Doin' It Again [DVD]

Previously released from a multitude of companies, Elite Entertainment's Millennium Edition version of George A. Romero's classic horror film Night of the Living Dead is equally fantastic and worthwhile. Elite had previously released the film on DVD in 1997, but this edition most certainly retires it. Although it does contain the same extras as the earlier disc, the Millennium Edition also contains material from the Elite laserdisc as well, making this version a must for Deadheads. The transfer -- as with the earlier release -- is superb and far superior to all other video versions. If you're debating which of the many editions to purchase for your own DVD collection, the choice is an easy one to make. The other versions may be cheaper, but the quality here is far better. Included on the disc are the same dual commentary tracks featuring Romero and most of the cast that were included on the previous Elite release, along with the film parody "Night of the Living Bread," trailers and TV spots, stills, production photos, and TV spots and short films that Romero directed for his company The Latent Image. But this disc also includes many extras that the previous Elite DVD does not contain, including a short bit chronicling the history of The Latent Image, scenes from the ill-fated Romero film There's Always Vanilla (a romantic youth-oriented comedy that is still a sore spot for the director due to a miserable production), video interviews with actress Judith Ridley and actor Duane Jones, the entire original shooting script, and much more. The film is offered in its proper 1.33:1 aspect ratio and with its original mono soundtrack, a Dolby Digital 5.1 remix track, or a newly approved THX option. Liner notes written by author Stephen King are also included. The only thing sadly missing from this release is the little practical joke that was included on the previous Elite disc. When starting up the previous version, a horribly scratchy, jumpy, and worn print of the film appeared on the screen. Basically, it was how the film had always looked. But then the Elite Entertainment logo exploded onto the screen, followed by the new and improved digitally remastered transfer. It was a funny trick and a useful one to boot, as it simply gave the viewer a chance to compare the two versions. Nevertheless, this Millennium Edition should more than satiate fans of this enduring classic.