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Title:
Night Of The Living Dead: 40TH Anniversary Edition
Region:
One
Genre:
Horror
Stars:
Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Bill Hinzman, Judy Ridley, and Keith
Wayne
Writers:
George A. Romero and John Russo
Director:
George A. Romero
Feature
length: 96 minutes
Extras:
Two Audio Commentary Tracks, One For The Fire Documentary, Speak Of
The Dead: Q&A With George A. Romero, Theatrical Trailer, Still Gallery,
Original Script (DVD ROM) Final Interview With Star Duane Jones
Languages:
English Two-Channel Monaural Sound
Subtitles:
English Subtitles For The Deaf And Hearing Impaired and Spanish Language
Subtitles
Packaging:
Blood Red Keep Case
Chapter
Stops: 20
Sound:
Two-Channel Monaural Sound
Year
of Theatrical Release: 1968/DVD Release: 2008
Home
Video Distributor: The Weinstein Company Through Genius Products
MPAA
Rating: Not Rated
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera AKA The Brooklyn Critic
George
A. Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead
is one of the most successful independent films ever made and has not only
become one of the most important horror films ever produced and a genuine
classic, but also a popular subject among academic film historians, who
deconstruct the film to suggest various impressions regardless of whether they
were conscious or unconscious choices. George A. Romero’s Night Of The
Living Dead was not only the right horror film released at the right time,
but it has also withstood the test of time by providing genuine scares and
shocks for those who never saw it. Even the seasoned horror fan cannot deny that
there is a disturbing if not creepy subtext to the film that sticks with the
viewer for long time after seeing it.
In
conjunction with the DVD release of George A. Romero’s Diary Of The Dead,
The Weinstein Company through Genius Products has released George A.
Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead: 40TH Anniversary Edition
on DVD-Video. Some of the bonus features on this DVD have been ported over from
the definitive Elite Entertainment Millennium Edition released in 2002, but some
new material has been added too, making this release a must have for super fans
of the series.
Though
the packaging states that a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Soundtrack is included on
the DVD release, the reality is only the original Two-Channel English Monaural
Soundtrack is included, which is disappointing. George A. Romero’s Night Of
The Living Dead is presented in the film's original (1.33:1) aspect ratio
and the film looks starker than previous DVD releases, but the lack of a true
5.1 Surround Soundtrack really hinders this release since both the Elite
Entertainment version and the colorized Fox versions features 5.1 Surround
Sound. The Fox version even includes a DTS track while the Elite version is even
THX certified. English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and Spanish
Language Subtitles are encoded onto this DVD release too.
The
commentary tracks found on the Elite release have been carried over to this
latest DVD incarnation. The first track includes commentary by George A. Romero,
John Russo, Karl Hardman, and Marilyn Eastman. The second commentary track
features Bill Hinzman, Judith O'Dea, Keith Wayne, Kyra Schon, Russell Steiner,
and Vince Survivinski. Both tracks are very informal and enjoyable because the
commentators are clearly enjoying themselves while watching the film, making the
viewing and listening experience better for the consumers. Also carried over to
this release is the audio interview with Actor Duane Jones (16:45) that was
recorded before his death. To hear Mr. Jones talk is to confirm that Duane Jones
was truly an articulate and well-educated man. Also included are the theatrical
trailer (1:49) and a still gallery of one sheet art, lobby cards and production
photos. The original screenplay is also accessible for DVD-ROM users.
Exclusive
to the 40TH Anniversary Edition is the feature length documentary One
For The Fire (1:23:48), which features new and recent interview clips with
Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Kyra Schon, Russell Steiner, John Russo as well
as admirers commenting upon the legacy of the film, which include Max Brooks,
Greg Nicotero, Bill Moseley, and Alice Cooper. An interview in Filmmaker George
A. Romero (15:46) where he even discusses his film The Crazies, is also
included and wraps up the bonus features along with trailers for George A.
Romero’s Diary Of The Dead, Automaton Transfusion, and Rob Zombies 2007
film version of Halloween.
While
not quite as definitive as Elite Entertainment’s Millennium Edition, George
A. Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead: 40TH Anniversary Edition
carries over some of the best elements from that DVD release and adds some great
new ones too. I just wish a true 5.1 surround soundtrack mix were included as
the packaging states. George A. Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead: 40TH
Anniversary Edition is available on DVD-Video now at retailers on and
offline courtesy of The Weinstein Company and Genius Products.
© Copyright 2008
By Mark A. Rivera AKA The Brooklyn Critic
All Rights Reserved.
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