It’s uncut and it’s in widescreen. If that doesn’t scare you, nothing will.

Sam “Spider-Man” Raimi’s original shocker is now available in the UK, uncut for the first time. It’s especially pertinent as the BBFC has rewritten its censorship rules in the light of the faff over Raimi’s web-flinging summer blockbuster. So we have Sam to thank for the new 12A rating as well as this seminal horror flick from 1982.

It sounds pretty standard fare today, but the basic plot is that five kids go on holiday to a remote log cabin in the middle of nowhere (why?). Meanwhile, the Evil Dead surround the cabin, awaiting the magic words that will summon them from their shadowy world. The crazy kids happen upon this book, full of incantations and yes, you’ve guessed it, before you can say “no, don’t do that!” the wood is full of zombies. The kids succumb to this frenzy in typical fashion, and the body count is very high.

It’s very Lewis Carroll in many respects, with trees coming alive in the forest, but it’s so skillfully handled, you soon forget that much of this has now become cliché. DVD extras include a commentary from the director. Almost essential. RB 26 September 02

The Evil Dead (Uncut Version) is released on DVD 30 September 02 on Anchor Bay UK.

useful link: BBCi Films: Sam Raimi roundup