Dawn of the Dead Blu-ray Review

Starz's Blu-ray presentation of "Dawn of the Dead" offers a significant visual upgrade from its DVD counterparts, bringing George A. Romero's classic to life in a way that fans and newcomers alike will find remarkable. With an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a 1080p transfer, the film's somewhat dark and gritty aesthetic is retained, yet presented with an unparalleled clarity that surpasses previous home video releases. Fine details previously lost are now vivid, especially in the opening credits and nuanced gore effects. Colors are more vibrant, with reds particularly benefiting from this high-definition treatment, making blood look authentically red, an improvement even acknowledged by the filmmakers despite its intentional cartoonish appearance.

Despite the visually impressive upgrade, certain technical challenges persist in this Blu-ray edition. Presented using the AVC MPEG-4 codec, the release exhibits improved sharpness and color fidelity, notwithstanding minor print wear signs and occasional inconsistency in grain and contrast levels. Motion blur and a newfound clarity in some of the film's practical effects may detract for a fraction of viewers, highlighting imperfections that were less noticeable in lower-resolution formats. These flaws notwithstanding, the transfer maintains solid black levels and detailed textures in hair and clothing that contribute to a generally enhanced viewing experience.

It's evident that a considerable effort has gone into making this edition of "Dawn of the Dead" a definitive version for home video, achieving a balance between preserving the film’s original character and enhancing its visual quality. While it may not rank among the very best catalog transfers to high definition due to some inconsistencies and highlighted effects deficiencies, this release ultimately offers a significant improvement over past editions, affirming its status as the most visually impressive version of Romero’s masterpiece available to date for both longtime enthusiasts and those newly acquainted with the film.

The audio presentation for the Starz release of "Dawn of the Dead" on Blu-ray offers viewers a mixed bag of experiences, a common trait shared with other Starz releases reviewed. The disc presents various audio options including Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM 5.1 Uncompressed soundtracks, and the film's original mono soundtrack, though it notably lacks a DTS track despite branding to the contrary. The inclusion of the original mono track is a commendable choice by Starz, catering to purists and those who appreciate the preservation of original filmic elements. However, when exploring the multichannel audio options, certain limitations become apparent. The PCM 5.1 track (48 kHz/16-bit/4.6 Mbps) underlines recording issues from the source material, with strained voices and an unimpressive soundfield that is predominantly forward-leaning.

Notwithstanding its drawbacks, the audio mix showcases moments of clarity, especially across the front soundstage. The mix enhances Goblin's eerie score, blending heavily with synthesizers and moans to create an atmosphere that, while sounding dated, aligns perfectly with the film's tone. Disappointments arise with the overall balance; dialogue is often obscured by overpowering LFE tracks and the music score, particularly noticeable during the film's climax. Both the surround options struggle with rear channel engagement, offering only sporadic effects that fail to fully immerse the viewer in a cohesive auditory experience.

In analyzing both multichannel offerings and acknowledging their flaws—ranging from uneven dynamics to a lack of rear activity—the mono track emerges as surprisingly enjoyable, despite facing similar issues regarding dialogue clarity and balance. This preference for the mono mix underscores a simpler, perhaps more nostalgic approach to sound design over the complexities and expectations associated with contemporary multi-channel sonics. This nuanced appreciation serves not only as a nod to the film's heritage but also as a critique of modern audio remixing efforts that fall short of enhancing the viewer's engagement.

This Blu-ray edition of "Dawn of the Dead" encompasses a variety of extras, many of which are carryovers from the 4-disc Ultimate Edition DVD. Notably absent is the "Document of the Dead" documentary and several other features including alternative cuts of the film. However, the highlight remains the engaging audio commentary with George Romero, Tom Savini, and Christine Romero, providing insightful anecdotes and candid discussions on the filmmaking process. The inclusion of "The Dead Will Walk," an in-depth documentary, further enriches this edition, alongside a unique glimpse behind the scenes with "On-Set Home Movies" filmed by an extra on set. While some may lament the omission of certain content from previous editions, the collection still represents a treasure trove for fans, especially those intrigued by the creation and impact of this seminal horror film, presented here with all video-based features in 480i/p.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring George Romero, Tom Savini, and Christine Romero with reflections and anecdotes.
• The Dead Will Walk Documentary: An hour and fifteen-minute deep dive into the making of the film and its legacy.
• Film Fast Facts: A text-based trivia track.
• On-Set Home Movies: Candid footage from behind the scenes (13 minutes).
• Monroeville Mall Tour: Hosted by Ken Foree offering a unique perspective on a key location (11 minutes).
• Monroeville Mall Commercial, Trailers, TV and Radio Spots: A collection of promotional material.

George Romero's seminal work, Dawn of the Dead, has long been heralded as a cornerstone of the horror genre, seamlessly blending chilling terror with astute socio-political commentary. Making its debut on Blu-ray, the film preserves its horrifying essence, casting an unflinching gaze on American consumerism through the lens of a zombocalypse. Filmed at the Monroeville Mall near Pittsburgh, PA, Romero crafts a narrative that is as much about the undead as it is about our cultural obsession with materialism. The mall, a central symbol in the movie, serves as the ultimate representation of this critique, presenting zombies wandering aimlessly through its corridors as a disturbing mirror to the living. The Blu-ray presentation holds onto this powerful message, ensuring that the satire remains as biting as it was in 1978.

The characters—Francine (Gaylen Ross), Stephen (David Emge), and SWAT officers Peter (Ken Foree) and Roger (Scott H. Reiniger)—offer more than just survivalist tropes; they embody the human condition in extremis. Their performances, nuanced and refreshingly genuine, elevate the film beyond its horror trappings. Romero's direction ensures that each scene, whether drenched in gore or thick with tension, is charged with an underlying commentary on societal decay. The Blu-ray only features the U.S. theatrical version, considered by many as the definitive cut, allowing audiences to experience Romero's vision unaltered. The decision to focus on this singular version may disappoint some fans but also stresses the timeless nature of its narrative and thematic concerns.

Technical aspects of the movie’s Blu-ray presentation, such as the vivid restoration of visuals and the meticulous preservation of sound design, ensure that Dawn of the Dead remains an immersive experience. While some elements might betray its age, particularly to those unacquainted with its era-specific context, the film’s core message about humanity—in all its resilience and folly—remains remarkably undiminished. Against a backdrop of visceral horror and suspense, Dawn of the Dead achieves a rare feat: it makes viewers confront the chilling realities beyond its fictional premise, inviting reflections on consumer culture and human nature. This Blu-ray release not only showcases Romero’s masterpiece in high definition but also immortalizes it for new generations to discover and for long-time fans to revisit with a mix of nostalgia and admiration.

Dawn of the Dead," George Romero's iconic entry into the zombie genre, makes its way to Blu-ray with a presentation that evokes mixed feelings, particularly from viewers accustomed to the modern, fast-paced horrors such as the latest "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" series. While lauded for its critical place in movie history and its socio-economic commentary, this release may fall slightly short of expectations for those new to Romero's style. The gore, a hallmark of zombie films, seems unconvincingly crafted by today's standards. Yet, for connoisseurs of classic horror and collectors aiming to possess seminal works in the best available quality, this edition remains an essential acquisition. The video quality is celebrated for being top-notch despite being described as only slightly above average by some, and the original monaural audio track addition is a thoughtful touch for purists. However, the audio experience overall does not surpass the realm of adequacy.

On the front of special features, this Blu-ray edition carries over most of the prized extras from the revered 4-disc DVD set, though it stops short of being exhaustive. Enthusiasts might find themselves holding onto their DVD copies for the more comprehensive experience, particularly regarding alternate film versions and behind-the-scenes content. Notwithstanding these limitations, for viewers intending to relive the original version in unparalleled clarity and those delving into Romero's apocalyptic vision for the first time, this Blu-ray offering serves as a worthy exploration.

In conclusion, despite its few shortcomings in auditory prowess and a complete array of extras, the Blu-ray release of "Dawn of the Dead" stands as a commendable addition to any horror aficionado's collection. Its superior video quality and the incorporation of significant special features make it a compelling purchase, bridging generational divides among viewers and preserving the legacy of a film that has undeniably left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Whether as an introduction to George Romero's groundbreaking work or a high-definition revisit for long-standing fans, this release merits attention.