Night of the Living Dead Blu-ray Review

Sony's 1080p presentation of the 1990 remake "Night of the Living Dead" sets a new benchmark for the film's home video iterations. The image is sharply detailed and cohesive, presenting a refined, cinematic look that far surpasses previous releases, notably correcting many of the issues found in the Twilight Time version. Notable improvements include enhanced color grading and consistent grain that provides a rich, natural texture without overwhelming noise. Facial textures, such as skin pores and makeup effects, are rendered with exceptional clarity, complementing the film's atmospheric and gory aesthetic. The farm house's detailed interior, complete with deteriorated objects and grungy environments, is vividly captured, displaying a tangible, lived-in quality.

Furthermore, nighttime scenes benefit significantly from exemplary black levels that maintain excellent low-light detail, avoiding both paleness and extreme crush. This area sees particular improvement over earlier releases, where color accuracy suffered due to undesirable tinting. Daylight scenes offer well-saturated greens and natural colors, providing a balanced and visually pleasing experience. This Blu-ray masterfully balances bright whites without blooming and deep blacks without loss of detail, achieving a high contrast ratio that enhances the overall visual quality.

This new release showcases markedly improved detail levels, sidestepping the pitfalls of earlier versions such as exaggerated color grading seen in the Twilight Time release. The visual fidelity is further supported by a fine grain structure that ensures an unprocessed, film-like appearance. Minor imperfections remain, including slight frame wobble during the opening titles, but these are inconsequential given the overall superior quality. While it’s unfortunate that Sony hasn’t yet issued a companion UHD version, this 1080p Blu-ray presentation stands as likely the best rendition available for "Night of the Living Dead," offering a definitive viewing experience backed by meticulous restoration efforts.

Sony's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack for "Night of the Living Dead" Blu-ray demonstrates commendable sonic quality. The front-end musical clarity is robust, although utilization of the surround channels is relatively moderate. However, the rear channels provide notable support during more dynamic instances. Audio effects such as gunshots, crashes, and hammering nails are rendered with impressive definition, depth, and spatial presence. Dialogue remains clear and precise, with effective prioritization and a well-executed front-center positioning.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix shows significant improvements over previous releases, addressing earlier issues such as the missing camera sound effect during the ending montage. This new mix enhances the auditory experience with more pronounced and impactful sound effects, especially in action sequences. Gunshots and explosions have additional punch and dynamic placement, amplifying the sense of directionality depending on the scene's framing. Despite these modifications, the mix retains a natural sound without seeming overly processed or introducing new effects to mask older ones.

Overall, this audio presentation is free of any noticeable age-related artifacts, maintaining a clean and clear soundscape throughout. The dialogue clarity is exceptional, while Paul McCollough's score preserves its low tones and mood-setting qualities effectively. This release stands out as the best audio experience for this classic film to date, easily surpassing previous editions with its refined approach and nuanced enhancements.

Sony’s Blu-ray release of the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead features essential extras that provide significant insight, albeit repurposed from previous editions. The audio commentary by director Tom Savini, while informative with extensive details on filming in Pittsburgh and visual effects, is delivered in a monotonous tone, potentially making it a tough listen for some. The “Making Of” documentary, "The Dead Walk," delves deeply into the genesis of the remake, the challenges faced by the filmmakers, Savini's background, especially his Vietnam photography experience, and the complexities of visual effects and prosthetics. Although this package misses out on exclusive interviews and featurettes available in other editions, these enriching extras help paint a comprehensive picture of the film's production and creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Tom Savini discusses the film's technical aspects.
• The Dead Walk - Making Of: An in-depth retrospective on the original and remake.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Sony's release of the 1990 remake of "Night of the Living Dead" offers a significant upgrade from previous U.S. Blu-ray editions, particularly the much-criticized Twilight Time release. This new edition boasts a 1080p video presentation that enhances the viewing experience dramatically, offering fans a sharp, vibrant picture quality that stands in stark contrast to the underwhelming color grading and framing issues of its predecessor. While some may have access to a region-free Australian release by Umbrella Entertainment, which is reported to be superior, Sony's MOD release proves to be more than satisfactory, delivering an impressive visual and audio experience for domestic audiences.

The 1990 remake, helmed by first-time director Tom Savini and produced by original creators George A. Romero, John Russo, and Russell Streiner, faced initial criticism but has since garnered a cult following. Unlike the 1968 original, the remake introduces a modernized Barbara, portrayed by Patricia Tallman, who is depicted as a strong, self-reliant character instead of the passive victim seen in the original. Tony Todd's performance as Ben and Tom Towles as Harry Cooper add depth and believability to this more straightforward horror narrative. Though initially not a financial success, this version has found appreciation for its earnest attempt to update and respect the source material.

For aficionados of both iterations, the differences between them are noticeable yet complementary. The casting choices remain one of the remake's most praised elements, with Tony Todd’s pre-Candyman performance standing out. Savini’s direction ensures that while staying true to its roots, the film carves out its identity. Overall, Sony's Blu-ray release revitalizes this cult classic, making it readily accessible for new viewers and a rewarding revisit for longtime fans.

The 1990 remake of "Night of the Living Dead," while unable to fully recapture the foundational horror and cultural resonance of the 1968 original, stands out as a commendable effort by director Tom Savini. This iteration offers a modernized yet faithful revisit, known for Savini's signature gore effects applied masterfully throughout. It serves as both homage and expansion, delivering a balanced blend of nostalgia and new-age horror. Although it doesn't surpass the legendary status of its predecessor or the subsequent "Dawn of the Dead," it remains a valued piece within the horror genre, characterized by its meticulous craft and respectful nod to Romero’s vision.

Sony's Blu-ray release presents an impressive audiovisual restoration. The upgraded 1080p video transfer reveals rich textures and improved clarity, far surpassing previous releases and breathing new life into scenes that were previously marred by dated visuals. The lossless soundtrack offers crisp and immersive audio, complementing the atmospheric dread inherent to the film. Notably, this release includes several high-quality special features, such as a compelling audio commentary and a vintage mini-documentary which will appeal to enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into the film's production.

In conclusion, despite some missing extras compared to prior editions, this Blu-ray release provides the best technical presentation of the 1990 "Night of the Living Dead" to date. It captures the essence and technical achievements desired by long-time fans and new viewers alike. The significant improvements in video and audio quality render this edition a worthy investment. While waiting for a more comprehensive release in the future might tempt some collectors, this current offering from Sony is highly recommended for its superior picture quality and thoughtfully curated bonus material.