Review of The Evil Dead (1981) by Martin R — 19 Jan 2015

"We're going to get you...".

Last night [1/17/15], I finally watched the original Evil Dead via YouTube [although I skipped a few parts and only got to the part where the demon starts singing]. I can definitely see why everybody loves it, I certainly was entertained. It's a "no-budget" horror film from a director who would go on to direct the Spider-Man Trilogy--what does that mean? Well, for starters, Sam Raimi knows how and where to point a camera; with the little he's given, he's able to accomplish so much more. The make-up, as "cheesy" as one might THINK it looks, is actually far more terrifying and ugly than in the remake. And excluding the "raining blood" scene of 2013's Evil Dead, the original is the more grisy film in terms of gore--the 80s, man, for whatever reason, we just can't top it with our CGI aided effects [although, I do believe that the remake did use fake blood in its shots]. Overall: Evil Dead is a true gem from its time and it's a bit unfortunate that I've never it until last night. Better late than never, I suppose. I look forward to getting this on Blu-Ray; that, and I need to watch Evil Dead 2 [already seen Army of Darkness].

A great coincidence occurred the next day [1/18/15] when I walked into a Best Buy and saw "the Evil Dead" on Blu-Ray! I stand by what I said originally, but earlier today [1/19/15] I watched the whole thing, so I was finally able to see all of the 'gross' effects. Holy shit. Sam Raimi delivers here, without a doubt! In terms of blood 'n gore, very few films have been able to top this one. I was very impressed and I'm kind of glad that I didn't see this when I was younger because...my 10 year old self was simply NOT ready to handle this type of fiction. I love GOOD practical effects and I got a very special treat today. This is easily one of the best horror movies ever. I gave the remake 5 stars and....I think I'm in a newly-acquired position where I view the original to be vastly superior to the 2013 one. Just compare the make-up of the demons....again, "the Evil Dead" does more with less, yes it's true!