After Death Blu-ray Review
Limited Edition of 3000 | Zombi 4 | Oltre la morte
Score: 56
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Zombie 4: After Death may be flawed, but its nostalgic splatterfest appeal is well-preserved by Severin Films with a watchable transfer and fun extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 49
Zombie 4: After Death's Blu-ray release by Severin Films features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1, but its quality is uneven and marred by color saturation inconsistencies, variable grain thickness, and a persistent bluish tint, particularly evident in misty, dimly lit forest scenes.
Audio: 69
The Blu-ray release of 'After Death' boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that delivers energetic underscore by Al Festa and impactful sound effects during gory moments, despite loose sync. The 2K scan enhances detail and contrast, while audio remains clear, though soft with occasional density issues.
Extra: 46
Engaging and varied extras include an extensive interview with Claudio Fragasso, an intriguing sit-down with Jeff Stryker, brief archival material with Candice Daly, and behind-the-scenes footage, all enhancing the Blu-ray experience, free from previous disc issues encountered with Zombie 3.
Movie: 51
After Death, directed by Claudio Fragasso, merges voodoo and modern zombie horror on a remote island, offering a gonzo spectacle that raises more chaos than coherence; its straightforward approach contrasts with its predecessor's lunacy, marking it as a uniquely enjoyable yet flawed entry in the zombie genre.
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Video: 49
The Blu-ray presentation of "After Death" by Severin Films comes with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The video quality presents a notable disparity, likely sourced from mismatched elements exhibiting variable color saturation, grain structure, and clarity. Most scenes are relatively soft, exacerbated by the film's misty and dimly lit forest settings, inherently presenting mixed detail levels. Notably, various sequences shift abruptly to poorer quality, such as around the 15:35 mark, displaying a significantly thicker grain field and a near-monochromatic palette faintly suffused with hue.
Throughout the film, the visual experience oscillates between rough patches and segments with improved clarity and more finely resolved grain, although never reaching high-definition excellence. There’s a pronounced bluish tint across the entire presentation which influences the color consistency, making blues resonate most consistently throughout the viewing experience. Despite being newer than its predecessor "Zombie 3," "After Death" offers an uneven high-definition presentation, marked by fluctuating visual quality that switches between acceptable and subpar.
Audio: 69
The audio presentation of "After Death" on Blu-ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that, much like its predecessor, "Zombie 3," delivers with notable vigor in key areas. The underscore by Al Festa stands out as a particularly energetic component, enhancing both suspense and dramatic moments. Sound effects, particularly during the more intense gore sequences, are highlighted effectively, lending a visceral element to the viewer experience. However, there remains a characteristic looseness in sync; dialogues, despite consisting of some principal cast members who are native English speakers, veer toward a charming disconnect at times.
Severin Films’ release carries over some technical consistencies observed in their previous outputs. The single audio option provided is the English 2.0 mono DTS-HD track, which manages to balance elements with commendable clarity. Dialogue rendering is robust, even though sync issues persist sporadically. The sound effects are designed to be impactful and resonate well, bringing an exciting flair to action scenes. Additionally, the musical score and thematic compositions are reproduced with admirable separation and clarity, facilitating an immersive auditory backdrop throughout the film.
Overall, while minor syncing issues detract somewhat from the audio experience, the mix offers a clear and engaging track. Severin Films’ approach to sound design for this release reflects a careful balance of impactful effects and cohesive musical elements, making it a worthy upgrade for aficionados of the genre.
Extras: 46
The extras included in the Blu-ray of "After Death" provide an engaging mix of in-depth interviews and archival footage that will appeal to fans and cinephiles alike. Highlights include "Run, Zombie, Run!", featuring a comprehensive interview with director Claudio Fragasso and screenwriter Rossella Drudi, complete with Italian dialogue and English subtitles. "Jeff Stryker in Manila" offers a candid and unusual look at the film's lead, touching upon his colorful career. "Blonde vs. Zombies" provides an intriguing, albeit brief, interview with actress Candice Daly. Additionally, the disc includes behind-the-scenes footage and the original trailer, offering valuable insights into the film's production. The inclusion of a soundtrack CD is a pleasant bonus for collectors. The technical quality of each feature is commendable, with most presented in high definition.
Extras included in this disc:
- Run, Zombie, Run!: Extended interview with Claudio Fragasso and Rossella Drudi.
- Jeff Stryker in Manila: Interview with lead actor Jeff Stryker.
- Blonde vs. Zombies: Archival interview with Candice Daly.
- Behind the Scenes Footage: Brief behind-the-scenes clips.
- Trailer: Original film trailer.
- Soundtrack CD: Audio CD of the film’s soundtrack.
Movie: 51
"After Death," directed by Claudio Fragasso, follows the chaotic and gory tradition of its predecessor, "Zombie 3," adding a blend of voodoo mythology and modern zombie horror elements. The narrative is set on a tropical island, creating an eerie and exotic backdrop reminiscent of earlier zombie cinema such as "I Walked with a Zombie." The film opens with a hypnotic scene featuring a woman under a voodoo trance, which quickly spirals into supernatural chaos, setting the tone for the bizarre events that follow.
The main storyline revolves around Jenny (Candice Daly), who returns to the island as an adult to uncover her past and avenge her deceased parents. Accompanied by a diverse group with mixed motives, the plot thickens when they encounter another group led by Chuck (Chuck Peyton, known outside the film industry as Jeff Stryker). Chuck's reckless curiosity with an ancient spell book triggers disastrous consequences, leading to inevitable carnage and his fateful meeting with Jenny. The narrative is notably driven by the juxtaposition of voodoo elements with more contemporary zombie horror tropes.
Though Fragasso and co-writer Rossella Drudi don't break new ground in terms of plot or innovation, "After Death" dives headfirst into a frenetic, zany approach that eschews caution. The movie's climactic scenes are marked by a surprising lack of survivors, a somewhat darkly humorous nod to genre expectations. Despite—or perhaps because of—its daft and Z-grade nature, "After Death" manages to entertain in an uncanny manner, leaving viewers both puzzled and amused that such a film was ever made. It stands out for its unrestrained madness and unpredictable twists, making it a peculiar yet notable entry in the zombie genre canon.
Total: 56
Zombie 4: After Death on Blu-ray presents a mostly satisfactory experience for fans of vintage horror cinema, particularly those with a penchant for classic gut-munching splatterfests. Severin Films has delivered a commendable watchable transfer that, while not without flaws, encapsulates the essence of the late 80s low-budget zombie genre. The video quality has its share of imperfections, with some noticeable rough patches that reflect the limitations of the original materials and production. However, the color grading and detail preservation are handled well enough to maintain an engaging viewing experience.
The audio performance is solid, with a clear and balanced sound mix that effectively reproduces the film's atmospheric score and gruesome sound effects. While not state-of-the-art by contemporary standards, it delivers an authentic representation of the era's auditory aesthetic. The supplementary materials, though not as comprehensive as those offered with Zombie 3, include an engaging interview with director Claudio Fragasso and screenwriter Rossella Drudi, providing valuable insights into the production and creative processes behind the film.
In conclusion, Zombie 4: After Death may not be regarded as a high point in zombie filmography by some, but it undoubtedly retains a certain charm that appeals to its niche audience. This Blu-ray release acknowledges the film's cult status with a respectable transfer and worthwhile bonus content, ensuring that aficionados of the genre can appreciate it in all its bloody grandeur.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 60
Most of this presentation looks pretty soft, from the credits on, though it should be noted that a lot of the film takes place in misty, dimly lit forest environments where detail levels are kind of inherently...
Audio: 80
As with Zombie 3, this release sports a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that tends to offer the most energy in some of the enjoyable underscore by Al Festa, or when sound effects accompany some of the...
Extras: 40
(For more of this sit down, parts are also featured on Violence in a Women's Prison and Zombie 3, both also released on Blu-ray by Severin....
Movie: 50
In an interview included on this Blu-ray as a supplement, Claudio Fragasso seems positively delighted to have pounded "the final nail in the coffin of the zombie film" with Zombie 4, but as any zombie...
Total: 50
As with my final comments in the Zombie 3 Blu-ray review, I'm sure there are those who feel movies like this deserve zero stars and others who feel they're "classics" of some sort and therefore deserve...
The Digital Bits review by Tim SalmonsRead review here
Video: 60
Audio: 80
Compared to Zombie 3, it’s definitely a step up in quality as detail has improved, but also the encode, as it appears less chunky than its predecessor....
Extras: 60
Movie: 60
Taking place on a remote island where a group of gun-toting mercenaries find themselves stranded and searching for answers to the disappearances of scientific researchers from years before, it’s certainly...
Total: 65
Zombie 4: After Death offers up a mostly run-of-the-mill experience, at least for my taste, but fans of the good old-fashioned, gut-munching splatterfests of yesteryear are bound to appreciate it, warts...
Director: Claudio Fragasso
Actors: Jeff Stryker, Candice Daly, Massimo Vanni
PlotA team of scientists stationed on a remote tropical island investigates voodoo rituals practiced by the local natives. Despite warnings of an ancient curse, the scientists disrupt a sacred ceremony, leading to catastrophic consequences. The natives summon the dead through dark magic, unleashing a powerful and uncontrollable force of zombies. The few remaining scientists attempt to escape but are overwhelmed by the relentless horde, leading to their demise one by one.
Years later, a group of mercenaries accompanied by a scientist returns to the island, unaware of its gruesome history. They soon encounter the reanimated dead and must fight for their survival. As they explore the depths of the island, they uncover horrifying secrets hidden within, forcing them into a desperate battle against time and the undead. The ominous curse threatens to consume them as the boundaries between life and death blur beyond recognition.
Writers: Rossella Drudi
Release Date: 27 Jul 1990
Runtime: 84 min
Rating: Unrated
Country: Italy, Philippines
Language: Tagalog, Filipino, English