The Evil Dead

DVD Review

Starring...Bruce Campbell/Ellen Sandweiss/Hal Delrich/Betsy Baker/Sarah York
Written & Directed by Sam Raimi

What can you say about the Evil Dead? A film that spooked a generation and gave us the talents that brought us two sequels, Xena and the wonderfully camp Cleopatra 2525.

On DVD the picture is remarkably good, considering the film was made on 16mm and it is also the uncut version. Which means that the infamous 'tree rape' scene has been put back in, in all it's glory. Having said that, it is hard to see why the film was released unrated back then, especially when you look at some of the horror films that were being produced back then. TED was pretty tame even then, and compared with todays horror, it barely needs an eighteen. In fact, the scariest thing about the film was the acting, even the great Bruce Campbell looks a bit dodgy but as it was his first 'proper film' we will forgive him.

The best part of this DVD release is the extras, compared to the less than meager extras on the Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness releases, the extras on TED are phemonial. not only do you get a commentary with Director Sam Raimi and Producer Robert Tapert, you also get a hilariously frank commentary with star and genre hero, Bruce Campbell.

These two are worth the price of the DVD alone, Sam and Robert's is witty and informative, esepecially when they are taking the mickey out of Campbell. While Bruces is just a joy to listen to.

A great film with two brilliant commentaries, what are you waiting for? Buy it!

Special features...Aspect ratio 16x9/1.85.1*Dolby 5.1 surround*Digital surround 6.1 DTS-ES*US trailer* Audio commentary with Raimi/Tapert*Audio commentary with Campbell.