Evil Dead II Blu-ray Review

The 25th Anniversary Edition of "Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn" comes with a new AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, which Bruce Campbell claims to be significantly improved over the previous Starz/Anchor Bay release. Despite the improvements, the modest budget and quick production schedule of the original film are evident in the grainy stock and optical effects, which are magnified in several sequences. That said, the Blu-ray shines in better-lit scenes; for instance, close-ups display remarkable detail from the gash-filled makeup on Campbell's face to the fine texture of his skin and hair.

However, it's impossible to ignore that some of the special effects haven't aged well, and the high-resolution format sometimes exposes outdated green screen and composite effects. Additionally, videophiles might find the persistent crush problematic, particularly given how much of the film occurs in dimly lit settings. Despite these drawbacks, certain elements do pop quite nicely, providing an enjoyable viewing experience that balances the film's historical rough edges with moments of impressive clarity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix presented on the Blu-Ray of "Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn" offers commendable immersion and is notable for moments of spectacular surround effects. The track provides abundant LFE throughout the film, although a more consistent surround activity might have been preferred by some. The mix shines during sequences where evil spirits maraud through the forest or cabin, with the surround channels coming fully alive and creating an immersive experience. Dialogue and screams are consistently clear and well-prioritized, while the numerous sound effects are delivered with precision. It's worth noting that the dynamic range remains fairly static throughout the film, maintaining a high-energy level from start to finish.

While the original DVD and earlier Blu-ray releases had their shortcomings, this latest Lionsgate distribution delivers a nearly definitive audio experience for "Evil Dead II." The English 5.1 DTS-HD MA offers a satisfying surround experience despite not being perfect. The track includes ample LFE moments to keep the bass robust and effective use of rear speakers during the more chaotic scenes. Although some viewers may miss the original uncompressed mono soundtrack from the theatrical release, the DTS track remains a significant upgrade over previous iterations and is likely to satisfy most fans. For a film that never aimed to be an audio showcase, this presentation exceeds expectations across several categories.

The Blu-ray edition of "Evil Dead II" offers a rich assortment of extras that delves deeply into the production of this cult classic. The Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Sam Raimi, Actor Bruce Campbell, Co-Writer Scott Spiegel, and Special Make-Up Effects Artist Greg Nicotero stands out for its lively interaction and technical insights, particularly from Nicotero. Swallowed Souls: The Making of Evil Dead 2 is a comprehensive featurette that explores the film's chaotic atmosphere and its cultural impact. Cabin Fever gives an intimate look at the creation of special effects through Nicotero's home videos. For location enthusiasts, Road to Wadesboro revisits the movie's shooting locales. Archival features like Evil Dead II: Behind-the-Screams and The Gore the Merrier offer deep dives into the practical effects and gore that define the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Scott Spiegel, and Greg Nicotero: Informative and lively technical discussion.

• Swallowed Souls: The Making of Evil Dead 2: Comprehensive making-of featurette.

• Cabin Fever: A Fly on the Wall Look Behind the Scenes of Evil Dead II: Home video footage of effects creation.

• Road to Wadesboro: Revisiting film shooting locations.

• Evil Dead II: Behind-the-Screams: Archival featurette on practical effects.

• The Gore the Merrier: Focuses on the film’s gore effects.

• Theatrical Trailer

• Still Galleries: Includes Advertising & Memorabilia, Behind-the-Scenes, Special Make-up Effects, and Stop Motion Animation.

"Evil Dead II," also known as "Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn," is a masterful blend of manic horror and uproarious comedy, courtesy of writer-director Sam Raimi and charismatic star Bruce Campbell. This sequel reinvents rather than continues the original plot, placing Campbell's daffy hero Ash and his girlfriend Linda in a Groundhog Day-like scenario of relentless hellish mayhem. Raimi's frenetic direction matches perfectly with the overtly black comedy style of the film, delivering a riot of humor mixed with gruesome bloodshed. The film employs typical horror clichés like jump cuts and sudden sonic booms on the soundtrack but subverts them for a sly, often sinister comedic effect.

Campbell's performance, an intoxicating mix of live-action cartoon and crazed slapstick, serves as the linchpin for "Evil Dead II." His wide-eyed, exaggerated delivery makes the film’s outlandish premise incredibly engaging. Signature scenes showcase his talent for physical comedy, such as the darkly humorous moment where his possessed hand must be dealt with using A Farewell to Arms as an ironic prop. This encapsulates the film’s genius: smart, silly humor wrapped in a horror shell. Raimi’s imaginative practical effects—including puppetry, outrageous makeup, and notable Ray Harryhausen-esque stop-motion sequences—enhance this Looney Tunes ambiance, while the film intermittently floods the screen with over-the-top gore.

"Evil Dead II" excels because it knows exactly what it wants to be: a brilliantly funny revision of horror clichés. Raimi and screenplay co-author Scott Spiegel load the film with intentional absurdity, making it a relentless run of horrific yet laugh-out-loud sequences. Its charm lies in treating gratuitous gore not as an end but as a means to comedic brilliance, ensuring audiences are left exhilarated by its unique blend of terror and hilarity.

The "Evil Dead II" Blu-ray offers an exemplary mix of outrageous humor and intense gore perfectly embodied by Bruce Campbell's iconic performance. As a quintessential piece in horror-comedy, the film continues to hold its own through a balanced blend of slapstick and supernatural horror, which sets the stage for the subsequent "Army of Darkness." Despite the inherent challenges in video quality that persist across releases, the Blu-ray presents an appreciable lossless sound mix accompanied by a commendable array of new and ported special features.

While some minor imperfections in the video transfer may slightly disrupt the viewing experience, they are negligible compared to the overall enhancement provided by this edition. The sound quality is robust, capturing every blood-curdling scream and bone-crunching blow with clarity, ensuring that long-time fans of the franchise and newcomers alike will be immersed. The inclusion of a rich collection of extras further sweetens this package, offering a comprehensive look behind one of the most beloved cult classics in horror cinema.

In conclusion, "Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn," despite minor aesthetic pitfalls in the transfer, remains an indispensable addition to any horror enthusiast's collection. Fans will appreciate the seamless fusion of over-the-top hilarity and gore that has defined this film. Highly recommended for those looking to upgrade their previous editions or dive into one of horror's most inventive franchises.