Regal Cinemas is bringing Dawn of the Dead back to theaters for one night only on October 27th in celebration of the horror classic’s 45th anniversary.
George A. Romero’s 1978 film — a sequel of sorts to his 1968 project Night of the Living Dead — stars David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross as survivors of a zombie outbreak who take refuge in a suburban shopping mall while mass hysteria wreaks havoc on their town. While in production, the project caught the attention of fellow horror filmmaker Dario Argento who agreed to co-finance the film in exchange for distribution rights in his home country of Italy. Having recently come to international acclaim with his magnum opus Suspiria, Argento’s co-sign on Dawn of the Dead also helped propel Romero’s success.
Dawn of the Dead was controversial upon its release for its use of violence and gore, though it’s since earned a status as a groundbreaking zombie movie for its detailed script and revolutionary use of practical effects. It’s been referenced in popular culture numerous times; in 2004, Zack Snyder directed a remake of the film, while Edgar Wright put a comedic spin on the trope with Shaun of the Dead.
You can buy tickets to see Dawn of the Dead on October 27th here.
Back in 2018, the Italian band Goblin released a 40th anniversary vinyl reissue of their score to Dawn of the Dead. In September 2021, Romero’s lost 1973 film, The Amusement Park, was finally released.
