[The News Bot]

Reviewed by Chris McEneany, 2nd November 2009
Undoubtedly one of the best zombie films ever made, The Living Dead At Manchester Morgue set the template for the grisly gorefests that would follow, far more than its more famous inspiration ever did. Plus, and this is a crucial part in its continued popularity, it is genuinely frightening. Couple surprisingly good performances with an incisive and intelligent script, throw in some early gut-munching and highly proficient makeup effects from the man who would become synonymous with the grungiest grue in the business, and shoot practically the whole thing on location and in the daylight and you've got a bona fide classic that depicts an England seen through the kaleidoscopic eyes of a foreigner, resonates with the era in which it was made, and stands the test of time. For a cheap exploitationer, that is not bad going.

Blue Underground bring out their Dead with the best AV that I've experienced the film in and, having now watched this disc about three times since it arrived, can assure you that it is a fan-boy's dream. The extras are fine, too. Most aficionados will already have the excellent booklet of notes and review of the film from Nigel J. Burrell, though it is still sad omission from this selection. But it is great to see both Grau and Lovelock reminiscing about their time battling the undead and, especially, to follow the director around those fantastic locations as they are today.

A terrific and highly influential horror film, folks, that gets a surprisingly impressive Blu-ray release. Those in-the-know can't afford to pass this one up.

“It was the corpses, don't you understand? The corpses!”


Read the full review...

[eiren]

Another comprehensive and brilliant review of my favourite zombie film of all time.

Got the BU disc myself, and I have to say the quality is incredible, much better than I was expecting.

Blue Underground remain my favourite of all the releasing labels. Can't wait for the other treats they've got lined up... Maniac next?

[Pecker]

Chris, your infectious enthusiasm for this sort of low-budget gore epic is once again reflected in a wonderful review.

Many thanks - it's almost as much of a pleasure to read as the film is to watch.

Steve W

[IAN P]

Good stuff, still not getting rid of the tin though.


Robert Harris even states he thinks it's a cracking bluray.


Aye, Maniac would be welcome too.