ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Kevin Hamedani's "ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction" comes encoded with VC-1 and features a 1080p transfer in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Overall, this high-definition transfer is commendable. The fine object detail is quite pleasing, and the clarity levels are consistently good throughout the entire film. Daylight and indoor scenes particularly stand out with sharp and crisp visuals, whereas some nighttime footage appears slightly softer due to the constrained lighting conditions. The color palette includes soft blues and greens alongside richly saturated browns, grays, and whites, adding depth to the cinematography.

Technically, this transfer is solid. Edge-enhancement does not present significant issues, and macroblocking is well-handled, although minor compression artifacts are observable in a few scenes. Importantly, there is no presence of heavy noise reduction, ensuring the integrity of the image remains intact. No discernible technical anomalies were encountered during playback. This Blu-ray disc is also Region-Free, facilitating compatibility across various players globally without any troublesome PAL or 1080/50i content affecting the user experience.

The Blu-ray of "ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction" offers two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Notably, there are no optional English subtitles available for the main feature. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out with its powerful and punchy bass that enhances the viewing experience. While the rear channels are not overly active, they are effective, contributing to the overall ambiance without overwhelming the primary audio elements. The high frequencies are balanced, avoiding any potential harshness.

Despite a somewhat limited dynamic range, the sound maintains pleasing depth and clarity. The dialog is exceptionally clean, clear, stable, and easy to follow, ensuring that viewers do not miss any crucial lines. Additionally, there were no disturbing audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, hissing, or dropouts detected during the review. This technical prowess in audio presentation substantially elevates the overall impact of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction" are commendable, providing an engaging behind-the-scenes look into the film's production. With attention to industry professionals and fans alike, the extras offer a valuable glimpse at the filmmaking process through both conventional and specialized sections. Notably, the inclusion of raw footage and cast/crew commentary enriches the cinematic experience. It is important to note that some features are encoded in PAL, requiring appropriate playback equipment for North American viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer in English, serving as an introduction to the film (2 min).
• Making of: A standard featurette with raw footage and comments from the cast and crew, providing insight into the production process (6 min, PAL).

ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, directed by Kevin Hamedani, serves up a curious blend of political satire and horror comedy. Set against the backdrop of Port Gamble, a prototypical small American town, the narrative kicks off with an unexplained outbreak that morphs the townsfolk into flesh-eating zombies. Hamedani cleverly integrates a variety of stereotypical characters, adding layers to the plot's social commentary. Central to the narrative is Frida, an Iranian-American woman who has dropped out of Princeton and returned home, embodying the director’s intent to underscore racial prejudices. The film also introduces a gay couple, Tom and Lance, who return to Tom's hometown to come out to his conservative mother.

This layered character setup underpins Hamedani's attempt to address multifaceted socio-political issues with a sledgehammer approach. However, this heavy-handed method can sometimes alienate the very audience it aims to engage. The satire is anything but subtle; religious characters are depicted as homophobic gun-enthusiasts, and simplistic conflations abound, such as Iran and Iraq being used interchangeably to highlight American ignorance. These over-the-top caricatures risk descending into campiness rather than delivering pointed commentary.

Visually, the film oscillates between competent and amateurish, particularly noticeable in some of its zombie scenes. Although there are moments with decent special effects, many action sequences appear lackluster and underlit. Comparisons to horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland are inevitable but unfavorable as ZMD lacks their polish and energy. The cast performance is serviceable but falls short when delivering serious thematic content, reducing impactful social points to mere plot devices. Nonetheless, for fans seeking a politically charged zom-com, ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction provides ample fodder, albeit with a lack of finesse.

Review 1: The visual quality of the Blu-ray disc for "ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction" is impressive. Details are sharp, colors are vivid, and the overall picture quality is solid. The audio is equally commendable, providing clear dialogue and robust sound effects that enhance the viewing experience.

Review 2: ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction delivers a refreshingly satirical approach to the zombie genre. The humor is well-executed and the social commentary is razor-sharp. The Blu-ray delivers a robust audiovisual performance, with excellent clarity and a dynamic soundstage that brings the film to life.

Review 3: A humorous take on the traditional zombie narrative, ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction stands out with its clever writing and entertaining performances. The Blu-ray release does not disappoint, offering a crisp, clean video quality that highlights the film’s subtle visual details and a strong, immersive audio track.

Review 4: As a mix of comedy and horror, ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction hits the mark with witty dialogue and engaging scenes. The Blu-ray presentation excels, boasting an impressive high-definition transfer that preserves the film’s nuanced cinematography and an audio mix that is both clear and impactful.

Review 5: The Blu-ray of ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction impresses with its technical prowess. The audio is crisp, enveloping viewers in the film’s atmosphere, while the visual presentation maintains high standards of clarity and color fidelity, resulting in a top-notch home viewing experience.

"ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction" presents a unique blend of comedy and horror, offering a satirical take on the conventional zombie apocalypse narrative. The film features witty dialogue and engaging performances, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre. The Blu-ray disc lives up to professional standards, delivering a sharp and detailed visual experience that captures the film’s subtle nuances effectively. Colors are vibrant and well-defined, providing an overall solid picture quality.

The audio quality on this Blu-ray release is equally impressive. Dialogue is clear and easy to follow, while the sound effects are robust and immersive, adding depth to the viewing experience. The soundstage is dynamic, enhancing the film's atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. This technical prowess ensures that both casual viewers and audiophiles can appreciate the nuanced soundscape that complements the film’s visual presentation.

If you enjoyed "Shaun of the Dead" and are dying to see something similar this Halloween, take a look at Kevin Hamedani's "ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction". There are some pretty funny scenes in it. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of British distributors Optimum Home Entertainment, looks and sounds good. It is also Region-Free. RENT IT.