Picking up Scream Factory's newest Collector's Edition featuring Dawn of the Dead is a no-brainer!
“Heart-pounding action and bone-chilling thrills power this edgy and frightening remake of George A. Romero’s apocalyptic horror classic, Dawn Of The Dead! From visionary filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen), this pulse-pounding jolt-a-thon stars Ving Rhames (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), Sarah Polley (Splice), Jake Weber (Wendigo), Mekhi Phifer (Divergent) and Ty Burrell (Modern Family).
The world is in danger when a mysterious virus turns people into mindless, flesh-eating zombies. In a mall in the heartland, a handful of survivors wage a desperate, last-stand battle to stay alive … and human!”
While films such as 28 Days Later helped captivate audiences with the thought of a new, faster type of flesh-eating creature, I think most of the recent Zombie-esque films and stories can trace their roots back to Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, which helped solidify the popularity of the zombie genre in American audiences. Thanks to films like this, we have The Walking Dead on television, and zombies are a staple of mainstream culture, so much so that my friend’s infant son knows that “Zombies eat brains”.
It’s also because of this film that Zack Snyder was given carte blanche to basically do whatever he wanted. While he may not garner the popularity he once had, he still has a very impressive array of films under his belt, many of which probably would’ve never been made if it weren’t for him. Say what you will about his contribution to the comic-world, I still enjoy The Watchmen, and consider it one of his best films.
When you talk about consistency between the original film and a remake, there are usually certain lines that shouldn’t be crossed. For Dawn of the Dead, I haven’t met anyone who has stringently stood behind those lines insisting that the sacred story of George Romero be protected. Honestly, the original film is horribly dated. Although it may be one of his best, it still suffers from some extremes that audiences today may find quite comical, though endearing to original fans. As much as I love the original film in its Blue-ish Zombie glory, I think the audience of the 21st century can do without the Hare Krishna zombie, the Flat Top Zombie, and Bikers who think it’s a good idea to get your blood pressure measured during a zombie attack. It was a commentary on a society which I would like to think has evolved somewhat to appreciate a more direct approach to social commentary complete with ramped up action and gore.
That’s exactly what the remake of Dawn of the Dead is, an updated social commentary on consumerism, and although it may have more fingers in the pies of the entertainment and money-making aspect, there is still a level to it that can be just as thought provoking as the original if you think deeply enough.
Although make-up and effects have had a quarter of a century to improve from the original, there is a decidedly different feel to each, which is hard to compare. George Romero and Tom Savini are masterful at creating some of the most gruesome scenes, and though I never quite understood how zombies could just casually reach inside someone’s stomach to pull out intestines, it’s the absurdity of it that makes it so classic. The remake takes the gore to an entirely new technological level, showing some truly horrifying things, however, there is a little bit of magic lost when comparing the make-up effects of the two.
Video
This set features two versions of the film, the Theatrical Version and Unrated Version.
The Theatrical Version is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1 with a new HD Master from the 2k Digital Intermediate, and the Unrated Version containing a new HD Master from the 2k Digital Intermediate with Digital Inserts. These new transfers on both versions are incredible, giving this film the wonderful treatment it deserves. Colors are bright, with no defects notice save for a very small occasional blemish. Grain is at a great level, highlighting the fact the movie was shot on film, giving it a great look and feel.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This track sounds amazing, with great levels coming through the surrounds. Dialogue sounds pristine, never being drowned out by the action. The soundtrack is equally as impressive, with some great tracks that are easily associated with the film.
Special Features
Scream Factory has put together a nice set of extras with this Collector’s Edition. The main feature of this set is the new transfer for the Theatrical and Unrated versions, which as I mentioned looks incredible. Other extras include:
DISC ONE: Theatrical Version
- NEW HD Master Derived From The Digital Intermediate Archival Negative
- NEW Take A Chance On Me – An Interview With Actor Ty Burrell
- NEW Gunn For Hire – An Interview With Writer James Gunn
- NEW Punk, Rock, & Zombie – An Interview With Actor Jake Weber
- NEW Killing Time At The Mall: The Special Effects Of Dawn Of The Dead – An Interview With Special Makeup Effects Artists David Anderson And Heather Langenkamp Anderson
- Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Director Zach Snyder And Producer Eric Newman
- Theatrical Trailer
- Still Gallery
DISC TWO: Unrated Version
- NEW HD Master Derived From The Digital Intermediate Archival Negative With HD Inserts
- Audio Commentary With Director Zach Snyder And Producer Eric Newman
- Splitting Headaches: Anatomy Of Exploding Heads
- Attack Of The Living Dead
- Raising The Dead
- Andy’s Lost Tape
- Special Report: Zombie Invasion
- Undead And Loving It: A Mockumentary
- Drawing The Dead Featurette
- Storyboard Comparisons
- Hidden Easter Egg
Dawn of the Dead should be a guide on how to properly do a remake. Although I for one would prefer an original story, this is different enough from the original, pays homage to it, and forces itself to stand apart as something entertaining that ushers in a new generation to the zombie genre.
