Night of the Living Dead

Rating:
Summary: classic flick
Review: Everyone knows about Night of The Living Dead (unless you've been living under a rock). It is truly a classic. I own the mellinium edition DVD and was somewhat dissapointed with the sound. Fans of Dolby Digital and 5.1 surround will want to read this. I read the tech aspects of the DVD before I bought it and noticed that it was mastered in Dolby Digital. My first thought was "WOW, this is great. A classic film like this in 5.1." Man was I pissed when I watched it and discovered that 90% of the film was mono and the only time I heard the 5.1 was closer to the end with an echoed scream. Sure there are subtle surround effects throught the movie but nothing to oooh about. On the other hand it is THX certified and the picture itself is clear and sharp. You won't see any dirt marks in this version. The features are decent but it's the movie that your paying money for, not the features. All in all I'd say buy a copy for yourself. It is a classic and this will definatly be a collectors item.

Rating:
Summary: The Millennium edition is really good.
Review: This review pertains only to the Millennium Edition DVD of Night of the Living Dead.

Okay...as I'd feared, my negative review of the John Russo-massacred "30th Anniversary Edition" of Night of the Living Dead has been lumped unwittingly into this product's review, so I' m writing this one to clarify.

This DVD edition is the best edition I've seen of the film yet. Anchor Bay may have raised the ires of legions of Living Dead fans by releasing the sacrilegious 30th Anniversary Edition, but Elite Entertainment did right by this new edition.

George A. Romero's personal appreciation appears in the back of this DVD -- this immediately restores our faith. And the contents don't disappoint -- the picture and sound are good, and though this doesn't exactly contain the richest batch of bonus materials (sets like the excellent 3-disc edition of Dario Argento's Suspiria and the recent double-disc Re-Animator both feature loads of extras), it is a nice solid collection. You get a Duane Jones interview (sadly with only audio and no image, but still great); an on-camera chat between Judith Ridley (Judy) and Marilyn Eastman (Helen); the hilarious student-film spoof "Night of the Living Bread" by Kevin S. O'Brien (which also appeared in the double-cassette VHS edition); two commentary tracks with Romero, Russo, Russ Streiner, Eastman, Karl Hardman and others. One very illuminating portion of this DVD for non-film-scholars is visually boring but informative -- several histories outlining the beginning of Romero's Latent Image company, on Hardman and Eastman's company, and how the two were married to produce Night of the Living Dead.

THIS is the right edition of Night of the Living Dead, the one to get for both fans and non-fans alike. It includes all the necessary people (notice that Russo, Streiner and Bill Hinzman were included in this release, despite their criminal participation in the 30th Anniversary Edition), and it presents the film the way it wants to be seen.
Now I'm waiting for a deluxe release of Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead...

Rating:
Summary: The CITIZEN KANE Of All Horror Movies!
Review: Although THE EVIL DEAD is my all-time favorite horror movie, the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is a monumental horror movie to this very day! "They're coming to get you, Barbara!" NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD changed everything with its social commentary on the Vietnam War, racism, and dysfunctional families among other things that were rampant in 1968. Also, those gore scenes with the dead chowin' down can still induce cringes and stomach cramps with the best of 'em, even in black-and-white! I saw this on A&E in edited form in 1999 and bought the Millenium Edition in 2002. While I can't say much about NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD that hasn't been said already, I will say that everybody NEEDS to see this movie if they haven't already! A CLASSIC!
Last year, I met several people from NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD at the HorrorFind Convention in Maryland. A weekend to remember! I met John A. Russo, Russell Streiner (Johnny), Karl Hardman (Harry Cooper), Marilyn Eastman (Helen Cooper), Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper), Bill Hinzman (the first zombie), and Judith O'Dea (Barbara). They were all wonderful people in real life and they graciously signed my Millennium Edition DVD cover! This year, I'm going to meet the director himself, George A. Romero, at this year's HorrorFind convention! George A. Romero is my favorite horror director because he ingegrates social and political satire and horror with such skill and craft (see THE CRAZIES and his other DEAD films). Remember, take the time to watch the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and see how horror is really done!

Rating:
Summary: Zombies
Review: I don't write movie reviews so I dunno how this is gonna go, but this movie is just too damn good for me to keep quiet about. First of all, if anybody out there reading this hasn't actually seen the film, just go check it out, and if you don't like it come back and finish reading this review, and I'll explain to you why you're stupid for doing so. (just kidding of course, though I do believe that many people who don't like this movie do so for silly reasons)

This is unquestionably my favorite horror movie, and probably one of my top 10 of all time, regardless of genre. It has a few problems, which I'll address up front, but these are completely swallowed up by the numerous great things about it. First of all, the acting is a mixed bag. Mr. Cooper is the most obvious offender; he's too excited and jittery and hyper-enunciates his words. Most of the minor characters are a bit flat as well, particularly Judy, who has apparently been pumped full of horse tranquilizers. The lead, Ben, is the best. He doesn't deliver an incredible performance, but he's solid, and is thoroughly likeable.(One of the most likable protagonists in film, imo.) His monologue about how he first came upon the zombies is especially harrowing. Barbara is also pretty good, though many may disagree. While I kinda doubt that her reverting to the childlike state is a realistic response, I think she generally does a good job with it, minus some overacting in the "We've got to get Johnny!!" part. In the end however, the acting just doesn't matter that much. The film is about atmosphere, not character, and it has that in spades. From a technical standpoint it's obviously extremely cheaply made, but I feel that this rarely detracts form the film, and often adds to it. The black and white works wonderfully, infinitely better than they could have done with color. The shots are mostly relatively straight forward and un-cinematic, which adds to the realism and intensity of the film.(There are exceptions to this tendency, of course, most notably the trowel scene.) The gore effects hold up pretty well, too, and are generally still pretty effecting.(which they almost certainly wouldn't have had it been filmed in color) The feasting scene out under the moonlight is still genuinely creepy and gross, much more so than I would've imagined considering when it was made. That and they use it in just the right amount, as a Day of the Dead-esque gorefest wouldn't work for this film at all. (though it did for that film)

Sadly, I think that most other people my age probably can't get over the low production values, nor can they accept a horror movie which doesn't follow modern patterns and clichés to a tee, which leads to the inevitable complaint, 'It's not scary'. And I suppose it isn't, in the conventional sense. (Of course, lots of people who'd complain about this would think that 'jump scenes' are scary, which they aren't. Surprise and fear are not the same thing. Not that most jump scenes are actually surprising) Dread and desperation are the feelings that this movie evokes, not fear, and I personally find that to be more powerful. The extended scenes of Ben desperately boarding up the house while Barbara wanders aimlessly and the repetitive, eerily distant and calm radio reports drone on and on are remarkably powerful and effecting. The disastrous events later in the film are so stark and cold, and so quick and needless. (yet still very believable, considering the universe it takes place in) The ending, which I will not give away, is simply brilliant, and is once again utterly plausible, even inevitable. This is all what makes this movie work. These are not stock characters, they are ordinary people, and this is not a conventional horror movie, it's a genuine disaster, where people die even when they don't deserve to and their plans seem good. Most people seem to think that the sequels Dawn and Day of the Dead are bleaker, which I personally think is ridiculous.(Those are both excellent films by the way, though neither are as good as the first) In those films, disaster strikes because the humans won't work together, or directly fight with one another. They seem to say that when it comes to the end we can't work together and will be cowardly and selfish. This has a different theme. Though there is internal conflict through out the film, they still work and fight together, for the most part, and disaster is still not averted. The horror comes from the fact there is nothing they can do that will make any difference. Man may or may not destroy himself, but he is certain to be destroyed, no matter what.

The Millenium DVD is the way to go. It's looks and sounds great, far better than I would've imagined. (That and they didn't add in newly filmed scenes. Sacrilege, I tell you!!) The first commentary is pretty interesting, though I wish Romero would've talked more.(I haven't watched the second commentary.) Not much as far as extras, but I don't really care much about that sorta thing. The Night of the Living Bread Thing is, contrary to my expectations, actually quite amusing.

Anyway, everyone needs to check out this movie, who hasn't already. It's one of the most influential horror films ever, but it's still unique and daring today. If you come in with the right expectations you should not be disappointed. (As a closing note, I wanna mention that I don't naturally hate modern horror films and slashers. I rather enjoy them. I just get angry when people try and suggest that that sort of film has made somehow this movie obsolete.)

Rating:
Summary: Forget the rest--go with the best!
Review: There are plenty of DVDs out there for George Romero's original classic "Night of the Living Dead," most of which are just as nasty as those VHS versions you used to find in the discount bin at your local video store: scratchy, grainy, unfocused video with muddy, muffled audio. There is also the now-infamous "30th Anniversary" DVD, which needlessly jams new scenes into the original movie (kind of like George Lucas's "Star Wars Special Editions," but with more flesh-eating).

But the only--I repeat, ONLY--DVD of "Night" worth touching is one released by Elite Entertainment. This gorgeous DVD is essentially the same package as the one Elite released on VHS through Anchor Bay a few years back: a pristine print of "Night," along with trailers & an amusing parody film called "Night of the Living Bread" (get it? get it?). This DVD also includes two audio commentary tracks featuring various members of the cast & crew & commercials that George Romero directed back in the '60s! All in all, this is far superior to anything else on the market. Seek it out--it's well worth the effort!

Rating:
Summary: one great film, excellent social satire
Review: George A. Romero's "Night of The Living Dead" is one of my all time favorite movies. Not only is it an excellent horror film (one that helped convince me to pursue cinema as a major in college), but it is also an excellent social satire, exploring the heated race relations of 1960s America. Another interesting element in the film is that there is no strong, central female character. The lead female role, Barbara, slowly deteriorates emotionally throughout the film. She is portrayed as weak and emotionally unstable, while the lead male role, Ben (an African-American), plays the role of the hero. Ben's presence in the film is determined by what he can do for the others in the movie, he acts as the provider and takes charge of the situation. For example, it is his idea to board up all the windows and doors in the house, and even smacks Barbara in one of her hysterical episodes gaining power and control over her. John Berger addresses this idea of men gaining power based on their actions in his book "Ways of Seeing." In contrast, Barbara is a stereotype of the helpless blonde, typical in many horror movies. Her helplessness is not only seen through her deteriorating mental state, but is also shown in other ways. She is shown to be physically weak within the first ten minutes of the film when she trips and falls over nothing while trying to run away from a zombie. While Barbara remains this stereotype throughout the film, Ben's race and gender intersect in a very interesting way. He is a male, therefore he takes charge of the situation that he faces. Typically, he would succeed. However, he is black, and society at this time in America would not want him to succeed. Therefore his character has to die in the end, to comment on the suppression of black Americans when this film was made.

Rating:
Summary: "They're coming to get you...."
Review: Johnny and Barbra head through the country in route to the cemetery their departed father currently resides at. Though he may not remain dead much longer. George A. Romero's seminal cult classic starts off in a somber tone with an ominous title sequence culminating with his own credit superimposed opposite an American flag. Ostensibly we're witness to a mundane annual trip to the gravesite of a half remembered pops. Johnny and Barbra are siblings, and the former preys on the latter's fear of her surroundings. "They're coming to get you, Barbra!" he insists. It's all in jest of course. Johnny means her no harm. As they depart, Johnny notices an intoxicated looking man lumbering about and exclaims, "Look! There's one now!". As the odd man comes closer he indeed does attack Barbra, and thus begins one of the genres most appealing outings.
Johnny is quick to assist in repelling Barb's attacker, engaging in a fists to cuffs with the gaunt creature. Johnny falls, cracks his head against stone granite, and lies prostate. Barbra's on her own. She decides to make a run for the car, and upon securing herself inside, realizes she hasn't the keys. Oh dear. The odd man isn't so lumbering that it takes him very long to reach Barbra in her steel prison, and soon he's bludgeoning the car's window with a brick. Our protagonist isn't catatonic quite yet however (though she occupies most her later screen time in this state), and she has sense enough to release the emergency break. As she coasts down the dirt road, the odd man staggers after her in a fevered pursuit. The car makes an impromptu stop at the base of a tree, and Barb makes another dash out in this evermore peculiar world. This time she makes it to a more fortified locale, a farmhouse.
Once inside she makes an exploration of the premises. She discovers the phone is out and the owner(s) have a thing for taxidermy. Our heroine seems to be on the brink of a complete mental breakdown when Ben comes crashing in. Now about Ben, well, Ben's the man. He takes charge of the situation going immediately to work on further fortifying the farmhouse. He also relates to Barbra a rather strange occurrence concerning a group of men, not dissimilar to Barbra's pursuer, who were terrorizing people outside a diner. Barb's pretty out of it though, and begins to rave on about Johnny, and demands they go back to his rescue. Such a vehement frenzy she exudes that it behooves our hero Ben to smack her one for her own good.
Later, they discover more people. There are the Coopers; Harry, Helen, and there young daughter who's received a nasty bite from one of the ghouls. Also a young couple; Tom and Judy. They've holed up down in the basement. When Ben asks Harry why he hadn't come up when he heard the screaming, he insists he was unsure if it was of any use. "For all we knew you could have been one of those things!", he exclaims. Tensions run high as Ben claims command of the upstairs and Harry the basement. Both men have good ideas, but refuse to work together. Ultimately, this lack of cohesiveness will lead to their doom.
Night of the Living Dead, much like it's two sequels, isn't so much about the zombies as it is about the relationships between people forced to band together. The farmhouse bunch form a sort of micro colony, and the actions of one effect the well being of them all. It's also very much a product of it's time. Coming out in the same year that saw both the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy, and with the war raging on, the movie is certainly indicative of it's time. It also owes a great deal to Richard Matheson's novel "I Am Legend", which also deals with society upheaval.
Beyond that, and why it's truly so endearing, is it's great storytelling. The story unfolds slowly at first and then starts to rip along at a relentless pace. There are many scenes that induce audience participation. Rummaging the farmhouse for supplies, and waiting eagerly for the next T.V. or radio announcement. Then, contemplating the next move of action. The movie really has you becoming involved with the group. The horror elements are all there to, including one very grizzly scene involving a trowel. The films infamous final moments are indelible and certainly do much to solidify it's place in cinema history. Night of the Living Dead is really the beginning of a decade of genre classics. It's gorilla filmmaking style laid the tracks for such classics as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and it reminds us of a time when horror films were about a little more than just making you jump from your seat.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Way To End Up Dead
Review: George A Romero's zombie horror classic, Night Of The Living Dead, is a watershed film for the genre. It has spawned a few sequels, a remake, countless imitations, parodies, and influenced generations of filmmakers. Of the countless DVD versions of the film that are out there, the Millennium Edition seemed to me, the best best.

Shot in black and white, on a shoestring budget, during the post Kennedy era of the late 60's, the film that had trouble finding a distributor tells a simple story, that still holds up. Seven people secluded in a Pennsylvania farmhouse, face continous attacks from "living dead" corpses, seeking to eat their flesh. The group, which includes a married couple and their daughter, a pair of young lovers, and an African-American man, try to keep their sanity as the zombies try endlessly to enter the house. Soon, it is determined that, the only way to stop the them, is to burn them or issue a severe blow to their heads. News reports on the radio tell of the ever increasing hordes, taking over the eastern United States, while the small band of survivors rapidly loses ground in the battle to both keep peace with one another and somehow stay alive.

Sure, the film has plenty of cliches and over the top dialogue, still, those are part of the reasons the film works. All one has to do is consider the time period the film was made. In my opinion, the film represents the first time truly "shocking" horror was ever attemted. Up to that time the best one could hope for was science gone awry or things like The Blob. The country itself was in the midst of a turbulent period. Anarchy was almost everywhere. Like the times, Romero's zombies were up front, shocking, in your face, and their numbers were growing. The cast, led by Duane Jones, was filled with no names, who seemed to be there, as much for the experience, as anything else.

The audio commentary tracks feature director Romero and snipets from select crew the surviving cast members. They are very good tracks for both fans and newcommers alike. The extras offers an example of, one of the many aforementioned film parodies, called "Night of the Living Bread". The stills gallery includes a few rare color photos from the production. You'll also get some background and history on Romero's company, called The Latent Image, as well as see scenes from his "lost" film, "There's Always Vanilla"-a treat for fans of his filmmaking style. There's 10 minute video interview with co-star Judy Ridley and the final audio interview conducted with reclusive star Duane Jones in the 80's. You will see a poster gallery, complete with both foreign and domestic release materials, original props, have access to the complete shooting script, and cast members' personal scrapbooks. And last but not least, the disc also has, a series of Romero directed TV spots and Short films--making for not only a tribute to the film but Romero as well--a true time capsule on DVD. Don't forget to read the liner notes by Romero and fellow horror legend Stephen King.

The Millennium Edition DVD has something for everyone and is the proper way to enjoy a true classic--Night of the Living Dead

Rating:
Summary: sure its Cheesy
Review: maybe its a little corny, but its a classic! I like the ending to the movie its not what you would expect.

Rating:
Summary: Now I know where some cliches come from!
Review: Wow. This movie is better than I expected. It starts out so goofey! "They're coming for you, Barbara!" And Barbara is such a silly chicklett. But still, it's good, there's a reason it's a classic. The plot is clumsy, the attempts at science laughable even then, the acting is from the Charlton Heston/Captain Kirk school. But it still has that something special.