CORPORATE LINE: Picking up where NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD left off, and still offering no explanation of why the dead are walking the earth, DAWN plunges headlong into one of the most violent and original horror films ever made. After securing an apartment building overcome with flesh-eating zombies, two Philadelphia area SWAT team members, Peter (Ken Foree) and Roger (Scott Reiniger), flee to a television station, where they escape in the station’s helicopter with Francine (Gaylen Ross) and Stephen (David Emge), two station employees. Seeking refuge from the zombies and the ensuing hysteria, they land on top of a Pittsburgh area shopping mall, despite the fact that the undead seem to be flocking there. What begins as a stop for supplies becomes a longer stay as the four become embroiled in a futile war within the mall to keep their flesh to themselves and remain alive.
The film’s relentlessly disturbing and innovative gore effects are one reason to see DAWN OF THE DEAD, but those who can stomach the endless barrage of blood and gnarled zombie faces will be rewarded–and possibly surprised–by what the film says about human nature and life within a consumer-based culture. Any aficionado of horror is likely to place the film high on their list of revered cinema.
THE FILM: Dawn of the Dead brings action, humor, and ultimate terror to the screen. This is the gem of all zombie movies. The shopping mall setting is brilliant because it is claustrophobic. Who ever thought of a mall could be claustrophobic? When hundreds of zombies are chasing after you fear hides around every corner. The irony is rich in that this group of people has access to all the riches they could ask for yet at the same time might not make it out alive.
The zombies rampage and won’t stop until they eat everything that has a heartbeat. George Romero uses every inch of the mall to spark fear in our souls. Even though the outcome is obvious and we wait for it to come predictably there is nothing about Dawn of the Dead that is boring.
DVD FEATURES: What makes the Ultimate Version worth the money are the three different versions of the film; the theatrical cut, extended director’s cut, and the European cut. The extended director’s cut, which runs nearly 2 ½ hours, is easily the best version. The two documentaries are fabulous. You might find yourself watching this before even venturing into the three different cuts of the film
Disc One: U.S. Theatrical Version
Widescreen presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16×9 TVs
• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director George A. Romero, Make-Up Effects Creator Tom Savini and Assistant Director Chris Romero. Moderated by Perry Martin.
• Theatrical trailers
• TV spots
• Radio spots
• Poster and advertising gallery
• George A. Romero bio
• Comic book preview
Features 5.1 DTS Surround Sound, 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, 2.0 Dolby Surround, Original Mono and Closed Captioned
Disc Two: Extended Version
• Widescreen presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16×9 TVs
• Audio Commentary with Producer Richard P. Rubinstein.
• Monroeville Mall commercial
• Behind-the-scenes photo gallery
• Memorabilia gallery
• Production stills
Original mono and Closed Captioned
Disc Three: European Version
• Widescreen presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16×9 TVs
• Audio Commentary with Actors David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger and Gaylen Ross
• International Theatrical trailers
• U.K. TV spots
• International Lobby Card Gallery
• International Poster and Advertising Gallery
• International Pressbook Gallery
• U.S. and International home video and soundtrack artwork
• Dario Argento bio
“The Dead Will Walk” – An all-new documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew members Claudio Argento, Dario Argento, Pat Buba, Tony Buba, Zilla Clinton, David Crawford, David Early, David Emge, Ken Foree, Michaelo Gornick, John Harrison, Clayton Hill, Sharon Ceccatti-Hill, Jim Krut, Leonard Lies, Scott H. Reiniger, Chris Romero, George A. Romero, Gaylen Ross, Tom Savini and Claudio Simonetti.
• On-set home movies with audio commentary from Zombie Extra Robert Langer
• Monroeville Mall tour with Writer/Director George A. Romero
Features 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, 2.0 Dolby Surround, Original Mono and Closed Captioned
Disc Four: Documentaries
• Roy Frumkes’ “Document of the Dead” – The original documentary filmed during the making of Dawn Of The Dead by Filmmaker Roy Frumkes
This new version of Romero’s zombie masterwork features not one, not two, but three different commentary tracks. The first has Romero, his wife Christine, and Tom Savini reminiscing over the film. It’s an entertaining track for sure, since Romero and Savini seem to have a genuine affection for each other.
FRANKLY: Dawn of the Dead is the crème de la crème of all zombie films and the Ultimate Edition gives it to you in all its glory.
+ Charlie Craine
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