Most helpful customer reviews
|
|
3.0 out of 5 stars
better than the 1990 version, Oct 6 2007
i finally had a chance to see this movie.it is hailed by many as a
classic.while i can kind of see how that might be the case,i feel a bit
letdown.when this movie came out,it was brutally shocking and
innovative,but not so much today.it isn't a poorly made movie.in fact
it is quite well made.the fact that it was filmed in black and white
did add to the dark atmosphere and creepiness.the music worked well
with the film,for the most.however at times it seemed to over power the
film.the acting is pretty good.Duane Jones plays the character of
Ben,the no nonsense,take charge character in the film.his portrayal is
very effective and authentic.the movie also had a documentary fell to
it,which elevated it.there are some weak points in the film.one is that
the "Zombies" move so slow,and by slow i mean molasses uphill in
January "slow".the other is the apparent cause of the zombie-ism.it
just seemed too far-fetched.despite all this,the film does move well
and is worth watching,which is more than i can say for the horrible
1990 version.i'd have to say a strong 3/5 for this one
|
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Night of the Living Dead (1968) ... George A. Romero ... 20th Century Fox (2004)", Sep 16 2007
20th Century Fox presents "NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD" (Released: 1 October 1968) (96 mins) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) --- now in COLOR and Glorious Black and White --- Night of the Living Dead is a seminal 1968 black-and-white independent horror film directed by George A. Romero --- Early drafts of the script were titled Monster Flick, but it was known as Night of Anubis and Night of the Flesh Eaters during production --- The film stars Duane Jones as Ben and Judith O'Dea as Barbra --- The plot revolves around the mysterious reanimation of the dead and the efforts of Ben, Barbra and five others to survive the night while trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse.
Under George A. Romero (Director / Screenwriter / Short Story Author / Cinematographer / Editor), Karl Hardman (Producer / Makeup), Russ Streiner (Producer), John A. Russo (Screenwriter), Vincent Survinski (Production Designer), Marilyn Eastman (Makeup), Tony Pantanello (Special Effects), Regis Survinski (Special Effects) - - - - The story line and plot, Zombies represent a slow moving enemy --- It is easy to escape them, just watch out for your own mistakes, as the zombies will capitalize on them --- One of the best aspects of this film is the lead character, as director Romero presents an intelligent non stereotypical black actor in this cult favorite ---. this is one of the best horror films ever. Romero's direction is outstanding --- His ability to take a small budget and turn it into a stratospherically giant film is unparalleled.
the cast includes:
Duane Jones - Ben
Judith O'Dea - Barbara
Karl Hardman - Harry
Marilyn Eastman - Helen
Keith Wayne - Tom
Judith Ridley - Judy
Kyra Schon - Karen
Russ Streiner - Johnny
George A. Romero - Washington Reporter
John A. Russo - Zombie in House (uncredited) / Washington Military Aide
Charles Craig - Newscaster
Rossie Harris
Bill Hinzman - Cemetery Zombie
John Simpson
Romero produced the film on the small budget of $114,000, but after a decade of theatrical re-releases it had grossed an estimated $12 million in the United States and $30 million internationally --- Night of the Living Dead was strongly criticized at the time of its release for its graphic content, but three decades later the Library of Congress entered it into the United States National Film Registry with other films deemed "historically, culturally or aesthetically important."
The culture of Vietnam-era America had a tremendous impact on the film --- It is so thoroughly laden with critiques of late-1960s American society that one historian described the film as "subversive on many levels." --- While not the first zombie film made, Night of the Living Dead influenced countless films and is perhaps the defining influence on the modern pop-culture zombie archetype --- The film is the first of five Dead films (completed or pending) directed by Romero --- It has been remade twice, in 1990 and in 2006.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
SPECIAL FEATURES
1. Includes All-New Color Version and Resored Black and White Version.
2. Audio Commentary byt Mike Nelson of TV's "Mystery Science Theater 3000"
3. "Separated at Death" - Celebrity Zombie Game
4. Vintage Horror Trailers
Legend Films can restore, colorize and release many of the classic earliest black and white films --- a patented coloring and remastering process makes each film picture perfect plus more vivd than ever --- no one can resist collecting every title that Legend Films releases --- The Legend Films edition of the film contains both colorized and black and white versions of the aforementioned director's cut and a humorous audio commentary track by Michael J. Nelson, a former writer and host of Mystery Science Theater 3000 --- The comedian mocks the low budget film's flaws in the style of an episode of the series.
Hats off and thanks to Barry B. Sandrew Ph.D. (Founder, COO & CTO) and his Legend Films Staff --- looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage era of the '20s, '30s & '40s --- order your copy now from Amazon where there are plenty of copies available on DVD --- if you enjoyed this title, why not check out Legend Films where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.
Total Time: 96 mins on DVD ~ 20th Century Fox. ~ (9/07/2004)
|
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Living and dead, Feb 23 2007
As with any other horror genre, the groundbreaking zombie movie is the best. "Night of the Living Dead" is a cult gem that has inspired every zombie movie after it, with its low-budget look and cast of excellent, unknown actors. And, of course, the flesh-eating undead who are rising to kill the living.
A crashed satellite starts emitting radiation, which somehow causes the dead to rise out of their graves to devour the living. Don't ask how, because it doesn't matter. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) is visiting a grave with her brother -- when suddenly a shambling, dead-faced man murders him, and chases her down the road to a farmhouse, where she manages to hide.
But she's not alone -- a kindly man named Ben (Duane Jones), a young couple, and a family are also hiding there. And without weapons or protection, they have very little chance of survival. The refugees barricade themselves for protection -- but now there are hundreds of zombies closing in. They must fight with fire and their wits... but it may not be enough to save them all.
"Night of the Living Dead" is one of those horror movies that chills viewers right down to the marrow. Romero creates a nightmarish, claustrophobic atmosphere in his movie, where no matter where you go, you're trapped -- and the humans might kill you if the zombies don't. The finale is a tragic, but very realistic twist.
Originally filmed in murky black-and-white, Romero manages to make this film feel creepy even when the zombies aren't there. And while they're hiding in the farmhoruse, he takes the time to make it realistic -- the refugees grate on each other in a believable way ("I ought to drag you out there and FEED you to those things!").
But then things get creepy, gross AND action-packed, when they slip out to fight the zombies. Romero switches the tone from eerie to downright terrifying -- the characters just reek of desperation -- and builds it up to a slam-bang finale. And along the way, we get terrified people fending zombies off with torches -- what could be better?
Duane Jones is the standout performance here: he's strong, kindly, take-charge and resourceful, but he also knows how to kick undead butt. By the finale, his character is the one that is remembered. But he was backed by excellent actors in Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, and dozens of zombie extras. Those people were amazing!
Stripped-down and stark, "Night of the Living Dead" is the sort of movie that should never be watched at night, and might make you look twice before going outside. Creepy, innovative and bizarre.
|
|
|
Most recent customer reviews
|
DVD ~ George A. Romero
DVD ~ George A. Romero
DVD ~ George A. Romero
DVD ~ Tom Savini
