Soon, you’ll be able to own both The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II, directed by Sam Raimi, in glorious 4K Ultra HD thanks to Lionsgate. The 4K double feature release can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $24.99, while the Blu-ray disc can be purchased for $7.99. Whether or not bonus features will be included with the 4K Ultra HD release of the iconic horror film and its sequel is presently unknown.
Though both The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II have had earlier releases on 4K Ultra HD as standalone titles and as part of the Evil Dead Groovy Collection, this is the first time that both films have been made available in one package. When The Evil Dead first entered theatres in October 1981, it was met with lukewarm reception at home but was an international smash, grossing well over twice as much as it had cost to produce. Bruce Campbell as Ash, a college student turned demon hunter who must battle for his life after his pals were possessed by an ancient evil released in the woods cottage where they are spending their holiday.
The 1985 film Crimewave, which Raimi also directed, has since been forgotten, but in 1987 he returned to form with Evil Dead II. Many people believe Evil Dead II to be better than the original, and its commercial success helped launch the now-hugely popular cult film franchise. The movie also had a role in making Ash the famous hero he is today. In the opening scene, Ash and his girlfriend Linda go on a vacation to the same lodge they went to in the previous film, signalling that this is a loose sequel. Soon after, Ash plays an audiotape of an archaeologist reciting portions from the Necronomicon, unwittingly releasing the horrible demons.
Very quickly, Ash is trapped in the cabin with a group of strangers, including the daughter of the archaeologist heard on the audio, battling for his very soul. In 1992, following the financial and critical success of Evil Dead II, the third film in the Evil Dead franchise was released under the title Army of Darkness. As Ash is transported to the Middle Ages, the film shifts its focus from the horror and gore of its predecessor, Army of Darkness, and places a greater emphasis on its fantasy components. Campbell reprised his role as Ash in the Starz television series Ash Vs. Evil Dead, which drew from both the original Army of Darkness and the subsequent series. Campbell said this year that the programme will continue in animated form. After the success of Evil Dead, Fede Alverez’s 2013 soft reboot of the brand, a new film, Evil Dead Rise, is set to hit theatres in April 2023. On November 1, the Evil Dead and Evil Dead II double feature will be released in 4K Ultra HD.