One & Only Evil Dead DVDs Versions (Region 1)

[xage]

A great Addition to my quest of Region1 Evil Dead Trilogy Releases!

Exclusively from Canada's Anchorbay -

Region1 - Anchorbay Horror Legacy Series - Evil Dead 2

A very rare release (especially its slipcover)

[kneo]

I am planning on upgrading me ED collection. I was wondering, which versions should I pick up?

Should I get the Ultimate Edition of The Evil Dead or go with the Book of the Dead version?

Is the Bootleg version of Army of Darkness any good or should I stick with the classic?

Any ideas?

[Rob_S]

I'd pick up the Ultimate Edition over the BOTD edition, definitely. It has everything the BOTD edition has (excluding the Fanaylsis documentary) plus much more, and includes the film in its full frame transfer.

I've a question actually in regard to the full frame transfer: is the Elite image better than the UE full frame image? The screengrabs on the previous page suggest the Elite image is superior (sharper), but I've read that the colour-timing is too warm/image is too bright. For those who own this dvd, or the original jewel-case Anchor Bay dvd, is this really the case?

[djsmokingjam]

Welcome to the board Rob.  Unfortunately you've hit the nail on the head with your post already - both transfers are flawed.  Out of the two, however, I would recommend the UE, not only because the DVD has better extras, but because the Elite has a couple of missing effects shots and "enhancements" done to a couple of others that shouldn't be there.  Note that the Elite does one-up the UE on a couple of extras - the 20 mins of outtakes, many of which never made it onto the "Treasures From The Cutting Room Floor" on the UE, and the stills gallery has about twice as many pictures.

I'd recommend that anyone on the fence stick with the UE for the moment until another company come along and do a better transfer, which is somewhat inevitable given Anchor Bay's license on the film is about to expire.  I'd think a good anamorphic 1:66:1 (apparently the ratio Raimi composed the film for, according to The Evil Dead Companion) with no DVNR and some of the cooler bluer tones from older transfers would be perfect.  But hey, Raimi supervised the other transfers himself, so what do I know?

[Rob_S]

Thanks for the reply. The main issue I have with UE transfer is the constant softness that plagues the image (a result from DNR use?), with some shots appearing quite unfocused and flat. I'm not sure if this is the result of digital processing or simply the correct look of the 16mm film source. The actual appearance in terms of brightness/colour timing is good.

If a new dvd brings with it a fresh transfer, hopefully it will feature plenty of grain, sharpness and depth. I agree that an aspect ratio of 1:66:1 would be ideal.

Does anyone out there own the original Anchor Bay jewel case release? If so, can I ask if the transfer better than the Elite image? The screen grabs indicate a slightly darker and less smooth look, which I'd prefer (until a new transfer is released).

[Names_Ash_Housewares]

I always find the cleaned up picture versions of the Evil Dead show them god awful moon shots in a bad light, I hardlys noticed them on my old VHS versions.

[Rob_S]

I've heard (and I maybe wrong) that the older dvds do this effect justice to an extent, but the Anchor Bay transfers make it look really lousy. I remember watching this on VHS too, and actually being quite impressed by the composition (being a little young and naive to realise it was matted in), but then I watched the remastered dvd... 

I do think the people who actually restore these old films often go too far with cleaning things up. The gritty look is part of the charm, imo.

[djsmokingjam]

The main issue I have with UE transfer is the constant softness that plagues the image (a result from DNR use?)

That's it exactly - for some strange reason Anchor bay are big fans of DNR, best exemplified in their "Divimax" releases.  Compare the THX transfer of ED2 with the Divimax one - the THX one wins hands-down, but alas it's not the one on the Blu Ray.

[xage]

Some Interesting "Collectibility" & "Hunting" Facts about the 1999 Anchorbay Evil Dead (Super Jewel Case) Version .. Though Im still gathering more information



There is basically a degree of rarity among the 5 (Super Jewel) Evil Dead DVDs.


All 5.. carries its own distinct Spine Letter. After the spine number DV10667- which interestingly spells:

D-E-V-I-L

Spine View



Cover Art View

D = The rarest and most difficult among the 5 releases
E = The Most Common among the 5 releases
V, I, L = A little bit hard to get as it has lesser quantity compare to E


****Warning-If you are going to buy from ebay, dont be fooled by the stock picture! Make sure to ask the seller first if the art is the same as the stock photo and ask for the spine number as a reference.

[Names_Ash_Housewares]

I luckily picked up all 5 for just under $20, and as xage says it is importnat to check if the stick picture is the disc you will recieve as the stock picture is generallt the blue cover with Ash and the axe

[xage]

I luckily picked up all 5 for just under $20, and as xage says it is importnat to check if the stick picture is the disc you will recieve as the stock picture is generallt the blue cover with Ash and the axe

Yeah you hit the actual spot! Most sellers dont know the item they sell and rely to the ebay stock art which is deceivng by the way for ebayers/collectors. Especially if the stock art shown was that of the rarest version among the five.

And I definitely agree what most buyers get in return is Ash with an axe

Nice to now you got all below $20 each Names_Ash_Housewares.

[hauntedtony]

WOW, its GLORIOUS!!