The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 12, 2021

1989’s “The Laughing Dead” wasn’t exactly created by amateurs, but the production comes close. Involving numerous first-time filmmakers and a cast of acting novices, the picture looks to generate a decent screen nightmare involving dreamscape horrors, Aztec brutality, and demonic visitation. Writer/director Somtow Sucharitkul has something big in mind with his helming debut, but he’s not big on tight pacing, allowing “The Laughing Deal” to stand around for about 40 minutes before it gets something going with gruesome events. It’s a patience-tester, but the endeavor finally gets around to conjuring some blood-and-guts mayhem, creating a climax that’s almost worth the long journey there.

“The Laughing Dead” tracks the unfolding disaster happening to Father O’Sullivan (sci-fi author Tim Sullivan), who leads a group of tourists to Mexico to study Aztec history, only to come into contact with cult violence, including a leader (Somtow Sucharitkul) looking to use the priest as a tool to help resurrect a “death god.” The opening act is devoted to character introductions and family ties, but thespian talent isn’t readily available to the production, which has to make do with weak performances trying to make sense of cartoony characterizations. Once the story reaches Mexico, horrible things start happening between dull scenes of melodrama, with graphic bodily harm becoming a priority for the production. It all leads to a more active finale, which is where “The Laughing Dead” truly shines, providing some weirdo action involving ancient Mexican horror, easing up on the dead-end plot to supply gruesome events.

The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a new 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative. Apparently never released in America, "The Laughing Dead" arrives on Blu-ray with superb detail, bringing the low-budget picture to life with textured skin and fibrous costuming, including ceremonial gear and religious garb. Gore zone visits are defined, presenting a chance to study the artistry of bodily harm and monster making. Exteriors are dimensional. Colors are respectfully refreshed, securing natural skintones and desertscapes. Costuming brings out brighter reds and greens, also exploring southwestern hues with authority. Delineation is strong, preserving evening chases and dimly lit locations. Source is in excellent condition.

The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a few areas of damage, but largely remains intact. Dialogue exchanges are clearly defined, encountering a few sibilance issues along the way. Scoring cues are distinct, supporting human and horror moods. Sound effects are blunt but effective.

The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Somtow Sucharitkul.

• "Unholy Assembly: Crafting 'The Laughing Dead'" (35:12, HD) is a candid making-of documentary featuring interviews with writer/director Somtow Sucharitkul, producer Lex Nakashima, cinematographer David Boyle, costumer Shellagh Hannigan, transportation captain Ron Ford, second unit director Michael Deal, and actors Tim Sullivan and Premika Eaton. For Nakashima, comic book appreciation led to a friendship with Sucharitkul, hatching a plan to make a movie together. Casting is explored, with sci-fi authors placed in major roles, avoiding professional talent in the process. Location work in Tucson is recalled, as the production was looking to sell the Arizona desert as remote part of Mexico. Photography ideas are highlighted, which connects with special effects, as the shoot proved to be a learning experience for both departments. Sucharitkul examines his role as a director, admitting that up to four different people were actually in charge of the picture. Music is celebrated, and distribution woes are investigated, as a U.S. release for "The Laughing Dead" never materialized, creating a big market for bootlegs. The documentary closes with an update on most of the interviewees and their current careers.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Laughing Dead Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It takes a significant amount of time for "The Laughing Dead" to get going, but it eventually finds its way to amusing nonsense, with monsters soon entering the picture. The feature isn't a shining example of production polish and editorial thought, but it eventually delivers a bloodbath, rewarding those willing to work through some limp storytelling with inexperienced filmmakers for the first half of the endeavor.