Drag Me To Hell

– Three and a half stars (out of four)
– Contains both the theatrical PG-13 version (for sequences of horror violence, terror, disturbing images and language) as well as the unrated Director’s Cut
– Who’s going to like it: fan’s of Sam Raimi (mostly his Evil Dead films and Army of Darkness), fans of classic horror mixed with situational comedy, and people who have been yearning for a truly scary PG-13-level horror flick.

New to DVD & Blu-rayJust in time for Halloween

Christine Brown (Alison Lohman, Matchstick Men) is an attractive young loan officer. When her boss tells her that she needs to prove she’s ready for a big bank promotion by making “the hard decision” with delinquent accounts, Christine jumps at the chance to deny an old gypsy woman her undeserved loan extension. Feeling humiliated, the gypsy attacks Christine and casts an ancient curse upon her – in three days, she will be dragged to hell by an unstoppable and merciless demon.

Writer/director Sam Raimi is a horror mastermind. Although other contemporary horror movies now act opposite this idea, he knows that less is more. Nowadays, too many horror movies go over-the-top with ultra violent, grizzly and graphic murders and mutilations. They thrive off those moments in an attempt to project fear, when in reality it’s just shock. Raimi proves otherwise by not showing anything at all. Working in a PG-13 manner, he can make a film just as scary – if not scarier – than any of the others.

While featuring plenty of extremely frightening and crippling scenes, he’s able to add a great level of comedy. Now I’m not talking jokes and punchlines, but funny situations and actions. For some, these humorous elements may go right over your head – which is okay. You’ll still enjoy the the scary nature of the film. But for those who get it, you’ll be surprised at how smoothly Raimi transitions from laughs to screams. One moment you’ll be scared out of your wits, the next you’ll be cracking up. Then he’ll make you jump out of your again. It’s absolutely brilliant.

For those who avoid unnecessary “unrated” editions, keep in mind that this is titled Raimi’s “Director’s Cut,” meaning this is the way he originally wanted it to be. If you’re like me, you wont touch it unless is holds that title (except for The Lord Of The Rings extended editions). Even if you still want nothing to do with the Director’s Cut, know that both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of Drag Me To Hell feature the theatrical version as well.

If you are one of those people who wont watch an unrated movie because of it possibly containing R-rated content, fear not with the unrated version of Drag Me To Hell. Just as Universal is claiming, the unrated version is simply “too intense for theaters.” Only seconds longer than the theatrical cut, the Unrated Director’s Cut offers alternate Raimi-esque sequences to those in the PG-13 version, featuring just a little more blood. I counted two:

Beware spoilers:

– Christine’s spraying nosebleed begins as bloody vomit.
– Instead of an implied animal sacrifice, we see Christine’s face as she performs the act. Blood sprays up in her face and on her clothes – more blood than could possibly fit in the tiny animal’s body.

End spoilers.

There is only one special feature on the DVD release of Drag Me To Hell. The thirty-something minute “Production Video Diaries” briefly take you through the films production. It’s hosted by co-star Justin Long (Live Free Or Die Hard) and is also found on the Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray also holds three exclusive features: BD-LIVE allows viewers to connect to the internet and access new and exciting exclusive online and interactive features, including My Scenes Sharing and My Chat; a digital copy of the Drag Me To Hell Unrated Director’s Cut can be transferred to your iPod, Mac or PC; and the Universal Ticker is Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s newest feature – an up-to-date system for checking out news about upcoming titles, Blu-ray features and exclusive events.

Although the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Drag Me To Hell Blu-ray is $39.98, for this week only you can purchase it for $24.99 at Target – which is an exceptionally good price for what I deem one of the most fun and satisfying films of the year.

Photo credit: Universal Studios