DVD Review: THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD (2012)

  
THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD
Directed by Roy Frumkes
Distributed by Synapse Films

If you have never seen the documentary, THE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD, you need to check this film out asap!  Assuming you are a fan of George A. Romero's 1978 film, DAWN OF THE DEAD, that is.  Of course, I would hope anyone reading this blog is a fan of that great film. Here is the basic synopsis of the documentary from the Synapse Films website:

ROY FRUMKES’ CELEBRATION OF HORROR DIRECTOR GEORGE A. ROMERO GETS RE-EDITED, UPDATED AND RE-MASTERED! THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD IS AN ALL-NEW VERSION OF THE CLASSIC “MAKING OF” PROJECT BASED ON 1978’s DAWN OF THE DEAD!
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!

 This film is very interesting as you get to take a trip back in time and see Romero in his younger years as he directs DAWN OF THE DEAD.  Mr. Romero is almost unrecognizable for those of us that mostly know him with his white hair and beard and his signature thick black frame glasses.  You also get to see the workings of a very young Tom Savini, and the amazing effects work he did.
 It is very interesting hearing some of the behind the scenes things that went on and the filmmakers have spared no expense in getting interviews from all those involved in the film making process and even some of Romero's family and friends.   While this new edition of the documentary film also includes some clips and interviews from his more current films, it is all the info from the DAWN OF THE DEAD film that is the main star here for sure.  It was interesting to me to see the "between the takes" footage of some of the zombies as they go about their normal business while in zombie makeup.  Speaking of zombie makeup, one scene in particular I liked was of Tom Savini transforming a young actress into a zombie, complete with time lapse photography of the make up process.  Very interesting stuff!

The film is available now from Synapse Films, and the DVD includes an all-new audio commentary from Writer/Producer/Director, Roy Frumkes.

Also, while supplies last, you can order the very limited edition Blu-ray of the film from the Synapse Films website.  The exclusive Blu-ray is not sold in stores and includes the following:

*  Limited to 1500 Units!
*  Contains the new DVD version of The Definitive Document of the Dead, along with a high-definition Blu-ray of the original 1979 16mm version.
*  A fold-out poster of the new George A. Romero painting used on the cover, created by Wes Benscoter

Do yourself  a favor and pick up a copy of this film.  No zombie film fan should be without this film!


CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Synapse website exclusive limited edition Blu-ray