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- Evil Dead - US DVD -  

"The Evil Dead" has always been one of my all-time favorite low budget shockers.
I was quite excited when I brought this DVD home. As soon as I started the 
DVD I found myself just a little disappointed.
The main menu has only three options: Chapter selection, Theatrical Trailer 
(only one is included) or the movie can be resumed. Bummer.
One of the main reason I have enjoyed DVDs is for all the additional goodies 
that are included. Why this movie is lacking in extras, I am not sure.  
I was actually hoping for a commentary version with Sam Raimi.  
Oh, well, such is life.  
I knew my disappointment would not be permanent. 
For "The Evil Dead" is a powerful and truly scary film that is not for the weak
of heart or stomach.
The plot is a no brainer.  
Five college students spend a weekend in an isolated cabin. As soon as the movie
starts, we know that this holiday will not be an enjoyable one. The five friends
drive to the mountains of Tennessee. They cross a rickety bridge, which nearly
collapses and they are cut off from society.
Later that night their partying is disrupted. A trap door in the floor suddenly 
opens. The two males Scottie and Ash (Bruce Campbell) search the basement. They
find a few curious items including a book bound in human flesh and inked in human
blood, a tape recorder and a tape. 
What follows is one of the great scenes in this movie.
The group gathers around the fireplace. The tape is played. A scientist explains
about some of his discoveries and the book. The incantations of the book can 
bring demons back to life. These demons can then possess humans. The incantations
on the tape are played. Guess what happens?
Sam Raimi's direction is superb. Constantly he plays with us. Odd camera angles 
keep us off balance. The audience never knows what to expect next.
Even when the predictable happens, we are not ready for it.
I have seen this movie several times.  I think I jumped about four or five times 
watching it this time.
That says a lot about Raimi's ability to give a good scare.
Raimi uses our natural fears to give this movie an extreme level of intensity.  
He really plays on mans fear of the dark and fear of the unknown. It worked on me.  
The demons terrorize the group during the night.  
A full moon hangs over the cabin. The feeling of dread brought on by this is almost
too real.
We only see the demons when they have possessed a human. Several times we know 
they are there, but never see in what form they are, if any.  
Raimi even uses some great camera shots to show us the demons perspective of the 
scene.
The suspense in this movie is probably some of the best even. Raimi never gives
a break. Even when there is hope for survival, he takes it quickly away.  
This is not a feel good film. It is meant to disturb and horrify. It succeeds on 
both accounts.
One scene is more agonizing then others. 
One female member of the group, Cheryl, ventures into the woods during the night.  
Yes, I know, that is a silly thing to do. 
Cheryl is attacked by the forest. Yes, I said that correctly. She is not just 
attacked in the woods. She is attacked and assaulted by the trees and vines in 
the woods.
This is a scene that could have easily caused the movie to lose its edge.
Raimi did not let that happen. There is no mention that the film or audio is enhanced.  
The transfer from VHS to DVD was supervised by Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell.  
The picture is much clearer and the sound better. That is a plus.
The groans, hysterical laughs, and other tormenting sounds that the demons make
while in a possessed human body are a principal ingredient in this movies success.
I highly recommend The Evil Dead. Even though there is not a lot on this DVD, the
movie itself is well worth watching.

Reviewed By Scal Williams

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