Army Of Darkness – HD-DVD/DVD Combo Format Edition

 

Picture: B     Sound: B     Extras: C-     Film: B

 

 

Sam Raimi is now known for bringing Spider-Man to life, now on his third film and counting, but it is actually his second trilogy after his ever-popular Evil Dead films.  Army Of Darkness (1992) is the largest of the three productions (so far?) and one with more than one cut.  We have previously looked at two of them, one of which was an import, which you can read about at the following link:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/2112/Army+Of+Darkness+(MGM+R3/NTSC+v.+Anchor+Bay+Boomstick+R1+Ed.)

 

 

So now, here’s another edition, but this time it is in High Definition in the HD-DVD format.  Though it is the shorter cut and only a theatrical trailer is included, this is the best looking and sounding version issued to date, including the anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image on the standard DVD side.  The 1080p digital High Definition version is a little better, but it is one of these cases where the DVD side looks really good despite some poor moments, while the HD side shows improvements in that transfer while also showing new problems and limits.  The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mix is also good for a low-budget film and the standard DVD standard Dolby Digital 5.1 version shows some improvements over previous mixes with punchier surrounds and sound effects that enhance the action and comedy.

 

So this Combo edition is not going to have all the interesting extras fans have been going after on DVD, but it is a good (if not outstanding) HD performer that is basic and satisfactory for the format.  It is also the kind of older favorite title all the studios need to come up with for the HD marketplace.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo