments of the film Raimi creates an eery tension as the camera follows the group to suggest that there is somehow an unknown presence. Great use of sound ensures that you are never at ease and always on edge - even if you've heard nothing about this film - you'll instinctively know that things are about to turn sinister.

This shouldn't be a great film, it should be consigned to schlock horror history as one of many low budget horror films designed for the American drive-through market. But is hasn't been forgotten and for good reason; it was the debut feature from Raimi and it showcased one of most loved director-actor collaborations of the film industry, it also didn't take
itself too seriously and helped to create a new genre - 'comedy horror'.

It's true that there's not that much humour in Evil Dead, but it is there simmering underneath and whilst watching it you are always aware that the small team behind the film have a sense of fun and that adds a personal touch. It doesn't feel like a 'conveyor belt' flick which
picks out a few choice cliches from a well established set, instead it reinvents them in a way which only a true fan could by hand crafting them. The sequel acts as more of a remake than a continuation, but here the ideas are put down on celluloid and although the film is anything but sophisticated, you can't help but appreciate the directing skills which successfully portray everything which is meant to be portrayed.

This Blu-Ray release is better than Evil Dead II in terms of bonus features, though the picture isn't as lush as Army Of Darkness. This film was never going to look great though, it's practically an amateur production but the level of detail squeezed out of it for the High Definition treatment is impressive. Die-hard deadite fans will be disappointed at the widescreen aspect ratio (the original was filmed in 4:3) so there is cropping of the picture, but you can at least satisfy yourself that this is done with the supervision of Sam Rami himself. There is a brand new commentary for this disk with producer Rob Tapert along with Campbell and Rami, it's a fun and fond look back at the film which kick-started Raimi's career. There's a 'making of' documentary which runs for nearly an hour and provides a great insight into the creative efforts which went into the films production. Another hour long feature consisting of deleted and alternative scenes will please fans, there are also interviews contained in shorter extras and a nice on-stage reunion for a Q&A session. I'm not entirely sure how many of these have appeared on previous DVD releases, but it seems an impressive array of extras.

In a nutshell: I can't honestly say that I really enjoy this film, I'm not a massive horror fan - but I do like Bruce Campbell. This film does represent a special turning point for the genre and credit has to be given to Raimi for observing all the well established clichés of horror and managing to present them in a way which feels original.

It must be safe to assume, that must people looking this title up, already know the movie. Great film right! I was 20 then I saw this for the first time, recommended by the local Video Shop. I remember it clearly! So you have never seen EVIL DEAD? Shame on you!
Wonderful to see it out on Blu. Picture and sound quality, fully lived up to my expectations."I'm used to the laserdisc version" For this release, Sony have included, for what I can tell, all the previous DVD extras, plus a Picture in Picture track and of cause the much talked about new commentary track. I found this track very informative and entertaining, at the end, Sam & Co. speak about the picture format, not a spoil it for you guys.
Speaking of the format, this Sony release, only have the modified 16:9 picture. In my opinion, it looks great on a 16:9 TV, not squeezed at all, but as other reviewers have pointed out, the picture is chopped - if you what the dual picture option? Make sure you order the Anchorbay region A Blu ray.
Anyway, I guess the question you are really looking for: Is this BD worth the upgrade? Absolutly, Evil Dead looks great on blu ray!

Evil Dead: Ultimate Edition [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I'm not really going to review the film. Usually these reviews are meant to be about the product itself, so here goes.

THE EVIL DEAD is a classic low budget horror from the eighties. Enough said.

Now for the set. You get 3 discs in an awesome case, with amazing art. 2 discs contain the film. 1 disc is full of extras. There is also a poster in the set.

The film is presented in its original full screen format on one disc, whilst on the other it is presented in widescreen, its theatrical release, where the top and bottom have just been cropped out.

There are amazing extras such as:
. Two audio commentaries on the film by the cast and crew.
. The Evil Dead: Treasures from the Cutting Room Floor, which is outtakes and footage in final film.
. One by One We Will Take You: The Untold Saga of The Evil Dead, which is a documentary about the film.
. Life After Death: The Ladies of The Evil Dead, a documentary about the women who were in The Evil Dead.
. The Ladies of The Evil Dead Meet Bruce Campbell, an interview with Bruce and the Ladies about the film.
. Unconventional, a documentary about the fans at conventions.
. At The Drive-In, footage at a drive in screening where the actors and crew give out DVDs to fans.
. Reunion Panel.
. Discovering The Evil Dead, another documentary about the film.
. Make-up test.
. Theatrical trailer.
. 4 TV spots.
. Still gallery.
. Poster and Memorabilia gallery.
. Trailers for - Hatchet, Phantasm, Hellraiser, Re-Animator, and Behind the Mask.

Disk 1 - The film in widescreen. One by One We Will Take You: The Untold Saga of The Evil Dead. And an audio commentary by the director and producer.

Disk 2 - The film in fullscreen. The Evil Dead: Treasures from the Cutting Room Floor. Audio commentary with Bruce Campbell, who played Ash.

Disk 3 - Life After Death: The Ladies of The Evil Dead. The Ladies of The Evil Dead Meet Bruce Campbell. Unconventional. At The Drive-In. Reunion Panel. Discovering The Evil Dead. Make-up test. Theatrical trailer. 4 TV spots. Still gallery. Poster and Memorabilia gallery. Trailers for other films.

This is truly the version to buy, if you are a fan, or if you are wanting to see the film in its original fullscreen format, buy it.