Night of the Living Dead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Night of the Living Dead" by Twilight Time brings more than its fair share of discussion and scrutiny. Presented in 1080p with an AVC encoded transfer in 1.85:1, the video treatment has become a topic of controversy among enthusiasts. The opening cemetery scenes appear adequate with decent clarity and color, likely matching the original cinematic experience. However, once the credits sequence concludes and Barbara reaches the farmhouse, noticeable filtering commences. This filtering introduces inconsistent detail levels and fluctuating color fidelity, particularly visible in facial features and skin tones. Some shots seem oddly untouched, breaking the visual continuity. Particularly frustrating is an intermittent blue tint that affects early scenes significantly, rendering characters’ skin tones and environmental hues unnaturally—an issue that once noticed, impairs the viewing experience substantially.

Despite these shortcomings, the transfer does bring some redeeming qualities. Shadow detail during nighttime sequences remains strong, without suffering from significant crush, and retains an overall cinematic appearance with natural grain structure. Close-up shots are especially praiseworthy for their clarity, delineating fine details such as makeup effects and stray hairs convincingly. Background details, however, suffer from softness and sometimes appear artificially smooth, hinting at discreet use of DNR application. Color accuracy fluctuates from muted or overly tinted scenes to segments with vibrant, natural skin tones, especially once night falls in the storyline. While fans of the 1968 or 1990 versions may be divided over this transfer’s fidelity to its roots, it’s apparent that, despite its flaws, the film manages to maintain an essence of its original look and feel within this presentation.

The audio presentation of the "Night of the Living Dead" Blu-ray features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which is generally well-executed and offers high fidelity. The surround channels are effectively utilized, particularly during scenes involving zombie attacks, providing an immersive auditory experience that reinforces the sense of being surrounded by the undead. The film's dialogue is cleanly presented, maintaining clarity even during more chaotic scenes, thanks to natural volume fades and surges without any loss of information. The sound mix, though slightly front-heavy, includes powerful LFE effects that manifest not just during shotgun blasts but also through atmospheric bass cues that grow in intensity as the film progresses.

One noteworthy aspect is the directional audio that enhances immersion by properly projecting the banging and thumping of zombies from various angles around the listener. However, the rear channels primarily support ambient noise and bleed from the compelling musical score. Controversially, some audio effects present in previous DVD editions are missing in this Blu-ray release. Specifically, audible clicks of an empty shotgun firing are muted almost to nonexistence during key scenes, and camera snapshot sounds in transitional sequences at the film's end have been removed entirely. Though these omissions slightly detract from an otherwise stellar audio presentation, the overall quality remains high, highlighted by its precision in dialogue delivery and dynamic soundscapes.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Night of the Living Dead" provide both depth and valuable insights for fans and cinephiles alike. Although director Tom Savini's audio commentary is informative, touching on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film's production and special effects, his monotonous delivery might require a dose of caffeine for attentive listening. Additionally, an isolated score by Paul McCullough in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is included, allowing viewers to experience the film's music independently. The original trailer, presented in high definition, rounds out the extras nicely, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion. These features collectively offer an enriching behind-the-scenes look at the iconic horror film, though they demand patience due to the commentary's delivery.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Tom Savini: In-depth discussion on filming in Pittsburgh, special effects, and easter eggs, albeit delivered in a monotone.
• Isolated Score by Paul McCullough: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Original Trailer: High-definition presentation of the film's trailer.

The 1990 remake of "Night of the Living Dead," helmed by Tom Savini with a screenplay revised by George Romero, offers a significant departure from the original 1968 version. While Romero’s original is a seminal work that reinvigorated the zombie genre, this retelling integrates a glossy finish and enhances certain character dynamics, particularly with Patricia Tallman’s portrayal of Barbara, which offers a more empowering characterization compared to the catatonic depiction in the original. Special effects are also more pronounced, attributed to Savini’s expertise in practical gore effects, giving the film a visceral updated edge.

However, this Blu-ray release has stirred considerable discussion among fans, primarily due to changes in color grading and the omission of certain foley effects. The opening sequence now carries a dusky blue cast, a directorial decision approved by Savini, though it has been met with mixed reactions. This departure from the original, coupled with the absence of specific auditory details, has led to debates regarding fidelity and intent. Nonetheless, such alterations emphasize the malleability of film in the digital age.

The narrative structure remains straightforward—humans striving for survival amidst a zombie apocalypse—yet this version leans more towards survival horror than the cultural commentary rich original. Performance-wise, Tony Todd stands out as Ben, effectively capturing urgency and despair. Despite some criticisms aimed at the younger cast members, the remake manages to strike a balance between homage and accessibility to newer audiences, avoiding the pitfalls that many remakes fall into. Not seen as a classic in its own right, it is nonetheless a commendable addition to the zombie horror canon.

The Blu-ray release of "Night of the Living Dead" (1990) has sparked considerable debate among cinephiles and technical purists. Catering primarily to a niche audience familiar with its iconic legacy, the disc presents both positive upgrades and critical setbacks. The film itself, despite not being an unequivocal horror classic, is praised for addressing several shortcomings of its predecessor. This version exudes a distinct purpose beyond mere commercial gain, enhancing narrative elements appreciated by its dedicated followers.

That said, the physical media transfer is marred by significant technical flaws. The alterations in both video and audio elements have been widely criticized, detracting from the authentic experience that fans have come to cherish. These imperfections provoke questions of quality control, with many arguing that the Blu-ray fails to preserve the film’s integrity. The high price point associated with this release seems disproportionately steep given these notable lapses.

No matter what side of this dispute you come down on, the grenades being lobbed at Twilight Time are largely unfair in at least one regard: the distributors license these transfers from studios, who bear full responsibility for their quality. Both Fox and Sony - Columbia are known for their superior products, often evident in Twilight Time's overall output. While Twilight Time may have stumbled in pre-release communication about changes, they have publicly committed to improving transparency in the future. Crucially, this transfer has been approved by the film’s director, Tom Savini, making arguments about its authenticity somewhat moot. Nevertheless, director approval doesn’t mandate consumer acceptance—Savini's approval notwithstanding, it may not align with every viewer's nostalgic expectations.