Diary of the Dead Blu-ray Review

"Diary of the Dead" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer framed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The visual presentation leverages a stylized aesthetic characterized by a de-saturated color scheme and moderated contrast. This artistic choice results in flatter, less dynamic images, though it remains faithful to the film's thematic demands. Blacks are generally robust, offering excellent detail in darker areas and shadow-heavy scenes, though some instances reveal more pronounced grain and occasional digital noise. The grain structure is fine and evenly layered during bright sequences but becomes more noticeable in some darker shots.

The transfer reflects the varying quality of the source footage, predominantly captured with high-definition video cameras. Consequently, resolution and sharpness fluctuate, with noticeable differences between bright outdoor scenes and dimly lit interiors. Stock imagery intercut throughout the movie, including cell phone footage and shots that mimic being filmed off a television (complete with scan lines), adds to this inconsistency. Despite these variations, the Blu-ray manages to present some sequences with impressive three-dimensional depth and clarity, particularly in brightly lit daytime scenes. While the general appearance is drab with average detail levels, it effectively captures the intended look of this stylistically unique feature.

The lossless audio presentation of "Diary of the Dead" on Blu-ray effectively delivers the intricate elements of the film's sound design. Dialogue reproduction is notably clear and precise, although occasionally it can fall slightly short of an ideal volume level at reference settings. Despite this, it manages to maintain strong intonation and decent room penetration, ensuring that conversations remain distinguishable. The audio mix adeptly handles directional cues, especially those associated with the handheld camera perspective and near-field simulation, enriching the viewing experience with authentic environmental sounds.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack presents a solid audio experience for the film, although it tends to favor a front-heavy mix. Sound effects, while minimal, are delivered efficiently, with directional effects such as a speeding car panning seamlessly from center to right. While gunshots and other dynamic sound elements possess a crispness and well-defined bass, they don't deliver an overwhelming sonic impact, which complements the film's less polished visual style. The rear soundfield is well-balanced, with atmospheric sounds mixed into the surround channels contributing to an immersive experience that blends seamlessly with the front soundstage.

In summary, while "Diary of the Dead" may not offer an ear-shattering audio experience, it provides a competent and engaging soundtrack that supports the film's narrative and visual composition. The discrete effects and atmospheric elements, alongside the clear dialogue, create a cohesive auditory environment that aligns with the film's aesthetic.

The Blu-ray release of "Diary of the Dead" offers an impressive array of extras, providing in-depth insights and behind-the-scenes content that will satisfy any fan of the film. Highlights include a commentary track with Writer/Director George Romero, Director of Photography Adam Swica, and Editor Michael Doherty, which delves into the creative process, edits, and cast strengths. Character Confessionals and The First Week feature personal reflections and a playful overview of the initial shooting days. The Roots and Familiar Voices offer quick yet engaging snippets on the film's differentiation and notable voice talents, respectively. The feature-length documentary, "For the Record," along with Master of the Dead, Into the Camera, You Look Dead, and A New 'Spin' on Death, collectively provide a comprehensive look at the making of the film including makeup and visual effects. Lastly, the Myspace Contest Winners showcase provides five fan-created zombie short films.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Track: Featuring George Romero, Adam Swica, and Michael Doherty.
• Character Confessionals: Cast members address the camera about their experiences.
• The First Week: A lighthearted look at the initial days of filming.
• The Roots: George Romero discusses differences with prior Dead films.
• Familiar Voices: Special guest stars who contributed voice work.
• For the Record, The Making of 'Diary of the Dead': A feature-length documentary examining the creation process.
• Master of the Dead: Thoughts on George A. Romero from various participants.
• Into the Camera: The Cast: Overview of actors and their characters.
• You Look Dead: Make-Up Effects: Behind-the-scenes with the makeup effects team.
• A New 'Spin' on Death: Visual Effects: Insight into the visual effects production.
• Myspace Contest Winners: Five award-winning fan-made zombie short films.

"Diary of the Dead" revisits George A. Romero's roots, echoing the themes and style of his seminal work, "Night of the Living Dead," while introducing a modern twist. The narrative focuses on a group of University of Pittsburgh film students who, amidst shooting a horror movie, find themselves documenting a real-life zombie apocalypse. Through the eyes of Jason (Joshua Close) and his peers, the film seeks to capture the raw horror of societal collapse. Despite the potential for gripping storytelling, the film's delivery often falls flat due to uninspired acting and a screenplay filled with generic dialogue and stereotypical characters.

Adopting a first-person, found-footage style, "Diary of the Dead" attempts to immerse viewers in its sinister world. However, this approach, while effective in films like "Cloverfield" and "Blair Witch Project," feels more gimmicky here. The portrayal of events through handheld cameras and camcorders is meant to convey a sense of realism and immediacy but fails to engage fully due to an unconvincing performance by its cast and a lackluster execution. Moreover, the attempt at a social commentary on modern media and societal issues, while commendably ambitious, does not resonate as well as Romero's earlier works.

In summary, "Diary of the Dead" is a missed opportunity to build upon Romero's legacy. It diverges from the continuity of previous entries in the 'Dead' series by opting for a reboot-like angle that sacrifices depth for novelty. The critique of media ethics and societal reactions during crises is present but underwhelming, making this film one of Romero's less compelling efforts. While it does offer moments of tension and horror, the film's overall impact is marred by its disjointed narrative and underwhelming performances.

"Diary of the Dead" represents an ambitious attempt by George A. Romero to reboot his iconic zombie franchise with a fresh narrative approach. While the film retains the social commentary characteristic of the "Dead" series, it feels more overt and heavy-handed, lacking the subtle satire fans have come to appreciate. This entry diverges from its predecessors by charting a new timeline and depicting the initial outbreak of the undead. However, the characters and scenarios feel uninspired, and the limited scenes of gore may not satisfy long-time aficionados.

The Blu-ray release by Weinstein provides a technically sound but somewhat inconsistent visual experience, dictated by the source material's inherent limitations. The high-definition presentation is adequate but doesn’t reach the vibrant heights seen in more polished productions. The lossless audio track is appropriately subdued, aligning well with the film's documentary style, avoiding the jarring excess of overly dramatic scores found in other films like "Cloverfield." Additionally, the Blu-ray offers a well-curated selection of bonus features that add value for collectors and dedicated fans alike.

In conclusion, "Diary of the Dead" presents an intriguing yet flawed addition to Romero's oeuvre. While it may fall short in captivating longstanding followers due to its lackluster character development and restrained gore, it stands as a noteworthy exploration of the zombie genre's potential for socio-political commentary. This Blu-ray edition, with its respectable audiovisual quality and comprehensive extras, is recommended for hardcore Romero and zombie film enthusiasts. For others, a rental would suffice.