City of the Living Dead Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's release of "City of the Living Dead" on Blu-ray is both a commendable and complex endeavor. Utilizing a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer, the film looks considerably robust, despite a few notable limitations. The Techniscope filming technique on 2-perf 35mm is accurately preserved, albeit with a grainier and occasionally softer appearance due to the necessary blow-up to fill the widescreen format. This accentuates the grain, which, paired with some digital noise artifacts, can occasionally distract. For example, the image suffers frozen noise patterns, especially in daylight exteriors, yet darker interior scenes are relatively unaffected. Print cleanliness is notable, with minimal scratches, nicks, or tears impacting the viewing experience. Some minor imperfections persist, such as squiggles against character close-ups and isolated smearing incidents, but these are few and far between.

Color reproduction is another highlight where the transfer shines. Despite the director's penchant for muted hues, the meticulous handling of primary colors and blood tones stands out exceptionally well. Skin tones have seen improvements compared to previous versions, and fine detail in objects like clothing textures and set pieces is remarkably clear. Black levels exhibit significant depth, enhancing atmospheric scenes shot in catacombs and night-time sequences. Instances of black crush and color noise do slightly impede some scenes but do not overwhelm the overall render. Fine object detail, preserving textures on wood and fabrics, contributes to a visually compelling presentation.

Ultimately, "City of the Living Dead" retains a grainy character true to its source while benefiting from enhancements that further audience immersion. Although not without its quirks—such as sporadic noise issues and occasional softness—the video presentation largely compensates for these with its strengths in color accuracy and shadow detailing. Fans of Lucio Fulci's work should find this Blu-ray transfer a substantial upgrade from previous releases and a testament to Blue Underground's ongoing effort to preserve genre classics.

Blue Underground has impressively provided the Blu-ray release of "City of the Living Dead" with three distinct audio options: a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless mix, a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track, and the original mono track in Dolby Digital. The 7.1 mix, despite being somewhat unnecessary given the film's origins, manages to breathe new life into the soundtrack through enhanced depth and breadth without succumbing to overblown or artificial effects. The purity of the mix is maintained, offering an involving experience that provides clarity and balance. Dialogue, although infamous for its out-of-sync dubbing typical of Italian horror, remains crisp and clear throughout. Fabio Frizzi’s iconic score gains a notable presence in the frontal array, providing a rich and weighty audio experience without overwhelming bass.

The surround elements in the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track are generally subtle, except for certain scenes later in the film where jungle-like atmospherics and gusting winds fully utilize the back channels. These elements are sparingly but effectively used, creating a more immersive environment. Ambience overall is on the tamer side, which may not push sound systems to their limits but remains appropriate for the genre. Noteworthy moments, such as the cemetery scene towards the film's conclusion, benefit from extended channel coverage, adding to the atmosphere without feeling gimmicky. While some sound effects can appear overly localized and choppy, these instances are rare.

Overall, Blue Underground's audio presentation of "City of the Living Dead" does an admirable job balancing nostalgic fidelity and modern surround sound enhancements. While it may not deliver a groundbreaking auditory experience, it successfully enhances the mood and atmosphere of Lucio Fulci's horror classic, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray of "City of the Living Dead" by Blue Underground offers a robust array of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and legacy. The highlight is “The Making of The City of The Living Dead,” a comprehensive 32-minute documentary featuring detailed interviews with key cast and crew members. Interviews with Catriona MacColl and Giovanni Lombardo Radice provide personal insights into their experiences on set. “Memories of the Maestro” further enriches the content, offering anecdotes about working with Lucio Fulci. Additional features include trailers, radio spots, and a gallery focusing on the film's marketing. Although it lacks the extensive extras found in the Arrow UK release, this edition still presents valuable content for fans and completists.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of The City of The Living Dead: Interviews with key cast and crew.
• Acting Among the Living Dead: Interview with Catriona MacColl.
• Entering The Gates of Hell: Interview with Giovanni Lombardo Radice.
• Memories of the Maestro: Reflections on working with Lucio Fulci.
• Marketing of the Living Dead: Poster and stills gallery.
• English Trailer: High-definition trailer in English.
• Italian Trailer: High-definition trailer in Italian.
• Radio Spots: Audio advertisements with accompanying stills.

"City of the Living Dead," directed by Lucio Fulci, is often considered the least acclaimed entry in his iconic zombie quartet. However, it still provides a substantial horror experience with its vivid, if nonsensical, narrative and memorably grotesque set-pieces. While Gino De Rossi’s special effects don’t quite reach the heights of his brother Giannetto’s in previous Fulci films, they remain viscerally impactful. His insistence on pushing the boundaries results in unforgettable carnage including scenes of worm infestations and vomit-induced eviscerations. This film is a blend of Grand Guignol theatricality and surreal fantastique, reflective of Italy’s no-holds-barred horror cinema of the early 1980s. Though it may not be Fulci's best work, it encapsulates a unique atmosphere of near-constant dread and gore that horror aficionados appreciate.

The narrative centers around an apocalypse triggered by a priest’s suicide, unsettlingly captured in Dunwich’s cursed landscape. The plot kicks off with Mary (Catriona MacColl), who foresees the horrific events during a séance, dies of fright, and is later rescued from her grave by reporter Peter Bell (Christopher George). Together they embark on a quest to close these hellish gates before All Saints Day. Carving through Fulci’s characteristic non-linear storytelling, viewers face successive grotesque horrors, from electric drills to scalping zombies. These zombies deviate from traditional sluggish creatures—they possess strength, telekinetic abilities, and can appear anywhere, turning secured safe havens into death traps.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer enhances the film’s immersive experience with improved visual clarity despite some imperfections. The audio refinements offer a fiercely vibrant mix with option for the original mono track, augmenting the chilling ambiance. Fulci’s distinct directorial trademarks—zoom shots, lingering gore focus, and synth-heavy score reminiscent of John Carpenter—complement the film's unsettling allure. While the additional features on this release may not surpass international versions, fans will still find value in Fulci’s masterful orchestration of horror's grim excesses, securing "City of the Living Dead" as a staple of terror cinema.

City of the Living Dead, Directed by Lucio Fulci, presents an extreme visual feast that emphasizes gore and atmosphere over plot and social commentary. While there is little narrative depth, the film stands as a quintessential example of splatter filmmaking from the early 1980s. Audiences should be prepared for graphic and intense scenes involving blood, brains, and other macabre elements. Fulci's strength lies in his ability to create a visceral experience that is both disturbing and enthralling for fans of hardcore horror.

Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release does commendable justice to the film's visual and auditory brutality. The 1080p transfer is sharp and clear, representing one of the studio's finer efforts, while the 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio offers a robust auditory experience. However, compared to the Arrow release in the UK, this edition falls short in terms of supplementary content. For enthusiasts wanting the most comprehensive collection of extras, the Arrow release remains the definitive version.

In conclusion, while City of the Living Dead may not feature intricate storytelling or profound messages, it excels in delivering relentless splatter and shocking imagery. Blue Underground’s Blu-ray provides an adequate platform to experience Fulci’s chaotic masterpiece, making it a worthwhile addition to any horror aficionado's collection. For those seeking additional content and special features, exploring import options is advisable. Recommended for fans of visceral horror cinema.