Land of the Dead

“Legendary filmmaker George A. Romero returns to unleash another chapter in his zombie series! In this new tale of terror, Romero creates a harrowing vision of a modern-day world where the walking dead roam a vast uninhabited wasteland and the living try to lead “normal” lives behind the high walls of a fortified city. A new society has been built by a hand of ruthless opportunists, who live in luxury in the towers of a skyscraper, high above the less fortunate citizens who must eke out a hard life on the streets below. With the survival of the city at stake, a group of mercenaries is called into action to protect the living from the evolving army of the dead waiting outside the city walls. Land Of The Dead features a cast of great actors including Dennis Hopper, Simon Baker, Asia Argento, Robert Joy and John Leguizamo.”

For all intents and purposes, the late George Romero coined the term “zombie” as we know it today. Through his career he explores different facets of society using a backdrop as a world overrun by the dead who have come back to life to eat the living. Each one of his films has said something markedly different, and while some of the more recent ventures into the world of the living dead capitalize on the entertainment and shock value, George Romero always had something deeper in mind.

Land of the Dead was his political statement that used Zombies in a way that no one has used them since. Even in Day of the Dead, George Romero portrayed his creatures as dangerous but vulnerable, simple creatures who want nothing more than to live the lives they remember. In his eyes, Man was the true danger, and this statement rings truer than ever in Land of the Dead, as he paints humans as the true monster. Living in an almost police state where money still rules the world and status is everything, the working class is oppressed and taken advantage of to extend the comforts of the wealthy. Romero’s portrayal of society is a stark reminder that human nature will inherently lead to corruption, no matter what the landscape. Perhaps it is the monsters, the ones who cannot think, who can redeem what once was human.

As is evident by his entire career, George Romero’s best qualities are the statements he makes. However, this doesn’t always translate into a good story in terms of filmmaking. It’s going to be the fans of Romero who enjoy this film and can appreciate it in its entirety, and the statements he makes while providing that great and over-the-top gore we expect from him. At times, though, it seems that the political statements take precedent over some of the more crucial beats that should happen in any type of suspenseful film, and as a whole, there is a level that the film just doesn’t achieve, with characters we don’t really care about.

That being said, if you just want a George Romero zombie flick and don’t look too deeply into the reasons behind the story, it holds up consistently as the tail end of one of the most iconic and immersive group of films that highlight the plight of mankind. Although it may not reach some of the character levels that films demand today, the commentary offers important suggestions that reinforce the power of the medium, and will forever exist as something thought provoking about the nature of our society.

Video

Like Dawn of the Dead, this set also offers the Theatrical Version and Unrated Version. Unlike the former, this set only provides a new 2k scan of the internegative for the Theatrical Version. This is a major conflict in my eyes, as the purist in me wants to see the Unrated Version for George’s true vision of the film, but also wants to see the best possible transfer. My advice: watch it twice! There are ample special features on both discs to warrant multiple viewings.

Both versions offer a 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1 transfer. The Theatrical version, however, looks great. The film was shot mostly at night, with the darker scenes having a bit more grain than some of the more lighted scenes. Although  there are a few blemishes noticed every now and then, the transfer as a whole is incredible, with the best version you could possibly hope for. Colors are cold and almost muted, perfect for a post-apocalyptic world.

Audio

The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The track sounds great, with a good balance between the dialogue and surrounds, with no defects noticed. The soundtrack sounds good as well, providing some great suspense and action.

Special Features

On this set, there are some fantastic special features that go in depth in the process of making the film and working with George Romero. It’s a great tribute to such an iconic filmmaker, worth picking up for any fan of the genre. On this set you’re going to see:

DISC ONE: Theatrical Cut

• NEW 2K Scan Of The Interpositive
• NEW Cholo’s Reckoning – An Interview With Actor John Leguizamo
• NEW Charlie’s Story – An Interview With Actor Robert Joy
• NEW The Pillsbury Factor – An Interview With Actor Pedro Miguel Arce
• NEW Four Of The Apocalypse – An Interview With Actors Eugene Clark, Jennifer Baxter, Boyd Banks, And Jasmin Geljo
• Dream Of The Dead: The Director’s Cut With Optional Commentary By Director Roy Frumkes
• Deleted Footage From Dream Of The Dead
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer

DISC TWO: Uncut Version

• NEW 2K Scan Of The Interpositive With HD Inserts
• NEW Audio Commentary With Zombie Performers Matt Blazi, Glena Chao, Michael Felsher, And Rob Mayr
• Audio Commentary With Writer/Director George A. Romero, Producer Peter Grunwald, And Editor Michael Doherty
• Undead Again: The Making Of Land Of The Dead
• Bringing The Dead To Life
• Scenes Of Carnage
• Zombie Effects: From Green Screen To Finished Scene
• Scream Test – CGI Test
• Bringing The Storyboards To Life
• A Day With The Living Dead Hosted By John Leguizamo
• When Shaun Met George

Land of the Dead may not be one of the most influential zombie films, but takes its place in a line of social commentaries of George Romero that holds a mirror to society that one cannot help but to wince as humans become more vile and more cruel than flesh-eating creatures. The Collector’s Edition of Land of the Dead is a great tribute to a great man, worth picking up for any fan.