New release date TBA.
This is terrible.
Sources are High Def Digest and Amazon.

This movie has been released so many times that I feel I can wait. I hope that they take this opportunity to make the release something worthwhile, and not simply a port of the underwhelming HD DVD release, which I already have and, admittedly, takes the sting out of this postponement.

I hope that both cuts and a remaster of each is done without employing DNR and EE. As it stands right now, 2/3 of the Evil Dead trilogy have been released to HD and there are arguably better DVD versions of those films out there.

I hope when the original Evil Dead gets released it's fullscreen and not that abominable 1.78:1 transfer which Raimi stupidly approved due to the fact he likes to kiss studio ass. ( See Spiderman 2.1 )

I hope they are taking time to redo Army Of Darkness right but i get the feeling it's being postponed due to the fact they want to tie the release in with the new version of Evil Dead which is coming next year.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434020/

Details of postponement if this were a perfect world:

After viewing the current HD masters of Army of Darkness and several other titles Universal has ordered all new masters to be made using the latest state of the art transfer equipment. In a statement issued earlier today a Universal CEO stated "we are seriously reconsidering our approach to releasing our catalog titles onto the Blu-ray Disc format. What we've done in the past with DVD and HD-DVD is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised and consumers demand the best audio video experience possible. We believe our titles deserve the best presentation and brand new transfers with no artificial enhancements or filters are the key."

Well, we can dream can't we? ;)

I hope when the original Evil Dead gets released it's fullscreen and not that abominable 1.78:1 transfer which Raimi stupidly approved due to the fact he likes to kiss studio ass. ( See Spiderman 2.1 )

I hope they are taking time to redo Army Of Darkness right but i get the feeling it's being postponed due to the fact they want to tie the release in with the new version of Evil Dead which is coming next year.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434020/

I agree. The HD transfer that was on the UK BD and US HD-DVD is pretty solid and I doubt the movie is ever going to look that much better. Likely this is just an excuse to hold it over as a tie-in for the remake, which seems to be the main reason we see catalog releases these days from most studios. Sigh.

Details of postponement:

After viewing the current HD masters of Army of Darkness and several other titles Universal has ordered all new masters to be made using the latest state of the art transfer equipment. In a statement issued earlier today a Universal CEO stated "we are seriously reconsidering our approach to releasing our catalog titles onto the Blu-ray Disc format. What we've done in the past with DVD and HD-DVD is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised and consumers demand the best audio video experience possible. We believe our titles deserve the best presentation and brand new transfers with no artificial enhancements or filters are the key."

Well, we can dream can't we? ;)

It would be great if they mean it. ( Maybe they can redo The Thing )

Maybe someone at Universal can have a word with the cheapskates at Paramount.

Details of postponement:

After viewing the current HD masters of Army of Darkness and several other titles Universal has ordered all new masters to be made using the latest state of the art transfer equipment. In a statement issued earlier today a Universal CEO stated "we are seriously reconsidering our approach to releasing our catalog titles onto the Blu-ray Disc format. What we've done in the past with DVD and HD-DVD is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised and consumers demand the best audio video experience possible. We believe our titles deserve the best presentation and brand new transfers with no artificial enhancements or filters are the key."

Well, we can dream can't we? ;)

Is that a legit statement from Universal?
I thought the HDDVD's of AOD and Darkman looked wonderful (despite the EE).


On Evil Dead in 16x9...
If you ever get to see The Evil Dead in the theater it is usually matted to 1.66 or 1.85. I don't that it is incorrect to watch it either aspect ratio.
Any way, Anchor Bay's THX transfer is better than Elite Entertainment's laserdisc port, and their latest dip (Ultimate Edition) has both aspect ratios.

Details of postponement:

After viewing the current HD masters of Army of Darkness and several other titles Universal has ordered all new masters to be made using the latest state of the art transfer equipment. In a statement issued earlier today a Universal CEO stated "we are seriously reconsidering our approach to releasing our catalog titles onto the Blu-ray Disc format. What we've done in the past with DVD and HD-DVD is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised and consumers demand the best audio video experience possible. We believe our titles deserve the best presentation and brand new transfers with no artificial enhancements or filters are the key."

Well, we can dream can't we? ;)

That was mean!

Is that a legit statement from Universal?
I thought the HDDVD's of AOD and Darkman looked wonderful (despite the EE).


On Evil Dead in 16x9...
If you ever get to see The Evil Dead in the theater it is usually matted to 1.66 or 1.85. I don't that it is incorrect to watch it either aspect ratio.
Any way, Anchor Bay's THX transfer is better than Elite Entertainment's laserdisc port, and their latest dip (Ultimate Edition) has both aspect ratios.

Well you just said there is EE on the transfers so they can't be that good. Maybe they are going to give us a much better transfer without EE. EE is ugly on high definition releases so if studio's like Universal are starting to realise this then it can only be good.

As for 1.78:1 and Evil Dead. Lots of stuff missing from the top and bottom of the frame which should be there and the composition is awful.

The only way to truly appreciate Evil Dead is to watch it fullscreen.

Details of postponement:

After viewing the current HD masters of Army of Darkness and several other titles Universal has ordered all new masters to be made using the latest state of the art transfer equipment. In a statement issued earlier today a Universal CEO stated "we are seriously reconsidering our approach to releasing our catalog titles onto the Blu-ray Disc format. What we've done in the past with DVD and HD-DVD is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised and consumers demand the best audio video experience possible. We believe our titles deserve the best presentation and brand new transfers with no artificial enhancements or filters are the key."

Well, we can dream can't we? ;)


Mega ouch, careful with those kinds of comments. Heheheh. :p My heart sank once I noticed that was not a legit statement. I guess it would be way too cool if any studio came out to say something like that and actually stood behind that kind of "high quality is the key" philosophy. Yeah, I'll keep dreaming. ;)

Plus, how many different releases of AoD do we have now? I'm sure we are good for another half dozen new ones but this time they will all be in 1080p. :D

Universal needs to contact the overseas division of MGM, they still have the best looking, sounding, and complete version of Army of Darkness to date.

Mega ouch, careful with those kinds of comments. Heheheh. :p My heart sank once I noticed that was not a legit statement. I guess it would be way too cool if any studio came out to say something like that and actually stood behind that kind of "high quality is the key" philosophy. Yeah, I'll keep dreaming. ;)

Plus, how many different releases of AoD do we have now? I'm sure we are good for another half dozen new ones but this time they will all be in 1080p. :D

Enough that is took 30 mins for me to do an evil dead collection video on you tube !
The UK disc is pretty good looking and the less said about the SD D/C on the disc the better

No worries here but UNI better not postpone the following releases:

1. Children of Men
2. Inside Man

No worries here but UNI better not postpone the following releases:

1. Children of Men
2. Inside Man

I'll go on a rampage if that were to happen.

Army of Darkness, Darkman, Back to the Future Trilogy, Mallrats, and JP Trilogy are the most important catalogue titles Universal owns.
AOD better get announced soon.

Army of Darkness, Darkman, Back to the Future Trilogy, Mallrats, and JP Trilogy are the most important catalogue titles Universal owns.
AOD better get announced soon.

Also Jaws.

I'm pretty sure Darkman and Mallrats are not in the same league as JP, BTTF, or Jaws.

Universal needs to contact the overseas division of MGM, they still have the best looking, sounding, and complete version of Army of Darkness to date.
I've posted this before, but it bears repeating.

Anchor Bay Director's Cut (all versions):

http://i41.tinypic.com/eqtifc.jpg

MGM Director's Cut:

http://i39.tinypic.com/22f97s.jpg

Gee Kram i just realised you were joking. That humor bypass operation i had on Thursday worked a little too well.

I have both the Anchor Bay's 2 Disc Limited Edition and MGM's R3 DVD in my DVD closet.
I am a person who has no life.

the HD DVD is horrible if you don't like EE, On my 106 inch there's like 1 inch of it pretty much everywhere when it's well lit!

If they're doing a remaster, then I'm stoked. I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted this closer to Halloween, as opposed to even the newer Evil Dead film in 2010. Don't know if it's possible at this point but, we'll just have to wait and see.

Word is Universal will release AOD when Drag me to Hell hits the Blu.
Darkman better come out with em, or else a total psychopathic man-baby rampage may happen.

Word is Universal will release AOD when Drag me to Hell hits the Blu.
Darkman better come out with em, or else a total psychopathic man-baby rampage may happen.

you could probably buy darkman on hd dvd AND a player for what best buy will charge for darkman on bd.

Don't pick on me for being a loser.

I have both the Anchor Bay's 2 Disc Limited Edition and MGM's R3 DVD in my DVD closet.
I am a person who has no life.

You are not alone.:o:D

I guess Universal will release Army of Darkness before or the same time of the hit one, Drag Me To Hell(great film).

Word is Universal will release AOD when Drag me to Hell hits the Blu.
Darkman better come out with em, or else a total psychopathic man-baby rampage may happen.
As long as they don't have "FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DRAG ME TO HELL" sprawled across them... or Spider-Man for that matter.

You are not alone.:o:DAre you a fan of Liverpool FC,or something?:)

I guess you guys will have to content yourselves with the 16 known releases of this movie on DVD while you wait.

I personally hope Army of Darkness is postponed as long as necessary to get a good quality release of it. I'm in no hurry, I own that famous MGM Hong Kong region 2 import DVD of the film anyways.

I guess you guys will have to content yourselves with the 16 known releases of this movie on DVD while you wait.

I personally hope Army of Darkness is postponed as long as necessary to get a good quality release of it. I'm in no hurry, I own that famous MGM Hong Kong region 2 import DVD of the film anyways.

I think it's unlikely Universal will do anything other then use the same source the HD-DVD version with perhaps another filtering on it. Despite complaints from the projector guys I found the HD-DVD to have little EE, Fletch on the other hand had some whopping EE.

I thought the HDDVD looked great.

Are you a fan of Liverpool FC,or something?:):confused:Um, no. Should i be?:)

GREAT NEWS!!!!!
Army of Darkness gets released on 9/15!!!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!!
Army of Darkness gets released on 9/15!!!!!!
Link for the proof (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3097).

Anyone care to detail what is so special about the "Screwhead Edition" labeling? And is my thinking too wishful to hope for the alternate ending to be branched in?

It's special screwhead edition because Universal licensed Anchor Bay's features.
Personally the Original (planet of the apes) ending doesn't tonally match AOD.

BAD NEWS! its the hacked to bits 81 minute cut :eek:

BAD NEWS! its the hacked to bits 81 minute cut :eek:

I.e. the theatrical version...

I'll still get it.

No sale.

No sale.

+1...no sale. I was hoping we'd get a cleaned up version of the Director's Cut, without those awful-looking insert shots that were used for the old Anchor Bay DVDs.

Why does everyone like the 96min cut better?
It lacks the badass ending and replaces it with a twist that would suit a much more serious film.

Why does everyone like the 96min cut better?
It lacks the badass ending and replaces it with a twist that would suit a much more serious film.

Everything else for me is better, action, story, pacing, more nice shots in the film and comedy etc.. it just feels a little more Epic (if I can use that word haha).
We can debate the actual new ending (I love both) :) but its nice to have the option of both cuts thats for sure and not have to wait for another release in a years time to get it right again.

I like the shorter cut better. I fell asleep the last time I watched the DC. :D

I'm glad this release is back on, and if they recycle the HD DVD encode then I won't mind one bit. It's a bit too 'edgy' perhaps, but overall I was stunned at how good it looked.

Why does everyone like the 96min cut better?
It lacks the badass ending and replaces it with a twist that would suit a much more serious film.
Ash doesn't require a bad ass ending, son. He's a loser and that's how it's meant to be. The darker ending fits the character better.

I really don't care. I'm buying this.

Ash doesn't require a bad ass ending, son. He's a loser and that's how it's meant to be. The darker ending fits the character better.

I agree. The Director's Cut ending is more in line with the previous Evil Dead movies, especially II.

Just got this instock at my importer, so I thought rude not too

Purchase Information:

1 x Army Of Darkness: Screwhead Edition (Blu-ray) (025192019968) = £14.99

Sub-Total: £14.99
UK Express (UK only, average 5-9 business days delivery from dispatch): £1.99
Total: £16.98


Should have it by this time next week

I can't wait to see what it looks like.
My CC was just charged for it today and my copy of Child's Play BR went out yesterday.
I also finally won the early Japanese Evil Dead laserdisc with the alternate framing/lighting. So I'll be a happy horror camper next week.

They've been playing shell game with the AOD release all year, so I'm not surprised.

Good... bad... I'm the one with the gun!

BLAM!!

:D

I like most of the inserted scenes of the DC, but I like the theatrical cut's S-Mart ending better as it works with the rest of the wacky, less-than-serious tone of the entire rest of the movie. It would be cool to have a choice where you could have the DC with the theatrical ending instead of the downer ending that comes out of left field.

The Director's Cut ending is more in line with the previous Evil Dead movies, especially II.

Except ARMY OF DARKNESS isn't like the previous EVIL DEAD movies, which is why that original ending doesn't work --IMO of course -- in the context of the movie itself. The S-mart ending just fits ARMY more appropriately, as the original ending is a downer and doesn't gibe with the tone of the rest of it.

Personally I'd love to have both versions on there so everyone can watch whatever they prefer...too bad Universal can't seem to get it together.

Except ARMY OF DARKNESS isn't like the previous EVIL DEAD movies, which is why that original ending doesn't work --IMO of course -- in the context of the movie itself. The S-mart ending just fits ARMY more appropriately, as the original ending is a downer and doesn't gibe with the tone of the rest of it.


Exactly.

My favorite cut is the one on the Sci- errr I mean SY FY channel, essentiall the 96min cut with the S-mart ending.

If I was Dino De Laurentis I would have had AOD titled , "THE MED-EVIL DEAD".

This is terrible.

WoW
It sure is! That means there's only a dozen 5" silver discs of this title out there!
(I don't even know how many LD & VHS versions were released)
And only three are in HD.
What will we do till its released... AGAIN... & AGAIN... & AGAIN...

JJ

I can't wait to see what it looks like.
My CC was just charged for it today and my copy of Child's Play BR went out yesterday.
I also finally won the early Japanese Evil Dead laserdisc with the alternate framing/lighting. So I'll be a happy horror camper next week.

I thought I had most of the Lasers of the three films worth having ! how did I not know about this ? any links ?

If I was Dino De Laurentis I would have had AOD titled , "THE MED-EVIL DEAD".
I remember reading that this was Raimi's original title but the studio wouldn't allow it. Their reason was that Evil Dead 1 & 2 were such unknown titles that the general movie going public wouldn't bother to see a third sequel to 2 movies they had never seen before.

I thought I had most of the Lasers of the three films worth having ! how did I not know about this ? any links ?

http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=31511

But one note, the newest Ultimate Edition DVD does have the lighting strike and closer framing to the old LD. Although the old LD still has the most picture information.

Since no one has posted a pre-order link I thought I'd add it in for those interested.

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=4142

http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/4142_front.jpg

I like the theatrical ending better myself. Since there won't be another sequal in the franchise, I want to Ash to have a happy ending damnit! The guy has taken more beatings than the 3 Stooges combined, been forced to carve up his demonically possessed girlfriend, been forced to cut off his own hand, thrown back hundreds of years in time to show King Arther how to kick ass. I think he deserves a hot redhead in the end.

And the extra footage really adds nothing, and replaces some great lines with awful ones.

S-Mart ending is the best. I own the imported director's cut and love that too but the whole scene in the store is part of my youth.
They should (and I am sure they will) put the DC ending as an extra, at least.

Love the new artwork, nice change from the red and orange look to the original, but, how can they remove one of the best taglines in movies?

Trapped in Time.
Surrounded by evil.
Low on gas.

The store scene also has a young Bridget Fonda. I much prefer that ending.

I like the original US ending best. But from my understanding, this BR version has both.
My favorite version of the movie to watch is from the Primitive Screwhead edition, with the original ending. Basicly it's a fan edit w/ the highest quality TV version mixed with the newest R1, R3 and 4 DVD's. But I also like watching the HD DVD for image clarity.

I like the original US ending best. But from my understanding, this BR version has both.

Uh no. Theatrical only.

Extras for this release include:

* U-CONTROL: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U-Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever leaving the movie
* PRODUCTION PHOTOS: Access interactive production photos from the set without interruption to the movie experience.
* BD-LIVE(TM): Access the BD-Live(TM) Center through your Internet-connected player to get even more content, watch the latest trailers, and more!
* MY SCENES: Pick your favorite scenes from the film to create your own video montage.
* ALTERNATE ENDING: See the original ending planned for the film.
* DELETED SCENES: Additional scenes that never played in theaters.
* THE MEN BEHIND THE ARMY: Go behind-the-scenes with star Bruce Campbell.
* ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE: See extra footage shot for the film.
* FEATURE COMMENTARY with director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and co-writer Ivan Raimi
* THEATRICAL TRAILER: The original promotional trailer for the theatrical release

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2401

How can there be a commentary, if it was recorded for the longer version? Are they just editing it down, or is it a new commentary?

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/army-theatrical.htm

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/army-theatrical.htm

I wonder if it is a new print. Because AoD has always had a lot of dirt and blemishes.

http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=25286#more-25286

screencaps galore here. Wow.:eek:
I guess they delayed it to strike a new master or something.
Suck it Gladiator...ok so maybe Uni did send out a bad version because of studio politics.:confused: Because this catalog title looks damn good.

http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=25286#more-25286

screencaps galore here. Wow.:eek:
I guess they delayed it to strike a new master or something.
Suck it Gladiator...ok so maybe Uni did send out a bad version because of studio politics.:confused: Because this catalog title looks damn good. What? Same border-line-upconvert master used on the HD DVD and UK BD.

wow, is it just me or do those screen caps have more detail than the HD DVD version!?

What? Same border-line-upconvert master used on the HD DVD and UK BD.
Yea, look at this strange smeary "mosaic" pattern going on in all those captures and the caps with DVDBeaver's review (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/army-theatrical.htm):

http://www.E-Imagesite.com/Files2/army_of_darkness_76378040.png

Universal should just sell the film to Dark Sky Films or Synapse Films so it can be treated right for once, at least on U.S. shores.

That just looks like the JPG compression, it looks to blow away the Uk disc

wow, is it just me or do those screen caps have more detail than the HD DVD version!?

The reviewer said it was an upgrade from the HD DVD.:)
http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=25286#more-25286
"The transfer to Hi-Def looks impressive for a 1992 film and does seem to be an actual improvement over the previous HD-DVD release because it’s using more space (bandwidth) for video than before. I’m not sure that it’s a new restoration or remaster but it has never honestly looked better. The black level is solid throughout, fleshtones are very accurate, close-ups show a large amount of detail and the color palette is very vibrant. No signs of any compression issues that were a minor problem on the previous HD-DVD Hi-Def release at times. It’s not 100% flawless but I saw no real problems here, just a slight improvement — enough to earn it a solid “4 Star Rating” for video quality."

If he had the HD DVD to compare he might be able to tell if there was a difference. He's making an assumption that higher bitrate must mean better picture.

If he had the HD DVD to compare he might be able to tell if there was a difference. He's making an assumption that higher bitrate must mean better picture.
He says he has the HD DVD in the review. Oh well, either way I'll find out tomorrow.

Does he actually say he owns it or simply the HD DVD had x?

Does he actually say he owns it or simply the HD DVD had x?

He shows screen shots of the DVD side of the HD DVD in his review. So he has the combo version.

What? Same border-line-upconvert master used on the HD DVD and UK BD.
The caps posted on HDD look good to me, but I don't have the HD-DVD or the BD. It's possible that only the best looking shots were posted.

Are there any HD-DVD caps posted anywhere?

What? Same border-line-upconvert master used on the HD DVD and UK BD.

No it destroys the UK disc

Really need to hear more on how it stacks up against the HD DVD version... I really don't want to buy another copy of Army of Darkness, but if it's slightly better, I think I'll go for it... at this point, might as ****ing well.

Previous version screenshots:
Bullets 'n' Babes [HD DVD vs 2 DVDs] (http://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4502)
Bullets 'n' Babes [DVD vs gooki's HD DVD shots] (http://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4205)
gooki [HD DVD] (http://www.hdmovies.co.nz/hddvd.php?id=Army%20of%20Darkness)
Blu-ray.com [Blu-ray (UK)] (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1524&show=screenshots)

Count me among the haters. Looks the same as the previously released discs (with the exception of garbage at the matte lines on the UK disc).

And no, it's not JPEG compression. The HighDefDiscNews shots are PNG.

Well, I really do prefer the color timing of the HD DVD/Blu-ray transfer. That warm look is very pleasing and seems more appropriate to the movie; I don't know what Raimi's intended look is.

It's interesting to compare the R3 DVD to the HD DVD in the first BnBs link above. The color timing is totally different (much cooler) and the resolution is noticeably inferior, which is funny, considering how much of a revelation that R3 disc was to me after the years of VHS and substandard DVD transfers. It was hard to believe it could look better than that, at the time.

The HD DVD/Blu-ray isn't perfect by any means -- there's EE and probably some DNR baked into the master -- but overall, it seems fairly nice to me. I really am pleased by those rich, warm colors...

I saw mention that the new BD has no dirt/scratches? I'm wondering if they put the HD DVD transfer through some cleanup software before they re-encoded it.

I wonder if it is a new print. Because AoD has always had a lot of dirt and blemishes.

It didn't look like a new print. Still full of dirt and blemishes. But I'll check more later tonight. I didn't watch very much. Still has EE for those wondering. The alternate ending is horrible low quality and window boxed. Looked like it was taken from a VHS copy. But the new HD feature is nice.

EDIT: It is clearly different from the HD DVD!
Where Ash says first falls from the sky and says, "Where the hell...." has less dirt on the film as compared to the HD DVD. If I didn't know any better the copy seems brighter and a maybe little sharper than the HD DVD.

Score ! and it does say "now digitally remastered" on the back, the UK disc made no such claim will try and flick thro both back to back tonight

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dvdmike/DSC00544-1.jpg

Any more news on the UK vs US BD transfer, Is it the same ?

Scanned through the UK disc yesterday and was quite happy with what I saw.

Extras for this release include:

* U-CONTROL: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U-Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever leaving the movie
* PRODUCTION PHOTOS: Access interactive production photos from the set without interruption to the movie experience.
* BD-LIVE(TM): Access the BD-Live(TM) Center through your Internet-connected player to get even more content, watch the latest trailers, and more!
* MY SCENES: Pick your favorite scenes from the film to create your own video montage.
* ALTERNATE ENDING: See the original ending planned for the film.
* DELETED SCENES: Additional scenes that never played in theaters.
* THE MEN BEHIND THE ARMY: Go behind-the-scenes with star Bruce Campbell.
* ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE: See extra footage shot for the film.
* FEATURE COMMENTARY with director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and co-writer Ivan Raimi
* THEATRICAL TRAILER: The original promotional trailer for the theatrical release

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2401

According to the Blu-Ray.com review, the deleted scenes, additional footage, "Men Behind the Army" featurette and commentary aren't on there. Only the alternate ending and "Creating the Deadites" featurette are on it -- at least that's what they are stating.

FWIW, they're not listed on the packaging, either.

I'm fine with the R3 DVD (despite having the HD DVD), I'm sick and tired of mediocre releases. I only watch the 15 minute longer director's cut on MGM's DVD anyway if I'm actually going to watch it completely. I also think the 5.1 track on MGM's DVD is more dynamic than the HD DVD 5.1 were everything sounds flat.

According to the Blu-Ray.com review, the deleted scenes, additional footage, "Men Behind the Army" featurette and commentary aren't on there. Only the alternate ending and "Creating the Deadites" featurette are on it -- at least that's what they are stating.

The production photos are there. The U-control feature has this little blue mark that lights up during certain segments. Then when you activate it, production photos show up in the lower right corner during specific scenes. I liked the feature but wish the photos were bigger. Nice improvement in sound quality over the HD DVD.

The DELETED SCENES, ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE etc. are not there.

WTF Universal!

The production photos are there. The U-control feature has this little blue mark that lights up during certain segments. Then when you activate it, production photos show up in the lower right corner during specific scenes. I liked the feature but wish the photos were bigger. Nice improvement in sound quality over the HD DVD.

The DELETED SCENES, ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE etc. are not there.

So have we whittled the extras down to:

* U-CONTROL: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U-Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever leaving the movie
* PRODUCTION PHOTOS: Access interactive production photos from the set without interruption to the movie experience.
* BD-LIVE(TM): Access the BD-Live(TM) Center through your Internet-connected player to get even more content, watch the latest trailers, and more!
* MY SCENES: Pick your favorite scenes from the film to create your own video montage.
* ALTERNATE ENDING: See the original ending planned for the film.
* "Creating the Deadites" featurette
* FEATURE COMMENTARY with director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and co-writer Ivan Raimi ???
* THEATRICAL TRAILER: The original promotional trailer for the theatrical release

I know this isn't necessarily the fault of the technology or the media itself, but where's all of this "extra" content the bluray commercials scream about?

There should be some licensing that states you must do something other than port over and take away features that are just too much darn trouble to introduce.

I guess in the end this is our own fault, we let them do this. I know I'll probably still buy it rather than try to make a statement against laziness. :)

Does anyone know if this is region locked ?

I'm finding contradictory reports online ...

So have we whittled the extras down to:

* U-CONTROL: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U-Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever leaving the movie
* PRODUCTION PHOTOS: Access interactive production photos from the set without interruption to the movie experience.
* BD-LIVE(TM): Access the BD-Live(TM) Center through your Internet-connected player to get even more content, watch the latest trailers, and more!
* MY SCENES: Pick your favorite scenes from the film to create your own video montage.
* ALTERNATE ENDING: See the original ending planned for the film.
* "Creating the Deadites" featurette
* FEATURE COMMENTARY with director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and co-writer Ivan Raimi ???
* THEATRICAL TRAILER: The original promotional trailer for the theatrical release
No commentary either.

I know this isn't necessarily the fault of the technology or the media itself, but where's all of this "extra" content the bluray commercials scream about?

No kidding. Wasn't that one of the main talking points of the BD media blitz back in "the format war" era, who told us we HAD to have BD because of all that extra space...which, years later, many discs aren't taking advantage of, considering the number of 25gb single-layer discs we still get on a too-frequent basis.

Universal should reissue this.

Seriously? Why's that? It offers an upgrade in video and audio quality that's pretty substantial over the DVD, and from what a reviewer has said, possibly even over the HD-DVD.

Now that this is out, I wonder when the next release-version will be out.
:)

I know this isn't necessarily the fault of the technology or the media itself, but where's all of this "extra" content the bluray commercials scream about?

There should be some licensing that states you must do something other than port over and take away features that are just too much darn trouble to introduce.

I guess in the end this is our own fault, we let them do this. I know I'll probably still buy it rather than try to make a statement against laziness. :)

I certainly understand your position (and respect it), but I rarely, rarely find any extra content that I think is worth watching at all. I can even sum up the extras I have watched since the advent of home video: the documentary with the classic Star Wars movies, the controversial Superman commentary, the episodes on Tolkien's life, the documentary on John Carpenter's The Thing, and the deleted scenes on Borat. That is it. BD-Live is a gimmick. Many times I don't want to know how they did something to spoil the magic. I say give us the best possible picture and sound first, then include extras second.

Seriously? Why's that? It offers an upgrade in video and audio quality that's pretty substantial over the DVD, and from what a reviewer has said, possibly even over the HD-DVD.

In spite of that one reviewer's claims, several of us have seen the HD-DVD and BD and those who have acknowledge it's the same transfer. But I don't blame you guys for doubting us -- watch it for yourself. There's no appreciable difference at all.

As far as an upgrade on the DVD, sure. If you never owned the HD-DVD edition, it's worth it in spite of its shortcomings. The problem is it was one of the lesser HD-DVD catalog transfers and could have used some work -- which it didn't get, unfortunately, and which I think most of us were hoping it would have gotten.

The problem is it was one of the lesser HD-DVD catalog transfers and could have used some work -- which it didn't get, unfortunately, and which I think most of us were hoping it would have gotten.

Seems to be the growing trend these days on BD...which sux. :( I am getting leery of the BD format at this point and have stopped buying Bluray discs almost completely.

In spite of that one reviewer's claims, several of us have seen the HD-DVD and BD and those who have acknowledge it's the same transfer. But I don't blame you guys for doubting us -- watch it for yourself. There's no appreciable difference at all.

As far as an upgrade on the DVD, sure. If you never owned the HD-DVD edition, it's worth it in spite of its shortcomings. The problem is it was one of the lesser HD-DVD catalog transfers and could have used some work -- which it didn't get, unfortunately, and which I think most of us were hoping it would have gotten.

Its NOT the same transfer as the HD DVD.
I'm 100% certain. Watch when he first says "What the hell..." You'll see less dirt and smudges on the screen. There's other differences also. The transfer doesn't look like extra DNR was applied either.

Seriously? Why's that? It offers an upgrade in video and audio quality that's pretty substantial over the DVD, and from what a reviewer has said, possibly even over the HD-DVD.

Becuase it is a worthless release without the Directors cut on the disc and commentary. Shocking waste of a release, again!

Seems to be the growing trend these days on BD...which sux. :( I am getting leery of the BD format at this point and have stopped buying Bluray discs almost completely.:confused:

Most releases are getting updated transfers, certainly many more than are using recycled ones.

:confused:

Most releases are getting updated transfers, certainly many more than are using recycled ones.

Seems to be 50/50 at best...and even if the transfer is new they DNR/EE it till it's worthless, or screw the audio. Not a happy camper these days. I was REALLY looking forward to True Romance, 12 Monkeys, Gladiator, Hero, Drunken Master and Iron Monkey. New titles are generally non-issues. It's the "classics" that are really getting over-looked or non-QC'd.

On a good note: if these could look/sound as good as Braveheart, Crouching Tiger, Big Trouble In Little China, Grease and even Ghostbusters I think I would be broke...so its prob for the best.

No kidding. Wasn't that one of the main talking points of the BD media blitz back in "the format war" era, who told us we HAD to have BD because of all that extra space...which, years later, many discs aren't taking advantage of, considering the number of 25gb single-layer discs we still get on a too-frequent basis.

Yeah...I get to laugh everytime I see a previous 30GB HD DVD turn into a 25GB Blu-ray missing special features or adding in DNR/EE.

In spite of that one reviewer's claims, several of us have seen the HD-DVD and BD and those who have acknowledge it's the same transfer. But I don't blame you guys for doubting us -- watch it for yourself. There's no appreciable difference at all.

As far as an upgrade on the DVD, sure. If you never owned the HD-DVD edition, it's worth it in spite of its shortcomings. The problem is it was one of the lesser HD-DVD catalog transfers and could have used some work -- which it didn't get, unfortunately, and which I think most of us were hoping it would have gotten.

Even if there's not, I only rented the HD-DVD version since that format was going by the wayside, and it was very, very good. Can it be better? Sure. But my point is that this release doesn't require a re-release just because of the video. Somebody in this thread mentioned something about a reissue, and I was merely saying that's kind of out of line. Missing extras and not being an appreciable difference over HD-DVD doesn't mean it needs a reissue.

Bought today, only had a chance to watch about 30 minutes of it. General impression so far is good except for one very big issue: they did a ton of edge enhancement on this. There are all kinds of halos/rings around dark objects set against light backgrounds. There doesn't seem to be much DNR, or maybe I missed it from being distracted by the EE. For what it's worth, there does seem to be plenty of grain, and there is lots of fine detail, but the ringing/halos might prove annoying for some.

Looking forward to some comparison shots (hopefully Xylon, or somebody, will do it).

PS:

On the extras front, the following things were major letdowns to me:

* The theatrical trailer is in SD.
* The alternate ending is in SD (this is a major issue IMHO).

Deleted scenes appear to be non-existent.

Somebody in this thread mentioned something about a reissue, and I was merely saying that's kind of out of line. Missing extras and not being an appreciable difference over HD-DVD doesn't mean it needs a reissue.

It is not quality of transfer or a few missing extras to many people that gets to them, it is the afct it is not the better Directors cut and is missing tonnes of extras, thats why it needs a re-issue as frankly the disc is worthless to many as they do not want the theatrical cut :)

I for one never want to see that edit ever again when the longer cut is so much more in every way. EPIC is better, less is less.

It is not quality of transfer or a few missing extras to many people that gets to them, it is the afct it is not the better Directors cut and is missing tonnes of extras, thats why it needs a re-issue as frankly the disc is worthless to many as they do not want the theatrical cut :)

I for one never want to see that edit ever again when the longer cut is so much more in every way. EPIC is better, less is less.

When I hear a 'reissue', I think of 'Damn, there's a video glitch in the Matrix Revolutions, and it should be replaced', or 'Damn, there's some misframing going on in Pirates of the Caribbean and it should be fixed'. I don't think, 'Damn, I'm going to wait for them to re-release this again because it's not the cut of the film I want'. Hence why I felt 'reissue' was kind of harsh for this release. It's really not so surprising they're already screwing us on this already, I mean, this is the first time it's been released on Blu, and they'll re-release it again, and again, and again...

On the extras front, the following things were major letdowns to me:

* The theatrical trailer is in SD.
* The alternate ending is in SD (this is a major issue IMHO).

Deleted scenes appear to be non-existent.

You really think Universal will go back and remaster those two things for a title that's been re-released a dozen times between DVD/HD/BD in the past decade? Unless the film is a brand new release, or a classic with new features, I don't remember many BD titles that had their previous SD features remastered in HD. Not saying its never happened, but this is Army of Darkness, not a huge title.

Seems to be 50/50 at best...and even if the transfer is new they DNR/EE it till it's worthless, or screw the audio.I seriously doubt that. It may seem like that because of the releases that generate dozens of threads, but that's mistaking intensity for numbers.
Not a happy camper these days. I was REALLY looking forward to True Romance, 12 Monkeys, Gladiator, Hero, Drunken Master and Iron Monkey. New titles are generally non-issues. It's the "classics" that are really getting over-looked or non-QC'd. I wasn't aware of any serious issues with the first two, but again, you're mistaking intensity of the anger towards treatment of some "classics" for a blanket treatment (see below).
On a good note: if these could look/sound as good as Braveheart, Crouching Tiger, Big Trouble In Little China, Grease and even Ghostbusters I think I would be broke...so its prob for the best.The thing is, they do. On top of the ones you mention, we've got all 3 Godfather films, Dr. Strangelove, Blade Runner, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, many of the Bond films, the recent Ray Harryhausen releases, and all but 2 or 3 of the Criterion titles. Even films with that were remastered recently with controversial changes--The French Connection, Halloween, or Ghostbusters--seem relatively free of DNR or EE. Of course, that's not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination. Meanwhile, films that we know have older transfers, such as Terminator 2, Evil Dead 2, and of course Gladiator get the same thing DVD got, except now we can see the problems that DVD couldn't.

You really think Universal will go back and remaster those two things for a title that's been re-released a dozen times between DVD/HD/BD in the past decade?Paramount was retransferring vintage trailers in HD pretty regularly for their early releases. Not sure if they still do.

If we were talking about a making-of featurette or something, I'd agree, but a trailer? Deleted scenes that do look to be pretty available considering the quality of what's been released overseas? I don't think it's unreasonable to think that those might be retransferred.

Paramount was retransferring vintage trailers in HD pretty regularly for their early releases. Not sure if they still do.

If we were talking about a making-of featurette or something, I'd agree, but a trailer? Deleted scenes that do look to be pretty available considering the quality of what's been released overseas? I don't think it's unreasonable to think that those might be retransferred.

Anytime I see a catalog title I don't expect anything special feature-wise to be in HD unless its a brand new doc or some new footage.

I'm not aware of features overseas...did a Region B version have deleted scenes in HD? It's possible Universal ran out of room on the disc (isn't it missing some features that were announced)?

I guess when its a cheap catalog title and essentially a port of a three year old HD DVD I set my expectation levels very low.

They'll definitely use HD extras as a marketing gimmick someday. As we see with DVD's now, companies constantly re-release the same films over and over again and people will take new special features into consideration, and they know it. They'll give us more features, and then eventually HD special features. It's just an additional marketing tool they can use now.

The thing is, they do. On top of the ones you mention, we've got all 3 Godfather films, Dr. Strangelove, Blade Runner, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, many of the Bond films, the recent Ray Harryhausen releases, and all but 2 or 3 of the Criterion titles. Even films with that were remastered recently with controversial changes--The French Connection, Halloween, or Ghostbusters--seem relatively free of DNR or EE. Of course, that's not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination. Meanwhile, films that we know have older transfers, such as Terminator 2, Evil Dead 2, and of course Gladiator get the same thing DVD got, except now we can see the problems that DVD couldn't.

Exactly. New or recent masters are usually needed so that we don't get all the DNR/EE problems. Those new masters cost a decent amount of hard cash so the studios have to weigh the cost of these vs the increased sales the new transfer would net them. It would be nice if they remastered every one but that isn't realistic.

Anytime I see a catalog title I don't expect anything special feature-wise to be in HD unless its a brand new doc or some new footage. Neither do I.

I'm not aware of features overseas...did a Region B version have deleted scenes in HD?Well, two things:

1) Universal's initial specs listed several extras that weren't part of any of their previous releases, including deleted scenes and an audio commentary. If they were going to that effort, it's conceivable that they might've retransferred some of that material. The deleted scenes in particular: Universal didn't have deleted scenes on any previous release, so unless they have an archive of extras they didn't use before, presumably they'd either have to use the footage off someone else's release or transfer 'em themselves. If they're newly transferring that footage themselves, why wouldn't they do it in HD? Turns out they didn't bother to include any deleted scenes at all, and they just recycled everything but the KNB featurette off their eleven year old (or whatever) DVD.

2) That extra footage hasn't been issued in high-def anywhere to my knowledge, but a new transfer was obviously done for the sparklingly beautiful R3 release, and dollars to doughnuts that DVD was culled from an HD master. That's an MGM release and maybe Universal doesn't have access to that material / couldn't work out a licensing deal they liked / whatever, but again...not terribly unrealistic, IMO.

I think we both agree that alot of "extras" aren't worth watching, but they are nice to have. I rarely watch all extras, but some I do out of curiosity, boredom, interest, etc. The fact is, they are there. Someone is a fan enough to watch it.

There is no excuse however, for a movie like Army of Darkness NOT to have every cut ever put on disc, every interview, every scrap of artwork, etc. It's a cult classic that more fans than not, would eat up every extra thrown at them.

Put the darn thing in the "Vault"(tm) every 10 years or whatever it takes to keep it fresh and interest up. But I should have to buy one HD version of this for atleast a media generation.

I don't think my shelf can handle one more AoD disc for some random special feature. :)

I certainly understand your position (and respect it), but I rarely, rarely find any extra content that I think is worth watching at all. I can even sum up the extras I have watched since the advent of home video: the documentary with the classic Star Wars movies, the controversial Superman commentary, the episodes on Tolkien's life, the documentary on John Carpenter's The Thing, and the deleted scenes on Borat. That is it. BD-Live is a gimmick. Many times I don't want to know how they did something to spoil the magic. I say give us the best possible picture and sound first, then include extras second.

The disc states the documentary is in HD,is this true?

The disc states the documentary is in HD,is this true?Yup. 22 minutes. 1080i. (It's all about KNB's effects work, by the way.)

You really think Universal will go back and remaster those two things for a title that's been re-released a dozen times between DVD/HD/BD in the past decade? Unless the film is a brand new release, or a classic with new features, I don't remember many BD titles that had their previous SD features remastered in HD. Not saying its never happened, but this is Army of Darkness, not a huge title.
The theatrical trailer might be a stretch, but the alternate ending (and entirely missing deleted scenes) are a no brainer for the HD treatment. Simply put, those scenes exist in alternate cuts available in other regions, there's no reason to believe they weren't already available in HD for Universal to use. Luckily I got this title for $6.99 after price matching and using a $10 RZ certificate at Best Buy.

Where Ash says first falls from the sky and says, "Where the hell...." has less dirt on the film as compared to the HD DVD. If I didn't know any better the copy seems brighter and a maybe little sharper than the HD DVD.

"With side-to-side comparisons of the HD DVD release, this Blu-ray edition of 'Army of Darkness' appears to be identical..."

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/2140/armydarkness.html

Have to agree. Whatever differences there are, they're so tiny that it makes no difference really.

When I hear a 'reissue', I think of 'Damn, there's a video glitch in the Matrix Revolutions, and it should be replaced', or 'Damn, there's some misframing going on in Pirates of the Caribbean and it should be fixed'. I don't think, 'Damn, I'm going to wait for them to re-release this again because it's not the cut of the film I want'. Hence why I felt 'reissue' was kind of harsh for this release. It's really not so surprising they're already screwing us on this already, I mean, this is the first time it's been released on Blu, and they'll re-release it again, and again, and again...


Ahh yes I get exactly what you are saying now :) well worded.

Future Upgrade is maybe more apt then :D as we all know this film will be out more than once in HD (maybe not in all regions), which is a shame that someone could not get it perfect first time around and save us a few pennies buying the next one.

'Future upgrade' I'll definitely agree on... and unfortunately, probably buy as well. Damn my love for this film!

I expect starz to come out with a version since they took over Anchor Bay and seem to own the rights to most of the extras and the extended cut.

this disc has got to be one of the most inconsistent in terms of PQ and even stretched images.

2 notable scenes is when Ash is looking down the well in the beginning and evil Ash summoning the skeletons. Oh well, one of my favorite movies that i didn't own thats always enjoyable to watch.

2 notable scenes is when Ash is looking down the well in the beginningTo be fair, drop in either of Anchor Bay's DVDs, and that shot looks the same there. I don't know if that's due to a screw-up during photography or a misstep in the lab or what, but it's apparently always been that way.

yeah it's always been that way, it's just part of Raimi's wacky shots imo

To be fair, drop in either of Anchor Bay's DVDs, and that shot looks the same there. I don't know if that's due to a screw-up during photography or a misstep in the lab or what, but it's apparently always been that way.

yeah it's always been that way, it's just part of Raimi's wacky shots imo

Drop in the MGM Director's Cut DVD and I bet you'll be surprised how good that scene looks. Anchor Bay's DVDs look terrible because they were all cash grabs. Universal looks a little better, but they obviously didn't put much effort in. If MGM decides to release a Blu-Ray, then I'll upgrade.