BLU-RAY REVIEW: Army Of Darkness (1992) Collector's Edition

In 1992, Director Sam Raimi ended his Evil Dead Trilogy with the practical effects extravaganza known as Army Of Darkness (Originally titled Bruce Campbell Vs. Army Of Darkness). This time instead of releasing the film independently, like the first two, Army Of Darkness was distributed through Universal Studios, making it the only studio film out of the three. Using like humor of Monty Python and The Three Stooges, the concept for Army Of Darkness was supposed to be the sequel to 1981’s The Evil Dead, but the recourses weren’t there at the time. So, what was then-called Medieval Dead was put on hold and Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (1987) was made as a middle film. Army was made for a PG-13 rating, hence why there’s not nearly as much gore as the prior two flicks. However, as ridiculous as it is, the MPAA gave the film an NC-17 rating! So after editing nothing, the film was resubmitted and garnered an R rating. People involved in the making of Army wonder if the film would have been gorier had Raimi known the MPAA was going to screw the film in the end anyway. Some even assume that the MPAA deliberately put the boots to Raimi because of him bypassing them and releasing the first two films unrated. Either way, it doesn’t matter because since the studio didn’t want the film’s title to have Evil Dead in it, fans didn’t identify it as a sequel in the series. In effect, it failed miserably at the box-office and was pulled from theaters quicker than you could say “boomstick”. However, the film has since become an immediately recognizable cult classic thanks to word of mouth and home video releases…

Evil Dead: The Musical

Today I had the pleasure of going to see The Evil Dead: The Musical for the 2nd time! After I saw it for the first time a few years ago I was convinced that was the last I'd ever see of it seeing as I live in the middle of nowhere. But I was wrong, and like any deadite would do, I jumped on the opportunity to see it again scoring front row seats. And it was the goriest it's ever been, especially for people in the "Splatter Zone" like myself.

Before I ever saw it in person I owned the CD of the original play and I must've listened to it 100 times. It's funny and endearing and pure fun. They captured the spirit of the greatest horror trilogy ever in a handful of well written songs.

The first time I went to The Evil Dead: The Musical was a great experience and I had the luxury of meeting the cast and having a few word before the show as well as having the entire cast sign my play program. It was one of the best things that could happen to a hardcore The Evil Dead fan like myself, and the fact that I got to go again was a blessing and an awesome early birthday gift.

There are such good songs on in this play! They're both funny and commanding. I've learned the words to the songs from listening to the album so much, but nothing compares to seeing and hearing it live.

"What The **** Was That?" is a hilarious song and regardless of how many times I hear it I always laugh. I mean, you have Ash and Scottie both singing a song about how the craziness going on. It's a funny tune and an seeing it performed really ices the cake.

"Stupid B****" is another song involving Scottie and Cheryl, Ash's sister. It's rude, over the top and a superb choice for a good laugh.

"Housewares Employee" is a song by Ash and Linda, and is actually one of the best songs, if not the best song on the soundtrack. It's not as comical as the others but it gets the point across with just enough humor and harmony to make it charming.

"Good Old Reliable Jake" is one of the funniest and most enjoyable songs due to how over-acted the part is. They deliberately make him a charismatic character who even steals a few scenes from other actors due to his humor and likability.

"Do The Necronomicon" is also one of my favorites because it's a good track and is one of the most visually stunning songs due to the deadites dancing and singing their anthem. It's quote: "Like the Timwarp but only better!"

"Blew That ***** Away" is the concluding song of the musical and is also one of it's gems. It is the re-enactment of the ending to Army Of Darkness, taking place in S-Mart. It's got a good rhythm and like all the others, is very funny.

There's a good handful of other songs that I didn't mention so I had to narrow it down to favorites or else I start rambling.

I was one of the "Splatter Zone" people who got to sit in the good seats allowing you to be in direct shot of the blood. For those of you who don't know, yes, the play has lots and lots of blood and they have not problem soaking the audience in it. I myself, was drenched. One of the prop girls even rubbed me down with blood as an early birthday gift. The goriest scenes were definitely at the end, it was an experience one doesn't forget.

It's one of the many things that separates this musical from others, but it's a great experience and very compelling. I plan on going again when they come around (if they come around...) again.

In conclusion, I think this play was a phenomenal idea and is something everyone who loves horror should experience at least once. It sums up the trilogy of greatness into an hour and fifty minute show, exposing the passion, fun, heart and true core of the Evil Dead saga, as well as the scares. In both of my times going the acting has also been on par and very diligently done. Good job to the actors and actresses.

I'll be keeping the clothes I wore to the play and I'll be keeping them unwashed in all their bloody glory. I made sure to wear a white shirt and safety goggles.

I was also very pleased that not only did I get to see this celebration of one of the greatest horror series' ever made for a second time, but I also got to take pictures as you see above. Sorry some are blurry. Lots of movement going on.

When and if the day comes when I get another opportunity to see this play again I'll be jumping on the opportunity again.



Check the link below to see if Evil Dead: The Musical is coming to your town!
http://www.evildeadthemusical.com/

I'd also like to thank Bootless Stageworks for putting together this great show!
http://www.bootless.org/

Finally Evil Dead 2 action figures!!!!!

The action figure and collectible company, Neca, has announced that they landed the rights to make action figures from The Evil Dead 2! They said they're in the sculpting stage now and that we should see some prototypes at this years comic-com. And that we probably will see two Ashes and maybe a Henrietta and a few other characters.

Now I don't know about you but I am freaking out, I was so happy when I heard this news because there has never been collectibles made from the first or second Evil Dead movie (atleast not officially licensed products). So these are must haves and as those of you who collect know, Neca is a great company and makes great products, I own several hundred dollars in their products and so I will be getting these as soon as they're avaiable. Neca + Evil Dead 2 = hell yes. Just take a look at they're Army Of Darkness figures and you'll know what to expect.

I hope we get an evil Ash or atleast an Ash with the possessed hand.

Intruder (1989)

I've seen this movie several times and loved it. However it wasn't until last weekend that I've owned it and thus rewatched it. It had been a few years since I've watched it, so watching it again was like watching it for the first time. The gore and kill scenes are brutal. Hardcore. I loved it.

Although let me warn you that the fact that Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi's names are on the cover is only for publicity and promotion. Bruce Campbell is in the movie maybe all of 2 minutes. Sam, on the other hand has a small part, but still has a part unlike Bruce Campbell. So don't run to see this thinking it's a Bruce Campbell flick, it's not. Watch this movie if you want to see a good old fashioned slasher film.

Synopsis taken from IMDb
The ex-boyfriend of a check-out girl at a supermarket returns at closing time to make trouble. They quarrel and the boyfriend is ejected from the store. After they lock the building up to take inventory, the employees start dying off, and the survivors must eventually find a way to escape with their lives.

3 stars for me. Now, the trailer gives alot away about the movie and it's twist. Cheaply made trailer. So I don't advise you watch the trailer but I'll throw it in there for those of you who want to watch it anyway.