Army of Darkness Blu-ray Review

"Army of Darkness" makes its Blu-ray debut with a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer that, while an improvement over previous standard definition releases, falls short in several key areas. The transfer suffers from noticeable noise reduction and edge enhancement that lend it an overly processed and artificial look. Grain appears sporadically, mainly during effects shots or low-light sequences, but is generally unobtrusive. Bright outdoor scenes exhibit the most pronounced processing issues, with distant exterior shots revealing loud halos and a sharpened appearance. Colors are fairly bright, and detail levels are moderately impressive, especially in costumes like chain mail armor which display textured intricacies. However, the overall detail doesn't quite measure up to contemporary standards, with black levels being decent and flesh tones never appearing overly rosy.

When compared side-by-side with the HD DVD release, this Blu-ray’s 1080p/VC-1 encode (1.85:1) shows significant improvements in resolution and clarity. Despite this, it doesn't match the quality of hundreds of older Blu-ray releases. Sunny outdoor scenes are where the transfer shines best, showcasing markedly sharper details and fine textures. However, these sequences also highlight the overzealous use of edge enhancement. Night scenes and special effects sequences make grain more apparent, resulting in softer images. Colors are brighter and flesh tones more natural compared to previous editions but remain warmer than ideal. The image quality features fairly good contrast levels, with deep and accurate blacks that offer surprisingly decent shadow delineation.

Overall, while this Blu-ray release of Sam Raimi's cult classic "Army of Darkness" is a notable upgrade over its standard definition counterparts, it remains a disappointment when compared to other releases of its age or older. The source material's age and the film's low-budget origins contribute to its less-than-stellar quality. Despite these shortcomings, fans will still find it a worthwhile improvement over its predecessors.

The Blu-ray release of "Army of Darkness" boasts a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that vastly outperforms its video counterpart. The audio mix is immersive and dynamic, taking full advantage of the entire soundstage to deliver a thrilling auditory experience. Key scenes are notably enhanced by this mix, with the booming thuds of Ash's boomstick and the tension-filled moments as enemies attempt to breach a wooden cabin that Ash is hiding in. Directional effects are well-executed, scattering sound across the soundstage to create an engaging environment filled with clanking bones and distant thunder, establishing a comprehensive surround sound experience.

Moreover, dialogue reproduction is clear, crisp, and markedly improved from previous DVD versions. This Blu-ray edition also retains the movie's iconic screams and Ash's witty remarks, all centered clearly within the front soundstage with excellent imaging and separation between channels. While the rear speakers mainly serve to bleed musical scores, their presence becomes more prominent during the climactic battle sequences, where discrete effects envelop the listener, enhancing immersion. Although bass response is fuller and more responsive than in earlier editions, it remains balanced enough to avoid disturbing neighbors. Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio treatment successfully revitalizes the film’s already entertaining sound design, providing an enriched and enjoyable listening experience for fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray edition of "Army of Darkness" provides a modest array of extras, leaning mostly on previously included materials but still offering some engaging content for fans. Notably, Creating the Deadites delivers an insightful retrospective on the film’s special effects, though it falls short of true HD quality. The alternate ending is a noted highlight, presenting the film's original, darker conclusion in standard definition. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer and BD-Live connectivity rounds out the package, with Universal's U-Control functionality adding minimal value by superimposing production photos over the movie. The collection stands as an improvement over past HD DVD releases but leaves out desired elements such as a Director’s Cut in HD.

Extras included in this disc:

• Creating the Deadites: A fascinating retrospective on the film’s special effects.
• Alternate Ending: The film's original, darker conclusion.
• Theatrical Trailer: The movie's original trailer.
• BD-Live Connectivity: Online interactive content via BD-Live.
• U-Control Functionality: Production photos overlaid on the movie.

"Army of Darkness" is an unorthodox yet captivating blend of horror, slapstick comedy, and medieval epic that transcends conventional cinematic boundaries. The film triumphantly combines elements as diverse as undead horror, Three Stooges-style humor, and a medieval setting, achieving a level of entertainment that's both outlandish and endearing. Following the continuity of the "Evil Dead" series, it serves a more accessible and audience-friendly experience despite its lack of the hardcore gore that characterized its predecessors. This installment follows Ash (Bruce Campbell) into medieval times where his chainsaw hand and boomstick not only save him from death but also convince the local populace that he is their prophesied savior. His comical misadventures, including battles with pint-sized replicas and a full-scale clone, culminate in his accidental unleashing of an army of darkness.

Bruce Campbell's performance is the linchpin that holds "Army of Darkness" together. His masterful mix of comic timing, exaggerated physical humor, and mock-serious drama elevates what could have been mere schlock into an entertaining masterpiece. Campbell's portrayal of Ash as a macho yet bumbling hero makes every scene compelling, whether he's battling undead creatures or dispensing retail advice at S-Mart. This film relies heavily on Campbell's innate ability to align ridiculous antics with pseudo-serious situations, making it an iconic piece in both his career and the horror-comedy genre.

Technically, "Army of Darkness" revels in its low-budget charm. The special effects are purposefully cheesy, paying homage to Ray Harryhausen’s work with their quaint yet imaginative visual flair. Director Sam Raimi’s frenetic camera work and rapid editing match the film's absurd tone, creating a fast-paced narrative that’s both engaging and wildly entertaining. Despite its poor video transfer and minimal supplements in this Blu-ray release, the film remains a cult classic, celebrated for its unapologetically campy essence and Bruce Campbell's unforgettable performance. The interplay between slapstick comedy and horror elements ensures that each viewing is filled with engaging and magical zaniness.

The "Army of Darkness" Blu-ray edition delivers an idiosyncratic blend of horror, comedy, and sheer entertainment that remains a hallmark in Sam Raimi's oeuvre. Bruce Campbell's iconic performance as Ash Williams blends seamlessly with Raimi's direction, offering a cult-classic experience bolstered by witty visual effects paying homage to Ray Harryhausen. Despite being the priciest of The Evil Dead trilogy, it retains the low-budget charm that appeals to diehard fans and first-time viewers alike. Following its schlocky roots, the film manages to balance chills and laughs, making it particularly enjoyable during the Halloween season.

On the technical front, this Screwhead Edition presents an overall strong yet imperfect offering. The lossless soundtrack is a notable highlight, delivering robust auditory immersion that heightens the film’s dramatic and comedic moments. However, the 1080p visual presentation falls short, providing a watchable but subpar high-definition image quality. The extras included are sparse, with only scattered bonus materials that do not fully meet the expectations set by the "Screwhead Edition" label. This is a minor upgrade in terms of content over previous releases, which could deter casual fans from making another purchase.

In conclusion, "Army of Darkness" remains a wildly entertaining experience characterized by its quirky humor and creative direction. Despite the underwhelming visual quality and limited extras on this Blu-ray release, the film's core elements and Campbell’s stellar performance ensure it retains its timeless appeal. While diehard enthusiasts might opt to upgrade for completeness, casual fans might prefer to await a more comprehensive re-release. In any case, this edition reaffirms "Army of Darkness" as a must-have for fans of horror-comedy and Raimi's distinct filmmaking style.