In 1936 Karloff would be directed by the prolific director Michael Curtiz in the horror film The Walking Dead. Now as we are rapidly approaching the film's 90th anniversary, Warner Archive Collection have restored the film and released it on Blu-ray.
Synopsis: John Elman (Karloff) is a man who comes back from the dead to seek revenge on the gangsters who framed him for the murder of the judge who first jailed him. After evidence proving Elman's innocence arrives seconds following his electrocution, officials allow Dr. Evan Beaumont (Edmund Gwenn) to experiment with putting a mechanical heart into Elman. The device revives the dead man, but he has become a monstrous, white-haired, vengeful zombie.
When people think 'The Walking Dead' in this generation, most think Rick Grimms, Daryl Dixon and others in the TV universe. Zombies were forever changed with George A. Romero, but before that zombies were not dead that were reanimated and eat flesh.
Boris Karloff is not the sinister character we see in many of his horror entries. Here he is a man that has been convicted falsely. Karloff brings a real pathos to this role. There are also amazing performances by Edmund Gwenn (Miracle on 34th Street) and Marguerite Churchill (The Big Trail).
The film is expertly directed by the great Michael Curtiz. While that name may not be as well-known as directors like, Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder or John Ford, you know doubt have seen many of his films. He is responsible for bringing us, Casablanca, Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Adventures of Robin Hood, White Christmas, Angels with Dirty Faces, Mildred Pierce and many more.
Warner Archive Collection has transferred The Walking Dead for the first time to Blu-Ray in 1080p the film is presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 20. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The new transfer is not just any transfer it is sourced from a 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative. As we have come to expect this restoration is a remarkable one.
The glorious black and white picture really shine in this new restoration. Warner Archive continually impresses with their wonderful work in restoring these classic films. They should be applauded for bringing new life to these films. But a wonderful restoration is not all that is included on this Blu-ray disc. Take a look at what is included.
* Commentary by Film Historian Greg Mank
* New Commentary by Film Historian and author Alan K. Rode
* Documentary-Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You've Never Heard Of
* Classic Cartoons
- The Cat Came Back (1936) A momma cat and momma mouse are teaching their babies about the mortal enemies. But after two of each of the children become friends, maybe this will change nature, and mice and cats will be friends.
- Let It Be Me (1936) Rooster Bingo, a popular radio crooner, takes a girl for a ride to the city. But Bingo gets bored of her and has her thrown out of the night club. Pennyless she's now struggling to survive in the big city.
* Original Theatrical Trailer
As I have written many times, I love the addition of the classic cartoons. These make the Blu-ray releases so much better. But on this Blu-ray the best bonus feature has to be the documentary Micheal Curtiz: The Greatest Director You've Never Heard of. It is amazing to realize that this prolific director is responsible for some of the best films, and most would never even know it! This is a wonderful watch and a must see in my opinion.
Warner Archive Collection has done it again releasing a must own Blu-ray for classic horror film fans. I would say your Karloff collection is incomplete without this Blu-ray. It looks so stunning and deserves a place in anyone's collection. Head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Walking Dead recevies.....
0 Comments