Zombie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Lucio Fulci's Zombie Flesh Eaters by Arrow Video is laudable, with the 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio delivering an impressive visual experience. Engineered using the MPEG-4 AVC codec, the restoration was meticulously overseen by James White at Deluxe Soho, London. The film was sourced from the original Techniscope 2-perf 35mm negative and scanned at a 2K resolution, ensuring fidelity to the original material. Extensive restoration processes were employed to rectify thousands of instances of dirt, scratches, and debris frame-by-frame, significantly stabilizing density and other inherent issues without compromising the grain structure. While some minor picture issues persist, they are minimal and intrinsic to the original film's condition.

In addition to the visual enhancements, both the original English and Italian mono soundtracks received meticulous attention. Audio imperfections such as bumps, clicks, and dropouts were effectively removed or repaired; however, the audio sync may still appear loose due to the film's production nature. Notably, the restoration retained as much of the original frame as possible, benefiting from complete access to the 2-perf negative. The result is an exemplary presentation with significant depth and detail, particularly in close-ups during daylight sequences and during intense moments in the zombie attack scenes. Color reproduction remains stable and dense, albeit with minor fluctuations in specific sequences like underwater scenes.

Unquestionably, this Blu-ray release stands as the most satisfying iteration of Zombie Flesh Eaters to date. The absence of post-production degraining means that a delicate layer of grain endures across the film, providing both authenticity and richness in detail. Arrow Video's commitment to minimizing intrusive corrections ensures that no sharpening artifacts detract from the viewing experience. Despite some minor inherited limitations, this Region-B exclusive Blu-ray disc represents a pinnacle in the classic European horror film's visual presentation.

This Blu-ray edition of "Zombie" provides two audio tracks: English LPCM 2.0 and Italian LPCM 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH for the English track and English subtitles for the Italian track. The English LPCM 2.0 track stands out with its impressive depth and dynamic range, offering a polished and immersive experience. There is an absolute absence of background hiss, which contributes to the overall clarity. Particularly noteworthy is Fabio Frizzi and Giorgio Tucci's iconic soundtrack, which resonates with a lush, well-rounded quality that enhances the film’s atmospheric tension.

The dialog in the English track is consistently stable and clean, devoid of any distortions or dropouts. While minor sync issues are present, primarily due to post-production overdubbing, these are inherent to the film's original design and should be recognized as part of its authentic presentation rather than flaws. Overall, Arrow Video has ensured that the audio presentation is faithful to the film’s original intent while optimizing it for modern viewers.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of Lucio Fulci's "Zombie" offer an in-depth exploration into the film's production, its historical context, and significant contributions from various key figures involved. Featuring two insightful audio commentaries, one by Stephen Thrower and Alan Jones, and another by writer Elisa Briganti, viewers gain valuable insights into the film's development, themes, and Fulci's directorial style. Complementing these narratives are featurettes such as "From Romero to Rome: The Rise and Fall of the Italian Zombie Film" and "Aliens, Cannibals and Zombies," providing a broader perspective on Italian horror cinema. There are also detailed discussions with industry experts like special effects maestro Giannetto De Rossi and composer Fabio Frizzi. Other notable inclusions include various trailers, radio spots, and a comprehensive booklet with essays and interviews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Introduction by actor Ian McCulloch.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Stephen Thrower and Alan Jones.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by scriptwriter Elisa Briganti.
• From Romero to Rome: The Rise and Fall of the Italian Zombie Film: Documentary on Italian horror cinema.
• U.S. Trailer: The barf bag trailer.
• VIPCO Trailer: English trailer.
• TV Trailer 1: Music-only trailer.
• TV Trailer 2: English trailer.
• Radio Spots: Collection of audio radio spots.
• Aliens, Cannibals and Zombies: Ian McCulloch featurette.
• Zombie Flesh Eaters - From Script to Screen: Dardano Sacchetti shows the original script.
• Music For A Flesh-Feast: Q&A with composer Fabio Frizzi.
• The Meat Munching Movies of Gino De Rossi: Featurette with Giannetto De Rossi.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.

Lucio Fulci's 1979 horror classic, "Zombie" (also known as "Zombi 2" or "Zombie Flesh Eaters"), is masterfully crafted from its eerie pre-credits sequence to its richly atmospheric scenes. The narrative kicks off with a derelict vessel drifting into New York's Hudson Bay. The boat's discovery leads to a gruesome attack by a ravenous zombie, marking the commence of an impending apocalypse. The protagonist, journalist Peter West (Ian McCulloch), along with Anne Bowles (Tisa Farrow), whose father owned the boat, journeys to the Caribbean island of Matul in search of answers. They join forces with an adventurous couple and encounter not only the rising dead but also the enigmatic Dr. David Menard (Richard Johnson). What ensues is a relentless barrage of zombie attacks, forcing the group to make a harrowing stand in a dilapidated hospital.

Fulci balances the film's pacing to perfection, blending suspenseful buildup with visceral, unflinching gore. Cinematographer Sergio Salvati's work impresses despite the budget constraints; his lens captures both the haunting beauty of the Caribbean island and the grotesque details of Giannetto De Rossi's special effects. The iconic underwater sequence testament to the film's technical prowess, featuring innovative effects that remain strikingly effective. Fabio Frizzi and Giorgio Tucci's soundtrack provides an additional layer of depth with its darkly lush and seductive melodies. Synth-driven themes elevate the film’s dread atmosphere, their roots embedded in Italian psychedelica and progressive rock.

The strong technical elements combined with engaging narrative threads solidify "Zombie" as one of the great European genre pictures. Fulci’s meticulous attention to detail and craft is evident throughout, resulting in a hauntingly memorable horror experience that continues to stand the test of time. The film’s cult status is underscored not merely by its gore but by its artistic merit, leaving an indelible mark on horror cinema history.

` Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Zombie" is truly exceptional, presenting a definitive edition that both long-time fans and new viewers will appreciate. The video quality is outstanding, showcasing Lucio Fulci’s gory masterpiece in pristine high definition. The transfer maintains the film’s gritty, atmospheric aesthetic while enhancing clarity and detail, providing a perfect balance between preservation and modernization. The painstaking restoration work is evident in the way it brings out the haunting vibrance of the island’s lush settings and the ghastly, decaying zombies.

Audio performance is equally impressive. The disc includes an uncompressed mono track that retains the original sound quality while offering enhanced clarity and depth. Dialogue is crisp, and Fabio Frizzi's iconic score is delivered with a renewed intensity that intensifies the film’s suspenseful mood. The optional 5.1 surround track offers an immersive experience, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the eerie sound design and environmental details.

This release also excels in its special features, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts. It includes insightful commentary tracks, engaging documentaries on making the film and its cultural impact, interviews with cast and crew, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage. The extensive extras highlight Arrow Video's commitment to providing a thorough and satisfying viewing experience.

Arrow Video have put together a mighty impressive release for a legendary Italian film that should make a lot of horror fans very, very happy. If this is a sign of things to come, then 2013 should be an enormously exciting year. I really hope that in addition to classic horror films we will eventually also see some classic spaghetti westerns and Italian sexy comedies. Arrow Video are most definitely the label that will treat them with the proper respect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.