The Evil Dead: Special Edition
OVERALL:
ASPECT RATIO(S)
Full Frame (1.33:1)
SOUND MIX
FEATURES
STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION
Dolby Digital 5.1
- Director's Commentary
- Bruce Campbell Commentary
- Still Photo Gallery
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage
- Theatrical Trailer
Elite
Buy it!
GRADING SCALE
Film 
Features 
Audio
Video
The ultimate cult classic. From first time director Sam Raimi comes a horror film that actually delivers some of the chills. Shot on an extremely low budget, THE EVIL DEAD manages to leave you with a sick feeling after watching it in all its gory glory. Bruce Campbell, who went on to star in the other DEAD movies, makes his first screen appearance here. Filled with cheesy effects and bad lighting, THE EVIL DEAD still entertains.
Features
Elite has given this dvd a well deserved special edition makeover. There's some rough behind-the-scenes footage on here, a photo gallery, and the trailer. But the real extras are the very entertaining commentaries. Bruce Campbell's is probably the one to listen to first. He's funny throughout and has alot to say. Many commentaries will bore you to death, but he keeps things interesting. Sam Raimi's commentary is more about the making of the movie, as he points out several tidbits about the film. He even points you out to a scene where the producer of the movie is standing in the shot. Funny.
Audio
This movie has also been remastered in 5.1. Thank goodness. The mono mix on the vhs just didn't quite cut it. This track is much more lively and has a little bit of bass. The surrounds work well during the shots of the evil spirits coming towards the cabin.
Video
This transfer was personally approved by Sam Raimi. Unlike the extremely muted vhs, this version of the movie actually has some color with a little life to it. It's virtually a crystal clear transfer of the film and it won't ever look as good as it does now.
Overall
THE EVIL DEAD series has a huge cult following and this is the one that started it all. It's much more gruesome and gory than the other two, and is a bit darker. Highly recommended.