Why You Need To Buy Evil Dead Rise on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K!

The Evil Dead franchise may just be one of the most bizarre in horror history. Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell’s original 1981 film is one of the most influential films of all time, its sequel in 1987 ‘Evil Dead II’, follows closely as another influential horror film and then in 1993 we got ‘Army of Darkness’, which took the franchise to a completely different setting and era. The franchise lay dormant for 20 years before it was rebooted in 2013 with Fede Alvarez’s ‘Evil Dead’. This re-imagining was a monumental success, bringing in just shy of $98 million worldwide, and re-vitalising this type of shock-horror. In 2015, we got a sequel to ‘Army of Darkness’ with ‘Ash vs The Evil Dead’ which saw Bruce Campbell return as his iconic character, Ash Williams. After the show's three season run with STARZ, Warner Bros. acquired the rights to the Evil Dead brand, announcing that a film would be coming to HBO Max in 2022. After the film wrapped production, a series of test screenings were held, where the film went over really well, and Warner Bros. decided this needed to be seen in the cinemas. A few tidy ups and 6 months later and ‘Evil Dead Rise’ arrived in cinemas to universal acclaim both commercially and critically with an impressive $146 million take at the worldwide box office and 83% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ follows two estranged sisters, who reconnect in an apartment building in Los Angeles. Their reunion is cut short as the dead are awoken and horror ensues. With so much hype surrounding the film and the vastly different direction for the franchise, I was very excited to see how it would all play out and if it was in fact worth my time. To celebrate the film's release on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD (4K UHD), I will be breaking down why you need to check out Evil Dead Rise. So, without further ado, let's go!

“Mommy’s with the maggots now” – The horror –

The Evil Dead films are notorious for their lower budget thrills and of course the horror and gore. Evil Dead Rise follows the franchise formula, but with a few twists and turns along the way. The horror here is played up, with the reading of the book of the dead being one of the scariest sequences in the franchise to date and one of the more memorable sequences of the year. The scene sees Danny (played by Morgan Davies), play a record in reverse, and slowed down as it reads the words to awaken the dead. The sound-editing here is scary and intense, with the words getting louder and louder as we then follow the camera through the LA streets through to the apartment building. Is fantastically shot and released by director Lee Cronin, who previously helmed the underrated A24 horror film in 2019, Hole in The Ground’. This among some creepy dialogue. Truly disturbing visuals and a third act that has an insane amount of blood, make Evil Dead Rise one of the scariest films of the last few years. If you’re a horror fan, this will scratch that itch for sure.

“I will swallow your soul” – The apartment setting –

I briefly touched on the setting of the apartment building, but it really is a standout in the film. We have seen the streets of LA and central America explored in Ash vs The Evil Dead, but the films up until the point had been set in a cabin in the woods. The updated setting provided a new level of scares. The setting is similar to the woods setting, in the sense that the apartment setting, after an earthquake, provides an isolated location with the family and other residents of the apartment building. The earthquake in itself, creates its own isolation, with the stairs being in-accessible for residents and the power out as well. It creates a tense and creepy environment, as we solely focus on one floor, the apartment, the elevator and eventually the garage, where the final horror set piece takes place. It's all very effectively and genuinely chilling!

“Mom” – the characters and family dynamic –

Evil Dead has predominantly followed teenage characters visiting a cabin in the woods, where the dead rise and death ensues. Evil Dead Rise takes a different approach to this dynamic, with a single mother, her sister and her two kids. The estranged daughter angle is given a fair amount of depth, our mother Ellie played by Alyssa Sutherland, is going through a separation from her partner, as she has moved out with her three kids Bridget, Danny and Kassie. They are struggling financially and are about to be evicted from their apartment, as the building has been condemned and is preparing for demolition. Out of the blue, her estranged sister, Beth played by Lily Sutherland. Beth travels all over the world with a band and has just found out that she is pregnant. The two briefly reconnect before Ellie becomes possessed. The dynamic between the family is quickly established but is established very well. We understand their dynamic and the troubles they’re going through, so when the horror starts, we feel for them, because we can understand what they’re going through. It's all established very well and the characters are brought to life terrifically by the fantastic cast. Alyssa Sutherland is the standout. She does a fantastic job at juggling both performances here. On one hand she has to play Ellie the mother and on the other hand, she has to play Ellie the deadite. It is fantastic, and she sells a lot of the physical horror that very few actresses would be able to do. I also really like Lil Sutherland as Beth. Her arc of feeling inadequate as a mother to be, to becoming the protector of her nieces and nephew is fantastic.  

‘Evil Dead Rise’ is scary, intense and one of the better cinema going experiences I have had in 2023 so far. The film utilises a great visual style, memorable scares, and great performances, to create a memorable turn in the Evil Dead franchise. Right from the amazing opening title reveal, you know you’re in for something truly terrifying. ‘Be sure to shop all things Evil Dead, including Evil Dead Rise on DVD, Blu-Ray, 4K UHD.

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Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here