While the zombie apocalypse genre might not command the same widespread attention it once did, the 2000s saw audiences captivated by the undead. Films such as Zack Snyder`s remake of “Dawn of the Dead” played a pivotal role in revitalizing the genre. For those eager to revisit this contemporary classic, a new Amazon-exclusive 4K Steelbook Blu-ray edition is available for pre-order, scheduled for release on December 2.
Following the tradition of other Shout Factory releases, this “Dawn of the Dead” Steelbook boasts entirely new cover art. The design dramatically recreates the film`s iconic opening sequence, showing Sarah Polley`s character, Ana Clark, making a desperate escape from her zombie-infested neighborhood. This three-disc collection offers 4K versions of both the theatrical cut and the more intense, unrated rendition of the film, complemented by a wealth of special features. Technologically, the 4K presentation includes support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
“Dawn of the Dead” 4K Steelbook Blu-ray: Special Features
The special features include a variety of interviews with the cast and crew, notably writer James Gunn (who recently helmed the new Superman movie), deleted scenes with optional commentary by Snyder, a deep dive into the film`s special effects, several featurettes, and even a detailed look at achieving the practical effect of an exploding head. Here`s a comprehensive list of what`s included:
- Take a Chance on Me: Ty Burrell interview
- Gunn for Hire: James Gunn interview
- Punk, Rock, & Zombie: Interview with Jake Weber
- Killing Time at the Mall: The Special Effects of Dawn of the Dead
- Deleted scenes with optional commentary by Zack Snyder and producer Eric Newman
- Theatrical trailer
- Stills gallery
- Introduction to the Director`s Cut by Zack Snyder
- Splitting Headaches: The anatomy of exploding heads
- Attack of the Living Dead Featurette
- Raising the Dead featurette
- Andy`s Lost Tape documentary
- Special Report: Zombie Invasion
- Undead and Loving It mockumentary
- Drawing the Dead
- Storyboard comparisons
Following years of directing music videos and commercials, “Dawn of the Dead” marked Zack Snyder`s feature film directorial debut in 2004. This unsparing reboot of George Romero`s zombie classic retained the fundamental premise of survivors seeking refuge in a shopping mall, while simultaneously modernizing the threat for contemporary viewers. In stark contrast to Romero`s 1978 original, which blended slow-burn horror with dry social satire, Snyder`s remake pared down the levity, amplifying the terror with relentless hordes of adrenaline-fueled, rabid flesh-eaters. The film`s chilling opening sequence, subtly referenced on the Steelbook cover, remains lauded as some of Snyder`s most impactful work, propelling him to widespread recognition and paving the way for future projects like 300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch, and Man of Steel.
For those unwilling to wait, the standard 4K edition of “Dawn of the Dead” is currently available. Alternatively, fans can acquire the original film to appreciate the differences in the remake. Romero`s rendition of “Dawn of the Dead” received its own 4K Blu-ray release some years ago, with its Collector`s Edition featuring all three iconic cuts: the theatrical and extended `Cannes` versions derived from a 4K scan and restoration of the original camera negatives, and the action-oriented `Argento Cut` sourced from a 4K scan of the interpositive film. Each of these three editions is packed with special features, including archival commentary tracks by Romero and special effects maestro Tom Savini, along with new featurettes and contemporary interviews.
While “Dawn of the Dead” holds a distinguished place as one of the most influential zombie films ever made, it was by no means the genre`s inception. A decade prior, Romero had already ventured into the realm of the undead with “Night of the Living Dead,” a classic that subsequently received a Criterion Collection release many years later. The Criterion 4K version was meticulously overseen by Romero himself, alongside co-writer John A. Russo, sound engineer Gary R. Streiner, and producer Russell W. Streiner. It comprises two Blu-ray discs featuring the film and a comprehensive suite of special features, making it essential viewing for any zombie film enthusiast.
For this eerie season, our additional recommendations include Romero`s third zombie installment, “Day of the Dead,” available on a feature-rich Blu-ray. “Return of the Living Dead” can be found in both 4K Steelbook and Collector`s Edition formats, with its two sequels also available on Blu-ray. “Return of the Living Dead 3” stands out as a unique entry in this trilogy, as the low-budget horror production also functions as a `90s-era “Romeo and Juliet” narrative.
Other Noteworthy Zombie Films on Blu-ray
- Dawn of the Dead 1978: Collector`s Edition (4K)
- Dawn of the Dead / Land of the Dead (Blu-ray)
- Dawn of the Dead 2004 (4K)
- Dawn of the Dead 2004 (4K steelbook)
- Night of the Living Dead: Criterion Collection (4K)
- Night of the Living Dead: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray)
- Day of the Dead: Collector`s Edition (Blu-ray)
- Return of the Living Dead (4K steelbook)
- Return of the Living Dead: Collector`s Edition (4K)
- Return of the Living Dead 2 (Blu-ray)
- Return of the Living Dead 3 (Blu-ray)