View Full Version : Bad news for Evil Dead fans
My suspicions were first raised when Anchor Bay removed all mention of "Within the Woods" from their website's spec listings for the Evil Dead set.
Now, I read this: http://www.mhvf.net/forum/scifihorror/posts/124227088.html
Sad news - I'm glad I didn't pre-order this one now.
jonathan.e
16-01-2002, 08:45
What really bites is:
The Suggested Retail Price will remain at $49.98
Bearing in mind that this legendary short was what most people were upgrading for from the excellent Elite disc I think it’s an extremely poor move on AB’s part to hold the same price. Even a $5 reduction in list would have shown they recognised how important this was to fans.
Seems like it’s always worth adopting a "wait and see" attitude when it comes to AB bearing in mind their foul ups over Manhunter, Better Tomorrow, Opera and Heathers still fresh from last year.
charlie angel
16-01-2002, 08:53
Shame - that was the only real reason I was after the new edition (don't really care about the packaging)
Think I'll just hang onto my Elite disc for the mo as they're bound to release another Evil Dead package at some point - 2 extra documentaries aren't worth that price.
Thats a huge disappointment :( I really can't see myself bothering with this set now.
dave.
jonathan.e
16-01-2002, 09:08
Hmmm...I don’t suppose the touted March R2 release of this would stand a better chance of including the short? Sometimes rights problems that are a nightmare in the States are not even an issue over here.
How annoyed would Americans be if that happened?
GUTTED :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
KeyserSoze
16-01-2002, 13:28
"However, this is not an attempt to hold the short back for another release of EVIL DEAD down the line"
yeah right !
man i should have bought Evil Dead R2 in the sale :mad:
Jay Da Feesh
16-01-2002, 15:08
Cheers for the post. Just cancelled mine. Was one of the main reasons i had ordered it and for the packaging.
Will have to get the Elite version instead. Already got the R2 version for DTS-ES (still haven`t heard it though).
Cheers
Blade Runner
16-01-2002, 18:11
Damn :mad:
scaramanga
16-01-2002, 19:36
DARN! I first heard about this new edition about a year ago and traded the elite for meet the parents!!! DOH! Im still getting the new one. The documentary should be interesting...
im still gonna get it too, after all u do still get a really cool box
maybe the R2 version will still have 'Within the Woods' ...
just saw this on r2-dvd.org:
AnchorBay UK have announced Evil Dead - Book of the Dead limited edition for release 18th March 2002 priced at £19.99. Here are the details from the PR:
On 18th March 2002, Anchor Bay Entertainment UK will release a limited edition of The Evil Dead on DVD with plenty of special features such as 'Within the Woods' (the original short film that inspired The Evil Dead) and a documentary by Bruce Campbell. The DVD is presented within the pages of The Book of The Dead which has been sculpted and illustrated by Tom Sullivan, who created the Necronomicon, dagger, and other special effects for the original film.
Crafted to look like the nasty tree from that scene in the film, the jacket of the book is made to look as if it has been formed from flesh in weird spongy latex. Inside are illustrations of skulls, demons, decapitated bodies and mysterious symbols.
The DVD features a choice of Dolby 5.1 surround sound or Digital Surround 6.1 and the aspect ratio is 16x9/1.85:1. Extra features include the US trailer and audio commentaries by Sam Raimi, producer Robert Tapert and Bruce Campbell, Fanalysis, an all new 26 minute documentary by Bruce Campbell, 'Within the Woods', a theatrical trailer, TV spots, and talent biographies. Even more material is accessed by 'easter eggs' which lead to previously unseen behind-the-scenes' footage. This is a DVD that every horror enthusiast will covet.
http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=7&articleId=3327
cheers
:)
anwhere prebooking the R2 yet?>
DVDTimes has this info also. Much better news.
Link (http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/index.cgi?page=News&id=2628).
Time to go a searchin'
Boink!:)
EdgeOfVictory
16-01-2002, 21:57
I want to cancel mines but I dunno how... :brickwall
On the subject of Evil Dead.
Which version of Army Of Darkness should i get.
I already have the Anchor Bay NTSC version.Should i get the Bootleg as i think theres more on there.
scaramanga
17-01-2002, 08:46
DVD times - "From that information it would appear the UK edition will feature the Within the Woods short as quite often rights issues in the US do not cause a problem here in the UK."
...please god, please god!:D
I havent preordered mine yet :clap: YIPEEEEE!
Originally posted by scaramanga
...please god, please god!:D
Hmm, not too sure what to believe about the R2 one as I distinctly remember the Halloween set being advertised witha commentary that never appeared. :(
Unfortunately I think we'll have to wait for the preliminary reviews to confirm this one way or the other.....
has the elite edition been deleted?
scaramanga
17-01-2002, 09:25
I hope the wicker man has the commentry! It does state a date when it was recorded.... please god, please god ;)
jonathan.e
17-01-2002, 09:57
PR people at The Associates should know later today if the Within the Woods feature will make it to R2.
Fingers crossed.
silverpenguin7
17-01-2002, 11:27
Yay...lets hope its good news :)
Jimmyboy
17-01-2002, 12:29
what exactly is within the woods and why is it so important ?.
George vader
17-01-2002, 12:58
The R2 edition will include the "Within...."film according
to R2 Project.
BTW the "Within The woods" film, from what I remember, was a kinda promo/short for the Evil Dead film which was touted to the studios.
jonathan.e
17-01-2002, 13:06
That R2 info is not confirmed as yet. The UK PR people have only recently been made aware of the problem with the short and are hoping to get confirmation this afternoon.
Nothing is sure yet.
Michael Felsher, the Webmaster at Anchor Bay confirmed today that Within the Woods will not be appearing on the UK version.
I'd still stick with the R1 version.
Anyone remember the quality of the last R2 release???
why is the elite version so priccy?
KeyserSoze
17-01-2002, 14:44
YeeeeeeSSS !!
when they say Limited Edition, do they mean a certain number are produced or for limited time ?
In this case, limited time. No idea how long that time is though !
need yer advice im gonna get the BOTD but i can also get the elite for £10, is it wise to get them both?
please help
Jimmyboy
17-01-2002, 15:53
Without the within the woods feature, surely the best version to go for is the AB R2 whilst its in the MVC sale ?.
The_Evil_Dean
17-01-2002, 16:12
To be fair to old Anchor Bay there is still quite a lot on the BOTD edition and if you do not own another version of the Evil Dead then this is the version to get as all the other versions are a little thin on the ground.
Originally Within the Woods was going to be included as short clips on the new dvd then I was told that it would be included but with the music cut out of it .....maybe Anchor Bay just didnt bother cutting out the music from it.
The new packaging is designed by Tom Sullivan who did the effects for the film so for an Evil Dead obsessant this would still be a nice purchase.....
It has a Bruce Campbell documentary on his fans which should be amusing given his dry sense of humour and a new featurette so it is not like we are being tottaly stiffed......
The R2 would be the best version of BOTD to go for as the R1 is just too expensive for what is essentially the same product.
It was always touch and go with WITW wether it would be included but the rights issue could only be with the music as far as I know the filmmakers did not sell WITW in the same way as Evil Dead which caused hellish rights issues ( See the beginning of Evil Dead 2 to see what this caused)
Yes it is dissapointing but I still commend Anchor Bay for an excellent R2 release .......but I do feel that this is one cash cow they have not milked to death yet with BOTD edtions of both Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness planned .....note they do state that within the woods will not be on a future release....hmmmmmmmmm
hope I was of some help to anyone
KeyserSoze
17-01-2002, 16:33
Originally posted by Sid
Michael Felsher, the Webmaster at Anchor Bay confirmed today that Within the Woods will not be appearing on the UK version.
I'd still stick with the R1 version.
Anyone remember the quality of the last R2 release???
oops, i misread that !
thought it was in it :(
Originally posted by arkham
why is the elite version so priccy?
Because it is out of print
Originally posted by scaramanga
I hope the wicker man has the commentry! It does state a date when it was recorded.... please god, please god ;)
I don't really see the connection - "The Wicker Man" is being released in the UK by Warner Bros NOT Anchor Bay (which means that it will probably come in a less than exotic snapper case :( )
Chyna Tsui
17-01-2002, 22:06
What happened to the PR Company insider info then?
Originally posted by arkham
need yer advice im gonna get the BOTD but i can also get the elite for £10, is it wise to get them both?
please help
If you can get the Elite disc for a tenner then *definitely* go for it! Where are you getting it at this price, if you don't mind me asking? If worse comes to worst and you decide you don't want it then I'll give you £12 for it! :D ;)
Best description I've seen about the Evil Dead SE and LE R1 releases is from www.dvdangle.com :
Now for the news you've all been waiting for -- Anchor Bay has officially announced all of the details for their 03/05 release of The Evil Dead!!! There will be 2 versions - a limited and non-limited. The non-limited edition release will run $19.98 and is set to include the following: The movie will be presented in anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen. (This is a little bit confusing since the original aspect ratio is 1.33:1 full frame, but anyway...) The audio tracks will include new Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and DTS 6.1 ES mixes as well as a French DD 5.1 mix. By the looks of it, the bulk of the extras are rehashed from Elite's release of The Evil Dead: Special Collector's Edition. The commentary with Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert as well as the commentary with Bruce Campbell will make it onto the disc along with the alternate takes and behind-the-scenes footage and theatrical trailer. The "new" extras will be biographies, a photo gallery, and a 24-page booklet entitled "Lades of The Evil Dead." The limited edition - The Evil Dead: Book of the Dead - Limited Edition - will include everything mentioned above plus "Fanalysis -- an all-new 26 minute documentary by Bruce Campbell featuring a humorous look at the fanatical world of the cult film phenomenon and Discovering Evil Dead -- an all-new featurette tracing the film's history from humble beginnings to legendary status." In addition, the disc will be housed in what has to be the coolest packaging ever - a recreation of The Book of the Dead by Tom Sullivan himself. This "fleshy" book will contain 20 pages, which according to Rue Morg magazine, will be decorated with cryptic writings that are translatable. You'll get all this for $49.98.
Posted by Chyna Tsui
What happened to the PR Company insider info then?
I'm interested to know what the SP is aswell, jonathan.e any more news ?
Shingster
18-01-2002, 11:44
Originally posted by pmdf
If you can get the Elite disc for a tenner then *definitely* go for it! Where are you getting it at this price, if you don't mind me asking? If worse comes to worst and you decide you don't want it then I'll give you £12 for it! :D ;)
Someone's flogging it in the classifieds for a tenner.
jonathan.e
18-01-2002, 12:26
Originally posted by f_drew
I'm interested to know what the SP is aswell, jonathan.e any more news ?
Sad to say I’ve lost the link for their PRs website which had the phone number. Not listed with directories either but if Felsher at Anchor Bay says it’s not on the R2 (as he apparently has) then I’d say that’s definitive.
I may upgrade if the R2 £19.99 price holds good (ie Play will have it for £15) but I aint paying $30+ and importing from the States for a couple of docos.
KeyserSoze
18-01-2002, 12:46
if the R2 is £19.99 is it a 2 disc ? does it have LE packaging ?
jefflynne
18-01-2002, 14:22
Will this new release (R1 or R2) use the same transfer that Anchor Bay used for the R2 that came out last year?
'Cos if they do, avoid it at all costs. It's ****** !!!
It looked ***** poor on my little 14" portable, so I dread to think what it looks like on a decent sized telly...
jonathan.e
19-01-2002, 13:06
http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=3&articleId=3340
Curioser and Curioser ......
There's been some conjecture that Sam Raimi himself has forced the short to be pulled. It mus t be someone pretty powerfiul for it all to happen so close to the release of this headline title. I'd be interested to know the 'real' reason behind this !
There has been a post made by an Anchor Bay exec (http://www.mhvf.net/forum/scifihorror/posts/124227295.html) that clears (some of) the issues that have come up since the announcement.
The_Evil_Dean
21-01-2002, 14:19
I dont think Sam Raimi would get it pulled he is pretty fan friendly although I dont think Within the woods was ever supposed to be released which would explain why he might want to have the thing pulled from release.
At least we now know they are not going to ever be able to release it which means we can stop speculating
I still say it is a good disk but I guess unless you are a real Evil Dead nut ( as I am sadly ) you would not really want to replace your old version, especially seeing as the Elite Disc is so good
of course I would be happy to trade or sell my old elite disc as it looks like I wont be needing it ;) :D
http:wwww.ladiesoftheevildead.com ...may be able to clear some of this up
Sam Raimi very much wanted the original Within the Woods to be included (he oversaw the entire project), as he did on a previous laserdisc SE release, but which got pulled, again, at the last minute.
There's no point speculating. It's not there and there's nothing anybody can do to get it back on the disc.
Well, allegedly it's someone from Renaissance (sp ?) Pictures that got it pulled - which pointed to Bruce Campbell, Bob Tapert or Raimi.
I personally believe it is worth speculating and trying to find information out as a lot of people will be upset if this appears on a later release after being originally stated for this one. I know that that's been denied though ! ;) :)
On the other hand, this 'decision' may be of interest to other DVD producers in that product may be pulled at the last minute due to late decisions by participants/owners.
The_Evil_Dean
21-01-2002, 21:40
Originally posted by f_drew
Well, allegedly it's someone from Renaissance (sp ?) Pictures that got it pulled - which pointed to Bruce Campbell, Bob Tapert or Raimi.
not that im doubting your source but who alleged it ?
I just wanna investigate the true reason it got pulled ....The truth is out there
It was a post on a thread that was running on DVDTalk that pointed to a second forum on an Evil Dead site. There were some posts on that site that got subsequently pulled that seemed to point towards this.
I'm sure that you'll be able to find the Evil Dead thread easily enough (when I last looked it was about 3 pages long) ! ;)
jonathan.e
22-01-2002, 15:42
Some tantalising screen caps here (http://www.mhvf.net/forum/scifihorror/posts/124227444.html) that only serve to twist the knife a little more :(
Like all News contributors for R2 websites I've been trying to get a definite Yes/No answer to the 'Within the Woods' inclusion but it is very difficult as just like the R2Project reported, the PR company simply do not know!
Something that I have noticed however is that the PR website has removed ALL mention of the 'Within the Woods' short from their original description of the R2 release which certainly suggests its not gonna make it over here.
dave.
diydestruction
22-01-2002, 16:23
Originally posted by jonathan.e
Some tantalising screen caps here (http://www.mhvf.net/forum/scifihorror/posts/124227444.html) that only serve to twist the knife a little more :(
Noooooooooo...... i wonder if it will ever get "released"...
what is the cheapest pre order anyone has found for botd lt ed
dvdboxoffice is pretty cheap but may have to wait a bit longer for it
The_Evil_Dean
22-01-2002, 21:12
From the ladies of the evil dead IE Betsy Baker, Ellen Sandweiss and Sarah York here is there reply to my within the woods query
"Thanks for checking out our site and sending an e-mail.
No - we don't have any further information on why
Within the Woods won't be on the next DVD release -
we're disappointed too, but life does go on..."
Not too shabby bit of digging I asked if it was anyone at Rennaisance pictures but obviously they did not want to be sued horribly so that is three suspects out of the way although Ellen Sandweiss was the only one actually in Within The Woods
I just want to know why it isnt on the dvd .... :(
What is going on ? :confused: :confused: :confused:
http://www2.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=3&articleId=3369
jonathan.e
23-01-2002, 10:20
Wow - way to **** off the US buyers.
Tyler Durden
23-01-2002, 11:41
Originally posted by jonathan.e
Wow - way to **** off the US buyers.
Makes a nice change though :)
EdgeOfVictory
23-01-2002, 11:57
OK that's TWICE now I've cancelled my region 1 order! Hope we find out soon
It's all too confusing, I'm keeping both on pre-order until I hear otherwise. I may even buy both and then assess the difference and sell on the lesser item..
Just got a copy of the new Empire today and there is NO mention of WITW on an advert for BOTD in there.
The ony extra of note is Fan Analysis 'Discovering Evil Dead' Featurette. Not sure what that is as i'm not that clued up but i thought you guys might want to know.
The_Evil_Dean
30-01-2002, 16:00
Not to burst anyone's bubble but I dont think there is any way we will see within the woods on our dvd
I did have a link to the guy who works at Anchor Bay posting this very thing but alas I cant find it now...
It seems that The Director wanted it pulled ( something to do with columbia pictures and there new spider-man movie )
Fanalysis is Bruce campbells documentary about the more hardcore fans that visit him in conventions so that should be a laugh and Discovering Evil dead will be your basic retrospective featurette
I am intrigued by those easter eggs though ...probably be rubbish
KeyserSoze
30-01-2002, 18:47
is there by any chance a dodgy pirated version of WTW floating around ?
Hell yes. This is heavily bootlegged and has been for years, but the quality of WTW boots is *always* dreadful. Check out any of the bigger US pirate companies. Tho, I guess they prefer to be called (inaccurately) "grey market"....
KeyserSoze
30-01-2002, 22:34
so isnt on the net somewhere ?
Just got this months copy of Hotdog and the full page ad on page 45 clearly states that 'Within the Woods: The original short film that started it all' is one of the extras! Can we have an answer please!?
jonathan.e
31-01-2002, 10:02
Advertising copy deadlines, especially for the monthlies, are well in advance of publication so this ad would have been designed when WTW was still scheduled to appear.
It does however raise an interesting question about false and mis-leading advertising and IMO is just another sign of slackness on the part of AB. Bearing in mind the protracted problems in trying to secure WTW for previous home video/LD/DVD releases, they should have had the rights sewn up watertight before they started shouting about this short being on the Book of the Dead.
Shoddy.
It seems that the short is DEFINITELY NOT on R2 aswell (even though this omission had been confirmed from the AB webmaster previously) :
http://www2.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=3&articleId=3478
So, forgetting about the Woods thing, which is currently the best version of Evil Dead to get? The R1 or R2 Book Of The Dead?
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