Starz / Anchor Bay | 2010 | 292 min | NR
The Walking Dead is based on a comic book series that began publication in 2003. Due to the strength and popularity of the comics, AMC bought the rights and ordered a first season of six episodes. The series boasts an impressive group of people working behind the scenes. Frank Darabont, the director of The Shawshank Redemption, acts as showrunner and directed the pilot. Robert Kirkman, who wrote the comics, is also a part of the writing staff and works as an executive producer along with Gale Ann Hurd (Terminator, The Incredible Hulk). Make-up is done by veteran effects artist Greg Nicotero whose credits include Day of the Dead, Army of Darkness, and Kill Bill.
Given the number of quality people behind the scenes, it should come as no surprise that The Walking Dead is one of the freshest series on television today. This is the first time anyone has ever really tried to serialize a zombie apocalypse. Emphasis is placed on the human condition rather than the emotionless zombies whose presence and lingering threat has a profoundly different effect on each survivor they come in contact with.
As the series begins, we meet a sheriff’s deputy named Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) who is shot in the line of duty and falls into a coma, his life saved by his partner, Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal). When he awakens, the hospital is empty. Wandering around, he quickly realizes the town is littered with corpses. Some have risen from the dead, and are eating human flesh. He goes home, and finds his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and son Carl (Chandler Riggs) aren’t there, but evidence suggests they are still alive. He stumbles upon a father ( thLennie James) and his son who tells him what has happened: the dead have risen and are killing the living. The man and his son are trying to hide from the undead “Walkers.”
Determined to find his family, Rick sets out on his own to Atlanta. Armed with guns from the still stocked police weapons locker, he hopes he can find folks who know where his family is. Instead, he finds a devastating mess, an unrecognizable place, covered in blood, littered with abandoned military equipment, and swarming with the undead. Only a miracle–or a voice over a radio–can save Rick from the army of Walkers and his own confusion about what, exactly, has happened to the world he once called home.
I’ve only read a couple of the original comics, and I found it easy to get engrossed in the series. In fact, the show’s producers have said that they want the stories to deviate from the original comics, so as many people can enjoy the live-action version as possible. The only thing I regret, is the fact that the first season is a meager six episodes. However, Frank Darabont has set things up well for the second season’s thirteen episodes. I can’t wait to see where they go with the characters and the story.
The video is presented in 1080p with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Surprisingly, the show was shot in Super 16mm. The picture quality is incredible with the tiniest details captured perfectly. The inherent grain of the film stock actually enhances the experience with a gritty texture.
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. The sound mix puts you right in the center of the action. It feels as if the zombies have invaded your living room. Dialogue comes in crisp and clear while gunshots are nice and loud.
You’ll find all the special features presented in high definition on Disc 2.
The Making of the Walking Dead (29:53) All the principals are present as they discuss the comics and how the show came about.
Inside the Walking Dead is a series of six short promos that act more as previews for each episode.
A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman (4:51) A promotional piece featuring the writer.
Behind the Scenes: Zombie Make-Up Tips (5:45) Takes us into the studios of KNB as Greg Nicotero shows us how to create zombies using easy to acquire materials.
Convention Panel with Producers (11:32) A highlight package of the Q&A session held at Comic-Con 2010.
Zombie School (2:59) Looks at how the extras went through zombie training to prepare for the show.
Bicycle Girl (5:06) Looks at how they created one of the first zombies Rick encountered.
On Set with Robert Kirkman (3:07) Features the writer giving us a quick tour of the hospital set from the pilot.
Hanging with Steven Yuen (3:52) Features the actor discussing what it’s like to film the show in the sweltering Georgia heat.
Inside Dale’s RV (3:25) Features Jeffrey DeMunn giving a tour of the Dale’s trademark vehicle.
On Set with Andrew Lincoln (3:45) Features the lead actor’s thoughts on the show and his character.
Also included is a trailer for the show.
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