The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie Review

A longstanding home for horror entertainment, Hammer Films finds fertile creative ground with 1966’s “The Plague of the Zombies,” finding frights from the zombie genre. Tales of the undead are common today, but over 50 years ago, such an uprising was a unique treat, giving screenwriter Peter Bryan a shot to shake up the norm and present a movie that tries to play by Hammer rules, but shows more hustle when it comes to chills, also filling out this world with impressive technical achievements to support the black magic mayhem that slowly unfolds.

The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Plague of the Zombies" was originally offered on Blu-ray from Studio Canal back in 2012, making a return to visibility via Shout Factory. The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation appears to be the same found on the previous disc, which isn't a problem, as the feature has enjoyed a decent restoration to put it back into shape, and the results are easy to appreciate. Source is largely free of damage and debris, offering a smooth, clean viewing experience. Colors are tastefully managed, pushing blood reds to mark the macabre mood, while undead make-up application handles with a greenish decay. Skintones are natural, and costuming brings out brighter hues to sell the period mood. Detail is acceptable, with decent facial surfaces and textured clothing, doing well with tattered zombie wear and refined outfits. Delineation is satisfactory.

The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix opens aggressively, with the harsh beating of voodoo drums, but the listening event for "The Plague of the Zombies" isn't particularly problematic, save for a few small sync issues. Dialogue exchanges are defined adequately, handling English emphasis and black magic chants. Accents are accessible. Scoring needs are met, with adequate instrumentation, delivering a forceful sense of threat when zombie attacks arrive. Age is apparent but not intrusive.

The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features filmmaker Constantine Nash and film historian Steve Haberman.

• Commentary #2 features author Troy Howarth.

• "The World of Hammer: Mummies, Werewolves, and the Living Dead" (24:55, SD) is an episode of the clip show, narrated by Oliver Reed. Hammer productions recounted for viewers include "Curse of the Mummy's Tomb," "Curse of the Werewolf," "The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires," "Blood from the Mummy's Tomb," and "The Plague of the Zombies."

• "Raising the Dead" (35:27, HD) is the making-of for "The Plague of the Zombies," gathering select film historians, critics, and talent from picture, including actors John Carson and Jacqueline Pearce. A history of the production is recounted, with Hammer looking to save money by reusing sets from "The Reptile," and a script analysis is offered, with one talking head noticing similarities to "Dracula." Director John Gilling is recalled, including the wrath of his hair-trigger temper, and casting is examined, with star Andre Morell also testy on set with those he deemed below his talents, acting rudely to Diane Clare. An appreciation of scoring efforts from James Bernard is included, and anecdotes concerning life inside the tiny Bray Studios are shared. Closing out the featurette is an overview of restorations work required to bring "The Plague of the Zombies" back to cinematic life.

• Restoration Comparison (3:37, HD) showcases the clean-up effort with split-screen evidence.

• Still Gallery (7:10) includes publicity snaps, BTS photos, international poster art, newspaper ads, and lobby cards.

• And various Theatrical Trailers (7:10, HD) are included.

The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Plague of the Zombies" retains Hammer's way with slow-burn pacing, which doesn't inspire a consistent level of suspense. However, when it feels ready to get weird, it actually does, submitting all kinds of grim events, unnerving imagery, and scare zones to get under viewer skin. Performances help the endeavor reach a level of respectability as well, with the cast committing to the premise, even when things get a little too bizarre in the climax. "The Plague of the Zombies" is strong work from Hammer Films and director John Gilling, who labors well with low-budget constraints, crafting a compelling chiller and pulling off one of the first shots fired in the long history of zombie menace on the big screen.