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The Evil Dead (1981) Physical Media Shootout! Which Edition is the Best?

I can’t think of a movie with more physical releases than The Evil Dead. The massive number of home video copies is just as important to the film’s legacy as the making of the movie itself. I don’t own every release; I’ve acquired a lot over the years, but I’m still missing quite a few. By the time this article is published, I’m sure about 3 new editions have dropped. I will also likely look back on this writing a year or 2 from now and cringe at how many new editions have been added, making this write-up soon obsolete. I must apologize to any reader who might use this in deciding which edition to get (if for some reason you don’t already own it, or are looking to make an upgrade), as even the most recent 4K UHD and box collection are out of print and have increased in value significantly.

A Few Things You Should Know First

FULL SCREEN vs. WIDESCREEN

Full Screen (1:33.1)
Widescreen

The Evil Dead originally was theatrically screened in a Full Frame 1:33:1 Aspect Ratio before being reformatted to a Widescreen 1:85:1 Aspect Ratio in 2002. The Widescreen reformat feels like it exists simply for Widescreen sake. I think the goal was to give the movie more of a modern theatrical look. In the above image comparison, you can see where the Widescreen actually hurts the picture. The bottom image is heavily cropped on the top and bottom of the screen, but you will also see that a bit more picture is gained on the left and right side. A perfect example where the Widescreen severely hurts the movie occurs at the 1 hr. 11 min. mark where Ash steps in a puddle of blood with a package of Band-Aids floating in it. The Widescreen completely crops out the Band-Aids, ruining the gag. Also compare when Ash and Scotty are exchanging words at the 50 min. mark, the framing looks incredibly off, cropping out the character’s chins when they speak. The Blu-ray improves some of the framing when viewed in Widescreen, but I strongly recommend The Evil Dead be viewed in Full Screen.

Untampered vs. Tampered

Untampered
Tampered

Several tweaks have been made to The Evil Dead over the years at the request of director Sam Raimi. The 1998 Tampered Version removes the shot of a lightning bolt hitting a tree at the 16-minute mark. Apparently, Mr. Raimi thought the shot looked too fake and had it removed. There is also a digital zoom on Cheryl’s face when revealing she is a deadite at the 35-minute mark. Both tweaks were changed back to how they originally were for the 2002 Anchor Bay releases making these some of the few Untampered versions ever released on disc. For the 2010 Tampered Version, Sam Raimi went on IMDb clicked on the Goofs page, and digitally fixed as many of the mistakes as he possibly could. The biggest and most noticeable digital fix is the removal of Producer Rob Tapert in the background when the Delta 88 is crossing the bridge at the 3-minute mark. He has now been painted over with a digital blob. All moon shots have been digitally fixed, and it is a welcome improvement. A jump cut at the 1 hr. 16 min. mark where Ash moves a dresser before Scotty rises into frame as a deadite has been digitally smoothed over, and it makes me cringe. Most other fixes paint out lens flairs, flip camera shots, digitally brighten backgrounds, etc. There are about 20 changes in total. The 2018 Tampered Version keeps some of the tweaks from the 2010 Tampered Version, but some have been changed back. For example, Rob Tapert is still removed and the moon shots are all the same as the 2010, but the smoothed jump cut I mentioned in the 2010 has been changed back. Also, some of the background lights that have been previously painted out in the 2010 version are back again. It’s almost like a 2010/2018 Hybrid Version. I don’t think these changes are bad. If the mistakes in the movie bother you, then a patched version exists. If you want the movie with as few alterations as possible, there are options available as well.

Mono vs Remix

The Evil Dead was originally presented in Mono before being remixed in stereo in the 90s, and then in 5.1. Close to all recent releases of the film ditch the original Mono sound in favor of a Surround Sound experience. I’m pleased to say that the remixes sound excellent. I do prefer the Mono, but the different mixes feel carefully calculated across all surrounding channels to create a unique and effective experience. I have not noticed any sound effect changes or missing audio cues when doing a comparison, so the remixes feel quite faithful to the original sound mix. However, for fans who wish to view the film in its classic Mono audio, your options are pretty limited.

The evil dead:
The Ultimate Experience in Physical media

the garbage

Listed Left to Right

(Malaysian VCD – Glorify Trading (1999), U.S. UMD – Anchor Bay (2005), German Media Markt Exclusive Steelbook Blu-ray – Sony (2017))

These are easily the worst releases I own and luckily, they are not easy to come by. The VCD looks like it was ripped from the 90’s Digitally Mastered VHS. It is a pixelated mess and the only official release I own that has any censorship cuts. There is no gore cut, and the tree rape is there. It would appear that Malaysia has a huge problem with showing boobies. The UMD is the same widescreen transfer from the 2002 Anchor Bay DVD. It is absent of any special features and you can only play it on that handheld Sony PSP you have stashed away and haven’t touched in 15 years. The German Steelbook might just be my most hated release of these 3. The cover says “Remastered”, and it is an absolute joke. They took the Blu-ray transfer and dialed that DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) up to 11. Any traces of The Evil Dead being shot on film are completely gone. The whole movie looks digitized and characters look like wax. Fancy looking steelbook and the only disc release I know of that has a lossless Mono audio option, but the transfer is an abomination. Even James Cameron would disapprove.

Retro Cassettes

Listed Left to Right

(Japanese VHS – Toshiba (1985), U.S. VHS – Thorn EMI (80s), U.S. VHS – HBO Cannon (80s), U.S. Betamax – Thorn EMI (80s), U.S. VHS – Congress Video (1989))

If you like your 80s horror movies full of scratches, dirt, heavy grain, reel changes, and in VHS quality, this is the place to be. Just the opening shot alone on the Toshiba VHS looks like it’s raining golf ball-sized hail. It has forced Japanese subtitles that some viewers might find distracting. The other 4 releases are the same, just in a different format, logos, and cover art. A red tint fills the entire screen during the scene where Cheryl is running through the woods, adding to what feels like a Grindhouse-ish experience. You might get slightly better quality on the Beta, but good luck finding a working Betamax player these days. If you want the movie with no digital tweaks or enhancements and in glorious old-fashioned Mono audio, unfortunately, this is it. I say “unfortunately” because these tapes fetch close to the $100 mark on eBay and are getting harder to find.

Laserdiscs

Listed Left to Right

(Japan LD – Herald Videogram (1985), Japan LD – Best / Cineasta (1983), U.S. LD – Elite Entertainment (1999))

The Herald Videogram Laserdisc is an interesting presentation and stands out rather significantly when compared to everything else you see in my shootout. The color timing pushes a colder blue tint, unlike most other releases that push for a warmer color timing. I do feel that this transfer creates an overall creepier vibe for the film. The Best / Cineasta LD looks the same to me as the Toshiba VHS, just in a much higher quality. Both releases use my preferred 1.0 Mono audio. The downside is that the forced Japanese subtitles might get distracting. Comparing the Videogram LD to the Elite LD is a night and day difference. The Elite LD is Full Frame, in 5.1, and is the 1998 Tampered Version of the film. It’s the same transfer you will find of the Elite 1999 DVD release.

Herald Videogram LD image comparison

Digitally Mastered VHS

Listed Left to Right
(U.S. Collector’s Edition VHS – Anchor Bay (1998), U.S. Cover E VHS – Anchor Bay (1998), U.S. Cover V VHS – Anchor Bay (1998), U.S. Cover I VHS – Anchor Bay (1998), U.S. Cover L VHS – Anchor Bay (1998), U.S. Limited Edition VHS – Anchor Bay (1998))

The only differences between all these releases are the packaging and artwork. Anchor Bay loved re-releasing and re-packaging the same thing over and over again, likely because weirdos like me kept buying them. This would mark the start of the Tweaked versions of the film and is also the first time this movie would be remixed in Stereo. It is quite the jump in quality clean-up when compared to the Thorn EMI and HBO Cannon VHS, but pretty obsolete overall.

U.S. DVDs

Listed Top Left to Right
(U.S. Special Collector’s Edition DVD – Elite Entertainment (1999), U.S. Picture Disc Cover E DVD – Anchor Bay (1999), U.S. Picture Disc Cover V DVD – Anchor Bay (1999), U.S. Picture Disc Cover I DVD – Anchor Bay (1999), U.S. Picture Disc Cover L DVD – Anchor Bay (1999), U.S. Picture Disc Cover D DVD – Anchor Bay (1999))
Bottom Left to Right
(U.S. DVD – Anchor Bay (2002), U.S. Blockbuster Exclusive DVD – Anchor Bay (2002), U.S. Repackage DVD – Anchor Bay / Starz (2009))

Comparing the Elite DVD to the Anchor Bay Picture Discs (both released the same year), there are noticeable differences in these transfers. The Elite DVD says the transfer was supervised by Sam Raimi, while the Anchor Bay DVD mentions a new transfer supervised by both Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi. Both are the same 1998 Tampered Versions and in Full Frame, but I much prefer the Elite transfer. The image is clearer, with a better clean-up job and a much less compressed image. There is also a pretty impressive selection of extras on the Elite (love that Bruce Campbell commentary), while the Anchor Bay is almost bare bones in exception of the Theatrical Trailer. A brief but obnoxious audio drop out at 00:06:08 is present on the Stereo track on the Elite DVD, but the 5.1 is fine.

The Anchor Bay DVD from 2002 uses a Widescreen transfer mastered by THX and supervised by Sam Raimi. This transfer is a bit wonky in places. All shots of the moon “behind” the cabin in the top right corner reveal a navy border, ruining the shot. You can kind of see it on the older DVDs, but here, it is impossible not to see. Colors are also a little runny, most apparent in the opening title card. As mentioned at the beginning, I’m not much of a fan of this movie in Widescreen, but this is luckily an Untampered Version of the film, minus the newly mixed audio. The Blockbuster Exclusive is the same disc as the Book of the Dead release (you will read more about next). It was made so stores wouldn’t have to rent out the book packaging and has its own unique cover art. The 2009 repackage is the same as the 2002, but without the sweet cover art and The Ladies of the Evil Dead booklet. I also want to mention that the DVD menu for these releases is pretty badass.

Book of the Dead

Listed Left to Right
(Australia Anthology Collector’s Pack Blu-ray / DVD – Madman Entertainment (2014), U.S. Book of the Dead Limited Edition Gift Set – Anchor Bay (2005))

All books were designed by The Evil Dead’s Special Effects Make-Up Artist Tom Sullivan. The first book release came out in 2002 before being repackaged in a gift set with the 2nd movie. This has got to be one of the coolest packaged DVD releases ever. On that note, a lot of fans complained that the latex used to make the book smelled bad. Not only that, but the smell will wear off on your fingers after touching it. The special feature “Fanalysis” was directed by Bruce Campbell and is mysteriously missing on all current releases. How about that packaging on the Australian Anthology Set! 7 discs packaged in the Book of the Dead and comes with a replica Kandarian Dagger! You get 4 movies, including the 2013 remake, all on Blu-ray. There are a few flaws however. The Blu-ray disc for the first movie is the same Sony disc from the U.K. releases (only in Widescreen), and the 2 bonus DVD discs contain extras from other releases, but are ripped in terrible quality. One exclusive bonus that is worth a look is the inclusion of the feature length documentary “Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist”, a fascinating in depth look at Tom Sullivan.

High Definition

Listed Left to Right
(U.S. Steelbook Blu-ray – Anchor Bay / Starz (2014), U.S. 4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray – Lionsgate (2018))

Comparing the Blu-ray transfer to the 4K UHD, I don’t see any massive differences. Both look equal in detail, likely because of the quality limits of shooting on 16mm film. The 4K transfer looks a bit darker and colors look more natural with the inclusion of HDR (High Dynamic Range). Colors on the Blu-ray are a bit more saturated. The Blu-ray includes both Widescreen and Full Screen formats while the 4K only has a Full Screen option. Both use the same Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Audio Track. They are severely lacking when it comes to special features, only including the roundtable discussion Audio Commentary. You’re better off choosing the 4K edition since the Blu-ray disc is already included.

International DVDs & Blu-rays

Listed Left to Right
(France DVD – Sony (2010), Japan Blu-ray – Sony (2010), Japan Limited Edition with Figure Blu-ray – Sony (2017), U.K. Steelbook Blu-ray – Sony (2012), U.K. DVD – Sony (2010))

Nothing too special about these, except for the sweet figure that came packaged with the Japanese Blu-ray. These were extremely limited, and probably worth a fortune now. The “Join Us! The Undying Legacy of The Evil Dead” Picture-In-Picture Feature is an exclusive extra to the Blu-ray releases, but I don’t feel it makes up for the absence of the 1:33:1 Full Frame format found on the U.S. release. All are the same 2010 Tampered versions and only have a 5.1 sound option.

Compilations

Listed Left to Right
(U.K. Trilogy Digipak – Anchor Bay (2003), U.S. Double Feature Blu-ray – Lionsgate (2017), U.S. Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook – Lionsgate (2020))

I doubt many people on this planet that own The Evil Dead don’t own Evil Dead II. Here in the U.S., you won’t be finding a set that includes Army of Darkness due to licensing reasons. Outside the U.S. is a different story. For many, one of the Double Feature releases might be all you need. Both U.S. releases are lacking when it comes to special features for the first movie. The Best Buy Steelbook (yes, Best Buy actually used to sell Blu-rays) includes both 4K and Blu-ray formats, but it is long out of print. There also exists a standard non-steelbook release with both formats. The U.K. Trilogy DVD set from Anchor Bay is pretty unique. It includes the first 3 films and a huge selection of extras exclusive to this release. We get both formats, but the 1:33:1 Full Frame is the 1998 Tampered Version of the film. The extra feature, “The Incredibly Strange Film Show” episode on Sam Raimi is an absolute must watch for not just fans but movie lovers in general. It is an edited down version of the episode, but a fantastic bonus nonetheless! There also exists other Blu-ray trilogy sets in France and the U.K. but I do not own them… yet.

My Top 3

Listed Left to Right
(U.S. Ultimate Edition DVD – Anchor Bay / Starz (2007), U.S. Groovy Collection 4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray – Lionsgate (2021), U.S. Limited Edition Blu-ray – Anchor Bay / Starz (2010))

There is no true definitive edition, but if you can only have just one, I would pick one of these 3. I might give the edge to the Ultimate Edition DVD for the best release available. It has the absolute best selection of extra features, the original commentaries, both formats, and is the Untampered Version of the film. It is worth noting that the “Treasures From the Cutting Room Floor” extra is missing the 18 minutes of outtakes found on the older Elite and Anchor Bay DVD releases. Obviously the quality is not the greatest when compared to the Blu-ray or 4K releases, but if you want the movie as close to the original theatrical presentation as possible on disc, look no further. The Limited Edition Blu-ray loses a few Easter egg extras on it’s bonus DVD when compared to the Ultimate Edition. It also ditches the older commentaries in favor of one new roundtable discussion commentary. Although it is heavy on alterations, the picture quality is much improved, minimizing print damage and other anomalies while keeping that gritty and grainy 16mm look. Those looking for a bundle package, the Groovy Collection from 2021 includes the 1st and 2nd movies in both Blu-ray and 4K formats, the complete series of Ash vs Evil Dead, and a bonus DVD of special features all packaged in a shiny box. The bonus disc loses a few extras in comparison, but gains the “Life After Death: The Ladies of The Evil Dead” featurette.

An Honorable Mention
(Not Part of My Shootout)

Book of the Dead Fanmade Blu-Ray

Do not ask me where I got this or how you can get one. I’m not telling you. But I will tell you what this is. This Fanmade Blu-ray is a massive compilation of Evil Dead rarities that have never been seen before, and will likely never be made officially available.. ever. Here is just a small taste of what is in this 5 Disc Blu-ray set. It contains Within the Woods (1979) (the Super-8 prototype short film made to raise funds for making The Evil Dead) in the highest quality, 3 1/2 hours of raw footage (most of which has never been seen before), a professionally transferred presentation of the Herald Videogram Laserdisc, the original version of the film with the ‘Book of the Dead’ title in high quality, and plenty more that will take days to get through! Did you know that Siskel & Ebert reviewed The Evil Dead on their show back in 1983? The proof is included in this set as well. It truly is the unholy motherload collection for the hardest Evil Dead fans.

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Movie lover. Physical media collector. Former projectionist.

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