The Evil Dead Subtitled VHS Version Sam Raimi Five young people, including Ash, come to a cabin in the woods for a pleasant vacation. They find an ancient book called "The Book of the Dead" and a tape recorder in the basement by chance. The Evil Dead (original title: The Evil Dead) is a 1981 American supernatural horror film. Sam Raimi directed and wrote the screenplay, Robert Tapert produced, and Raimi, Tapert, and Bruce Campbell served as executive producers. It stars Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker, and Theresa Tilly. Director: Sam Raimi Screenplay: Sam Raimi Producer: Robert Tapert Executive Producers: Robert Tapert Sam Raimi Bruce Campbell Starring: Bruce Campbell Music: Joseph LoDuca Cinematography: Tim Philo Editing: Edna Ruth Paul Joel Coen Distribution: New Line Cinema Japan Herald Film Release Date: United States: October 15, 1981 Japan: February 23, 1985 Running time: 85 minutes