This is where it becomes very interesting. I'm not entirely sure, but The Evil Dead would have to be a very good contender for the movie with the most number of releases (and re-releases) in Region 1. There are four (!) different versions of this film available in R1 (not to mention two in the UK). One was an early Anchor Bay bare-bones release and is now out of print. There are, however, three different versions still available. The following comparison includes all three, plus the new Region 4 version. The Region 4 version of this disc misses out on; - Full Frame (not pan & scan) version
- DTS ES 6.1 Discrete audio
- Dolby Digital 6.1 EX audio
- TV Spots
- Biographies for Bruce Campbell, Rob Tapert, and Sam Raimi
- Fanalysis documentary
- Audio Commentary by Bruce Campbell
- Audio Commentary by Rob Tapert, and Sam Raimi
- Special "Book of the Dead" packaging
The Region 1 Anchor Bay "Book of the Dead" limited edition version of this disc misses out on; - Full Frame (not pan & scan) version
- Bruce Campbell liner notes
- The Evil Dead Journal
The Region 1 Anchor Bay Special Edition version of this disc misses out on; - Full Frame (not pan & scan) version
- Bruce Campbell liner notes
- Special "Book of the Dead" packaging
- Fanalysis documentary
- Discovering The Evil Dead documentary
- Special "Book of the Dead" packaging
- The Evil Dead Journal
The Region 1 Elite Special Edition version of this disc misses out on; - 1.85:1, 16x9 enhanced transfer
- DTS ES 6.1 Discrete audio
- Dolby Digital 6.1 EX audio
- Special "Book of the Dead" packaging
- Fanalysis documentary
- Discovering The Evil Dead documentary
- TV Spots
- Special "Book of the Dead" packaging
- The Evil Dead Journal
The biggest loss here is that the R4 misses out on the brilliant commentary tracks (two of the best commentary tracks ever recorded - especially Bruce Campbell's effort) present on all three R1 versions. On their own, those are enough to give the result to R1 (pick any). In the near future, matters will become considerably less complex, as both the Elite Special Edition and the Anchor Bay "Book of the Dead" are already or will go out of print in the coming months, so in a few years time the only version available internationally will be the Anchor Bay Special Edition. Until then, any real fan owes it to themselves to get the "Book Of The Dead" edition. This contains the commentary tracks and Bruce Campbell's Fanalysis documentary, which is a fascinating look into the world of a real life cult hero. Also, true fans of the film may want to grab Elite's special edition while it is still available, as it is the only way to still get the original full frame version of the film.
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