Night of the Living Dead 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Night of the Living Dead" delivers a remarkable restoration of the 1968 classic, meticulously crafted from a 4K digital intermediate developed under the supervision of director George A. Romero and his original production team. This presentation emanates from the Museum of Modern Art’s original camera negative restoration and is augmented by a few sections scanned from a fine grain print—collectively crafting an image that faithfully reflects the film’s theatrical origins. Displayed in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the transfer uses 10-bit video depth, maintaining striking clarity without the incorporation of high dynamic range (HDR).

Despite the exclusion of HDR, the presentation leverages native 3840 x 2160 resolution to amplify detail and depth, most notably enhancing black levels to achieve significant dimensionality. Grain management is exemplary, yielding a texture that remains authentic to the original film stock. Viewers will observe intense detail across myriad elements—from individual facial textures to environment intricacies like foliage and architectural nuances. The grayscale exhibits superior balance, fostering profound contrast and lush shadowing that handle even sparse lighting conditions quite adeptly.

This UHD release stands as an exemplary representation of how increased pixel density can elevate visual fidelity, even absent HDR. While the improvements over previous Criterion Blu-ray editions may not compel all collectors to upgrade, cinema purists will undoubtedly appreciate the tighter grain structure and the undeniable clarity that lifts each frame from deteriorated public domain counterparts. For aficionados of classic cinema, this version offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience "Night of the Living Dead" as it perhaps never has been seen before, transporting viewers convincingly back to 1968 with its immaculate and faithful digital restoration.

The LPCM 2.0 monaural soundtrack, also employed in the Blu-ray release of Night of the Living Dead, has been expertly restored to deliver an audio experience that is both clear and dynamic. Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track, the restoration supervised by Romero and Streiner ensures distinct dialogue, a well-balanced mix, and a score that envelops the listener. Although bass tones add depth, the impact of gunshots remains characteristically subdued. This track maintains a crisp quality with no discernible hiss or distortion, representing a significant enhancement over previous releases.

Maintaining faithful reproduction of the original elements, the LPCM 1.0 audio track demonstrates unmatched stability and clarity. Considering the film's low-budget origins, the absence of hiss, pops, and other distortive artifacts is remarkable. The upper registers are smooth with only occasional strain at peak volumes. The subtleties within the soundtrack have been preserved, allowing the film’s vintage audio to resonate effectively.

For enthusiasts familiar with the Criterion Collection’s past releases, this UHD offering continues to deliver superior audio fidelity. Previous issues such as muddy dialogue and unsteady scores are effectively resolved here. With its careful restoration approach, this release is hailed as perhaps the best audio presentation for Night of the Living Dead on home video, ensuring that it remains a compelling choice for collectors and newcomers alike.

Criterion's "Night of the Living Dead" 4K UHD Blu-ray includes a robust array of extras, offering an immersive dive into this horror classic. Featuring engaging audio commentaries recorded in 1994 with director George Romero and key cast members, these tracks provide deep insights into the film’s production. The inclusion of the "Night of Anubis" workprint, with an introduction by Russell Streiner, offers a rare glimpse into the film's developmental stages. The disc highlights interviews with prominent filmmakers discussing the film's impact and archival content exploring its technical and aesthetic dimensions. Additional elements like a 16mm dailies reel and newsreels from 1967 enrich this substantial collection. Criterion's meticulous curation seamlessly blends archival treasures with new perspectives, creating an indispensable compilation for enthusiasts of this genre-defining film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Night of Anubis Workprint: A 16mm early cut of the film.
• Light in the Darkness: Documentaries with prominent directors on the film's influence.
• Dailies Reel: Unseen silent footage and alternate takes.
• Two 1994 Audio Commentaries: Discussions with George Romero, John Russo, and others.
• Archival Interviews: Conversations with cast and crew.
• Tones of Terror: A study on the film’s stock music score.
• TV Newsreel: Behind-the-scenes B-roll from 1967.
• Limitations Into Virtues: A visual essay on the film's unique style.
• Trailers, TV, and Radio Spots: Historical promotional materials.

George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" stands as an iconic masterpiece, not only in horror but also as a pivotal moment in independent filmmaking. With its release in 1968, the film transformed the zombie genre from a passive reflection of voodoo folklore into a visceral narrative synonymous with societal collapse and introspection. Shot guerrilla-style on a modest budget, the film delivers unnerving authenticity by harnessing its limitations; the rough-hewn visuals and erratic soundscape amplify the claustrophobic tension seeping through the farmhouse’s dimly lit rooms and besieged windows. The stark black-and-white cinematography employs noir influences and documentary simplicity to carve a nightmarish tableau that lingers well beyond its final credits.

At the heart of this chilling tale is Ben, played by Duane Jones, whose commanding presence defied racial norms of the era and cemented the film's socio-political undertones. As ghouls encircle the isolated farmhouse, the internal strife among its besieged occupants mirrors a society fraying under pressure. This exploration of human instinct versus societal expectation underscores a broader critique of 1960s America, marked poignantly by events like Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Romero’s narrative ventures deeply into themes of mistrust, societal breakdown, and unbridled xenophobia—as evidenced chillingly in the militia's treatment of Ben, which resonates with potent racial allegory.

"Night of the Living Dead" continues to cast a long shadow over modern horror cinema, catalyzing both genre evolution and dialogue about race and identity in film. It is this duality, as both a harrowing horror thriller and incisive social commentary, that solidifies its enduring legacy. The film's legacy is perpetuated further by its inadvertent entry into public domain, which allowed this seminal work unprecedented reach and influence, nurturing a whole generation of filmmakers who would follow Romero's blueprint of independent ingenuity and stark, unvarnished storytelling.

The 4K UHD release of "Night of the Living Dead" from the Criterion Collection serves as a definitive celebration of George A. Romero's seminal 1968 film. With this release, audiences are treated to an impressive native 4K restoration that reveals exceptional detail and impressive black levels, effectively enhancing the film’s atmosphere and depth without relying on HDR. This remastering highlights the meticulous work involved in updating such an iconic piece of horror history. Additionally, the mono soundtrack has been carefully restored to deliver clear and precise audio, which, while not groundbreaking, serves its purpose in preserving the film’s original auditory essence.

Fans will appreciate the mixed package of old and new extras, including a workprint that offers valuable insights into the film's production. The added content, combined with Criterion's already comprehensive 2018 Blu-ray release, means that this UHD version is a must-have for cinephiles and collectors who haven't yet added the Blu-ray to their collections. While some might find the UHD upgrade to be a marginal improvement over the previous standard Blu-ray release, this edition still stands as a superior audiovisual experience.

In conclusion, "Night of the Living Dead" remains a cornerstone of the horror genre, influencing countless subsequent works. This Criterion 4K UHD release is an essential acquisition for dedicated fans or those who have yet to experience the 2018 Criterion edition. For others who already own the prior version, the decision to upgrade may rest on personal preference and viewing setup. Regardless of collection status, this edition ensures that Romero's legacy continues to inspire and captivate new and returning audiences alike.