Dawn of the Dead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dawn of the Dead" from Shout! Factory features both the Theatrical Cut and the Director's Cut, each benefiting from fresh AVC-encoded HD masters sourced from a 2K digital intermediate. Shout! Factory has significantly improved video quality by addressing issues found in prior releases. The original 35mm film remains heavily stylized, with alterations in color timing resulting in a more polished image. The previous edition’s VC-1 codec has been replaced by MPEG-4 AVC, resulting in better overall compression and fewer visual artifacts. This includes less edge enhancement and aliasing, with black levels that are deeply consuming in some sequences, although they occasionally exhibit crushing.

Despite the upgrade, the film's inherent grain structure and stylized filters, including a bronze/yellow tone palette, persist. Skin tones remain natural, although slightly influenced by the greenish-yellowish filter overlay. Reds appear more crimson, blues sharper, and greens less lime. Detail levels vary due to fluctuating grain but have been modestly improved, offering crisper facial features and textures. Interior mall scenes especially display this inconsistency, ranging from robust in brightly lit areas to flat and undefined when portraying darker sequences. High-definition inserts for unrated material blend well with the main transfer, ensuring continuity across the board.

This Blu-ray release does present some compression issues and minor flickering, attributed to high-fluorescent lighting in select scenes. The video bitrate centers around 35 Mbps, an enhancement over the previously lower-bitrate Universal BD-25. Although these improvements make the picture crisper and cleaner, they are relatively subtle, requiring close scrutiny to discern. Overall, while not a drastic overhaul from previous editions, Shout! Factory’s presentation is a commendable effort that manages to preserve the film's gritty authenticity while subtly enhancing visual fidelity.

The audio presentation on the Scream Factory Blu-ray of "Dawn of the Dead" is nothing short of exceptional. The disc includes both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 downmix. The 5.1 mix, originally from the Universal release, remains vigorous, delivering relentless LFE from the opening scenes. Dialogue is a priority, sharply clear, and well-balanced with the surrounding ambient noise, particularly during more tranquil scenes in the mall. Sound effects like gunshots and explosions add an extra layer of intensity, creating a dynamic, immersive experience augmented by excellent use of surrounds for zombie interactions and action sequences.

For the theatrical cut, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround (4306 kbps, 24-bit) and stereo downmix (2064 kbps) are equally impressive, ensuring a consistently high-quality auditory experience. Specific effects—such as shotguns firing—are impactful, and the explosions lend a robust kick to the low-frequency extension. Surround activity is well-utilized in critical scenes, such as the frenetic battle sequences, enhancing the overall atmosphere. While the 2.0 mix is serviceable for setups without a comprehensive sound system, it’s clear that the 5.1 track offers a superior level of immersion and dimensionality.

Additionally, Tyler Bates's score is woven throughout the mix adeptly, although occasionally subdued by the action's auditory intensity. This track has maintained its quality over the years and is a definitive aspect of this Blu-ray release, coupled with English subtitles for accessibility. Overall, Scream Factory has ensured that both audio versions— theatrical and unrated—deliver clarity, depth, and an enveloping surround sound experience that meticulously enhances this iconic film's gripping narrative.

The Dawn of the Dead Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set features an extensive array of extras that both new and seasoned fans will appreciate. Disc one offers the Theatrical Version with fresh content, including insightful interviews with cast and crew. Highlights involve Ty Burrell discussing his role and career impact, James Gunn’s candid take on reimagining the story, and Jake Weber's behind-the-scenes recollections. Noteworthy is the detailed feature on special effects with artists David and Heather Langenkamp Anderson. Disc two, comprising the Unrated Version, retains comprehensive features from previous releases, delivering a thorough dive into production details and zombie lore.

Extras included in this disc:

Take A Chance on Me: Interview with Ty Burrell.
Gunn for Hire: Interview with James Gunn.
Punk, Rock & Zombie: Interview with Jake Weber.
Killing Time at the Mall: Special effects insights by David and Heather Langenkamp Anderson.
Deleted Scenes with Commentary: Optional insights from Zack Snyder and Eric Newman.
Theatrical Trailer: Promo material for the movie.
Still Gallery: Collection of still images.

Disc Two:

Audio Commentary: Insights from Zack Snyder and Eric Newman.
Splitting Headaches: Anatomy of Exploding Heads: Feature on special effects.
Attack of the Living Dead: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
Raising the Dead: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
Andy's Lost Tape: Extra footage featurette.
Special Report: Zombie Invasion: Mock news report featurette.
Undead and Loving It: A Mockumentary: Humorous take on undead culture.
Drawing the Dead: Featurette on artwork and design.
Storyboard Comparisons: Visual comparison of storyboards and final scenes.

Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead" skillfully modernizes George Romero’s beloved horror classic, harnessing its essence while offering a fresh and intense experience. The plot centers on Ana (Sarah Polley) who, after a grueling shift, returns home to tranquility that quickly devolves into chaos as her family succumbs to a zombie outbreak. She escapes a devastated neighborhood and joins a group of survivors, including Kenneth (Ving Rhames), Michael (Jake Weber), Andre (Mekhi Phifer), and his pregnant girlfriend Luda (Inna Korobkina). They seek refuge in a local mall, grappling with internal strife and the relentless undead surrounding them.

Snyder's adaptation distinguishes itself by opting for hyper-kinetic pacing and visceral gore over the original’s methodical tension. The zombies in this rendition are ferociously fast, suffused with blood and bile, contrasting Romero’s lumbering masses. This velocity elevates the frantic dread and aligns with post-9/11 sensibilities of sudden societal collapse. James Gunn's script smartly discards direct emulation of Romero’s work, focusing instead on unique character arcs and high-stakes action that resonate well with contemporary audiences. Cameos and subtle homages to horror legends amplify the film's appeal to genre aficionados.

The cast significantly contributes to the remake's success. Sarah Polley impresses as the resilient but humane nurse, while Ving Rhames personifies brute determination. Jake Weber offers a credible mix of novice uncertainty and growing resolve. Even characters with lesser roles stand out, with actors like Ty Burrell delivering notably memorable performances. Although purists may hold Romero's original in higher regard, Snyder's version stands as an engaging and gritty companion piece that revitalizes the zombie genre for new generations.

Zack Snyder’s "Dawn of the Dead" ably reimagines George Romero's 1978 classic, presenting a fresh yet respectful take on the zombie genre. The movie primarily distinguishes itself through its intense action sequences and its deviation from the thematic elements of the original. Written by James Gunn, it skews towards an action-packed narrative, reducing the emphasis on socio-political commentary while delivering on fast-paced horror. The characters and zombies diverge significantly from their predecessors, offering a bloodier and more visceral representation. This adaptation distinguishes itself by not replicating the original but carving its own identity in the genre.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release stands out as a comprehensive collector’s edition, with a slightly improved video transfer that exhibits incremental enhancements over previous editions. While not a significant upgrade in video quality, it presents a marginally cleaner image. The audio specifications remain consistent with the earlier release, including English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, both delivering robust audio experiences. An array of bonus features supplements this release, introduced with four new insightful interviews along with previously available material from Universal’s edition. The inclusion of the original theatrical cut caters to purists, enhancing the depth of the content offered.

In conclusion, revisiting Zack Snyder’s inaugural feature is an engaging experience, showcasing his distinctive directorial style with elements such as slow-motion action sequences and gritty visuals. Whether this remake surpasses Romero’s classic is subjective; however, it remains a standout effort in its own right. If you own the 2008 Blu-ray, the new interviews and theatrical cut make this edition a worthwhile upgrade. For newcomers, this is unequivocally the best version available. Ultimately, Scream Factory's release is a substantial package, making "Dawn of the Dead" an essential addition for genre aficionados.

Recommendation: Fun Watch