Starring: Ted Bank, Tony Buba, Sharon Ceccatti, Pan Chatfield, Jim Christopher Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: Unrated Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Starz / Anchor Bay Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: October 25, 2005 Running Time: 118 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1978
Good Bet for Zombie Fans I'm assuming you already know the basics of "Dawn of the Dead" and are trying to decide if this version of the film is for you. This is "Dawn of the Dead" as it appeared in Europe in the 1970s. I can think of two main reasons why you would choose this version over the single disk American version of "Dawn of Dead." Firstly, if you first saw this movie in Europe, you'll probably want the exact version you remember. Dario Argento slighly re-edited the film to correspond to European tastes, and this is probably more to your liking. Secondly, if you are a fan of the Italian rock band Goblin, you will probably like this version of "Dawn of the Dead" more because Argento uses more of their music in the score than George Romero did. For example, whereas Romero used stock library music as the Muzak playing on the PA system in the shopping mall in the film, Argento has lounge-style music played by Goblin instead. Otherwise, to me, it's a toss-up. I was surprised, however, that there was no Italian-language version of the dialogue available as an option on the soundtrack.
I'll leave it to the die-hard pundits to argue over whether this is a "better" or "worse" version of "Dawn of the Dead." By today's standards, this isn't a very gory film and the original "Night of the Living Dead" is much more frightening. But, to me, "Dawn of the Dead" captures a growing sense of dread and doom that few other horror or science fiction films even attempt to address. That's why I think this is a worthwhile movie to see, especially for people dismissive of fantastic films as a genre.
As a bonus, there's a lively and amusing commentary track featuring the four lead actors of the cast. They're having a great time watching their film and sharing their memories. It's one of the warmest commentary tracks I can remember experiencing.
Argento Cut for the real fan of Dawn of the Dead... ...this is the same disc of Ultimate Edition, but for the collector is a must have...the new sleeve and the poster sheet inside, with dvd chapter.
A New Look At An Old Classic I remember sneaking into the theater for a midnight screening of Dawn of the Dead .For years the American Theatrical release was all there was to view .But I had heard that one of my favorite directors ,Dario Argento , had a different edit and soundtrack but the same basic movie for Europe .I can't decide on which version I like the best .I like that Zombi fleshes out the characters a little more and that the humor is toned down .The tension between the news and police characters is palpable at times .There are some extended scenes ,additional ones and even some shortened ones .They work .I didn't find myself saying the original was way better ,or how dare he re-edit this movie .Zombi has a more fatalistic feel to it than Dawn does .Even the soundtrack by Goblin gives off a more headlong down the hill feel to it .I have recommended this to people I know .
The Best Zombie movie ever made! Directed by George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) and presented by Dario Argento (Suspiria). This the European version by Argento called Zombi. Picking up where NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD left off, and still offering no explanation of why the dead are walking the earth, DAWN OF THE DEAD plunges headlong into one of the most violent and original horror films ever made. After securing an apartment building overcome with flesh-eating zombies, two Philadelphia area SWAT team members, Peter (Ken Foree) and Roger (Scott Reiniger), flee to a television station, where they escape in the station's helicopter with Francine (Gaylen Ross) and Stephen (David Emge), two station employees. Seeking refuge from the zombies and the ensuing hysteria, they land on top of a Pittsburgh area shopping mall, despite the fact that the undead seem to be flocking there. What begins as a stop for supplies becomes a longer stay as the four become embroiled in a futile war within the mall to keep their flesh to themselves and remain alive. The film's relentlessly disturbing and innovative gore effects are one reason to see DAWN OF THE DEAD, but those who can stomach the endless barrage of blood and gnarled zombie faces will be rewarded--and possibly surprised--by what the film says about human nature and life within a consumer-based culture. Any aficionado of horror is likely to place the film high on their list of revered cinema.
"This Version Is Way Better Than Romero's"
get the 4 disc set of dawn of the dead instead!!! the disc is ok but get the 4 disc set of dawn of the dead and you'll get this same cut to choose from plus much more!!!!!
Anything Goes Trivia
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