Evil Dead (Book of the Dead Edition)
Anchor Bay : Horror : 1.85 (Anamorphic) : AC3 5.1, DTS 5.1, AC3 2.0 : Rated R : DVD-9 : PAL : 1983 : 82 mins
The Film
The auteur horror film of the 80's (although started in '79), Evil Dead still stands out for it's energy and bravado. Shot on a shoestring over a number of years, this wild and often humorous film set a benchmark that few managed to meet for the rest of the decade (for one who did rise to the challenge, the my Re-Animator review). A group of college kids head into the woods to spend the weekend at an old cabin. They find a tape recorder, and upon playing back it's contents release an ancient demon. Possession, axes, chainsaws, wierd voices and oversexed trees all play their part in this 82 minute rollercoaster of a film. It has so far spawned two sequels (Evil Dead 2 - Dead by Dawn, a virtual remake of the original, and Army of Darkness). Bruce Campbell attained cult status through his portrayal of Ash in this and the subsequent films, and has turned up in some role on all of Sam's films since.
The DVD
OK. This is a special one. Yes, the disk is the same as the special edition released to locals stores. Two commentaries (one from director Sam Raimi and producer Bob Tappert, one from Bruce Campbell), an informative making of which tells the story of how it got sold and became a cult hit, a Bruce Campbell documentary of the wierd life of fans, trailer etc. The print has been THX'd, and while soft and grainy in parts, is the best it has ever looked. Certainly better than any of the numerous VHS versions I have owned over the years. The audio has also be remixed, and comes as a DTS, AC3 5.1 or Pro-logic mix. While the surround is nice, and punches up the volume, it's not the most immersive mix ever laid down. So what makes this special ? This edition is the Book of the Dead edition. Instead of the standard amray case, you get a latex bound book of the dead from the film. Inside are copies of the original Tom Sullivan art work from the film version of the book, a blurb from Tom, a mini book on the history of the film, and the DVD itself. Very cool. Thsi can be found in a few import and mainstream stores, to shop around or put it on order. If you are a fan, you gotta have it. (Note : there is no region 4 release of this edition. The import edition is region 2, so make sure you can play it)
Film : 5 / 5 (this is perfect horror) DVD 4.5 / 5
The Film
The auteur horror film of the 80's (although started in '79), Evil Dead still stands out for it's energy and bravado. Shot on a shoestring over a number of years, this wild and often humorous film set a benchmark that few managed to meet for the rest of the decade (for one who did rise to the challenge, the my Re-Animator review). A group of college kids head into the woods to spend the weekend at an old cabin. They find a tape recorder, and upon playing back it's contents release an ancient demon. Possession, axes, chainsaws, wierd voices and oversexed trees all play their part in this 82 minute rollercoaster of a film. It has so far spawned two sequels (Evil Dead 2 - Dead by Dawn, a virtual remake of the original, and Army of Darkness). Bruce Campbell attained cult status through his portrayal of Ash in this and the subsequent films, and has turned up in some role on all of Sam's films since.
The DVD
OK. This is a special one. Yes, the disk is the same as the special edition released to locals stores. Two commentaries (one from director Sam Raimi and producer Bob Tappert, one from Bruce Campbell), an informative making of which tells the story of how it got sold and became a cult hit, a Bruce Campbell documentary of the wierd life of fans, trailer etc. The print has been THX'd, and while soft and grainy in parts, is the best it has ever looked. Certainly better than any of the numerous VHS versions I have owned over the years. The audio has also be remixed, and comes as a DTS, AC3 5.1 or Pro-logic mix. While the surround is nice, and punches up the volume, it's not the most immersive mix ever laid down. So what makes this special ? This edition is the Book of the Dead edition. Instead of the standard amray case, you get a latex bound book of the dead from the film. Inside are copies of the original Tom Sullivan art work from the film version of the book, a blurb from Tom, a mini book on the history of the film, and the DVD itself. Very cool. Thsi can be found in a few import and mainstream stores, to shop around or put it on order. If you are a fan, you gotta have it. (Note : there is no region 4 release of this edition. The import edition is region 2, so make sure you can play it)
Film : 5 / 5 (this is perfect horror) DVD 4.5 / 5
posted by Gunslinger at 23:01
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