If there is a positive development to emerge from our new reality of safe social distancing, it's the resurgence of drive-in movie theaters. Dismissed by some as an artifact of a bygone era, drive-ins have seen a spike in interest in the wake of the pandemic. This news is especially exciting for horror and sci-fi fans. After all, genre pictures flourished at American drive-ins throughout the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s, from B-movie creature features to horror classics like Last House on The Left and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
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Now a gory cult classic from the early 80s is set to hit the big outdoor screens this summer, and news of its release is positively groovy. Starting June 13th, thanks to Grindhouse Releasing, you can catch Sam Raimi’s horror masterwork The Evil Dead in drive-ins across the country. The movie's first stop is at the Pride’s Corner Drive-In in Westbrook, Maine. But fear not, the film is expected to hit additional drive-ins all summer long.
Originally released in 1981, and starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, The Evil Dead tells the story of five college students who set out for a getaway at a creepy cabin in the woods. While exploring the cabin's cellar, the crew uncovers an ancient book and a tape recorder. It seems the recorder once belonged to an archeologist, who used the device to document his research. Of course, the crew presses play (how could you not?). As the tape plays, the archeologist's recorded voice recites incantations that unleash a demonic entity hellbent on swallowing the souls of all those inside the cabin. Things only get freakier—and gorier—from there.
Related: 10 Totally Creepy '80s Horror Movies
Last fall, Grindhouse released a 4K restoration of The Evil Dead, complete with a fresh score by the film's original composer, Joseph LoDuca. Consequence of Sound reports that participating drive-ins will be screening the original print, though theaters are invited to request access to other versions.
More screening dates and locations will be announced via Grindhouse Releasing's social accounts; indeed, just yesterday GR announced that The Evil Dead will screen at the Midway Drive-In in Sterling, Illinois. For all those who can’ t make it to a participating drive-in this summer, The Evil Dead is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
That said, if you're looking for a truly old-school horror experience, we promise, the drive is worth it. Check out the trailer for the original Evil Dead below, and be sure to double-lock your cellar doors.
Sources: Bloody Disgusting; Consequence of Sound; Bloody Disgusting
Featured still from "The Evil Dead" via Renaissance Pictures
