The first Evil Dead movie was released in 1982. With a budget of $50,000 director Sam Raimi along with a group of his friends went out into the woods and directed what is now considered one of the greatest horror movies ever. It set up to show what Raimi could do and contained many elements that became trademarks in the directors films including the infamous wheelbarrow cam.

The movie was and still is one of the most original horror movies ever. It deals with the story of a small group of friends who head off into the Tennessee woods for a nice quiet weekend together. Soon they reach the small cabin and find a tape recorder and a strange book in the cellar. After listening to the recordings on the tape they realize something is out in the darkness of the woods around them. Soon one by one the friends fall victim to the evil that lurks all around them.

The Evil Dead is indeed the ultimate in grueling horror. It delivers much more than a lot of films dared. The gory and make up effects are top notch and will have any horror movie fan drooling. While it maybe lacking in the effects department and given the fact it was their first film the acting isn't exactly top notch The Evil Dead is probably the most frightening movie in the series. While it's two sequels bring out the humor The Evil Dead is much darker and more of a horror and will appeal more to real horror movie buffs.

Many people believe The Evil Dead to be the grandfather of low budget film making.

Before The Evil Dead
The Evil Dead wasn't Raimi's first movie. When he was eighteen he made a short fifteen minute splatter movie called Within The Woods. After this was made he went around to peoples houses showing them the film he wanted to make and these people invested in the making of The Evil Dead.

The Budget
The Evil Dead was made on a budget of $50,000.

DVD
The Evil Dead is available on DVD from Anchor Bay. No extra's except the theatrical trailer.
Elite Entertainment are also said to have a version in the pipe line with commentary from Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Bruce Campbell. Also said to be featured are behind the scenes footage and an image gallery so if your a big fan of The Evil Dead you'd be better saving your money to get this version.