PopHorror Let's Get Scared
You know from that opening scream, things are about to get strange. And “strange”
is a very apt term to describe director Lucio Fulci’s splattery masterpiece, City of the Living Dead. After two very different Blu-ray releases, Cauldron Films has upped the ante with their new 4K transfer.
Synopsis: “A reporter and a psychic race to close the Gates of Hell after the suicide of a clergyman caused them to open, allowing the dead to rise from their graves.”
Riding high on the wave and sales of Zombie (aka Zombi 2), Italian shock cinema maestro Fulci (Cat In The Brain) decided a Lovecraftian atmosphere was his next move in the realm of horror and hunkered down with frequent collaborator Dardano Sacchetti (The New York Ripper) to write a suitably creepy script involving witches, ancient evil, and a portal to Hell. Early drafts had the story set in Salem, which in an attempt to connect a decidedly un-Lovecraftian tale to the legendary writer, was changed to Dunwich before production began (inexplicably, Lovecraft still got a posthumous writing credit).
Square jawed leading man Christopher George (Grizzly) was brought onboard as Peter to increase commercial appeal (Fulci had a tempestuous relationship with George and referred to him as “the dog with a cigar”). Relative newcomer Catriona MacColl (The Beyond) was cast as Mary after initially wanting to turn down the role as she didn’t feel the script was strong but was convinced to sign on by her agent who advised her “no one is going to see it anyways”.
Famous last words, as City of the Living Dead has taken on a life of its own (pun intended) among genre fans and is arguably some of Fulci’s finest work. With the main protagonists cast, the pervy and unfortunate Bob was effectively played by Giovanni Lombardo Radice (Cannibal Ferox), and soon-to-be prolific horror director Michele Soavi (The Church) makes an appearance as Tommy while Fulci fan favorite Fabio Frizzi does the score. Definitely a precursor to some of the themes Fulci would explore to greater effect in The Beyond and House by the Cemetery, City of the Living Dead is a bold, surreal, unflinching dive into shock cinema. To say this 4K restoration and transfer is hotly anticipated by horror collectors is an understatement.
To that end, the transfer looks amazing! Surprisingly sharp, gore-hounds will revel in seeing Daniela Doria (The Black Cat) barf her guts out (literally), oozing maggot storms, gooey wormy zombie cheeks, chunky brain grabbing, Bob groping an “inflate-a-date” before getting drilled, kids in peril, a bar owner who looks like Hooper & Quint from Jaws had a love child, and more bloodshed than any self-respecting splatter fan can shake a stick at, all in stunning 4K definition!
Much sharper than my reference Blu-ray of the 2018 Arrow UK release, this one features rich colors, permeating mist, and deep blacks that work to paint a gorgeous picture of a film that really deserves the kind of release that Cauldron put together. Featuring reversible artwork, and a ton of assembled extras over the set’s three discs, highlights include a lengthy interview with the late great Radice (who discusses everything from his dogs to his sexuality!), a video tour of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia where portions of the film were shot, archival commentary tracks with MacColl and Radice, new commentaries from experts on all things Fulci, interviews and a few Easter eggs. Literally the only – and I mean the only – thing missing is the Gates of Hell (the US title) edit.
City of the Living Dead is largely regarded as a classic example of splatter cinema by fans and critics alike, and rightfully so. It’s an important film in both Fulci’s catalog, and the genre as a whole. If you’re on the fence about ordering this one, I can say with conviction this is exactly how you do an amazingly complete, interactive, and visually pleasing release of a revered classic, by an equally revered visionary like Fulci. Who knew a priest swinging from a noose in a creepy cemetery in high def could be so easy on the eyes?
Cauldron Films’ City of the Living Dead 4K UHD set will be available August 29, 2023, from MVD Visual and other fine retailers.
Note: When you order the retail edition of City of the Living Dead UHD from either Cauldron Films or DiabolikDVD directly, it will come with The Gates of Hell slipcase that mimics the classic big box VHS (While supplies last. Offer can end at any time).
