As anyone who is an avid collector of DVD's will tell you, DVD distributors can be a very greedy lot. They have been known to
release edition after edition of a popular film in an effort to scrape as much cash out of our pockets as possible. It seems that
each and every release (or re-release) is more "special edition"-ed than the last, thus preying on the tendency (and deep-seated
need) that we fans have for shelling out the bucks for more and better content. The underlying economic principle that
seems to be on display here is "he who dies with the most special features or "value-add" content wins". While this may seem
a bit cynical, it's also shockingly accurate. But, even knowing that fact doesn't stop me (or any other fan) from drooling over
a big new special edition of an awesome horror flick. In the annals of horror filmdom, there are few films more "awesome" than
George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead". And, money-grubbing or not, there are few editions as "special" as Anchor Bay's new
treatment of Romero's anti-consumerism opus.
Why should I even bother with a plot synopsis for "Dawn". Well, my instinct tells me that if you've never seen it, you probably
wouldn't be at Atrocities Cinema.com. However, with the recent Big Budget Hollywood "re-thinking" of "Dawn of the Dead" being
as popular as it has proved to be, my fear is that there is a whole generation of young horror-fans out there who have not seen
the original film that outdoes its flashy, bombastic remake in every way. And to paraphrase South Park, "That makes me a saaad
Panda!" So, here goes...
"Dawn of the Dead" opens on a bleak note. A Pittsburgh TV station is in a state of utter chaos, as the various employees and
producers scramble around trying to air what appears to be a debate-show whose subject is the little problem of people coming
back to life and eating their former friends, family, and lovers. Meanwhile, the more scrupulous members of the staff (as represented
by Frannie, our heroine) try to make sure that accurate "emergency station" information is being broadcast (which it isn't). If this
little microcosm of society is any indication, the shit has really hit the fan of late, as Zombies have begun to overrun Pittsburgh
(as being representative of the "major cities" of the US...a Romero trademark...Pittsburgh and its immediately surrounding areas
are the proverbial center of the universe). Discouraged and terrified, Frannie reluctantly flees the city with her lover, along with
two tough as nails yet cuddly SWAT dudes in a traffic helicopter. They eventually land on the roof of a deserted Shopping Mall in the suburb of
Monroeville (though it's unnamed in the film), orginally intending only to get some rest and perhaps stock up on some provisions
before heading out again. After a few days, though, the foursome come to find comfort in their surroundings. After all, they have
access to basically every material thing they could ever need, including clothing, food, guns, ammo, and equipment. So, after
the daunting process of "securing" the mall so that zombies can't get in and chew their intestines, the set up a sort of tentative
homestead within the corridors of the mall. Soon, they begin to grow complacent and more than a bit overconfident. When a roving
gang of motorcycle hellions led by Tom Savini (!) find out that the foursome is there, they decide to storm the mall in an attempt to
make it their own. Of course, our heroes aren't going to give up the fort without a fight, so they arm themselves to the teeth and prepare
for battle. Those dumbass gang members, of course, let in hordes of zombies...thus adding yet another dangerous element to the
already explosive mix. After all is said and done, many lives are lost, many intestines are chewed, much barbecue sauce is spilled,
and we wonder if our heroes are going to get out of this situation intact. Some do, some don't. End of movie.
So much has been said and written about "Dawn" and its none-too-subtle commentary on American Consumerist mentality, so I'm
not going to devote any real time to that issue here. Suffice it to say that "Dawn" has always worked...perhaps even more relevantly
now than in the late 1970's when it was released...on many different levels. It's a horror film...and a shocking one at that; it's a
parody of America...and a quite biting one at that; it's an effective document (like "Night of the Living Dead") of the climate of the
post-Vietnam era world. And, perhaps most importantly, it's a truly Grand Guignol-esque piece of art. Even the blood, as has been
observed before, takes on a kind of cartoonish, tempora-paint quality...it's a bit too red and too vivid, and is thus all the more disgusting
and even dehumanizing.
It may go without saying, then, that Romero's film has a rabid following. It's got the reputation and substance to live up to its considerable
clout. So, it's no suprise that fans like me and you have been waiting for just such an "Ultimate" edition as this. We've all heard that there are
three main versions of this film...the American "theatrical" version, the European theatrical version (whittled down to be more "efficient" money-
source Dario Argento), and the "Director's Cut" of the film...though most viewers have only seen one or two versions. This set's got 'em!
Furthermore, just about every variety of extra you can imagine is included here. The usual compliment of commentaries, still galleries,
and behind-the-scenes footage and recollections is present, but there's one extra here that is worth more than just a casual mention.
That would be Roy Frumkes excellent (if a bit stodgy) and well-respected documentary "Document of the Dead". This feature-length documentary
has sold on DVD by itself for $20 or more in the past, and its inclusion here just adds to the overall value, and it truly does help make this
package live up to its "Ultimate Edition" moniker. Also, there is a recent documentary, made specifically for this release (I think) that
includes even more behind the scenes footage, and comments from, well...just about every fuckin' person who was in any
way involved in the production of "Dawn". It's really interesting stuff, folks, and it's yet another reason why die-hard fans of Romero's
work will absolutely eat this set up! Total kudos are owed to Anchor Bay for yet another phenomenal release. I don't think it's going
too far to say that this release blows even Anchor Bay's own special edition release of "Day of the Dead" out of the water. In fact, it's so
good that it might even rival the "Suspiria" three disc edition as the best release ever put out by Anchor Bay.
This amazingly influential film really does have a life of its own, and judging by the comments of all involved, it seems that everyone
is completely proud to have it on their curriculum vitae. "Dawn" pretty much single-handedly ushered in a new era of ever-gorier,
ever-edgier horror films, and for that we must bow down and lick the size 13's of George Romero. Here's an open comment to George,
and indeed, every single person involved in this film (especially the amazing Mssrs. Savini and Argento). I hope someday they read
this and feel good about it. Like they don't already, or something...
George (and company)...
We love you.
Please come back and make more movies!
Obviously, I dug this release. It gets the Atrocities Essential Award. Also my heart and soul. And those of my children. Buy it right this second!
As anyone who is an avid collector of DVD's will tell you, DVD distributors can be a very greedy lot. They have been known to
release edition after edition of a popular film in an effort to scrape as much cash out of our pockets as possible. It seems that
each and every release (or re-release) is more "special edition"-ed than the last, thus preying on the tendency (and deep-seated
need) that we fans have for shelling out the bucks for more and better content. The underlying economic principle that
seems to be on display here is "he who dies with the most special features or "value-add" content wins". While this may seem
a bit cynical, it's also shockingly accurate. But, even knowing that fact doesn't stop me (or any other fan) from drooling over
a big new special edition of an awesome horror flick. In the annals of horror filmdom, there are few films more "awesome" than
George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead". And, money-grubbing or not, there are few editions as "special" as Anchor Bay's new
treatment of Romero's anti-consumerism opus.
