Writer/Director SAM RAIMI’s relentless, gore-spattered debut is a landmark in horror cinema, a no-holds-barred onslaught of gruesome terror and nightmarish effects which has earned its rightful status as a legendary cult classic. Five college students travel to a remote cabin in the woods and unwittingly unleash a monstrous evil force hellbent on their total destruction. Now with newly restored state-of-the-art digitally remastered picture and loaded with incredible extras, THE EVIL DEAD is truly the ultimate experience in grueling horror. Director Sam Raimi may now be renowned for his trilogy of Spider-Man films, but for many, it’s the Evil Dead films that hold a special place in their heart. Unsurprisingly, too, for here’s a horror film that’s got no sign of Hollywood studio interference, no wish to tone things down, and instead finds a massively talented film maker stretching a small budget to impressive ends. The Evil Dead, along with its sequels, has built up a cult following since its original release, but it’s also earned a deserved respect too. For this is a film that’s jammed with energy, and genuinely bursting with ideas. Granted, in the years since its release, many have been mined by the horror genre. But there’s still so much to admire and enjoy. The film, if you’ve not had the pleasure, stars Bruce Campbell as Ash, one of a group of five friends who head to a cabin in the woods on holiday. While there, unwisely as it turns out, they play a tape that they shouldn’t, and all hell breaks loose. It also sets loose a very enjoyable half and a half of stylish, and gory horror. It comes out of its Blu-ray release surprisingly well, too. Here’s a film shot on old stock, that should be showing plenty of wear and tear. And yet the 1080p transfer here is a fine job, backed up by an always-welcome package of extras. The end result is both a fine way to enjoy the movie for the first time, or arguably the best way to revisit it. Either way, it’s very much a recommended buy. -- Jon Foster