George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead, the fourth installment in his iconic zombie series that began with 1968’s Night of the Living Dead, opens with a series of faux-news broadcasts updating viewers on the grim state of humanity amidst an advanced zombie apocalypse.
In this post-apocalyptic world, human survivors have retreated into heavily fortified city-states, and one such stronghold is Pittsburgh. The city’s wealthy elite reside in Fiddler’s Green, a luxurious apartment complex, while the common folk face the dangers of the undead outside its walls.
Kaufman (Dennis Hopper), a wealthy businessman, runs the stronghold from within Fiddler’s Green, protected by the armored battle vehicle, Dead Reckoning. Riley Denbo (Simon Baker) commands the vehicle’s crew, which includes his second-in-command, Cholo DeMora (John Leguizamo). The crew is tasked with eliminating zombies and running vital supply missions, but Riley has grown weary of the life and dreams of escaping to Canada with his deformed sidekick, Charlie (Robert Joy).
However, a critical problem arises when Cholo, denied residency in Fiddler’s Green despite having the funds to secure a place, steals Dead Reckoning and threatens to destroy the Green unless he receives a large sum of money. Kaufman, enraged by the theft, calls Riley to retrieve the vehicle, leading to a dangerous confrontation. Complicating matters are the increasingly intelligent zombies, led by Big Daddy (Eugene Clark), a former gas station owner who has gained the ability to use tools and reason. As Riley and his team venture back into the zombie-ravaged world, they must deal not only with the undead but with Cholo’s escalating demands.
Romero’s Land of the Dead delivers his signature blend of gory spectacle and biting social commentary, this time through larger set pieces made possible by a higher budget. The film includes an iconic vehicle in Dead Reckoning and numerous zombie action scenes, reminiscent of the violence and gore seen in 1978’s Dawn of the Dead. While some of the action is obscured by the film’s dark, night-time settings, the abundant gore and unique zombie makeup, including the memorable Big Daddy, deliver the thrills expected from a Romero film.
In addition to the performances of Hopper, Leguizamo, and Argento, Land of the Dead also stars Baker and Joy, who bring depth and nuance to their roles, offering a compelling portrayal of two men caught in a grim, zombie-filled world. While the film is drenched in horror and bleakness, it also features moments of pathos and human connection, adding emotional weight to the carnage.
For fans of the film, Land of the Dead is available in a comprehensive 3-disc collector’s edition from Scream Factory. Disc 1 includes the unrated cut of the film along with two archival audio commentaries, one featuring Romero, producer Peter Grunwald, and editor Michael Doherty, and the other with zombie performers Matt Blazi, Glena Chao, Michael Felsher, and Rob Mayr. These commentaries provide a wealth of behind-the-scenes insight and anecdotes about the film’s production.
Disc 2 offers a Blu-ray edition of the unrated cut, along with additional commentaries, featurettes, and a look at the film’s make-up effects. Other highlights include a “making of” documentary, behind-the-scenes footage hosted by Leguizamo, and a discussion of Shaun of the Dead’s Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s contributions to the film.
Disc 3 features the theatrical cut of the film and additional interviews with cast members, as well as the documentary Dream of the Dead, which provides an in-depth look at the film’s production, complete with commentary from director Roy Frumkes. This disc also includes deleted scenes, a photo gallery, and the film’s original trailer.
Though Land of the Dead may not be Romero’s final zombie film, it serves as a strong conclusion to his vision of a world ravaged by the undead. With its thrilling action, memorable characters, and gruesome effects, the film will satisfy both gore-hounds and fans of Romero’s thought-provoking social commentary.
Related topic:
Magenta Light Acquires Domestic Rights to Deep Water for Theatrical Release
Julia Roberts Teams Up with James Gray for ‘Kill Your Darlings’ Adaptation
Matt Damon Exits Netflix’s ‘Animals’, Ben Affleck to Take Lead