At first, one may ask why a major studio like Fox would bother releasing a DVD version of a film that is not only public domain, but has already been issued hundreds of times by every cut-rate video distributor on Earth. Two things help answer that question. First, this is the first DVD presentation of a colorized version of the movie; second, the special features emphasize humor over the usual behind-the-scenes information. So, do these bonuses make the disc worth purchasing? Well, yes and no. Mostly yes.

Unless you've been stranded on a deserted island for the past 34 years, you're at least familiar with the story; seven people barricade themselves in an abandoned Pennsylvania farmhouse while increasing numbers of zombies (the recently dead that arise to feed on the living) gather outside. NOTLD is a touchstone horror film of historical importance as being George A. Romero's first feature, as well as a supreme example of expert craftsmanship on a shoestring budget, demonstrating you don't need millions of Hollywood dollars to scare the shit out of people. It is one of the first modern horror films to successfully attempt social statements of the era in which it was filmed (the bleak, nihilistic tone of the movie is often sited by historians & critics as a commentary on the civil unrest of late-60's), one of the first to feature a black hero whose ethnic background is never an issue, and of course, one of the first graphically violent horror films to make any sort of impact on the way movies would be made afterwards (though the scenes of carnage may seem tame today, the influence of NOTLD on modern horror is probably only equaled by Psycho, The Exorcist and Halloween ). Of course, most of you reading already know this, and probably already own one of the countless versions of the film on DVD. I guess the much of the decision to purchase this version depends on whether or not you're dying to see the movie in color. Personally, I think colorizing NOTLD is akin to cinematic blasphemy. The stark use of black and white and low-grade film stock is a huge part of what makes the movie so unnerving even today. The addition of color detracts from its bleak and foreboding tone. Everything is so garishly bright that many scenes resemble an Andy Warhol painting, and the original version's effective use of lighting and shadow is lost. This disc is mainly intended for those who just can't stand to watch anythin g in beautiful black and white.

Now that I'm done bitching about the colorization of the movie, what about the overall quality of the transfer itself? Admittedly, even in the color version, it's a damn sight better than most of the cheap-jack versions by other distributors. The movie is 34 years old, so some artifacts and blemishes are inevitable, but for the most part, Fox has done a good job restoring the picture. This is also the best NOTLD has ever sounded, rendered in both 5.1 Dolby and 5.1 DTS. For you purists out there, the original mono track is also included.

If it's informational extras you seek, the misguided 30 th anniversary edition by Elite Entertainment is probably your best bet, as it includes input from people who were actually involved in the movie's production (no Romero, though); but that version actually commits worse sins than colorizing the movie...clumsily inserted (and poorly made) new footage is added, as well as a newly-composed music score which does nothing to enhance the mood of the picture. The extras in this new version are essentially dedicated to making fun of the movie - not a bad idea, since the behind-the-scenes history of NOTLD is mostly common knowledge for horror fans. "Separated at Death" is an amusing interactive feature that compares featured zombies with modern celebrities, such as Courtney Love, Aston Kutcher and Marilyn Manson. The best feature, and probably the only real reason to purchase this disc, is the full-length audio commentary by Mike Nelson from Mystery Science Theater 3000. Mike has made a nice little post- MST3K career by writing essays and books ripping into every popular movie ever made. While he offers some interesting info on the actors in the film, most of his commentary is dedicated to pointing out all that is stupid about the movie. It's sometimes clever and often pretty funny, but his robot counterparts are also sorely missed (I'm actually surprised they never got around to ribbing this one during the original run of the MST3K series). But those of you (like me) who miss the show can enjoy the closest thing we're ever likely to come to a new MST3K episode. Horror purists who simply wish to see the original in all its glory will be happy to know it is also included here as a special feature, without color, 5.1 sound and commentary. Similar Films: Dawn of the Dead; Day of the Dead; Night of the Living Dead (1990); Mystery Science Theater 3000

Fox's version of Night of the Living Dead isn't really aimed at horror purists, but I have to admit it's kind of nice to see a major studio try to have some fun with a film widely considered part of the cinematic horror canon. The colorization of the movie is awful, and will do nothing to cement the argument for doing the same to other movies, but at least Fox has provides a few extra features that may prompt some folks to buy the movie yet again.