Evil Dead series DVDs (1 Viewer)

[Brad Grenz]

Someone want to give me the lowdown on all the different versions of these movies? I saw another version of Army of Darkness on the shelf the other day claiming to be the definitive version, but that's what the last one I bought said (and it didn't have the S-Mart ending!). And the weekend cirulars are advertizing the Book of the Dead edition of Evil Dead which comes out Tuesday. What does it have that the others didn't. I swear, these 3 movies have spawned several dozen DVDs, all different...

 

[Adam_WM]

Ok, this has been said many times before in many threads, but I'll answer because I've asked this question before:

Evil Dead 1: You want Book of the Dead for Extras and the original Anchor Bay edition for full-frame original edition with best transfer. You don't need the ELITE edition because it is just repetitious of both of those editions.

Evil Dead 2: Get the one with the cartoons on the front, THX edition.

Army of Darkness: Get the Anchor Bay one with Ash screaming on the front and the Bootleg Director's Cut.

That's it.

5 editions of 3 movies.

 

[Rob Lutter]

Adam pretty much hit it on the head... although I consider the full frame version of Evil Dead obsolete (the new one was done per the wishes of Sam Raimi and supervised by Bruce Campbell himself).
Get the Book of the Dead as soon as it comes out... I don't think they are making that many (although it may be limited in the Saving Private Ryan limited sense no one is sure)
The Bootleg Edition of Army of Darkness is 15 minutes longer, but goes sporadically (especially in the last battle scene) from DVD to bad VHS quality. I recommend getting the THX Theatrical Version also (the quality is much more consistant and it also contains a 5.1 track that the Bootleg Edition lacks). The Commentary on the Bootleg Cut is CLASSIC

 

[Adam_WM]

Ah, I know the new one is supervised by Sam and Bruce, but you gotta love the full-frame. Nostalgic value.

 

[RicP]

Get the Book of the Dead as soon as it comes out... I don't think they are making that many

I read 20,000 somewhere.

Rob,

How does the Bootleg Edition of AOD compare to the "Limited Collectors 2-disc set" that was out awhile ago? I have the limited edition and I'm wondering if I'm missing anything that's on the "Bootleg" edition?

 

[Adam_WM]

The bootleg is disc 2 of that set.

 

[Rob Lutter]

it is also the same as the 'Director's Cut Limited Edition' that came out a year or two ago... that is the one I have.

 

[Terrell]

Okay, I'm about to buy the entire Evil Dead trilogy. Here are the versions of each film I'v decided on buying. My main interest is in quality of the transfers and surround track. Tell me if these are the best versions in terms of transfers.
Evil Dead

Evil Dead II

Army of Darkness

 

[Damin J Toell]

Evil Dead

Terrell: you're bound to get conflicting opinions about this one. However, the main thing to keep in mind is that this transfer is taken from the original elements and features the aspect ratio preferred by Sam Raimi, even if many fans disagree with it. I think it's the superior choice.

DJ

 

[Terrell]

Thanks Damin. That version it is. That would be important to me.

 

[Jon Robertson]

I too prefer the matting because it does cramp the compositions, which means a far more claustrophobic, off-kilter and unsettling visual experience - perfect for such a film. In other words, less is more.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

This info is outlined in the FAQ/PRIMER. I would ask that anyone who replies to this question the next time it is asked, please supply this link:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...527#post532527