Night of the Living Dead (1968) [Blu-ray]

Rated:	NR
Starring:	Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley.
Director:	George A. Romero
Genre:	Horror
DVD Release Date: 02/13/2018

The Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]

Tagline: Something New - Something Evil - Something Unspeakably Terrifying

There is panic throughout the nation as the dead suddenly come back to life. The film follows a group of characters who barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from these bloodthirsty, flesh-eating monsters.

Storyline: Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gas. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are 5 people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen and Judy Cooper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissensions sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute. Written by garykmcd

Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov, January 28, 2018 George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The supplemental features on the disc include original trailers; multiple archival interviews with cast and crew members;' two archival audio commentaries; previously unseen footage; and lot more. The release also arrives with an illustrated leaflet/poster featuring critic Stuart Klawans' essay "Mere Anarchy is Loosed" and technical credits. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

The zombie horror genre does not begin with George Romero's Night of the Living Dead, but it is an indisputable fact that this film has been the classic blueprint for other films whose goal has been to be part of it. Without Romero and his film the entire genre would have been something profoundly different.

The story is hardly original. A young girl (Judith O'Dea) and her brother (Russell Streiner) are somewhere in the countryside to lay a wreath on their father's grave. A deranged man attacks them and kills the man while the girl barely escapes and hides in an abandoned house. Later that night, another man (Duane Jones) appears and urges the girl to help him barricade them inside the house because the entire area has gone berserk. But he ends up doing just about all of the work because the girl is in a state of shock and does not seem to understand the words that are coming out of his mouth. While more deranged men and women begin to gather in front of the house, another survivor (Karl Hardman) and his wife (Marylin Eastman) emerge from an underground cellar where they have been hiding together with their sick daughter. A few hours later a second couple reaches the house and joins the survivors. As the group tries to come up with a good strategy that would allow them to leave the house alive, a government official goes on national TV and announces that a bizarre event has created a giant army of dangerous "things" and that the president and his advisors have begun developing a plan to wipe them out.

What is most interesting about Night of the Living Dead is the easiness with which it turns its supposed negatives into major positives. For example, the tiny budget that Romero had at his disposal made conventional special effects unaffordable, but instead of appearing vulnerable because of their omission the film actually uses the void to strengthen its claustrophobic ambience. The magic trick is this: all of the horror action is basically locked in an authentic environment, which instantly makes any over-the-top special effects redundant. The characterizations are done in a similar fashion. Notice that the acting is quite uneven and rough, and that the film makes it awfully difficult for the audience to embrace any of the major characters. Once again, however, all of this actually helps the tension grow even stronger as it makes the horror appear very authentic.

The visual style blends noirish contrasts and shadow nuances with documentary simplicity and fluidity. It emerges naturally rather than being carefully crafted for optimal effect, which is why some of the shifts that occur in the final act are hard to forget. (The closing sequence alone would have been enough to ensure the film's 'classic' status).

The film's Achilles' heel is its sound design. There is quite a bit of footage where the limitations of the recording equipment and the pre-recorded stock music are very noticeable and they tend to hurt the ambience a bit.

*Romero's working title for the film was not Night of the Living Dead, but Night of Anubis. Criterion's upcoming release features an alternate opening title with it from a vintage work print which is introduced by Streiner, who was also one of the film's coproducers.

This truly groundbreaking film has had a pretty rough history that has rightfully frustrated its creators as well as many of its countless fans. However, I think that the recent 4K restoration that was supervised by George Romero and this upcoming Blu-ray release will effectively end the frustration because the film now looks simply astonishing. (To put things in the proper context and actually grasp just how lucky you are to be a film enthusiast during the Blu-ray era, listen to the archival audio commentary with producer/actor Russell Streiner from 1994 that is included as a bonus feature). Criterion's technical presentation of the 4K restoration is excellent and as usual there is an impressive mix of exclusive new and archival bonus features. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Trivia:

One of the first films to graphically depict violent murders on screen. It is also one of the first films to have an African-American main character.
This is one of the most successful independent movies ever made. Made for $114,000 (equivalent to $798,000 in 2017), it grossed approximately $30 million (equivalent to $210 million in 2017) - over 263 times its budget.
When the writers decided to base the film on zombies, they brainstormed about what would be the most shocking thing for the zombies to do to people and decided on cannibalism.
Readers Digest tried to warn people away from watching the film in 1968 by claiming if it's ever watched, it will inspire cannibalism.
When the zombies are eating the bodies in the burnt-out truck they were actually eating roast ham covered in chocolate sauce. The filmmakers joked that it was so nausea inducing that it was almost a waste of time putting the makeup on the zombies, as they ended up looking pale and sick anyway.
The house used for this film was loaned to the filmmakers by the owner, who planned to demolish it anyway, thereby ensuring that they could do whatever they wanted to the house.

(Possible Spoilers) *** The trivia items below may give away important plot points. ***
The social commentary on racism some have seen in this film was never intended (an African-American man holing up in a house with a white woman, a posse of whites shooting a black man in the head without first checking to see if he was a zombie). According to the filmmakers, Duane Jones was simply the best actor for the part of Ben.
The matricide scene was accomplished by having Kyra Schon stab repeatedly into a off-screen pillow with a trowel while a member of the effects crew threw chocolate syrup (used as fake blood for a black-and-white film) onto the wall. These scenes were looped with scenes of Marilyn Eastman screaming. The trowel used in the scene was purchased online years later and is now in a private collection.
The filmmakers were accused of being "Satanically-inspired" by Christian fundamentalist groups for their portrayal of the undead feeding on flesh and of the Coopers' zombie child (Kyra Schon) attacking her mother (Marilyn Eastman).
Barbara (Judith O'Dea) was originally meant to be the sole survivor of the zombies' onslaught. This idea is incorporated into the remake of Night of the Living Dead (1990).
In the documentary Birth of the Living Dead, Gale Ann Hurd producer of the television series The Walking Dead admitted the series was greatly influenced by this film. They used this film as the blueprint for the zombies in their tv show. For example the zombies in the series were not allowed to move any faster than the very first zombie seen in night of the living dead (that of the cemetery zombie). The zombie rules of the tv series is modeled after the film, such as everyone alive is infected and whoever dies for whatever reason besides severe brain trauma will be reanimated. A zombie can die only one way, destroying the brain.

________
Cast Notes:
Duane Jones (Ben),
Judith O'Dea (Barbra),
Karl Hardman (Harry Cooper),
Marilyn Eastman (Helen Cooper),
Keith Wayne (Tom),
Judith Ridley (Judy),
Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper),
Charles Craig (Newscaster / Zombie),
S. William Hinzman (Zombie [as Bill Heinzman]),
George Kosana (Sheriff McClelland),
Frank Doak (Scientist),
Bill Cardille (Field Reporter [as Bill 'Chilly Billy' Cardille]),
A.C. McDonald (Zombie / Posse Member),
Samuel R. Solito (Zombie / Posse Member),
Mark Ricci (Washington Scientist).

IMDb Rating (02/11/18): 7.9/10 from 97,599 users
IMDb Rating (11/20/17): 7.9/10 from 96,547 users
IMDb Rating (01/03/15): 8.0/10 from 76,393 users

Additional information

1968, Madacy

Features:

BLU-RAY DISC ONE

Night of Anubis - presented here is an uncorrected 16mm work print of Night of the Living Dead which features the initial working title for it, Night of Anubis. Also included is a filmed introduction by Russell Streiner.
1. Introduction. In English, not subtitled. (8 min).

2. Work print. In English, not subtitled. 1080p/Dolby Digital 1.0.(86 min).

Commentary One - this archival audio commentary features George Romero, producer/actor Karl Hardman, actor Marilyn Eastman, and cowriter John Russo. It was recorded in 1994 and it has appeared on other home video releases of Night of the Living Dead.
1. Production value

2. Ghoul switch

3. Permission required

4. Gobo shadows

5. Black and white

6. Good action

7. Death twitch

8. Readying the house

9. Duane's soliloquy

10. Missing music box

11. Explaining the window

12. Faking the basement

13. Blood and squibs

14. A great lost shot

15. Mixing without picture

16. Memories of Duane

17. Stone target

18. Clients chow down

19. Filling a gap

20. Unpredictability

21. Separate shots

22. The real villain

23. Mezzotint screen

Commentary Two - this archival audio commentary features producer/actor Russell Streiner, production manager Vincent Survinski, and actors Judith O'Dea, S.William Hinzman, Kyra Schon, and Keith Wayne. The commentary was recorded in 1994 and has appeared on other home video releases of Night of the Living Dead.
1. "My mother's car"

2. Genuine fear

3. Breaking the glass

4. Goodwill furniture

5. Poor prints

6. Remote location

7. Blood differences

8. A useful kitchen

9. Evans City

10. "That is a neat radio"

11. Library music

12. "Cooper was right"

13. Introducing the head shot

14. Stomach rumbling

15. Keith the powerlifter

16. A slow scene

17. John on fire

18. Silly Putty

19. Best lines

20. Upsetting scene

21. A second ending

22. Taking risks

23. Wonderful people

BLU-RAY DISC TWO

Light in the Darkness - in this brand new featurette, directors Guillermo del Toro (The Devil's Backbone), Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn), and Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption) explain what makes Night of the Living Dead a very special film and discuss its lasting impact on the horror genre. The featurette was produced exclusively for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (24 min).

Dailies - presented here is a silent 16mm reel with never-before-seen footage and alternate takes that were not used in the final cut of Night of the Living Dead. Also included is a video introduction by Gary Streiner.

1. Introduction. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

2. Silent reel. (19 min).

Learning From Scratch - in this brand new video interview, cowriter John Russo recalls how he was invited by John Romero to be part of the production unit behind Night of the Living Dead and discusses some unique obstacles that had to be resolved before and during the shoot. There are also some very interesting observations (with original video content) about the smaller commercial projects that eventually helped make the cult film a reality. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

TV Newsreel - presented here is a VHS recording of silent, B-roll 16mm film shot for Pittsburgh broadcast news, which has the only surviving raw footage from the shooting of Night of the Living Dead. Original ambient music by Jeff Carney is included with it. (3 min).

Walking Like the Dead - this brand new program contains clips from archival interviews with ten actors who recall what it was like to play the zombies in Night of the Living Dead. The interviews were conducted in 2009. The program was produced by Jim Cirronella for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (14 min).

Tones of Terror - in this brand new program, producer Jim Cirronella discusses the stock music that was used to enhance the claustrophobic ambience in Night of the Living Dead. The program was produced exclusively for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

Limitations Into Virtues - in this new visual essay, filmmakers Tony Zhou and Taylor Ramos (Every Frame a Painting) address some of the technical obstacles that the creators of Night of the Living Dead faced during the shooting process and discuss the film's unique visual style. The essay was produced exclusively for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

Tomorrow - presented here are edited excerpts from an archival episode of NBC's Tomorrow show in which George Romero and Don Coscarelli (Phantasm) discuss the evolution of the horror genre and the creative enthronement in which horror films were made during the 1970s, as well as the expectations that most people have when they go to their local theater to see a horror film. The episode was broadcast on July 3, 1979. In English, not subtitled. (19 min).

Higher Learning - presented here is an archival interview with director George Romero which was recorded at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012. The late director discusses the unusual production and distribution history of Night of the Living Dead. There are also some very interesting comments addressing the popular myth that the film supposedly carries important social/racial overtones. In English, not subtitled. (46 min).

Duane Jones - in this archival audio interview, Duane Jones discusses his involvement with Night of the Living Dead and explains why he decided to distance himself from the film despite being grateful that George Romero gave him the opportunity to be part of it. The actor also addresses the film's enormous popularity during the drive-in era. The interview, which is illustrated with stills and clips, was conducted and edited by journalist Tim Ferrante on December 13, 1987. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).

Judith Ridley - in this archival interview, Judith Ridley recalls how she became involved in the production of Night of the Living Dead and shares a few funny stories from the actual shoot. The interview was produced by Elite Entertainment in 1994. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

Venus Probe - this 1967 newsreel details the real-life findings of the Mariner 5 space craft in Venus' atmosphere that precede the crash that unleashes the zombie plague in Night of the Leaving Dead. In English, not subtitled. (1 min). In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

Trailers - two original trailers for Night of the Living Dead. In English, not subtitled.
1. Trailer One (1968). Vintage trailer. (2 min).

2. Trailer Two (2017). New trailer for the 4K restoration of the film. (2 min).

TV Spots - in English, not subtitled.
1. Twenty Seconds.

2. Sixty Seconds.

Radio Spots - collection of vintage radio spots. In English, not subtitled.
1. Thirty Seconds (1968).

2. Sixty Seconds. (1968).

3. Re-release One (1970).

4. Re-release Two (1970).

5. Re-release Three (1970).

Leaflet/Poster - an illustrated leaflet/poster featuring critic Stuart Klawans' essay "Mere Anarchy is Loosed" and technical credits.

Subtitles:

English SDH

Video:

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC (35.67 Mbps)
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Audio:

English: LPCM Mono

Time:

1:36

DVD:

# Discs: 1 -- # Shows: 1

ASIN:

B077H8N7PP

UPC:

715515210119

Coding:

[V5.0-A5.0] MPEG-4 AVC

D-Box:

Other:

Producers: Karl Hardman, Russell Streiner; Writers: John A. Russo, George A. Romero ; Directors: George A. Romero; running time of 96 minutes; Packaging: Slipcover in original pressing - DigiPack.
Blu-ray and Blu-ray Extras Only --- (DVD and UV digital copy and Digital copy and iTunes digital copy --> Given Away)