The Return of the Living Dead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Return of the Living Dead" by Scream Factory stands as a remarkable improvement over previous releases, notably the MGM edition. Featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the new Scream Factory release originates from a fresh 2K scan of the interpositive. The overall image quality showcases tighter, crisper, and sharper clarity, significantly elevating the viewing experience. Both fine object detailing and textural definition are evidently enhanced, especially in close-ups, where the oozing special effects produce a vivid visual impact. Additionally, the colors are richer and more polished, with primaries appearing brighter. The film retains an attractive film-like quality due to a thin layer of grain that offers an authentic cinematic touch.

Black levels in this release are notably deep and well-defined, preserving detail even in darker scenes without succumbing to crushing. The improvements in contrast and brightness have eradicated the dirty yellowish hues seen in prior releases, ensuring greater visibility of background details. Shadow detail has also been marginally improved, contributing to a more dynamic visual depth. While some scenes inherently appear softer due to original cinematography constraints, these instances are generally forgivable given the overall enhancement.

The color palette benefits from this upgraded transfer, exhibiting bold and vibrant hues that remain controlled yet striking. Reds display a remarkable range of tints, and greens are also impressively rendered. Skin tones maintain natural consistency from scene to scene, with facial details such as make-up, wrinkles, and stubble appearing incredibly refined during medium and close-up angles. Noise and artifacts are minimally present, with only occasional specs or dirt visible. On the whole, the Scream Factory Blu-ray release of "The Return of the Living Dead" showcases a notable visual upgrade that is bound to please both new viewers and dedicated fans alike.

Scream Factory provides a robust audio presentation with three distinct options on the Blu-ray release of "The Return of the Living Dead." The tracks available include DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is particularly noteworthy for its faithfulness to the film's original theatrical experience, with excellent fidelity and clarity. This mono track distinctly captures the original voices of iconic characters like Tarman and the zombie using the police radio, attracting diehard fans with its nostalgic authenticity. Although the 2.0 and 5.1 tracks expand the soundstage, they do not offer significantly enhanced audio experiences but do ensure excellent sound fidelity and low-frequency extension.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a more immersive experience with dynamic mid-range clarity and clean frequency separations. Despite some front-heavy design elements, it skillfully uses ambient effects to create a precise and directional soundfield. Low frequencies are robust and responsive, contributing appreciable weight to the music and certain scenes, enhancing overall engagement. The music bleeds effectively into other channels, enriching the viewer's experience by maintaining a consistent presence across the entire soundstage.

For purists, the original DTS-HD Master Audio Mono remains a top choice for its preservation of the original soundtrack without replacements. This track is highly recommended for anyone wanting a loud, direct audio experience that remains true to the film's roots. Dialogue reproduction across all tracks is clear and well-balanced with the effects and score, offering a cohesive audio presentation. While other options like the DTS-HD 2.0 track aim to provide a fuller sound experience, they do not detract from the finely-tuned balance and warmth delivered by the mono mix, making it a standout option for both casual viewers and devoted fans alike.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Return of the Living Dead" are extensive and highly engaging, offering fans a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights and historical context. Highlights include multiple audio commentaries featuring key figures from the film’s production, with detailed discussions about the making of the movie and various anecdotes. The full-length documentary, "More Brains," provides exhaustive coverage of the film's creation, accompanied by specialized featurettes on its special effects and music. Archival footage and retrospective interviews add depth to the viewer's understanding of this cult classic. This comprehensive selection makes this Blu-ray an essential purchase for any true fan.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Decade of Darkness: Featurette on 80s horror films.
• Theatrical Trailers: Various promotional trailers.
• T.V. Spots: Short promotional clips.
• Still Gallery: Collection of posters, lobby cards, and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Commentaries: Multiple tracks featuring cast and crew discussions.
• More Brains: Extensive documentary on the film’s production.
• The FX of The Return of the Living Dead: Focus on special effects.
• Party Time: Interviews about the soundtrack.
• Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Tour of shooting locations.
• A Conversation with Dan O'Bannon: Interview with the director.
• The Origins of The Return of the Living Dead: Interview with John A. Russo.
• The Dead Have Risen: Retrospective with cast members.
• Designing the Dead: Featurette on production design.
• Return of the Living Dead Workprint: Early version of the film with lower quality.

"The Return of the Living Dead" offers a stark departure from George A. Romero’s somber zombie narratives, infusing comedic elements and a distinctive 80s punk rock flair into its storytelling. Directed by Dan O'Bannon, the film cleverly pays homage to Romero’s original "Night of the Living Dead" while carving out its own niche through farcical humor and slapstick. The premise unfolds in a Louisville medical supply warehouse, where an accidental release of 245-Trioxin gas reanimates corpses, leading to chaos both in the warehouse and the neighboring cemetery where a group of punk rock youths are hanging out.

The film’s idiosyncratic charm lies in its embrace of absurdity. From sentient zombies running at full speed to comical scenarios involving misplaced limbs, O'Bannon’s vision diverges sharply from conventional horror. The character interactions, particularly between Freddy and his supervisor Frank, underscore this tonal shift, adding layers of amusement alongside traditional horror elements. The movie's soundtrack, deeply rooted in 80s punk rock, enhances its irreverent atmosphere, making it a nostalgic yet timeless piece for aficionados.

Technically proficient, "The Return of the Living Dead" doesn’t rely heavily on groundbreaking visuals but excels in narrative pacing and character dynamics. Iconic moments, such as Linnea Quigley's infamous dance atop a gravestone and the relentless pursuit by the Tarman zombie, solidify its place in horror cinema. With comedic scenes that remain engaging even decades later, this film transcends its era, leaving behind a legacy that influences contemporary zombie lore. It introduces concepts such as brain-eating zombies and running undead, now staple elements in modern zombie portrayals. Overall, O'Bannon’s debut is a compelling blend of horror and humor, offering a refreshing take on the genre while paying respect to its roots.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "The Return of the Living Dead" is an exceptional presentation of one of the finest zombie films ever made. Directed by Dan O'Bannon, this film masterfully blends elements of comedy and horror, paying homage to Romero's genre-defining works while establishing its own identity as a zany gorefest. This edition surpasses previous releases in both audio and video quality, featuring a brand-new high-definition transfer and an impeccable original mono audio track, satisfying long-time fans and newbies alike.

One of the standout aspects is the extensive array of supplemental features that Scream Factory has compiled. This release includes newly-recorded interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and comprehensive commentaries that provide deep insights into the making of the film. These additions offer immense value and are essential for hardcore fans and collectors. The improvement in picture quality—marked by enhanced clarity and color fidelity—marks a significant upgrade over the earlier MGM release.

Simply put, this Blu-ray edition of "The Return of the Living Dead" from Scream Factory is the definitive version to own. It not only elevates the visual and auditory experience of the film but also enriches it with an exhaustive set of extras. This release is highly recommended for both die-hard enthusiasts and casual viewers seeking a fun yet iconic zombie experience.

The Return of the Living Dead is a funny and goofy take on the zombie genre, and it's notable that it actually helped foster certain genre tropes that are now considered canon. There’s no doubt that this Scream Factory release tops the MGM in video quality, and there's simply no competition when it comes to supplemental features, always one of the hallmarks of this imprint's Collector's Editions. Highly recommended.