Zombie Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Lucio Fulci's "Zombie" on Blu-ray is sourced from a stunning new 4K restoration by Blue Underground. This transfer exceeds their prior exemplary work on titles like "Maniac Cop 2" and "Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence." The 1080p transfer offers unprecedented density levels, enriching the film with a theatrical fluidity never before seen in home video releases. The improvements are evident in every scene, not just the well-lit close-ups, revealing new details and nuances, particularly in underwater sequences where density and clarity are impeccable.

Importantly, no signs of over-sharpening or digital corrections hamper the visual experience; instead, the grain structure is finely preserved. The color scheme of the film is impressive, with primaries appearing more saturated and nuanced. Compared to previous versions, brightness levels have been subtly rebalanced, resulting in a slightly darker yet more harmonious image that accentuates new visual details. Also noteworthy is the complete absence of stability issues and the meticulous clean-up that ensures a pristine presentation. Clearly, this 4K restoration is a paramount achievement for Blue Underground, delivering the definitive visual representation of "Zombie."

This Blu-ray release of "Zombie" offers a comprehensive audio presentation with five distinct tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0, Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, and French Dolby Digital Mono. Additionally, it includes an extensive range of subtitle options in various languages, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track provides a noticeable enhancement in dynamic range over the 1.0 Mono track, delivering added ambient and panning effects that significantly elevate the film’s score and LFE responses, particularly for action sequences.

Upon comparing the English 1.0 Mono and 7.1 tracks, both exhibit high clarity and dynamic balance, devoid of audio dropouts, distortions, or other age-related anomalies. However, the mono track's simplicity and one-channel nature may appeal more to purists, avoiding the 'enhancements' that sometimes disrupt depth perception on the 7.1 track. Although the mono track does have occasional mild hiss, it effectively preserves the integrity of dialogue and core soundtrack elements without superfluous manipulation.

Given the substantial differences between these audio options, viewers can tailor their experience to their preferences. The 7.1 track excels in creating a richer soundscape with pronounced ambient effects and deeper bass, while the mono track maintains a straightforward and unaltered audio experience. Both tracks demonstrate fine remastering efforts that cater well to both modern and traditional listeners, making this release a standout in audio quality for genre aficionados.

The Blu-ray edition of "Zombie" by Blue Underground comes packed with an impressive array of extras that provide deep insights into both the production and the cultural impact of Lucio Fulci's classic horror film. Among the highlights is a detailed interview with Stephen Thrower, author of "Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci," which covers the evolution of Fulci's career and the production history of "Zombie." The disc also includes two engaging audio commentaries, one by Troy Howarth, shedding light on various creative aspects of the film, and a second featuring hilariously insightful recollections by star Ian McCulloch and Diabolik Magazine editor Jason J. Slater. These multifaceted extras are complemented by archival interviews with cast and crew, including co-producers, make-up artists, and special effects artists. Guillermo del Toro also provides an exclusive introduction and an intimate recounting of how "Zombie" influenced his career.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Exclusive new video introduction by director Guillermo del Toro.
• When the Earth Spits Out the Dead: Interview with Stephen Thrower about Lucio Fulci's career.
• Promotional Materials: Includes international and U.S. trailers, TV spots, and vintage radio spots.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Collection of vintage promotional materials from around the world.
• Audio Commentary One: Troy Howarth discusses production details and Italian genre trends.
• Audio Commentary Two: Star Ian McCulloch and Jason J. Slater offer insightful and humorous reflections.
• Zombie Wasteland: Interviews with stars and fans discussing the film's legacy.
• Flesh Eaters on Film: Co-producer Fabrizio De Angelis talks about his involvement in the film.
• Deadtime Stories: Co-writers discuss the conception and impact of "Zombie."
• World of the Dead: Interview with cinematographer Sergio Salvati and designer Walter Patriarca.
• Zombi Italiano: Effects artists discuss special effects, including the underwater sequence.
• Notes on a Headstone: Composer Fabio Frizzi on the film’s soundtrack.
• All in the Family: Antonella Fulci discusses her father's work.
• Zombie Lover: Guillermo del Toro’s reflections on the film's influence on him.

This comprehensive set not only illuminates the technical intricacies and behind-the-scenes stories but also underscores "Zombie's" enduring influence within the horror genre.

Lucio Fulci's 1979 cult classic, Zombie—also known as Zombie Flesh Eaters—has solidified its place in the annals of horror cinema, largely due to its unapologetic approach to gore and atmospheric tension. The plot centers around a ghost yacht arriving in New York harbor, triggering a series of deadly encounters with the undead. This leads Anne Bowles and journalist Peter West to the enigmatic island of Matool, where they, alongside companions Brian Hull and Susan Barrett, face escalating horrors. At Matool, the travelers encounter Dr. David Menard, who warns them of a disturbing disease resurrecting the dead. Fulci weaves a tight narrative, emphasizing both relentless suspense and visceral horror.

Three core elements contribute to the film's enduring legacy. First, Zombie Flesh Eaters stands as Fulci's most balanced horror venture, deftly combining a compelling buildup with strikingly detailed gore that never veers into kitsch. The tension is accentuated by Sergio Salvati's moody cinematography, which brings an unexpected elegance to even the film’s most bizarre sequences—most notably the iconic underwater scenes. Moreover, Giannetto De Rossi’s special effects work demonstrates an intricate dedication to detail, making the zombies' close-ups astoundingly realistic even by contemporary standards.

The final layer of sophistication is added by Fabio Frizzi and Giorgio Tucci’s soundtrack. Their haunting compositions blend classic Italian psychedelica with modern progressive rock elements, resulting in some of the most evocative music ever scored for a horror film. This auditory backdrop enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that resonates powerfully. For these reasons—its meticulous balance of story and gore, atmospheric execution, and a lush, dark soundtrack—Zombie Flesh Eaters not only presaged the modern zombie genre but also garnered critical acclaim, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Make-Up.

Blue Underground has outdone themselves with the Blu-ray release of Lucio Fulci's iconic film, "Zombie." This definitive edition boasts a stunning 4K restoration that breathes new life into the cult classic, making the film's gruesome visuals more striking and its atmospheric tension more palpable than ever. The image clarity and detail are remarkable, rendering a viewing experience that feels new yet faithful to the original production's gritty charm. From the infamous splinter-in-the-eye scene to the eerie underwater zombie encounter, every frame bursts with newfound clarity and vibrancy.

The audio presentation has also received meticulous attention. Enhanced soundtracks deliver a fuller, more immersive experience, amplifying the film's eerie score and sound effects with crystal-clear precision. Dialogue is crisp, and the newfound depth in the ambient noise enhances the horror atmosphere, making it far more engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Complementing the technical prowess is a robust selection of extras that delve into the film's creation, legacy, and impact on the horror genre, offering hours of insightful content.

The folks at Blue Underground have delivered the definitive home video release of Lucio Fulci's cult film "Zombie." I viewed their new 4K restoration of the film earlier today and was floored -- it is unquestionably their best work to date. I know that they are promoting the restoration theatrically in different parts of the country, so if it comes to your area, go see it on the big screen. Trust me, this will be a special theatrical experience that you will remember for a long time. If you are already planning to pick up a copy of "Zombie" for your Blu-ray collection, don't forget that in addition to the release we have reviewed here, there are two more with exclusive collectible 3D lenticular covers that can be seen here and here. All three releases are Region-Free. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.