Dawn of the Dead’s 3 Different Cuts Explained
George A. Romero’s zombie classic Dawn of the Dead is actually available in three different cuts, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
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George A. Romero’s zombie classic Dawn of the Dead is actually available in three different cuts, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Romero of course invented the zombie genre as we know it today via the 1968 masterpiece Night of the Living Dead. While a copyright snafu accidentally sent that film straight into the public domain, that thankfully didn’t happen when it came time for Romero to continue what would become his zombie apocalypse franchise a decade later.
While Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead all have arguments to be made that they’re Romero’s best zombie effort, most fans would likely give the nod to Dawn, which may just be the ultimate example of a zombie movie done right. With great characters, jaw-dropping gore effects, a terrific mall location, and Romero’s usual spot-on social commentary, Dawn of the Dead is a film that still holds up well over 40 years later, and even though some elements have naturally become dated, most find Romero’s Dawn of the Dead superior to Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake.
Every horror fan over a certain age is likely quite familiar with Dawn of the Dead. What some may not realize, however, is that Romero’s zombie opus is available to watch in not one, not two, but three different versions. Here’s a look at those differing variations.
Dawn of the Dead’s 3 Different Cuts Explained
The version of Dawn of the Dead most fans are likely familiar with is the standard 127-minute theatrical cut. This is the version that’s been released most often on home video and is for all intents and purposes the “default” version. All the most iconic Dawn of the Dead moments are present and accounted for, and the score is a mix of music composed by the Italian group Goblin and library tracks chosen by Romero. Those who really enjoy Dawn of the Dead’s cast could see them flesh out their characters in the extended cut, which runs 139 minutes. Notably, this version’s score is almost entirely library music and omits Goblin’s work.
It’s also important to note, however, that the 139-minute extended cut is NOT Romero’s director’s cut. The extended cut was actually edited down into what became the theatrical cut, and the 127-minute cut is Romero’s preferred version of Dawn of the Dead. Making things more complicated is the existence of the 119-minute European cut, which was edited together by Italian horror icon Dario Argento, who produced the film. This cut is faster-paced, and removes some dialogue-heavy scenes and comedic bits, choosing instead to amp up the horror and action factors, with a score that’s almost entirely Goblin’s. All three versions are now readily available on the Dawn of the Dead Blu-ray edition as extras for fans to form their own opinions of the various cuts and their individual merits. To top things off, though, there’s technically a fourth cut that combines footage from all three of the cuts detailed above, but that version isn’t officially sanctioned by anyone involved with making Dawn of the Dead.
Which Version of Dawn of the Dead is Best?
While the answer to which version of Dawn of the Dead is best is largely subjective, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. In terms of straight-cut horror, Argento’s European version is best, as it forgoes much of the film’s more comedic and satirical aspects. The theatrical cut is the most balanced of the three official versions, with an even mix of horror, action, and satire in turns. With regards to exploring Dawn of the Dead’s themes, the extended cut is superior, with the most notable additions being early scenes that gently foreshadow Dawn of the Dead’s ending and an added sequence showing the characters attempting to unwind in various ways in the mall giving them each a little more depth.
Although the viewer’s preference ultimately influences the decision on which Dawn of the Dead cut is best, each comes with both positive and negative aspects. Regardless of the outcome of the debate over which version is the best, the fact that so many cuts of the film exist leaves fans spoiled for choice. And whether it’s the Theatrical Cut, Extended Cut, or European Cut being discussed, Dawn of the Dead’s lasting legacy is a testament to the film’s overall quality.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/dawn-dead-movie-different-cuts-explained/