Customer Ratings & Reviews

George Romero’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD from 1968 has had a greater impact on me than any other piece of art with the exception of the original Star Wars Trilogy. I’ve seen it at least twenty times and it never gets old. A ferocious commentary on the Viet Nam war, civil rights, and the traditional American nuclear family, it also completely works on the surface level as a horrifying and unsettling genre definer. Our idea of the zombie as we know it originates with this film. Inspiring legions of films that followed, there’s a reason this is considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time and certainly the most influential of the last fifty years. Lifting generously from Rchard Matheson’s novel, I AM LEGEND, and the cowboy and Indians Western siege film, Romero crafts a tale that satirically comments on a group of characters that are unable to unite against a common foe. Trapped in a single location as the zombie menace grows outside, Romero ratchets up the tension in the house until their squabbling leads to their doom. You can almost see the turning point in film history when the film goes from standard drive-in fare to truly shocking horror. Romero and company had something to say and the film grabs you by the throat. The mood created by the combination of the incongruous yet perfect sci fi score, moody black and white cinematography, and unknown actors lend a hard, realistic edge to the proceedings. The ending is still devastating and offers a bleak summation of the nature of humanity. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, along with PSYCHO, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, and HALLOWEEN, is a pillar of modern horror. I would argue even that it’s one of those rare pieces of art that hugely influenced our culture in general. One need only look at the massive popularity of THE WALKING DEAD to see Romero’s long reach, all these decades later. Beyond his political points he was making, which are somewhat rooted in their time, his social criticisms still resonate today. I count this, as well as the other entries in the original Dead Trilogy, to be amongst my all time favorites. Entertaining, thought provoking, game changing, and horrifying, it is an absolute must see for any film fan. Criterion's blu ray is the definitive release for the film, even if it lacks the comprehensive behind the scenes doc, One for the Fire, included on other editions.

The one that started it all, superb remastering along with some great extras. It's a must-buy for any zombie fan

This is one of my most prizes possessions. George Romeo in life made alot of fantastic cult following movies. But this was the first. This is digitalized and restored in a 2k scan of the original 6mm camera used at the time of the original filming. This makes a flawless watch out of one of the greatest horror zombie films ever pit together. This is the true orgins of the zombie craze that anyone has today.

I have purchased this film many times over the years attempting to get the best quality version I can own. With the release of the Criterion bluray I feel that mission is at long last accomplished. Criterion always does a terrific job and NOTLD is not an exception. The picture and sound has been beautifully restored and it includes a second disc with a good amount of bonus features.

I can't count how many copies i've owned of this movie with VHS, DVD and now this Blu Ray but I think this will be the last one I need. The quality on this is superb with many extras. Blu Rays these days come out every (insert year here) anniversary but I don't think they will be able to top this release.

One of the best films ever made and what one could do with a small budget during the late 1960s. Romero brought the modern zombies to the big screen and has since then influenced the zombie genre.

I have seen this move multiple times but have never seen it look as good as this Criterion release. Highly recommended.

A straight up classic simple story about the dead rising from the grave engaging characters great story

The first and only true zombie movie. A true horror classic by a genius director. A great film to play on Halloween.

It’s one of the best purchases a fan of this classic can make, it’s a great movie now with a stunning HD feel and look to it.

I’m so glad that Criterion was able to release this. This is the movie that started it all for me!!

Wonderful transfer from criterion. I was blown away

Yes it’s a little dated but honestly really well done!

If you area fan of the film, this is the version you want to own.

Criterion did a fantastic job remastering George Romero's masterpiece. If you intend to buy this film this is the edition to own