Evil Dead (Elite vs. AB)

07-29-2004, 02:08 AM

Anyone own both the Anchor Bay Book of the Dead and the Elite SE of Evil Dead?

How do they compare?

07-29-2004, 03:49 AM

I think this has been discussed 1,001 times, but I'll bite.

I personally prefer Elite's print. The BOTD is cropped at 1.85 (I'm sure it's the right way, no one is debating that) and also much darker and murkier, whereas Elite's is brighter and more clear in my opinion. I could understand preferring the film to look grimy, but I got so used to the Elite disc that AB's didn't look so hot. I'm still glad I have it though, if only for the extras and packaging.

welb25 · 07-29-2004, 04:03 AM

I also prefer Elite's full frame disc but I am glad that I own both. If I had to pick it would be the Elite disc but both are worthwhile.

speanroc · 07-29-2004, 04:34 AM

evil dead is a 1.33.1 film

welb25 · 07-29-2004, 04:40 AM

yes it is but it has been shown in theatres matted to widescreen aspect ratios. I guess you can argue that the Book of the Dead would be more like how it looked in a theatre but I still prefer the Elite.

07-29-2004, 04:47 AM

Bottomline is people, AB should've offered both versions like on the ED2 disc.

Grim · 07-29-2004, 04:57 AM

I have both the Elite disc and the regular AB Widescreen DVD (It has all the features of the Book of the Dead DVD, you just need a DVD rom). I figured if I'm in a widescreen mood I can watch the AB or if I'm in the Open matte mood I can watch the Elite. It's all about personal preference.

Katatonia · 07-29-2004, 05:16 AM

I have both versions of the DVD, and I too prefer the Elite version. The Anchor Bay might be Anamorphic, but it's in the incorrect original aspect ratio, and there are obviously things cut off that are noticable to fans.

07-29-2004, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katatonia

I have both versions of the DVD, and I too prefer the Elite version. The Anchor Bay might be Anamorphic, but it's in the incorrect original aspect ratio, and there are obviously things cut off that are noticable to fans.

Exactly my thoughts. The Elite version is the way to go.

07-29-2004, 10:56 AM

My vote goes with the Elite version, but for the collector you should also look at picking up the Book Of The Dead version - if only for the case alone.
I love freaking people out with the case - I usually get them to close their eyes before placing it in their hands.

The shrieks and screams are satisfaction enough.
I actually have this stored in a specially made box to protect it from dust and dirty hands - the Elite DVD resides on the shelf with all the others.

evildeadfan123 · 07-29-2004, 11:07 AM

I used to have the Elite Collector's Edition of Evil Dead, then I sold it when AB came out with the Book Of The Dead cover, because, that was the only way I was going to be able to afford the cool book and cover by Tom Sullivan. About a little over a year ago, I was the high bidder on a mini Evil Dead poster signed by Tom Sullivan, who designed the Book of The Dead, and the Dagger, and did the Make-Up Effects. Sometimes on eBay, they will have pages, and the Book Of The Dead up for auction, but usually the book goes for a minimum of $450.00, personally by Tom Sullivan. I also have the 1st Printing of Bruce Campbell's Book, signed by Bruce Campbell, with Shop Smart on the inside.

Shannafey · 07-29-2004, 01:57 PM

Because of everything said here, I never bought the AB disc and just stuck with the Elite version. If one day I find the Book of the Dead dirt cheap, I'll get it just to have as a prop!

moogong · 07-29-2004, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katatonia

I have both versions of the DVD, and I too prefer the Elite version. The Anchor Bay might be Anamorphic, but it's in the incorrect original aspect ratio, and there are obviously things cut off that are noticable to fans.

I agree 100%. Elite all the way. I dont see it on the shelves anymore, it is out of print?

07-29-2004, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moogong

I agree 100%. Elite all the way. I dont see it on the shelves anymore, it is out of print?

According to DVDAficionado, yep. Elite's Disc is OOP.

dwatts · 07-29-2004, 02:18 PM

I've read a lot about the Elite disc and how good it is. However, I went with the Book of the Dead. There is some collectable packaging that basically is laughably lame. In this case though, it's really very good. I simply couldn't resist. I think the AB UK set has both versions.

07-29-2004, 02:08 AM	#1
Deus Ex Machina Guest Posts: n/a	Evil Dead (Elite vs. AB) Anyone own both the Anchor Bay Book of the Dead and the Elite SE of Evil Dead? How do they compare?

07-29-2004, 04:57 AM	#7
Grim HackMaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 7,277	I have both the Elite disc and the regular AB Widescreen DVD (It has all the features of the Book of the Dead DVD, you just need a DVD rom). I figured if I'm in a widescreen mood I can watch the AB or if I'm in the Open matte mood I can watch the Elite. It's all about personal preference. __________________ AIM: MrGrim132002

07-29-2004, 05:16 AM	#8
Katatonia Hellbound Heart Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Missouri Posts: 15,891	I have both versions of the DVD, and I too prefer the Elite version. The Anchor Bay might be Anamorphic, but it's in the incorrect original aspect ratio, and there are obviously things cut off that are noticable to fans. __________________ "The machines are faster and the bombs are worse, as we're all sucked into this unholy curse." - Saint Vitus - War Is Our Destiny DVD Profiler Collection

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-29-2004, 03:49 AM	#2
Andrew Guest Posts: n/a	I think this has been discussed 1,001 times, but I'll bite. I personally prefer Elite's print. The BOTD is cropped at 1.85 (I'm sure it's the right way, no one is debating that) and also much darker and murkier, whereas Elite's is brighter and more clear in my opinion. I could understand preferring the film to look grimy, but I got so used to the Elite disc that AB's didn't look so hot. I'm still glad I have it though, if only for the extras and packaging.

07-29-2004, 04:03 AM	#3
welb25 Stalker Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 340	I also prefer Elite's full frame disc but I am glad that I own both. If I had to pick it would be the Elite disc but both are worthwhile.

07-29-2004, 04:34 AM	#4
speanroc I WANNA BAN Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: AMERICA Posts: 2,537	evil dead is a 1.33.1 film

07-29-2004, 04:40 AM	#5
welb25 Stalker Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 340	yes it is but it has been shown in theatres matted to widescreen aspect ratios. I guess you can argue that the Book of the Dead would be more like how it looked in a theatre but I still prefer the Elite.

07-29-2004, 04:47 AM	#6
Revoltor Guest Posts: n/a	Bottomline is people, AB should've offered both versions like on the ED2 disc.

07-29-2004, 10:56 AM	#10
DaZD[N]KnFuZD Guest Posts: n/a	My vote goes with the Elite version, but for the collector you should also look at picking up the Book Of The Dead version - if only for the case alone. I love freaking people out with the case - I usually get them to close their eyes before placing it in their hands. The shrieks and screams are satisfaction enough. I actually have this stored in a specially made box to protect it from dust and dirty hands - the Elite DVD resides on the shelf with all the others.

07-29-2004, 11:07 AM	#11
evildeadfan123 Sam & Dean Winchester Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,968	I used to have the Elite Collector's Edition of Evil Dead, then I sold it when AB came out with the Book Of The Dead cover, because, that was the only way I was going to be able to afford the cool book and cover by Tom Sullivan. About a little over a year ago, I was the high bidder on a mini Evil Dead poster signed by Tom Sullivan, who designed the Book of The Dead, and the Dagger, and did the Make-Up Effects. Sometimes on eBay, they will have pages, and the Book Of The Dead up for auction, but usually the book goes for a minimum of $450.00, personally by Tom Sullivan. I also have the 1st Printing of Bruce Campbell's Book, signed by Bruce Campbell, with Shop Smart on the inside.

07-29-2004, 01:57 PM	#12
Shannafey Don't Monkey With Me! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: South Florida, But Far from the Hell that is Miami Posts: 6,370	Because of everything said here, I never bought the AB disc and just stuck with the Elite version. If one day I find the Book of the Dead dirt cheap, I'll get it just to have as a prop!

07-29-2004, 02:18 PM	#15
dwatts HackMaster Join Date: May 2002 Location: Crashed Posts: 16,580	I've read a lot about the Elite disc and how good it is. However, I went with the Book of the Dead. There is some collectable packaging that basically is laughably lame. In this case though, it's really very good. I simply couldn't resist. I think the AB UK set has both versions.