Night of the Living Dead 1968 in color

[UNDEAD FRED]

Have you seen the colorized version Night of the Living Dead 1968? I liked it, it seemed a little wierd but there are little details that you can pick out about the film that you really couldnt in the BW version.

[Lowrie Productions]

both versions are great.

best zombie film there is

Dan

[neoflux]

Have you seen the colorized version Night of the Living Dead 1968? I liked it, it seemed a little wierd but there are little details that you can pick out about the film that you really couldnt in the BW version.

Well there are 3 colorized versions of the 68 film. The first colorized version is notable for it's green zombies and Barbara's hair being highlighter yellow. The 2nd is more naturalized colors. The 3rd is a more recent digitally colorized that was released by some no-name Russian company. (The Russian group did a great coloring process but edited the film to hell. >_<)

All and all I stick with the B/W... though I have to admit that with the process getting cleaner every time... a few more advances in the colorization process and I might be sold.

[Flesh Jester]

I stick to black and white, if I feel like watching a color verson of the original I'll watch Savini's remake. (Its much better then the original IMO)

[ZomCom]

Well there are 3 colorized versions of the 68 film. The first colorized version is notable for it's green zombies and Barbara's hair being highlighter yellow. The 2nd is more naturalized colors. The 3rd is a more recent digitally colorized that was released by some no-name Russian company. (The Russian group did a great coloring process but edited the film to hell. >_<)

All and all I stick with the B/W... though I have to admit that with the process getting cleaner every time... a few more advances in the colorization process and I might be sold.

Color bad.:-( Whats the best B&W version?

[UNDEAD FRED]

I have the colorized version released by 20th Century Fox, it allso has the BW version on the DVD. I still havent seen the Special Edition NOTLD that came out recently. Im sure its the same version. There is allso a $1 DVD of NOTLD that Wallmart sells. They are all the same.

[MorganaLeFaye]

The best re-released version of the original NotLD is the one with Mike Nelson of MST3K commentary on it.

[neoflux]

Color bad.:-( Whats the best B&W version?

If looking for clarity the 40th Ann release looks crisp.

If looking for cost the free download copy is available at archive.org.

If you are a fan of the battle damaged aged film grindhouse aesthetic I'd say go with one of the 50 Movie Megapacks... you can get the horror one with NOTLD for like 15 bucks.

The 40th is hands down visually the best... but for me it felt off without the cracks and pops I grew up with. Overall best is subjective.

[neoflux]

The best re-released version of the original NotLD is the one with Mike Nelson of MST3K commentary on it.

That commentary track felt a bit forced. Definitely not his best work... and not really needed with a film like NOTLD.

[ZomCom]

If looking for clarity the 40th Ann release looks crisp.

If looking for cost the free download copy is available at archive.org.

If you are a fan of the battle damaged aged film grindhouse aesthetic I'd say go with one of the 50 Movie Megapacks... you can get the horror one with NOTLD for like 15 bucks.

The 40th is hands down visually the best... but for me it felt off without the cracks and pops I grew up with. Overall best is subjective.

Dang, I never thought of the imperfections as a virtue. Old School, me likes!

Neo, you have more depth than I initially gave you credit. Please accept my apology.

[zombie surfer]

I have the colourised version on VHS, it came in a box set with Day...

[retro zombie killer]

B&W is best although I might watch the color version someday if it's quality uncut version. I hate it when they go cutting a film up and getting rid of stuff.

I still only have VHS. I need to get a DVD of NOLD. I watched it with my Nephews recently and they liked it! Now they like everything with Zombies but their resident evil type zombie fans. The oldest is now a GAR fan and likes all his movies. Ended up having a Romero Film Fest.:)

[zombie surfer]

B&W is best although I might watch the color version someday if it's quality uncut version. I hate it when they go cutting a film up and getting rid of stuff.

I still only have VHS. I need to get a DVD of NOLD. I watched it with my Nephews recently and they liked it! Now they like everything with Zombies but their resident evil type zombie fans. The oldest is now a GAR fan and likes all his movies. Ended up having a Romero Film Fest.:)

Great, start em young.:) I actually saw the colour version before the B&W, my one is the same, no cuts.

[dead and loving it]

I saw a colorized version sometime in the 80's. If my memory serves me, it sucked.
I think the best B&W disc to get is the millennium edition:
http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestselling-movies-2006/3050-1.jpg

[info]

i just downloaded a color version where barbra and johnnie's car is light blue instead of bright orange. all the other versions i've seen have the orange car. does anyone know which dvd the version with the blue car is from?

[RIP]

I have the dvd of the 1968 film of it that came out a few years ago with the colorized verison and the b&w version in it too.

I liked the colorized version better to me.

[Trumble0]

I grabbed my DVD at the Dollar Store... I saw it and was like... "Could this be true, only 1$ ?!" it's the black and white complete with pops and hisses and scratches on the film. It gives it that Nostalgic feeling though. :lol:

[retro zombie killer]

I grabbed my DVD at the Dollar Store... I saw it and was like... "Could this be true, only 1$ ?!" it's the black and white complete with pops and hisses and scratches on the film. It gives it that Nostalgic feeling though. :lol:
That's what I get with my VHS tape. I want the Millenium Edition though. Folks were telling me on this board that one was the one to have although that might of changed?

[RIP]

My dvd is from 20th Century Fox set and has both the b&w and the colorized version of it and is in excellent shape. I forgot how much I paid for it though cause it's been a couple years or so. It also has a "Separated by Death" Celebrity Zombie Game on it.

[retro zombie killer]

Great, start em young.:) I actually saw the colour version before the B&W, my one is the same, no cuts. Yeah they all grew up with Zeds. Even my 3 year old knows what to do with a zombie although she's never seen one in a movie or otherwise. Maybe when she's seven? Although she plays Zombie Barbie & GI Joe's with her cousins when ever she sees them.

I like the B&W version of NOTLD '68 best and always will. I love 60's horror like The Brain That Wouldn't Die or Last Man On Earth and many others!

[retro zombie killer]

Hey Rip
is it the Millennium Edition perchance?

[neoflux]

If going for B/W and clean... go 40th an. that was released last summer by dimension extreme. It's basically the millennium edition plus the new documentary by Russ Streiner 'One for the Fire'. Though at this point it's questionable if their own opinions even can escape the bias of the opinions of other people... because 40 years of mental decay and overhearing what happened could corrupt anyones memory... so grain of salt as far as that goes.

-Mike

[RIP]

Hey Rip
is it the Millennium Edition perchance?

Nah, it's one from like 3 years ago that wasn't expensive at all. I probably got it at Best Buy for like @10.00.

[zombie surfer]

Yeah they all grew up with Zeds. Even my 3 year old knows what to do with a zombie although she's never seen one in a movie or otherwise.

Likewise, my 4 year old daughter plays zombies with my son, he's 10 & plays video games Stubbs the Zombie among others so she has kind of grown up with it. The only zombie movie she has seen is Scooby Doo on Zombie Island.:lol:

[ZomCom]

My kids (5 and 7) know Daddy has a zombie fetish. They watch Pirates of the Caribbean, Army of Darkness, and now like Plan 9. They play my favorite zombie board games with me, Mall of Horror, Zombies!!! and Last Night on Earth. But, I’m not going to subject them to anything more scary or graphic. There’s no hurry for that, and if I did I fear Mommy would de-animate me; she barely tolerates my macabre passions.

[neoflux]

My kids (5 and 7) know Daddy has a zombie fetish. They watch Pirates of the Caribbean, Army of Darkness, and now like Plan 9. They play my favorite zombie board games with me, Mall of Horror, Zombies!!! and Last Night on Earth. But, I’m not going to subject them to anything more scary or graphic. There’s no hurry for that, and if I did I fear Mommy would de-animate me; she barely tolerates my macabre passions.

Well between
Neoflux Production's Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated
http://www.fatally-yours.com/interviews/night-of-the-living-dead-reanimated-artist-mass-interview/

and

Re:Naissance's animated version of Night of the Living Dead
http://www.fatally-yours.com/news/renaissance-revolution-reanimates-night-of-the-living-dead-and-other-favorite-films/

you'll soon have 2 versions of the film which are driven more by visuals and the artistic end of the film and less by horror. That will allow you to expose your kids to NOTLD without the wife attacking you.

[zombie surfer]

My kids (5 and 7) know Daddy has a zombie fetish. They watch Pirates of the Caribbean, Army of Darkness, and now like Plan 9. They play my favorite zombie board games with me, Mall of Horror, Zombies!!! and Last Night on Earth. But, I’m not going to subject them to anything more scary or graphic. There’s no hurry for that, and if I did I fear Mommy would de-animate me; she barely tolerates my macabre passions.

I agree there is plenty time. My 4 year old watches Pirates... too & loves Gremlins but there is no need to scare them, my son has seen some harder stuff but he is 10, i was that age when my sis subjected me to horror but there is a limit plus there mum would not allow it.:)

[retro zombie killer]

Nah, it's one from like 3 years ago that wasn't expensive at all. I probably got it at Best Buy for like @10.00.
Thanks for the info, Rip!:clap::)

Likewise, my 4 year old daughter plays zombies with my son, he's 10 & plays video games Stubbs the Zombie among others so she has kind of grown up with it. The only zombie movie she has seen is Scooby Doo on Zombie Island.:lol:

Unfortunately my daughter has watched her cousins play Zombie Video games and some of them are pretty grapic. Although she was only about 2 or so at the time. Just bugged me is all. I had to put my parental foot down. I, myself haven't played a video game since the early 90's. Just never was my thing is all. I'd let her play or watch my brother playing a video game now though. He'll probably be the one teaching her how to play video games when she's older. Say 5 or 7 years.:) Pirates of the Caribbean is all right though.

Thanks for the links neoflux!:)

[theT00L]

i like the black&white version..

[retro zombie killer]

i like the black&white version..

I do too and I like it gritty! I have a topic somewhere on what do you like about NOTLD? I made it back in the day and I'm gonna go hunt it up and re-animate it.:evil:

[neoflux]

I do too and I like it gritty! I have a topic somewhere on what do you like about NOTLD? I made it back in the day and I'm gonna go hunt it up and re-animate it.:evil:

Hey some of us are already reanimating it... get your own stick.:evil:

[retro zombie killer]

Hey some of us are already reanimating it... get your own stick.:evil:
:) Good work on that by the way. Seems it doesn't matter because they deleted my old thread anyways!:cry: They up and shot it in the head and now it's sizzling in a bonfire out in the field.:-( It had it's day and now it is gone. Easy come and easy go.

[Firstmode]

This one came out in 2008, must be the newest one:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-kSRu2y0L._SS500_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Night-Living-Dead-Duane-Jones/dp/B0013D8LAE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1235901220&sr=1-2

Product Description
"The granddaddy of modern flesh-eating zombies" (Marjorie Baumgarten, The Austin Chronicle), George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead still sets the standard for all indie fright flicks. This 40th Anniversary Edition, authorized by the director himself, reanimates the landmark tale of five strangers who struggle desperately against hordes of the walking undead. Remastered and loaded with all-new Special Features, Night of the Living Dead remains "a bona fide classic... still very scary after all these years" (Jason Jones, Classic-Horror.com)

[Firstmode]

Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Edition (DVD)

* Genius Products
* George Romero
* Judith O'Dea
* Night of the Living Dead
* One for the Fire
* Zombies

Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Edition DVD review (click for larger image)Reviewed by Debi Moore

Starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Kyra Schon, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley

Directed by George A. Romero

Distributed by Genius Products

1968. If you were living then, you know what a pivotal year it was for politics, civil rights, and social upheaval. It not, you missed one hell of a ride. The three(!) television networks pushed the envelope with shows like "Laugh-In," "The Prisoner," "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," and "Peyton Place." It was also an amazing time in the world of cinema. Groundbreaking films such as Planet of the Apes, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Rosemary's Baby, and Bullitt brought people to their local theatres in droves. Superstars Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster took big career risks by appearing in the edgy The Boston Strangler and the offbeat The Swimmer, respectively. Another movie that came out that year and forever changed the way people thought of the horror genre was Night of the Living Dead, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary with, yes, yet another new DVD release. Before you say, "But I have a shelf-full of various copies of Night already," let's determine if it's a must-buy or one you can skip.

First of all, the film itself is timeless, and its 40th anniversary is a milestone worthy of recognition. The print has been remastered -- the process was overseen by Romero himself -- and has never looked better. Do I even need to synopsize the storyline? As everyone who loves films -- horror or otherwise -- knows, Night of the Living Dead pulled the genre out of the Gothic realm created by the likes of Universal, Amicus, and Hammer and plunked it right in the middle of contemporary life. It also set the bar for all zombie movies that came after it. From its seemingly idyllic opening of Barbra and her brother, Johnny's, visit to their father's gravesite to the ending shot of Ben's demise at the reckless hands of Sheriff McClelland, it is incredibly taut and suspenseful. It's also surprisingly well-acted considering that many of the cast members had never appeared on camera before. Factor in plentiful gore (especially for the standards of that time) and the script's pointed messages (whether intentional or not), and you've got a recipe for a bona fide classic. If for some bizarre reason you're reading this review and have never seen Night, stop immediately, and click the link below to order this disc.

Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Edition DVD review (click for larger image)So, aside from how the film looks, what other reasons are there to double (or triple or quadruple) dip and pick up this latest version of Night? Not the commentaries, unfortunately; both can be found on Elite's Millenium Edition. They were originally recorded for the laserdisc (remember those?) and, entertaining though they are, show their age somewhat. Too bad a different track couldn't have been incorporated in honor of the 40th. But then again, it probably would have been rather redundant considering you can only say so much about Night before you begin repeating yourself. Also recycled here are the DVD-ROM version of the screenplay and Duane Jones' final interview. However, with regard to the Ben Speaks featurette, I must say that it still packs a powerful punch despite being 20 years old, only 16 minutes long, and exclusively audio. Still photos accompany the dialogue, and it's a bit unnerving listening to that familiar voice. At first Jones seems very uncaring about his participation in this celebrated work, almost hostile even, particularly where his private life is concerned, but then his tone warms and he recounts a tender story about his most vivid memory from the shoot. His eloquence and pathos sent shivers down my spine. I'm glad to see this feature make a reappearance for those who don't yet have it in their collection.

By now you're probably wondering if there's anything fresh and worthwhile to be had here. I'm happy to report that yes, indeed there is. First up is Speak of the Dead, a 15-minute Q&A with Romero and Stuart Andrews of Rue Morgue Radio from August, 2007. The influence of EC Comics on both George as a youth and the creative process behind Night is discussed, as is the film's ending. "Who the real zombies are" is, of course, touched upon, as are the newsmen who reappear at the climax. Even back then, it seems, Romero had a hard-on for the media, a target he was finally able to go after with gusto in his most recent project, Diary of the Dead (review). Andrews tries a little too hard to sound highbrow at one point, but overall this is definitely a welcome addition to the extras.

Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Edition DVD review (click for larger image)But the true crème de la crème is One for the Fire, an 84-minute documentary produced by CRJ Productions, co-written by CRJ's principals and "Half Breed" Billy Graham, and edited by Michael Felsher's Red Shirt Pictures. The team did an exemplary job of not only paying tribute to the film's cast and crew but also getting the major players to provide so many behind-the-scene stories, tidbits, and anecdotes that viewers feel like they are "there" in the moment right along with them. I've been around Romero numerous times at conventions and similar events and always had the feeling he is quite a character, but hearing tales of him wearing a cape at one time and a sombrero at another in deference to his favorite films certainly casts him in another light! And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Of special note is how Romero's career plans evolved once he hooked up with Rudy Ricci in college. The full background of Romero and his compatriots Ricci, John Russo, brothers Russ and Gary Streiner, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, and Vince Survinski is covered with an emphasis on the formation of The Latent Image. Latent produced commercials, industrial films, and more, becoming best known for a Calgon ad. It was this endeavor that ultimately resulted in the partnership of ten individuals known as Image Ten Productions. This group of guys and gals who banded together to ensure that Night saw the light of day worked hard to make their dream come true; yet, they still found the time to be quite the party animals. But then again, we are talking about the Sixties so you can make your own assumption about what sort of "party favors" may have been fueling their escapades.

Rest assured, though, that One for the Fire is far from being just about jokes and levity regarding George and his cohorts. It reenacts Night's opening scene of Barbra and Johnny traveling to the cemetery; only it's the Judy O'Dea and Russ Streiner of today returning to the site. For Judy, it was her first visit since that fateful moment 40 years ago when she fled from Bill Hinzman as Zombie #1, and the emotions that pass across her face are quite moving. As is the case later on in the doc when Russo and Streiner descend into the infamous basement where much of the action in Night takes place. (It was actually the cellar of the office building that housed Latent Image.) It had been some time since either of them had been there, and it was truly heartbreaking to hear them reminisce about all the footage, documents, and other memorabilia that were lost when a flood swept through the location. I kept hoping for Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper) to pop out, armed with a trowel, and chase the men around the room in order to lighten the mood. Unexpectedly, Russo comes off quite well in the documentary and almost redeems himself for the ignominy known as Night 30. (Don't get carried away, people; you'll notice I said "almost"!)

Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Edition DVD review (click for larger image)Most poignant of all are the interviews with Karl Hardman, who sadly passed away before One for the Fire was completed and to whom the project is dedicated. His recollections, along with those of his partner, Marilyn, are heartfelt and brought more than one tear to the eyes of this reviewer, particularly when they're discussing their relationship with and memories of Duane Jones. Romero, too, has nothing but nice things to say about Jones, the most interesting of which is how the actor kept pressing the director to use his being black to make a statement in the film, but Romero put him off, instead choosing to portray the character exactly as written without letting race enter into the mix. He also paints a vivid picture of Keith Wayne, who portrayed Tom in the film. Strangely, no mention of Judith Ridley (Judy) is made by anyone involved. Oversight? Possibly. But it's a glaring one and the main weak link of the project.

One for the Fire closes with a segment entitled "Legacy" in which six lucky people (including Dread Central's own Uncle Creepy) speak about the impact Night of the Living Dead had on them as individuals and our society as a whole. I won't give away everyone who's included other than to say that, to this woman, Greg Nicotero, Bill Moseley, and UC (I admit to a bit of prejudice where he's concerned) provide the most engaging anecdotes.

Without a doubt One for the Fire is the primary reason to add the 40th Anniversary Edition to your DVD collection. First-time producer/director Chris Roe and company have crafted a beautiful, respectful homage to this landmark film that works as a perfect companion piece. If only there was more of it! I'm well aware of the old adage "always leave them wanting more," but surely there are hours of interviews that didn't make the final cut. Hopefully another, longer version will eventually find its way out to the public. In the meantime, we'll take what we've got as it's both extremely informative and tremendously enjoyable.

To sum up: Film -- even better than any of the previous incarnations thanks to modern technology's ability to give it its best look and sound yet. Extras -- a bit repetitive with other releases, but the new interview with Romero and One for the Fire propel this edition into must-have territory. The events that transpired in Night might not have been, as Ben says, a "Sunday School picnic," but this DVD is a veritable feast. Make sure you don't miss out on a single taste of its goodness. Oh, and by the way ...

I knew I was right, damnit!

# Special Features Audio commentary by George A. Romero, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, and John A. Russo
# Audio commentary by Russell W. Streiner, Vince Surinski, Judith O'Dea, Bill Hinzman, Kyra Schon, and Keith Wayne
# One for the Fire: The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead documentary
# Speak of the Dead: A Conversation with George A. Romero Q&A
# Ben Speaks: The Last Interview with Duane Jones (audio only)
# Original theatrical trailer
# Still gallery
# Original screenplay DVD-ROM

[neoflux]

If looking for clarity the 40th Ann release looks crisp.

If looking for cost the free download copy is available at archive.org.

If you are a fan of the battle damaged aged film grindhouse aesthetic I'd say go with one of the 50 Movie Megapacks... you can get the horror one with NOTLD for like 15 bucks.

The 40th is hands down visually the best... but for me it felt off without the cracks and pops I grew up with. Overall best is subjective.

Yeah 40th was mentioned back on page 1. :-P

[retro zombie killer]

Sounds like this is the version for me to get!

[JohnDRobinson]

The millenium edition is the one. I got the 40th, too, and wasn't all that impressed.

[retro zombie killer]

My Ex got me the 40th! I got to go get it! She saw it at Barnes & Nobles and snagged me a copy while she got her own!

[ZomCom]

Your Ex bought NotLD for herself? My wife wouldn't watch it if you paid her.

And, your EX bought you a copy, too? How'd you let her get away?

[retro zombie killer]

That's the only one she likes. The rest of them she considers garbage even the ones by Romero, but NOTLD she likes. Go figure! That was one of the many issues we argued over! She absolutely hates ROTLD and ChildrenOTLD!

As for how I let her get away? Constant arguing about the dumbest issues and people changing? Her issues with me and mine with her! Too much friction! We're happier apart and are great friends! You live and learn!