Blu-ray Review: ‘Evil Dead’ Remake Even More Disturbing in HD

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

CHICAGO – I wish I loved Fede Alvarez’s “Evil Dead” remake. Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot to like here — mostly thanks to the committed performance from the talented Jane Levy and the director and producer’s refusal to cave to CGI, doing all their notable effects practically. There’s also a crap script, filled with bad dialogue performed by a weak supporting cast. When the movie focuses on the pure chaos that clearly inspires Alvarez and his team, it works. And it works even more in HD.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

The Blu-ray for “Evil Dead” is nice but feels like a placeholder for an inevitable special edition (probably unrated) that will hit stores in time for the in-production sequel. I’m more excited for that sequel as I feel Alvarez will be allowed to play further afield from what fans have come to expect from an “Evil Dead” movie and hopefully learn from a few dialogue and casting mistakes here. As for bonus material, it’s mostly a lot of promotional stuff, running 5-10 minutes, but the major players do pop up to discuss the making of the film, including the great, legendary, awesome Bruce Campbell, and there’s a commentary on the film including Alvarez and Levy.

Evil Dead was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 16, 2013
Evil Dead was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 16, 2013
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
A secluded cabin. An ancient curse. An unrelenting evil. The original producers reunite to present a genuinely terrifying re-imagining of their original horror masterpiece. Five young friends have found the mysterious and fiercely powerful Book of the Dead. Unable to resist its temptation, they release a violent demon on a bloodthirsty quest to possess them all. Who will be left to fight for their survival and defeat this unearthly force of murderous carnage?

Special Features:
o Making Life Difficult: The Intense And Physically Exhausting Creation Of The Film
o Directing The Dead: Director Fede Alvarez Re0Imagines A Cult Horror Classic
o Being Mia: The Physical And Psychological Transformation In Evil Mia
o Cast & Filmmaker Commentary
o Unleashing The Evil Force
o Evil Dead The Reboot

“Evil Dead” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 16, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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