Dawn of the Dead -- U.S. Theatrical Cut

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, as his films usually are, but...
Review: ...where did this film take me, as a viewer? Nowhere. When I rented "Dawn of the Dead," I expected a horror masterpiece of epic proportions; one that I would be talking about for years to come, like all of the critics whose reviews I had read, which detailed a film so violent and ahead of its time that it would deeply affect anyone who actually could stomach the film's running time. The film started out interesting enough. There was a roller coaster ride of violence that began with a police raid on a building that was infilterated by zombies. Heads exploded from shotgun shells, necks were bitten, chunks of flesh torn away from limbs... All well and good. The make-up effects looked acceptable, and I was interested in the characters. But then the film lost me. The survivors in this film head for the mall, and they attempt to seek shelter from this supposedly unstoppable force of zombies. Now, I can understand why dozens of these things coming at you would be a threat, but in this movie they look like grey people and nothing more. They plod around aimlessly and rarely seem to have any objective. We see them destroyed wholesale in all sorts of ways, but yet they never seem to illustrate any threat until they have one person cornered. I wasn't scared by them at all, yet I persevered in watching this movie because I was expecting some sort of terrifying pay off that made all of this so-called sophisticated satire and gore worthwhile. I never got it. The pay off didn't come, and I turned off the TV feeling cheated. "Dawn of the Dead" could've been something magnificent if only George Romero had bumped up the pace at which the zombies attack, shortened the movie by about twenty minutes, and didn't so blatantly try and hit us over the head with the satire stick. A little subtlety would've helped too. "Dawn" missed so many opportunities it could've capitalized on that, to me anyway, it's nothing more than a series of misthrown darts that struck so far away from the bull's eye you'd need an RV and a ten day supply of food and water to retrieve them. Now, I know that many people who have seen this movie think of it as a masterpiece of the genre, and how dare I sully the good name of such a good director, but I just didn't see what this movie had to offer in the entertainment category. Sure, there are some laughs and some moments of genuine tension, but they don't make up for an overlong script, stretches of silence that have no point, mediocre acting, and hundreds of grey people that do nothing more than wander up the down escalator, which is why I give the film 2 stars. Seriously, if these zombies can rip open a man's abdomen and rip his intestines out like they were tearing through plastic wrap, why can't a whole group of them break through a window? I found myself asking that question one too many times during this film. It's a true masterpiece of disappointment.

Rating:
Summary: DAWN OF THE DEAD
Review: A GREAT ZOMBIE MOVIE AND SEQUEL TO NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS GUT RIPPING,FLESH TEARING ZOMBIE FILMS.VERY WELL DONE AND ACTED WITH LOTS OF GORE.ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM GEORGE ROMERO. GET IT!!!! A++++

Rating:
Summary: Terrifying and Scary - - But a lot of fun!
Review: "Dawn of the Dead" is the only movie that I have seen in recent years which genuinely frightened me. My brother and I rented it on a Friday and started it late at night. We decided to watch the rest of it the next day. But, I won't forget watching the first part: the fear that thousands of zombies are going to rush out of somewhere and outnumber the heroes. Or that a ton of zombies will leap out from around a corner. The story concerns two SWAT cops, a TV news producer, and her boyfriend -- the TV station's news helicopter pilot -- getting out of Philadelphia when dead bodies turn into zombies and start killing the living. This film is atmospheric and claustrophobic. And Romero's idea of using a shopping mall as the setting of the core of the story was a true stroke of genius -- where better to confront the human condition of materialism, selfishness, and a whole ton of nasty zombies? The film was made in the late 1970's for a slim $1.5 million. But, it was put to good use -- showing that Romero knew how to stretch a dollar, making it go a long way. My only complaint about the movie is the gore, which is actually what the film is most famous for. These scenes come at the beginning and end of the film. (The end is where the zombies feasting on live humans kicks into SERIOUS overload) These scenes show too much and go on far too long, but I guess Romero wanted to show just how threatening the zombies could really be. Too bad he's not doing that "Resident Evil" movie. But, that's okay. Stick with this film. It's the real thing (no pun intended).

Rating:
Summary: Dawn of the Dead (Ultimate Edition)
Review: When the original B&W classic "Night of the Living Dead" was released in 1968 it proved to be quite the shocker of its time, despite the limitations for the low-budget film that it was. Eleven years later after its success with audiences everywhere, George A. Romero and Italian director Dario Argento created this 1979 follow-up that introduced us to an apocalyptic world that could [or may] one day exist: a society living off nothing but paranoia and chaos! The atmosphere is mesmerizing and nightmarish, the acting is superb, & the makeup effects are amazing and very close to looking realistic! (Kudos to Tom Savini, who would later go on to directing the remake of 'Night' in 1990)

The storyline concerns a group of four survivors who end up taking refuge at a local shopping mall infested by the living dead. There they are treated to all the shopping desires: from food, to clothing, to weapons & accessories. In addition, the flesh eating creatures are driven out temporarily but continue to surround the place from the outside. Later, a brutal motorcycle gang invades the perimeters, stealing or destroying anything in their path, while teasing some of the zombies in the process. From there, all hell breaks loose as we witness some of the most shocking (not to mention, INTENSE) scenes ever caught on camera that should obviously NOT be viewed by anyone with a weak stomach! On the other hand, gore hounds and horror buffs will definately eat this all up--LITERALLY!

There are three different versions of the film in this wonderful four disk set & include the Original U.S. Theatrical Cut, the Extended Edition (AKA "Director's Cut"), & the rarely seen European Cut (Edited on behalf of Mr. Argento) Here's a short briefing for all three...

ORIGINAL THEATRICAL CUT (Disk One)

This is the original R-rated feature shown in theaters during the film's release. Considered to be the best by Mr. Romero. Special features include: the Theatrical Trailer(s), T.V/Radio spots, Poster & advertising gallery, a George A. Romero bio, & a preview for the DOTD comic book.

EXTENDED EDITION (Disk Two)

The Director's Cut of the film with a few additional scenes thrown in along with some extra blood and gore. If you want to see the film in its entirety, this is for you! Special features include: Audio Commentary by Producer Richard P. Rubinstein, a Monroeville Mall commercial, a BTS photo gallery, Memorabilia galleries, & production stills.

EUROPEAN CUT (Disk Three)

Edited and presented by Dario Argento, this version has some scenes cut out, while the soundtrack has either been altered (music score composed by Goblin) or not used at all in some parts. You can also actually hear the crunching of bones & the munching of flesh in this one! Special features include: Audio Commentaries with actors David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger and Gaylen Ross, International theatrical trailers, U.K. T.V. spots, International lobby card gallery, International Poster & Advertising gallery, International Pressbook gallery, Home Video and soundtrack artwork, & finally, a Dario Argento Bio.

Finally, the fourth disk included in this package contains Documentaries with most of the cast/crew members and a tour through the Monroeville Mall with Ken Foree (who played Peter) There is possibly much more! Although I enjoyed the remake (with the fact that it gives a more modernized twist to the story), in my opinion it simply cannot top the 1979 original which is, and always WILL be the best! If you have been looking for the appropriate DVD for this movie, this is the ONLY one to buy and at a very reasonable price! So pop a little popcorn, turn out the lights, grab a seat & prepare yourself for the classic that will both scare and gross you out at the same time!

"WHEN THERE'S NO MORE ROOM IN HELL, THE DEAD WILL WALK THE EARTH."

Rating:
Summary: When there's no more room in Hell the Dead will hit the Mall
Review: "Shop 'til you drop" takes on literal form in "Dawn of the Dead", Splattermeister George Romero's 1978 magnum opus of the flesh-eating Living Dead. "Dawn" rightly deserves its title as the 'Mount Everest of Zombie Movies'.

The Zombie Apocalypse is all George Romero's fault! And if Grandmaster Romero let the Walking Dead out of their tombs with the groundbreaking "Night of the Living Dead", he gave the zombies the keys to the kingdom in this flick, which laid down all the rules for a Zombie Apocalypse and how to survive It---and, interestingly, managed to break many of them.

Rule #1: AIM FOR THE HEAD!: When "Dawn" opens up, Philadelphia is in its death throes, though the city doesn't know it yet.

The plague of flesh-eating monsters rising from their graves to devour the living has spread from the countryside to the big cities like a firestorm. The slightest scratch or bite causes infection, the infected die horribly, and then return to Life, hungry for the flesh of the living, a mindless Zombie.

Rule #2: THE CAVALRY AIN'T COMING. Things go down and go down hard in the housing project: faster than you can say "tastes like Chicken", SWAT troopers Peter (the great Ken Foree) and Roger (the underrated Scott Reiniger) get outta Dodge with traffic reporter/helicopter pilot Stephen (David Emge, hereafter known as "Flyboy") and Flyboy's girlfriend, Fran (Gaylen Ross).

When the Going gets Tough, the Tough go Shopping.

Rule #3:HE WHO GOES "YEEHAWW" HAS A HALF-LIFE MEASURED IN NANOSECONDS. Romero moves at a taut, brisk pace, letting the feeling of impending doom sink in, the sense of increasing wrongness, all underscored by the brooding, thudding, unearthly pulsing of the Goblin soundtrack.

What's interesting about "Dawn of the Dead" is just how much of a collaborative effort it really was: "Dawn" reprised the team that had helmed "Martin": Mike Gornick on the camera, Romero calling the shots, John Amplas (who played the young vampire Martin) running casting (and who gets gunned down as a rooftop gangsta in a quick cameo), and special spatter effects guru Tom Savini finally strutting his stuff (and getting in some quality screen time with a machete, to boot).

Some have criticized Romero & Crew for lacking artistry in their cinematography, but think about it: "Dawn" was still a low-budget family affair, and Romero's best work has always had an edgy, guerilla feel. But the new print is gorgeous, and clear up any questions about Romero's genius: there is some beautiful stuff here.

Take the scene with the helicopter lifting off against a dying Philadelphia skyline---with the lights in the floors of one skyscraper winking off, bottom to top, floor by floor. Or the nerve-jangling cat & mouse game between Flyboy and a zombie in a darkened engineering room. Or the sere beauty of a Mall parking lot overrun with the Dead hankering for that Blue-light special on human flesh, Aisle 9---all of this lends a brooding, sick, rotten atmosphere to "Dawn". It works in spades, and it's gorgeous, too.

Rule #4: THEY'RE DEAD, THEY'RE ALL MESSED UP. Yes, Romero laid down the "Rules" of the Zombie apocalypse. They move at a lumbering crawl, you put `em down with a blow or bullet to the head, they don't use tools, they're deadly but stupid, they can't learn. Purists judge a remake, or any Zombie flick, according to the rules of the Romero canon.

But take a look at "Dawn" and you'll find something interesting: Romero proceeds to violate---or toy with---nearly every rule about the Living Dead he put forth. You think turbo-zombies first showed up in "28 Days Later"? Not so: zombie kids in an abandoned airport charthouse charge at Ken Foree like they've got a Delorean in their tushses. Zombies can't use tools? Seems one of them finds a wrench very handy in breaking a truck window to take a chomp at Roger.

Rule #5: NO GUTS, NO GLORY. If you love "Dawn of the Dead", you *must* pick up Anchor Bay's lovingly assembled "Ultimate Edition". First off, the print is gloriously restored: the colors are so intense and the picture so clear that "Dawn" looks like it could have been shot yesterday---long gone are the days of cheapo full-screen VHS copies that made early versions of "Dawn" look like porn.

There are four DVDs, tricked out in red and black and handsomely mounted in a glossy package crammed with goodies (including the shot-for-shot comic---nothing special in itself, but a nice addition). You get commentaries with everyone, the original 'Making of' Documentary, a brand-new documentary made especially for this edition, even a creepy commercial for the Monroeville Mall.

The real treasure trove here is the ability to watch all three versions of the movie: the original US theatrical cut (the best, in terms of pacing and atmosphere), the Extended version (featuring a tense and effective stand-off at the Phillie docks), and the shorter European version. It's intriguing to compare how editing and music can radically alter a film: in the Euro version, we have much more of Goblin's soundtrack---but everything feels off, not nearly packing as much punch.

Rule #6:DON'T GET TRAPPED IN THE BASEMENT. Time has been kind to "Dawn of the Dead" and George Romero; justly so. "Dawn" is a deliciously wicked little jewel of a movie, one I can watch over and over again. The consumerist angle, done to death my movie critics, is a little much: Romero filmed the flick in the Monroeville Mall because it was cheap, not because he was making a scathing commentary about American consumerism.

Then again, maybe it is a movie about the extremes of Consumerism: the Zombies have risen again as the ultimate consumers, after all.

They now consume our Flesh.

JSG

Rating:
Summary: Zomibes RAWK
Review: This movie is the best Zombie film EVER. Buy it and the 2004 remake you will not be disappointed. The best zombie flicks ever = Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Night of the living Dead, then Dawn of the Dead (2004). The rest are just fillers till the next big one comes out =)

Rating:
Summary: Legendary Movie in a Great New Package
Review: Like many others, Dawn of the Dead was the film that really got me into zombie flicks. I fell in love with this movie so hard that once I had seen it, I immediately sought for a copy of the movie. I went through harsh extremes to get a sweedish dvd of it that had the Argento cut. I watched it all the time, but the quality of the dvd was wretched. Anchor Bay had 2 dvds of it, but I decided to wait it out for a better version. Out of the blue, this definitive package came out, and I grabbed it in a heartbeat. The package contains 3 versions of the movie (u.s. theatrical, extended, and european) plus a dvd of documentaries, a booklet, and a comic book. For anyone who is a die-hard fan and wants to get the full package, I highly reccomend getting this.

Rating:
Summary: Not A Horror Movie, So stop saying it's not scary
Review: Dawn of the Dead is not meant to be a straight-up horror movie! It's a combination of hypothetical disaster, social commentary, and action. Yes, it's easy to take on the zombies in the middle of the movie. It's MORE CRUEL to make you believe the characters can make it before pulling the rug back from under your expectations again (most movies are just low to high or vice versa; this one is low then high then back to low again). The remake is scarier in the movie, but this one is much scarier after you think about it. Unsympathetic characters? Of course they are, it's after the Big One, the Apocalypse. How many of us would be Good Samaritans in these circumstances? I think most of those who don't like the movie aren't truly immersing themselves in the situation; there's nothing compassionate or glamorous about humanity after the fall. And besides, wouldn't fast and able zombies not be caricatures of mallgoers?
I could keep going on. When I talk with people face to face, I've had good arguments about this movie. But, so far, none of the bad reviews I've seen online have made any sense or at least show a profound ignorance of the circumstances surrounding the movie's production, the time period, and/or the complexities of the narrative.

Rating:
Summary: great zombie movie
Review: I remember seeing this movie when I was only 9 years
old. Back when I was young, I didn't view this as a
scary movie at all. I'd actually would go outside
and pretend I was the leading role guy Ken Fortee
killing the zombies. Now, I have a different view
and realize just what it would be like for some
thing like this to really happen. The acting is
really realistic and more natural which could
almost make you forget that this can't happen.

The music comes in at the right times that help
pull you into the movie. It's high in gore, but
no over the top that it isn't believeable. The
zombies look alot outdated... ESP the clothes
they wear. But hey, it was 26 years ago and what
can you really expect? I do think the movie drags
alittle bit at a latter part of the movie, but
that doesn't pull the movie down overall.

The characters bring different things to the table...
Ken is is the take charge kind of guy that is the
toughest... Scott is kind of cocky and at times
forgets the seriousness of the situation and also
sometimes borders on being insane... Flyboy is the
guy that handles the planes and is probably the
smartest of the four. Gaylen brings most of the
emotional feelings that the other 3 don't provide
very often.

My favorite character is Ken because he is strong,
aware, and has most of the common sense. He's just
the type you want to lead your team. The one I dis-
liked most was Flyboy... He just seems out of place
at some spots and is sort of on the soft side and
he really lacked charisma . But in a way, his death
seemed to effect me more than the others.

Overall, I'd say this is one of the best horror movies
to come out. If you are picky about movies that look
dated this might turn you off. But if you are open
minded and like horror/zombie movies you are most
likely going to like this movie.

*Spoilers*

My favorite parts are when they are at the hangers,
Ken and Scott first going down into the mall, watching
them get all the weapons and the ending. I think people
misunderstood.... The ending is supposed to make you
wonder if they made it. When Gaylen Ross mentions how
low they are on gas that leaves me to under if they
"Made it" as the movie was ending.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE OF THE 70s, CLASSIC!
Review: Dawn of the Dead is by far the best horror movie and the BEST movie of all time with bloody special effects and better zombies than Romero's NOTLD. A virus causes zombies to eat human brains and then a SWAT team shoots zombies in an apartment and then a couple of survivors hide in a mall and keep the zombies out and then the fun starts when the zombies get killed. Tom Savini did a good job on the gore effects and the zombies makeup. The Unrated Director's cut is longer and better showing more gore and gruesome effects. Classic scenes include a zombie getting his head blown off in fast-motion and a zombie getting a machete in his head. The remake was mediocre but dosen't have a chance beating this one. A+