DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)

[Angel]

I didn't like the remake either. I think it fell apart when they got to the mall.

[Almar@Cult Labs]

I don't object to remakes but I found the new Dawn of the Dead smalltime - far bigger backing yet it feels very narrow in scope to the epic scale of the cheapo original. Worse than that though I despised the characters - I was happy for them all to get munched. Now in the original most of them were pretty gnarly but they grew on you - they were flawed rather than obnoxious.

[vincenzo]

The Arrow DVD of the original Dawn (uncut theatrical print) is a must for any collection and the extras are absolutely superb.

[Almar@Cult Labs]

Yes I must ask them what plans they have for the Romero zombie films.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Okay,we've discussed and sorted out the artwork.We've discussed what's on the discs.We've discussed the merits/non merits of HD not HD.We've discussed the certificate logos.
NOW WHAT ABOUT THE BLOODY FILM ITSELF?

Dawn of the Dead is of course the classic sequel to George A.Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.
I have fond memories of DAWN.It was one of the first films I ever saw at the dawn (no pun intended) of video.I remember the D E R Video at Home catalogue,and the image of the old Intervision cover never failed to fascinate me.A chilling portrait of a city overrun by the walking dead.
When I first saw the film,the elevator scene was the one which stuck in my mind the most.The image of one of the heroes helplessly stuck in a lift with a horde of zombies,was one that was hard to shake for a nine/ten year old!
Now,I personally LOVE Romero's original zombie groundbreaker,but DAWN runs it a very close second.Very close.
It is also great seeing the film in various different edits from various territories.It adds to a whole new perception of the film.

What's your first memories of DAWN?
Did you see it on video?
Were you lucky enough to catch it on a big screen?
What were your first impressions?
What's your favourite cut of the film?

Feel free to discuss all things DAWN here.The original.Not the remake please.

[vincenzo]

I first saw it on the cinema. Minus around 4 mins (thank you Mr Ferman) and doubled with The Brood.

The director's cut has its followers and it's very good, but I prefer the theatrical cut. A landmark film by any standards though.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Thought you might have seen it at the flicks Vince.
Good double bill for once too.
What do you think of the international cut?

[vincenzo]

I saw Night Of The Living Dead/Shivers around the same time. Great stuff.

The international cut is actually my least favourite of the versions.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

I also prefer the theatrical cut.Faster paced IMO.
That was the last version I watched.
Also the end music just sums the film up perfectly.A spot-on pop at the consumer as mindless zombie.
Correct me if I'm wrong,was it not a member of Goblin who wrote the music

[vincenzo]

Billed as 'The Goblins' in the film.

I always thought a goblin was a gnome with his head between his legs.