The Definitive Document of the Dead (2012) (DVD Review)
Director: Roy Frumkes
Where to get it: Synapse Films
George A. Romero, director of the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, is one of the horror genre’s most celebrated filmmakers. Roy Frumkes’ amazing 1978 documentary DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD was an intimate look at Romero’s creative process, with an outstanding collection of interviews, effects demonstrations (courtesy of make-up artist, Tom Savini) and behind-the-scenes footage from the classic horror film, DAWN OF THE DEAD. This newly re-edited and re-mastered 2012 version of the award-winning documentary contains all-new exclusive material including additional interviews with Romero’s family and friends, candid on-set footage from TWO EVIL EYES, LAND OF THE DEAD, DIARY OF THE DEAD, SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD and many more surprises! THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD is a loving portrait of a horror legend, and a must-see for any hardcore horror fan!
Document of the Dead is a feature that you’ve probably seen before. If I’m not mistaken it did make an appearance in the special edition of Dawn of the Dead from Anchor Bay. Here however Synapse has release the “definitive” version. A version of the documentary that not only covers things up to Dawn and Day of the Dead, but also features things all the way up until the most recent Romero zombie adventure in Survival of the Dead. Be it that the Survival stuff is very limited and we get more of a Dairy of the Dead look, but you still find this interesting and the added in stuff that wasn’t there before does make the film have a much more complete feeling to it.
Anyone who is a big fan of George A. Romero is going to dig this kind of release. I always find George to be a very good interview and it shows here at the numerous times we have him on screen going back to interviews from Dawn of the Dead and on into the Diary of the Dead filming. The added bonus of seeing other things that have been influenced by the films, like a porno spoof for example is funny as well to see here. The only real negative a release like this will have is the fact that it probably won’t be seen as that interesting to none hardcore horror fans. Anyone who loves Romero and horror will dig taking a look at this. People who aren’t that into it as much won’t like this as much. Then again I don’t believe any none hardcore fans will be purchasing this release anyway.
(7/10)
Features
– NEW Commentary with Roy Frumkes
