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About Review
Reviewer
WesCraven

Review Date
21st August, 2004
Movie Credits
Director
George A. Romero

Cast
Ken Foree
David Emge
Scott H. Reiniger
Gaylen Ross
David Crawford

Screenplay
George A. Romero

Tagline
"When there's no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth."

Country
USA

Classification
Not Rated

Year
1978
Errors
If you have found any errors in this review of the DVD, please tell us about it via e-mail.
DVD Cover Art
DVD Information
Format
NTSC

Region Coding
1

Aspect Ratio
1.85:1

16x9 Enhanced
Yes

Running Time
127 minutes

Year Released
2004

Packaging
Keep Case

Extra Features
Audio Commentary
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Picture Gallery
Romero Bio
Comic Book Preview
Theatrical Trailers

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Other versions...
Buy Region 4
Dawn Of The Dead

The Plot
Zombies are roaming the land, and a group of four attempt to hide out from them in a shopping mall.

The Movie
This is the second installment in George A. Romero's "Dead" trilogy. Often said to be the best in the series; I'd agree, but George didn't stop here. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this film. I think it's one of the best horror films ever; I just don't think it's the best in the series. Again though, that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic film.

Coming a decade after "Night of the Living Dead", "Dawn of the Dead" is a no-holds-barred fantasy extravaganza. As usual with the Romero "Dead" trilogy we get some things that we can depend on. First off, the special effects makeup is absolutely spectacular. This is really the first film in which Tom Savini makes a name for himself. His work is simply put: breathtaking. Though I must admit, at first I wasn't so sure about the blue/gray look to the zombies; in the end it works though.

Another thing to take a look at is the claustrophobic feel. All of the chapters in the "Dead" trilogy have this feeling of the characters having to stay in one place, because otherwise they have to deal with the zombies who are on the outside. This film is no different, and may be the best example of this. Being held up in the shopping mall, in general is just eerie.

***SPOLIERS***
Especially later when they block off the entrance to their storage/living area by creating a false wall.
***END SPOILERS***

It's all together just a great method in providing a great deal of intensity.

The story too, is just great. That's something Romero never seems to fail at; he's a great story teller. Just the idea of them small group getting to the mall and planning to hide out there, dealing with the zombies who had gotten into the mall, getting supplies from all of the stores; all of it is just really interesting and fantastic. Too, Romero's social commentary about zombies, people and malls is quite obvious if you really think about it. However, even though it makes you process that aspect of society, had it not been present, the movie would still hold up quite well. Though I think since it is there, it only adds to the film, even if it is only that little bit.

All in all, see this film. Those who have seen the other entries will enjoy this. Gorehounds will be easily pleased, and both your average and more hardcore horror fans will like this movie, it's a classic, and it should viewed by all.

The DVD
This Anchor Bay release is solid at best. The transfers, both visual and audio, are really really good. They're both excellent and give you the film you were meant to see. The extras are OK, but leave something to be desired. We get a audio commentary with director George A. Romero, assistant director Chris Romero, special effects artist Tom Savini, and moderated by Perry Martin.

Overall the commentary is magnificent. As usual with Romero (and Savini) we get lots of interesting information, and in the end, just an all out entertaining time. Also we get theatrical trailers, TV spots, radio spots, a poster and advertising gallery, George A. Romero bio, and a "Dawn of the Dead" comic book preview.


Movie Rating
 DVD Rating 

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