Graveyard Alive Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Graveyard Alive" presents significant discrepancies between what is promised and what is delivered, impacting the overall video quality experience. Originally shot in 35mm Techniscope, the expectation was to receive a high-definition visual presentation captured in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, as indicated by both packaging and promotional materials. However, the actual AVC encoded image is delivered in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, utilizing what appears to be an outdated video source rather than the anticipated film source, leading to a disappointing visual output reminiscent of older DVD quality.

The black-and-white cinematography suffers markedly from this mishandling, with the overall image appearing excessively blocky and soft. The expected crispness and detail are noticeably absent, resulting in a flat viewing experience devoid of vivid or sharp visuals. Black levels are inadequately rendered as slightly milky, and there’s an overall lack of inky or well-balanced contrasts; grayscale dominates rather than the intended rich black and white spectrum. In addition, occasional imperfections such as specks, dirt, and debris further mar the viewing experience, detracting from what was initially strong indie cinematography.

The advertised 1080p HD transfer fails to meet expectations, leaving much to be desired in terms of clarity and detail. The end product seems to have been manipulated excessively, resulting in an image that feels stretched beyond its means, offering little more than a substandard visual performance without any depth or texture. These shortcomings are especially disappointing given the film’s potential for superior image quality. In summary, the Blu-ray's video presentation does not do justice to the source material, falling short of providing a satisfying high-definition experience.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray release of "Graveyard Alive" features a DTS-HD 2.0 mix that elicits mixed responses. Notably, the clarity of the mix is commendable, particularly in its ability to maintain the cartoonish essence of the film's dubbed performances. The music elements, while not extraordinary, provide acceptable support with decent instrumentation, creating an overall compatible soundscape. The sound effects are intentionally blunt but serve their purpose effectively within the context of the quirky narrative.

However, the primary drawback of this audio track lies in the dialogue, which is prominently dubbed post-production. This results in a noticeable lack of synchronization similar to classic dubbed Kung Fu films, contributing to an unintentionally comedic effect. While it can add a humorous layer to the viewing experience, it may distract from the intended dramatic elements for some viewers. Despite this, song cues and other light sound effects remain decently rendered, preserving some degree of audio quality.

Overall, the DTS-HD 2.0 mix of "Graveyard Alive" excels in maintaining the film's stylistic intent, while the nonsynchronous dubbing poses a potential distraction for audiences seeking a polished audio experience. This balance of intentional broadness and technical inconsistencies makes it a unique auditory component of the Blu-ray presentation.

The Blu Ray extras for "Graveyard Alive" provide a comprehensive look into the filmmaking process and creative minds behind the project. These features are informative and offer substantial value, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the film. The audio commentary by co-writers/directors Elsa Kephart and Patricia Gomez Zlatar, along with producer Andrea Stark, though subtly dull, offers intriguing anecdotes and insights into their 20th-anniversary reflections via Zoom. The inclusion of selected short films by both filmmakers allows a deeper dive into their creative backgrounds, though none directly pertain to the primary feature. Furthermore, the accompanying booklet provides additional layers of context through essays by Michael Gingold, supplemented with notes and photographs from Kephart and Gomez Zlatar.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Kephart, Gomez Zlatar, and Stark.
• Kephart Short Films: Two films from Elsa Kephart's portfolio.
• Gomez Short Films: Two films from Patricia Gomez Zlatar's repertoire.
• Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Essays and photographs offering additional context.

"Graveyard Alive: A Zombie Nurse In Love" is an innovative, albeit flawed, entry in the zombie genre that blends comedic undertones with horror, albeit with mixed execution. Directed by Elza Kephart, it attempts to offer a fresh take on the undead narrative with a story centered around Patsy, a nurse who transforms into a more confident figure after a bizarre zombie encounter. The film aims for a lighthearted approach, leveraging bizarre creative decisions such as quirky character names and post-dubbed dialogue reminiscent of soap opera styles. However, some technical choices, notably the sloppy dubbing, detract from the overall experience by stripping away the intended campy energy.

Despite its shortcomings, "Graveyard Alive" finds strength in its grassroots filmmaking approach which pays homage to various cinematic genres. In a market oversaturated with zombie flicks, this film's originality stands out. The storyline intertwines themes of jealousy, betrayal, and newfound empowerment within the framework of zombie comedy. While it may not have achieved mainstream success due to the overshadowing impact of larger budget films at the time, its award-winning status at several film festivals in 2003 speaks to a level of acclaim for its unique blend of humor and horror.

With the current Blu-ray release by ETR Media and Vinegar Syndrome, "Graveyard Alive" is poised to reach new audiences. This edition offers reversible artwork and a booklet which adds further context to the film’s quirky style. Despite its previous obscurity, this cinematic piece now has the opportunity to garner appreciation for its inventive effort in reviving interest through its campy yet entertaining narrative. The film is a testament to independent cinema's potential to deliver originality and humor even within well-trodden genres.

Graveyard Alive: A Zombie Nurse In Love" melds the campiness of vintage soap operas with a unique twist on zombie films, deftly blending the comedic and the somewhat-horrific. The narrative follows E.R., adept in zombie disposal with an unconventional choice of a silver knife, and Patsy, whose transformation post-bite turns the film into both a quest for love and an exploration of identity. Kephart's film teases broader themes yet largely sticks to its comedic roots, adopting a style that results in mixed performances often hampered by audio dubbing issues. It positions itself uniquely in the genre, offering an indie film flavor free from typical Hollywood gloss.

Technically, "Graveyard Alive" embraces its vintage inspirations through a 35mm shoot and a stylized black-and-white palette, though the Blu-ray presentation stumbles somewhat. The 1080p HD transfer doesn't fully exploit high-definition capabilities, and the DTS-HD 2.0 audio track leaves much to be desired. With limited extras, the main draw is a commentary track that provides some insight and satisfaction for fans eager to delve deeper into the film's creation and idiosyncratic vision.

In conclusion, despite its technical limitations and certain performance shortcomings, "Graveyard Alive" stands out as a memorable indie effort in its inventive storytelling and distinct aesthetic. While not flawless, it is recommended for those seeking originality and humor intertwined with the zombie genre. Ultimately, this film offers a glimpse of promising growth for Kephart, who demonstrates her potential more conclusively with later works such as "Slaxx.