Evil Dead 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's release of "Evil Dead" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, utilizing a 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation, marks a solid though not revolutionary enhancement over its Blu-ray counterpart. The transfer, resulting from a reportedly new remaster of the original digital elements by Sony, offers a cleaner, crisper visual experience with improved clarity and detail. While the differences might not be dramatically night and day, they manifest through sharper textures and better noise management, particularly noticeable in the woodland surroundings of the cabin, the cabin's wooden boards, and the gruesomely detailed gore effects. Minor instances of aliasing and posterization are present but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

The Dolby Vision color grading enhances the film's bleak atmosphere, applying meticulous precision to every tone under varied lighting conditions. This leads to a nuanced depiction of the chilling horror setting, where muted overall colors contrast strikingly with warm interior light sources. The HDR upgrade intensifies whites and deepens blacks, contributing to a richer visual depth and a more immersive horror experience. Specifically, blood shades pop with a more lifelike and fuller red, anchoring the film's gory violence with a visceral impact. The contrast and brightness balance further reveals intricate details in dark scenes without succumbing to crush or gray push, maintaining healthy skin tones amidst the bloodshed.

In conclusion, while this 4K UHD presentation might not offer a transformative viewing experience, it significantly enhances the visual fidelity of "Evil Dead" with better detail, sharper textures, and a more refined color palette. The enhancements in shadow delineation and specular highlights, alongside the careful application of Dolby Vision HDR, ensure that fans will appreciate the heightened realism and depth in their next viewing of this horror classic.

In the audio department of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release for "Evil Dead," Shout! Factory has opted to retain the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the original 2013 Blu-ray edition, foregoing a remix into Dolby Atmos. This choice might leave some audiophiles longing for the immersive experience provided by an object-based audio format. Nevertheless, this soundtrack does not falter in delivering an exceptional auditory experience. It's a reference-quality mix that ingeniously balances warped, gruesome sound effects with crystal-clear dialogue and a richly detailed acoustic range that extends eloquently into the upper frequencies.

The audio track is marked by its dynamic range and the ability to sustain an articulate mid-range amidst a cacophony of blood-curdling sounds, ensuring that vocals remain clear and prominent throughout. The soundstage impresses with its breadth and depth, fostering an environment where sounds move fluidly across channels, thereby enhancing the film’s eerie atmosphere. The lower frequencies are given substantial weight, adding a palpable intensity to the movie’s more terrifying moments. When the soundtrack is supplemented with Auro-3D up-mixing, it further elevates the listening experience by seamlessly integrating ambient effects into the height channels, making for an enveloping and riveting auditory experience.

This meticulous preservation of the original soundtrack’s integrity in the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition, combined with the potential enhancement through Auro-3D up-mixing, underscores a commitment to maintaining the film's auditory essence. Although the leap to an object-based audio format like Dolby Atmos might have been advantageous for fully exploiting the sonic capabilities of modern home theaters, the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack still stands as a testament to high-caliber audio design, adept at delivering a spine-chilling and immersive auditory experience that complements the visual terror of "Evil Dead" remarkably well.

Shout! Factory's 4K UHD release of "Evil Dead" enhances the visual experience while meticulously preserving all the supplemental content from the acclaimed 2013 Blu-ray, and further enriches it with additional trailers and TV spots. This edition doesn't just stop at offering a visually stunning upgrade; it also provides comprehensive insight into the movie's creation through detailed extras, encompassing both the theatrical and unrated cuts of the film. Audio commentary from key cast members and the director Fede Alvarez offers an in-depth look into the film's production. The inclusion of a non-embossed slipcover with purchase adds a tangible touch to the collector's value. This release is a definitive version for fans, blending high-definition quality with a wealth of behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring actors Jane Levy, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, director Fede Alvarez, and writer Rodo Sayagues. Available on the theatrical version only.
• Directing the Dead: Insights into the directorial approach.
• Evil Dead The Reboot: A look at what it took to revamp this horror classic.
• Making Life Difficult: Behind-the-scenes challenges faced during production.
• Unleashing the Evil Force: The process of bringing the film's malevolent presence to life.
• Being Mia: A focus on Jane Levy's character and her experiences.
• NEW! Trailers: Two trailers showcasing the film.
• NEW! TV Spots: An extended collection of 19 promotional spots.

Scream! Factory elevates the horror genre with its Ultra HD release of the 2013 remake, "Evil Dead." Boasting a stunning 2160p/Dolby Vision video presentation, this edition is notable for offering both the unrated and theatrical cuts of the film, enhancing its appeal to fans and newcomers alike. The existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack complements the vivid visuals, ensuring a sensory experience that is as terrifying as it is immersive. The set does not include a Blu-ray copy, which could disappoint some collectors; however, the inclusion of all legacy supplements alongside trailers and TV spots adds value to this release.

Set against the backdrop of an isolated cabin, the narrative dives into the harrowing ordeal of Mia (Jane Levy) who, alongside her brother David (Shiloh Fernandez) and friends, faces an unimaginable nightmare. The plot cleverly intertwines Mia's struggle with addiction with supernatural horror, as the unleashing of demonic forces from a mysterious book leads to a visceral fight for survival. Director Fede Alvarez skillfully balances homage to Sam Raimi's original with innovative twists, maintaining the franchise's tradition of defying expectations while delivering a fresh interpretation.

Alvarez's "Evil Dead" thrives on its blend of brutal violence and dark humor, pushing boundaries with its graphic depiction of gore and ingenious plot devices that echo real-life horrors like drug withdrawal. The UHD presentation amplifies the film's atmospheric tension and chilling audio effects, making each blood-curdling scream and sinister laugh resonate more deeply. As a continuation and reboot of the iconic series, this release offers a gruesomely satisfying experience that pays respect to its roots while boldly charting new territory.

The "Evil Dead" 4K UHD Blu-ray release solidifies its position as a must-have for horror genre aficionados, blending a perfect mix of relentless gore, a fresh yet honoring reimagining approach, and top-notch presentation quality. This version, helmed by Fede Alvarez, delivers a plot that is both a clever continuation and a respectful nod to Sam Raimi's original cult classic, immersing viewers in a ghastly phantasmagoria of nightmares with its unyielding pace and spectacularly executed special effects. The 2160p/Dolby Vision HDR presentation substantially upgrades the visual experience over previous releases, while the carryover lossless soundtrack preserves the auditory intensity that fans have appreciated since its initial Blu-ray appearance. Despite the repeated selection of extras from its 2013 release, this package's superior picture quality and faithful soundtrack reaffirm its designation as a recommended addition to any 4K horror library.

Performance-wise, the film doesn’t hold back, delivering an experience that's not for the faint-hearted but rather for those who revel in the film's ability to push boundaries with its "nastiness" and intense end scenes. Its dedication to preserving the spirit of the original while enhancing it with modern filmmaking techniques is evident, an aspect that is mirrored in the UHD Blu-ray release itself. The inclusion of all legacy content along with new trailers and TV spots enriches the overall package, making it a tangible bridge between the franchise's past and present.

In conclusion, the Shout! Factory's 4K UHD release of "Evil Dead" represents a pinnacle of horror cinema presentation, appealing both to purists of the genre and new audiences alike. Its combination of a high-caliber visual upgrade with a rich array of supplementary materials cements its place among the most distinguished releases in horror film history. While some may find faults or yearn for more original extras, the undeniable quality of this release makes it a compelling addition to any collection, standing side-by-side with beloved classics and offering a memorable experience that respects its roots while boldly carving out its own gruesome legacy.