A few words about...™ The Evil Dead -- in Blu-ray

There's a certain mindset that believes that a film shot on 16mm isn't going to gain a great deal of quality if released on Blu-ray.  If that believe had any credence, then Anchor Bay's new Blu-ray of Sam Raimi's film would be, at best, a placebo.

But when a prime 16mm element is properly scanned, and then not technologically messed with to any great extent, the final result can be very worthwhile.

That is the case with the newest (and I must believe there have been dozens of them) release of The Evil Dead.

This is an obviously low budget film, that could easily have remained under the main stream radar, but it is also a work that has become beloved of low budget horror aficionados, and rightfully so.

Anchor Bay has released the film so that one can select either an open matte 1.33:1 or a matted 1.85:1 aspect ratio version.  Both seem to work perfectly well, with the open matte occasionally allowing too much open space -- I'd probably prefer to watch the film in 1.66 -- but at least Anchor Bay has gone to the trouble and expense of allowing the viewer to make their selection.

Color is fine, grain is there, but looks natural and unoffensive.  Black levels and shadow detail are what would expect of the format.

The bottom line, especially for those who love the film, is that it is now available on Blu-ray in a manner, which to these eyes, cannot be bettered.  A very nice job all around.

As an aside, the rather unfortunate low budget lightning effect, which as I recall was removed from an earlier version, has returned, so for those who seek originality, this is the original version of the film.

A quality Blu-ray release, using original 16mm film elements at their highest possible level, which will finally permit viewers to retire their standard definition versions.  This is a very worthy upgrade.

Recommended.

RAH

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafink 

This sounds like an excellent release.  I'm especially glad that both aspect ratios are included, and that it hasn't been "technologically messed with to any great extent."

 

I'm curious to know what you mean by "the rather unfortunate low budget lightning effect"?  I'm not especially familiar with the film...what was changed or "corrected' on previous DVD versions?  I generally like to see a film's original version preserved on disc, mistakes and all, which it sounds like we're getting here, but what exactly is the issue?

Why deny you the pleasure.  You'll know it when you see it.