Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard to imagine how shocking this film was when it first broke on the film scene in 1968. There's never been anything quite like it, though it's inspired numerous pale imitations. Part of the terror lies in the fact that this one's shot in such a raw, unadorned fashion it feels like a home movie, and all the more authentic for that. Another is that it draws us into its world gradually, content to establish a merely spooky atmosphere before leading us through a horrifically logical progression that we could hardly have anticipated. The story is simple. Radiation from a fallen satellite has caused the dead to walk and hunger for human flesh. Once bitten, you become one of them. And the only way to kill one is by a shot or blow to the head. We follow a group holed up in a small farmhouse to fend off the inevitable onslaught of the dead. And it's the tensions between the members of this unstable, makeshift community that drive the film. Night of the Living Dead establishes its savagery as a necessary condition of life. Marked by fatality and a grim humour, it gnaws through to the bone, then proceeds on to the marrow.--Jim Gay
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Romero's classic 1968 zombie-fest Night of the Living Dead (shot in black and white) offers some disturbing images, even decades later. In a Pittsburgh suburb people are being stalked by zombies ravenous for human flesh. In a house whose occupant has already been slain, two separate groups of people unite and board themselves in, hoping to fend off the advancing ghouls. Through radio and TV reports they learn that radiation from outer space is thought to be responsible for the wave of zombie attacks all over the eastern United States. Once the humans are trapped, Romero shifts the focus to the internal feuding between them as they decide how to handle their dreadful situation. What unfolds is an examination of human nature, and of the fear and selfishness that keep many citizens from getting involved in the world's problems. Appropriately, both the zombies, and the authorities who later hunt them, are equally soulless. This film could also be read as a criticism of white males--it is not merely a coincidence that the film's two most rational, constructive characters are a woman and a black man. It is also no coincidence that the sequel Dawn of the Dead (1978) takes place in a mall infested by the undead--a perfect analogy for consumer culture. --Bryan Reeseman, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
"Night of the Living Dead (1968) ... George A. Romero ... 20th Century Fox (2004)".......2007-09-17
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)
B&W is good, but..........2004-06-04
Good picture for an old, black and white film, and hte sound quality is as good as it will get. However, the colourised version...well...looks like it has been coloured in with crayons.
Avoid.
George A. Romero's classic black & white zombie ghoul movie.......2004-05-23
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." However, the joke ended up being on him because they were coming to get Barbara, only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television since one of the living dead is naked and the whole point is that they have risen from the dead to eat human flesh. All of this only goes to prove that "Night of the Living Dead" is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on and the sun shining brightly through the window.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a true classic horror film, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics such as "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, some of which definitely ahve their moments, but this one has to be on everyone's Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is slipping away.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (a redundantphrase to be sure), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
"Yeah, they're dead. They're all messed up. ".......2004-01-24
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." The only thing was, they really were. Only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television (one of the living dead is naked and they do like to eat human flesh), but Iowa is a state that thinks caucuses are a good way of selecting presidential nominees, so what can I say? But this is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a horror classic, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics like "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, but this one has to be on everyone’s Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is getting weaker.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (which is, I believe, redundant), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
Note: Avoid the colorized version. Avoid the expanded edition (necessitated somewhat by the fact the copyright on the original went public domain). Save the remake for sometime down the road. Stick to this original black & white classic.
truly influential horror........2003-10-22
I'll never forget seeing "Night Of The Living Dead" for the first time, it delivered jolts all along the line. From the eerie opening scene in the graveyard when the zombie is sighted stumbling noiselessly through the headstones, to the claustrophobic scenes in the farmhouse, to the (much-copied) documentary-style newsroom scenes, this is first-class stuff, even if it was made on a shoestring budget. I find it hard to believe that anyone could not be unnerved by some of the dialogue used in the newsroom, because, far-fetched as the whole premise is, they make it seem so real! The remake in the early 1990s wasn't as bad as some would have you believe, but it simply lacked the full horror factor of the black-and-white low-budget original, and was nowhere near as good as "Dawn Of The Dead".
Customer Reviews:
Night of Tom Savini.......2008-03-02
i thought that this movie was A1
it is better than the original
lots of action and its not boring like the original!
much underrated remake.......2007-10-12
There aren't that many good remakes out there. Perhaps The Fly, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers. Savini's effort isn't too bad, but given his make up credentials, I would have expected a higher gore count.
Not a patch on the original but worth checking out.
Ace film. MUST SEE.......2007-10-04
This is one of my favourite horror movies.
With great acting a exiting storyline you really get into it right from the beggining.
It is a must buy if you are into zombie movies or just like horrors. My favourite type of horror is slasher, but this film is my favourite even though it isn't a slasher
I was intensed beggining to end.
Excellent remake and a good addition to my Zombie DVD collection.......2007-09-22
I'll save the summary of the plot and whatnot as previous customers and Amazon itself have written more than enough about this. What I'll contribute is my personal experience of this film. Shortly, it can be noted as 'excellent'. The more detailed version? Read on...
I myself am a bit of a zombie fanatic though I try to limit myself to the classics. (In other words; I'm not the type watching every zombie flick that comes out.) Mentioning classics, it goes without saying that I watched the original before this and am, as any self-respecting lover of the undead (in the theatrical sense, not the emotional sense), in the possession of the original Night of the Living Dead on DVD. The original, compared to modern cinema, can be a bit odd; The music is often excessive and dodgy (yet, strangely fitting), acting in some cases is appaling to look at (Tom and Judy, for example) and the characters are typical of those stuck in the '60s, making some of them (Mr. Cooper) almost charicatures on their own right. Still the original had great suspense and storytelling, an original script and - how could we possibly miss this - undead eating the living. (Pretty much a rock-solid formula, that.) Having said all that, how does the remake hold up?
Well the remake is a remake in every sense of the word. The story and its characters have received a facelift and they've become more modern and - I suspect - more timeless. Some fans of the original dislike the alteration of the original's story but I really don't care. The Night of the Living Dead remake has improved where possible and let the good stuff intact. To increase the fun, more gore has been added (looking substantially more gorey due to more modern make-up and a bigger budget) and the pace of the movie is higher, making it also more enjoyable for people that are not zombie fanatics. (Which is neat, since it means I can watch this with my girlfriend without her falling asleep.)
All in all, I've really enjoyed the remake - which is an excellent remake, if you can look past the original - and my last compliment goes out to Amazon; I don't know what the availability of this item is overseas, but here in mainland Europe it's hard to get (well, here in The Netherlands, at least) and I was glad to find it here. To make it better, the item's sharply priced so the decision to purchase was quickly made. So thanks, Amazon!
AN UNDERRATED ZOMBIE FILM.......2007-08-06
Barbara, (Patricia Tallman) and her brother are attacked in a cemetery, and seeking to escape, she comes across an abandoned farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. After a while, Ben, (Tony Todd) comes to her aid, and together they stay in the house for protection. Later that day, from the basement emerges Harry Cooper, (Tom Towles) his wife Helen, (McKee Anderson) and local kids Tom, (William Butler) and his girlfriend Judy, (Katie Finneran) and they decide to formulate battle plans against the threat outside. When it's finally decided that zombies are the ones outside, the house is boarded up, but they still come after them. After trying many different ways of getting out, they resort to increasingly dangerous ideas to get out alive.
The Good News: The original "Night of the Living Dead" is still considered one of the best zombie films around, and really doesn't deserve to be remade. That being said, this isn't that bad of a film if looked at on its own. The zombies here are certainly far better-looking than in the original. Decayed and rotting just a tad, with the slightest amount of facial scars and wounds that give them a little edge over the zombies in the original. The Cemetery Zombie at the beginning is the best of the redesigned zombies from the original, and a rather hideously realized Autopsy Zombie looks really spectacular. It should be known from his description what he looks like, and it comes across beautifully in a great gag. In keeping with the spirit of the original, the gags here are a little on the small side, and held back, which makes it a little more impressive. Considering the talent involved, the fact that it isn't an over-the-top gore-fest, and is instead a more restrained film, making it a pretty subtle film that is easier to get into. There is none of the political sub-text in here to bog the film down, which is certainly a case with the original. Here, we don't have much in the way of political sub-text, or at least any that's highly noticeable right off the bat and this helps to make it a more singular film. It doesn't need any to be enjoyable and it's nice that it doesn't. However, the one thing great about this film is that it uses the knowledge of the original to get you off center enough to not expect the shocks coming. It's a masterful trickery that comes across so nicely and unexpectedly to get the shocks. Again, bringing up the cemetery scene as an example: seeing Johnny and Barbara talking about one of his insensitive comments, they don't see a man shambling up behind them. When he tackles Barbara and is revealed to be just an ordinary man, it sets up the shock of the real zombie coming out of nowhere into the scene. Other such scenes is a couple brilliant scenes in the farmhouse that don't need spoiling. There are plenty of such scenes along the way that trick you from watching the first one.
The Bad News: That above being said, there are a few problems with the film. The biggest one is the zombies themselves. They are just too slow to be threatening at all. I love the shuffling kind of zombies, but these are taken to the extreme and are just ridiculous. At one point, one remarks that they are slow enough to walk around with getting bit, which is exactly what happens later, and yet at the time it was uttered, no one takes it seriously. When it is revealed to be just the way to escape makes it all the more ironic at the time it was said, and all the more ludicrous why it wasn't tried earlier so that the whole situation could've been avoided. I pointed out the lack of gore in the beginning one as well, and this can be a curse as well as a blessing. This isn't something for the gore-hounds out there, despite the names involved and their reputations. We do get a couple neat and inventive gags here and there, but this is nowhere near what it could've been or should've been. The role reversions from the original may get under people's skin a little, but I didn't feel this was enough to distract from the enjoyment of the film. One more thing: the gag with Ben at the end is pretty confusing. We never are told what the probable cause was that lead to the creatures, nor are we told that it comes from bites. His fate is direct contradiction from zombie lore, and what happens makes you scratch your head a little.
The Final Verdict: Not exactly as pessimistic as the first one was, or as ground-breaking, this is still pretty enjoyable in most places. It doesn't damage or tarnish the reputation like the v30th Anniversary release does, and is a pretty nice viewing anyway. Give it a chance and don't judge it against the original, it isn't that bad.
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard to imagine how shocking this film was when it first broke on the film scene in 1968. There's never been anything quite like it, though it's inspired numerous pale imitations. Part of the terror lies in the fact that this one's shot in such a raw, unadorned fashion it feels like a home movie, and all the more authentic for that. Another is that it draws us into its world gradually, content to establish a merely spooky atmosphere before leading us through a horrifically logical progression that we could hardly have anticipated. The story is simple. Radiation from a fallen satellite has caused the dead to walk and hunger for human flesh. Once bitten, you become one of them. And the only way to kill one is by a shot or blow to the head. We follow a group holed up in a small farmhouse to fend off the inevitable onslaught of the dead. And it's the tensions between the members of this unstable, makeshift community that drive the film. Night of the Living Dead establishes its savagery as a necessary condition of life. Marked by fatality and a grim humour, it gnaws through to the bone, then proceeds on to the marrow.--Jim Gay
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Romero's classic 1968 zombie-fest Night of the Living Dead (shot in black and white) offers some disturbing images, even decades later. In a Pittsburgh suburb people are being stalked by zombies ravenous for human flesh. In a house whose occupant has already been slain, two separate groups of people unite and board themselves in, hoping to fend off the advancing ghouls. Through radio and TV reports they learn that radiation from outer space is thought to be responsible for the wave of zombie attacks all over the eastern United States. Once the humans are trapped, Romero shifts the focus to the internal feuding between them as they decide how to handle their dreadful situation. What unfolds is an examination of human nature, and of the fear and selfishness that keep many citizens from getting involved in the world's problems. Appropriately, both the zombies, and the authorities who later hunt them, are equally soulless. This film could also be read as a criticism of white males--it is not merely a coincidence that the film's two most rational, constructive characters are a woman and a black man. It is also no coincidence that the sequel Dawn of the Dead (1978) takes place in a mall infested by the undead--a perfect analogy for consumer culture. --Bryan Reeseman, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
"Night of the Living Dead (1968) ... George A. Romero ... 20th Century Fox (2004)".......2007-09-17
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)
B&W is good, but..........2004-06-04
Good picture for an old, black and white film, and hte sound quality is as good as it will get. However, the colourised version...well...looks like it has been coloured in with crayons.
Avoid.
George A. Romero's classic black & white zombie ghoul movie.......2004-05-23
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." However, the joke ended up being on him because they were coming to get Barbara, only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television since one of the living dead is naked and the whole point is that they have risen from the dead to eat human flesh. All of this only goes to prove that "Night of the Living Dead" is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on and the sun shining brightly through the window.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a true classic horror film, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics such as "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, some of which definitely ahve their moments, but this one has to be on everyone's Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is slipping away.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (a redundantphrase to be sure), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
"Yeah, they're dead. They're all messed up. ".......2004-01-24
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." The only thing was, they really were. Only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television (one of the living dead is naked and they do like to eat human flesh), but Iowa is a state that thinks caucuses are a good way of selecting presidential nominees, so what can I say? But this is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a horror classic, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics like "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, but this one has to be on everyone’s Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is getting weaker.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (which is, I believe, redundant), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
Note: Avoid the colorized version. Avoid the expanded edition (necessitated somewhat by the fact the copyright on the original went public domain). Save the remake for sometime down the road. Stick to this original black & white classic.
truly influential horror........2003-10-22
I'll never forget seeing "Night Of The Living Dead" for the first time, it delivered jolts all along the line. From the eerie opening scene in the graveyard when the zombie is sighted stumbling noiselessly through the headstones, to the claustrophobic scenes in the farmhouse, to the (much-copied) documentary-style newsroom scenes, this is first-class stuff, even if it was made on a shoestring budget. I find it hard to believe that anyone could not be unnerved by some of the dialogue used in the newsroom, because, far-fetched as the whole premise is, they make it seem so real! The remake in the early 1990s wasn't as bad as some would have you believe, but it simply lacked the full horror factor of the black-and-white low-budget original, and was nowhere near as good as "Dawn Of The Dead".
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF THE BEST.......2007-11-03
In a remote mountain chain, Prof. Ayres (Renato Barbieri) discovers a tomb with the living dead inside. Nearby, Janet (Karin Well) and her friends Mark, (Gianluigi Chirizzi) James, (Simone Mattioli) Leslie, (Antonella Antinori) George, (Roberto Caporali) Evelyn, (Maria Angela Giordano) and her son Michael (Peter Bark) head to the Proffesor's weekend house for some fun. Out in a courtyard, Janet and Mark are attacked by strange walking corpses, who then return back to the house to find it under attack from the same types of walking corpses. As everyone there stumbles into the zombies crawling around the house and it's surrounding areas, they realize they are trapped in the house for the night. As zombies invade the house, the ever-dwindling party tries to find ways to escape.
The Good News: First off, this has to be said: these are the best-looking zombies I've ever seen. Fulci's zombies look good, but these really take the cake. Going beyond looking rotten, there are several that have their faces reduced to near skeletons with small amounts of flesh on the skull. Some have barely any skin on there, and with their grotesque faces, they strike quite an imaginative and scary look upon first viewing. Even the few zombies who don't have a rotten appearance, they do look every creepy, with their tattered clothes, shuffling walk, and the very creative make-up used on their faces to create a nearly perfect zombie. There is also several great scenes in here that really stick out. The resurrection of one zombie underneath a patch of grass is really spine-tingling, as it's a slow, drawn-out sequence that really delivers some terrifying moments. Once inside the house, we are treated to some more brutal highlights. The assault to break into the house, the first attacks on the people inside, and the attack in the bedroom are all great, tense scenes that drive up the scare factor of the film. The scenes in the courtyard are just as brutal and scary, with special note to one scene where two zombies threaten a pair of party-goers, and the way it resolves itself is gory, thrilling fun. That brings u the question of the gore, which this film has an abundance of. There is the usual bodies being torn open and pieces of flesh being eaten, there is a larger amount of violence against the zombies. They get several heads bashed open in excruciating detail, shot repeatedly, stabbed with all manner of instruments and much more. There is just as much against the zombies and the humans. Also, the film has a really relentless pace, as the dead is awoken about five minutes in and they never stop from then. A really fast pace to this also means that you are rarely bored with this film, as something is always happening.
The Bad News: Okay, yes, Michael is played by an older man than what his character is, and it's quite famous for that. This is one of the movie's claims to fame about having a clearly adult-aged character playing a young child. Also, this movie destroys some zombie laws in a couple areas. By having them grab utensils such as pitch-forks and saws and actually using them in certain scenes is something that may upset true zombie fans. Also, there is a scene where zombies use a log as a battering ram, which is pretty off character for them. This is the main complaints about this movie. Also, there is a couple scenes that are clearly homages to other movies of the time, and they are spotted pretty easily, but they don't distract too much.
The Final Verdict: This is one of the better Italian zombie films out there, and is essential viewing for all into the genre. It's cheesiness may have some detractors, and it does have some of the weirdest scenes in the genre, but it is thoroughly entertaining and full of surprises,
A mediocre movie by zombie standards.......2007-08-20
Ok. If you're the kind of person that likes to pick up "Vipcos" and watch trash zombie movies, then there's some enjoyment to be had here... but not much.
The enjoyment comes from how stupid it becomes while trying to maintain seriousness. The story is poor, the acting is poor, the zombies look like cheap versions of the "zombie flesh eaters", they show more intelligence than the humans ... "lets let them in because we can run faster than them anyway".
Still there's some gore to be had and a few laughs and a bizzare ending.
Don't buy if i) you're expecting to be scared or ii) not entertained by stupidity.
bad.......2006-08-05
Do not buy this film under any circumstances..i have low standards and am a massive zombie/cannibal italian horror fan and love those films even the bad ones but this is VERY VERY BAD! the story and setting is a joke..an incestous child who looks by the way is a 35 yr old!!the zombies and gore to be fair are ok but if fims like zombie flesh eaters,cannibal holocaust,suspiria etc represented the best of italian cinema and stuff like zombie flesh 2,zombie holocaust,cannibal ferox wre the b grade but still enjoyable films then this would be F Movie..yes its that bad..AVOID
A DECENT ZOMBIE MOVIE !! !! !!.......2006-02-05
The Zombie Dead is probably the most cheaply made film ive ever seen! The acting is probably the worsed ive ever seen, as with the special effects (which are close to bieng as bad as the effects off 'Drive in Massacre') and is overall the worsed film ive ever seen!
But as all fans of this type of film would know, this isnt that bad, its a good thing if anything! And although this is the most badly made film ever, its still good and its still fun to see a plastic head get pulled off some unusually high shoulders with a scythe!
On the subject of the gore in this there is a bit, it may not be that realistic (its actually some of the worsed ive seen in my life!) but there are actually some pretty creative scenes! (therse actually a scene where a woman gets her niple bitten off by her son....her zombie son!)
And although this film is extremely badly made the story is actually aleright! There are some good little twists and a good selection of smart, dumb, wierd and annoying (the type you really want to get eaten first) characters!
This is one of those films that are in desperate need of a good remake! This could actually be the film that is most desperatley in need of a remake EVER ( in second place for the 'in most need of a remake' award is probably 'The Deadly Spawn', another film in the Vipcos ScreamTime Collection!)
This film then is so, so, so, amazingly bad and should only be viewed by zombie/B-movie horror fans only!!!!!By pain of death!
It has got its place in Vipcos Screamtime Collection with honour!
"Just like when you were a baby.... CHOMP!".......2006-02-02
With comical lines like "May I ask what you're doing, you nut?" and "You look just like a little whore?" what's there not to like!! If only more zombie movies had an incestuous sub plot with a freaky old midget. I actually think that those scenes were more scary and skin crawlingly disturbingly than the clay faced zombies hordes.
A good film to watch with a group of cynical friends.
Customer Reviews:
AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!.......2005-03-19
Cannibal Terror is truly awful. If you have seen other banned cannibal nasties such as Cannibal Holocaust, Cannibal Ferox, Deep River Savages or Cannibal Apocalypse and are expecting this to be similar then you will very disappointed. It is boring, there is hardly any gore, the actors can be seen laughing in the background and the plot is dreadful. It is not even one of those films that is so bad that is good. Avoid this movie at all costs.
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard to imagine how shocking this film was when it first broke on the film scene in 1968. There's never been anything quite like it, though it's inspired numerous pale imitations. Part of the terror lies in the fact that this one's shot in such a raw, unadorned fashion it feels like a home movie, and all the more authentic for that. Another is that it draws us into its world gradually, content to establish a merely spooky atmosphere before leading us through a horrifically logical progression that we could hardly have anticipated. The story is simple. Radiation from a fallen satellite has caused the dead to walk and hunger for human flesh. Once bitten, you become one of them. And the only way to kill one is by a shot or blow to the head. We follow a group holed up in a small farmhouse to fend off the inevitable onslaught of the dead. And it's the tensions between the members of this unstable, makeshift community that drive the film. Night of the Living Dead establishes its savagery as a necessary condition of life. Marked by fatality and a grim humour, it gnaws through to the bone, then proceeds on to the marrow.--Jim Gay
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Romero's classic 1968 zombie-fest Night of the Living Dead (shot in black and white) offers some disturbing images, even decades later. In a Pittsburgh suburb people are being stalked by zombies ravenous for human flesh. In a house whose occupant has already been slain, two separate groups of people unite and board themselves in, hoping to fend off the advancing ghouls. Through radio and TV reports they learn that radiation from outer space is thought to be responsible for the wave of zombie attacks all over the eastern United States. Once the humans are trapped, Romero shifts the focus to the internal feuding between them as they decide how to handle their dreadful situation. What unfolds is an examination of human nature, and of the fear and selfishness that keep many citizens from getting involved in the world's problems. Appropriately, both the zombies, and the authorities who later hunt them, are equally soulless. This film could also be read as a criticism of white males--it is not merely a coincidence that the film's two most rational, constructive characters are a woman and a black man. It is also no coincidence that the sequel Dawn of the Dead (1978) takes place in a mall infested by the undead--a perfect analogy for consumer culture. --Bryan Reeseman, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
"Night of the Living Dead (1968) ... George A. Romero ... 20th Century Fox (2004)".......2007-09-17
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)
B&W is good, but..........2004-06-04
Good picture for an old, black and white film, and hte sound quality is as good as it will get. However, the colourised version...well...looks like it has been coloured in with crayons.
Avoid.
George A. Romero's classic black & white zombie ghoul movie.......2004-05-23
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." However, the joke ended up being on him because they were coming to get Barbara, only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television since one of the living dead is naked and the whole point is that they have risen from the dead to eat human flesh. All of this only goes to prove that "Night of the Living Dead" is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on and the sun shining brightly through the window.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a true classic horror film, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics such as "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, some of which definitely ahve their moments, but this one has to be on everyone's Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is slipping away.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (a redundantphrase to be sure), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
"Yeah, they're dead. They're all messed up. ".......2004-01-24
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." The only thing was, they really were. Only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television (one of the living dead is naked and they do like to eat human flesh), but Iowa is a state that thinks caucuses are a good way of selecting presidential nominees, so what can I say? But this is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a horror classic, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics like "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, but this one has to be on everyone’s Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and watch the TV, learning that the dead are rising to eat the living, and try to figure out a way of getting out of the death trap in which they find themselves. Meanwhile, the little girl in the basement is getting weaker.
The only real weakness in the film is the attempt to explain why the dead are walking around as flesh-eating ghouls (which is, I believe, redundant), which has something to do with a satellite and scientific mumbo-jumbo that really does not mean anything to the people trying to survive against the growing horde of zombies. Fortunately, the "why" does not matter in this story; just the "how" in terms of taking these creatures down. Besides, if anything clinches this one it is the end of the film, both with its final twist, and the use of grainy still photographs to show the end of the tale. Few horror movies, whatever their budgets, have an ending this memorable.
Note: Avoid the colorized version. Avoid the expanded edition (necessitated somewhat by the fact the copyright on the original went public domain). Save the remake for sometime down the road. Stick to this original black & white classic.
truly influential horror........2003-10-22
I'll never forget seeing "Night Of The Living Dead" for the first time, it delivered jolts all along the line. From the eerie opening scene in the graveyard when the zombie is sighted stumbling noiselessly through the headstones, to the claustrophobic scenes in the farmhouse, to the (much-copied) documentary-style newsroom scenes, this is first-class stuff, even if it was made on a shoestring budget. I find it hard to believe that anyone could not be unnerved by some of the dialogue used in the newsroom, because, far-fetched as the whole premise is, they make it seem so real! The remake in the early 1990s wasn't as bad as some would have you believe, but it simply lacked the full horror factor of the black-and-white low-budget original, and was nowhere near as good as "Dawn Of The Dead".
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard to imagine how shocking this film was when it first broke on the film scene in 1968. There's never been anything quite like it, though it's inspired numerous pale imitations. Part of the terror lies in the fact that this one's shot in such a raw, unadorned fashion it feels like a home movie, and all the more authentic for that. Another is that it draws us into its world gradually, content to establish a merely spooky atmosphere before leading us through a horrifically logical progression that we could hardly have anticipated. The story is simple. Radiation from a fallen satellite has caused the dead to walk and hunger for human flesh. Once bitten, you become one of them. And the only way to kill one is by a shot or blow to the head. We follow a group holed up in a small farmhouse to fend off the inevitable onslaught of the dead. And it's the tensions between the members of this unstable, makeshift community that drive the film. Night of the Living Dead establishes its savagery as a necessary condition of life. Marked by fatality and a grim humour, it gnaws through to the bone, then proceeds on to the marrow.--Jim Gay
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Romero's classic 1968 zombie-fest Night of the Living Dead (shot in black and white) offers some disturbing images, even decades later. In a Pittsburgh suburb people are being stalked by zombies ravenous for human flesh. In a house whose occupant has already been slain, two separate groups of people unite and board themselves in, hoping to fend off the advancing ghouls. Through radio and TV reports they learn that radiation from outer space is thought to be responsible for the wave of zombie attacks all over the eastern United States. Once the humans are trapped, Romero shifts the focus to the internal feuding between them as they decide how to handle their dreadful situation. What unfolds is an examination of human nature, and of the fear and selfishness that keep many citizens from getting involved in the world's problems. Appropriately, both the zombies, and the authorities who later hunt them, are equally soulless. This film could also be read as a criticism of white males--it is not merely a coincidence that the film's two most rational, constructive characters are a woman and a black man. It is also no coincidence that the sequel Dawn of the Dead (1978) takes place in a mall infested by the undead--a perfect analogy for consumer culture. --Bryan Reeseman, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
"Night of the Living Dead (1968) ... George A. Romero ... 20th Century Fox (2004)".......2007-09-17
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)
B&W is good, but..........2004-06-04
Good picture for an old, black and white film, and hte sound quality is as good as it will get. However, the colourised version...well...looks like it has been coloured in with crayons.
Avoid.
George A. Romero's classic black & white zombie ghoul movie.......2004-05-23
Once upon a time a young girl and her brother traveled three hours from home to place flowers on the grave of their father. The brother started teasing his sister, telling her in a creepy voice, "They're coming to get you, Barbara." However, the joke ended up being on him because they were coming to get Barbara, only they got him first.
I first saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I came home one afternoon and discovered that the Iowa City Public Library Channel on cable was showing the film. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this cult classic horror film would be on at a time when kids could come home and discover it on television since one of the living dead is naked and the whole point is that they have risen from the dead to eat human flesh. All of this only goes to prove that "Night of the Living Dead" is a horror movie that is even scary in the daytime with all the lights on and the sun shining brightly through the window.
"The Night of the Living Dead" is a true classic horror film, which is rather surprising when you take into account that director George A. Romero made the film in 1968 for $114,000 without a cast of first time actors (extras who playing the zombies were paid $1 and a t-shirt that said "I was a zombie on Night of the Living Dead"). Filmed in black and white with Romero as the cinematographer, this film has a technical proficiency that is missing from other low-budget classics such as "Dementia 13" and "Carnival of Souls." You can take or leave the various sequels to this film, some of which definitely ahve their moments, but this one has to be on everyone's Top 10 list when it comes to horror films.
The horror comes from the situation and the simple effectiveness of the slow moving, silent zombies in their growing numbers, their arms reaching out to find human flesh to eat. Barbara (Judith O'Dea) runs to an abandoned house, where she is joined by Ben (Duane Jones). After fending off the first attack of the living dead, they discover five more people hiding in the basement: Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), his wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter (Kyra Schon), along with a young couple, Tom (Keith Wayne) and Judy (Judith Ridley). Harry wants to hide out in the basement, but refuses to be trapped down there, and the two spend more time arguing about what to do than doing anything. They listen to the radio and
![Night Of The Living Dead - Special Collector's Edition [1968]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2134C9HABZL.jpg)
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![Dawn Of The Dead [1978] [1979]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0002WYROQ.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Dawn Of The Dead [1978] [1979]
![Dawn of the Dead: Ultimate Edition [1980] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0002IQNAG.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Dawn of the Dead: Ultimate Edition [1980] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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Day Of The Dead [1986]
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Day Of The Dead [1985]
Land of the Dead (2005)
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