The Evil Dead: Sam Raimi film returns to theatres for 40th anniversary

Although Sam Raimi’s classic feature debut The Evil Dead (watch it HERE) went into production in 1979, the movie didn’t have its first screening until 1981 – and Fathom Events is planning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that screening with a screening of their own. Fathom Events is teaming up with Grindhouse Releasing to beam The Evil Dead out to theatres nationwide on Thursday, October 7th at 7:30 pm (local time). The screening will start with a special introduction from star Bruce Campbell.

Tickets to the screening will be available to purchase through the Fathom Events website and at participating theatres as of this Friday, August 13th.

The Evil Dead has the following synopsis:

Ash (Campbell), his girlfriend Linda (Betsy Baker), his sister Cheryl (Ellen Sandweiss), and couple Scotty (Hal Delrich) and Shelly (Sarah York), drive to a remote cabin in the woods for a fun getaway. While there, they find the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis (aka “The Book of the Dead”), an ancient tome whose text reawakens the dead when read out loud. After unintentionally releasing a flood of evil, the five friends must fight for their lives or become possessed.

Campbell recorded his introduction at a drive-in last month. Saying it’s “fun to celebrate” The Evil Dead, Campbell told Entertainment Weekly that this screening will be

a good opportunity to look back and be grateful that it hung around this long. People still seem to want to watch it, they still seem to enjoy it. It’s on to the next generation now. It’s not even the original fans. Their children have been introduced to it now. So it’s my job just to keep perpetuating it.”

The Evil Dead is one of my all-time favorite films. I’ve had a couple opportunities to see the movie on the big screen (at both an in-door theatre and a drive-in), and it was a great experience. And when Bruce Campbell provides an introduction, that makes the experience even better.