Scream Factory has revealed that George A. Romero’s iconic zombie film, Day of the Dead, will receive a special restoration. This new edition aligns with the film’s 40th anniversary, which occurs this year.
The upcoming release will be presented as a 4K UHD edition. Additionally, Scream Factory announced that they have located original film elements to incorporate into this new version. An Instagram post from the company offers a glimpse of the release, which does not yet have a confirmed launch date but is anticipated to be available later this year. The official anniversary date was July 19, the day before this announcement.
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Day of the Dead was both written and directed by George A. Romero and marked the third major zombie film from the renowned horror filmmaker. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, which debuted in 1968, is credited with establishing the modern depiction of zombies in film. Following it, the 1978 sequel Dawn of the Dead also garnered a positive reception from horror audiences, paving the way for the release of Day of the Dead in 1985. All three films are widely regarded as some of the finest zombie movies ever created.
Set many years after a devastating zombie apocalypse, Day of the Dead portrays a group of survivors residing in an underground bunker as they endeavor to find effective ways to navigate their dire situation by gaining knowledge about the undead. However, their sanctuary is eventually compromised, resulting in violent chaos.
While Day of the Dead has influenced numerous subsequent zombie films, none have captured the same acclaim as Romero’s original. An unofficial prequel, Day of the Dead 2: Contagium, was launched in 2005. A loose remake sharing the same title was released directly to DVD in 2008, followed by another rendition called Day of the Dead: Bloodline in 2018. Additionally, a one-season series adaptation aired on Syfy in 2021.
The celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Day of the Dead go beyond the new 4K UHD release. Fans will also have the chance to view the film in theaters. Special screenings will take place this month and extend through October 31 at various cinemas and drive-ins in tribute to the anniversary. More details about the screenings can be found at Day40th.com.
Day of the Dead is available on several streaming platforms, including Peacock, Shudder, and AMC+. It is also accessible on various free streaming services with ad support, such as Tubi, Crackle, and The Roku Channel.
