40 Facts About The Movie Dawn Of The Dead

Dawn of the Dead was released in 1978.

Directed by George A. Romero, this cult classic horror film hit theaters in 1978 and quickly became a beloved entry in the zombie genre.

The film is a sequel to Night of the Living Dead.

Dawn of the Dead picks up where its predecessor left off, showcasing a world overrun by flesh-eating zombies.

It was originally titled “Zombie.”

The film was initially named “Zombie,” but was later changed to Dawn of the Dead to avoid confusion with other zombie movies of the time.

The production budget was only $1.5 million.

Despite its low budget, Dawn of the Dead went on to become a commercial success, grossing more than $55 million worldwide.

It was filmed primarily in a shopping mall.

The majority of the film takes place inside the Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania, providing a unique and eerie setting for the story.

The film features revolutionary special effects.

Dawn of the Dead was praised for its realistic and graphic portrayal of zombie violence, thanks to the groundbreaking makeup effects by Tom Savini.

The cast and crew lived in the mall during filming.

To create an authentic atmosphere, the production team actually resided in the mall while shooting, sleeping in the empty stores after hours.

The film had multiple international releases with different cuts.

Dawn of the Dead underwent various cuts and edits for its international releases, often resulting in alternate versions of the film with varying levels of violence.

It influenced numerous future zombie films.

Dawn of the Dead set a standard for the zombie genre, inspiring countless filmmakers to create their own undead tales.

The film has social commentary on consumerism.

Amidst the zombie chaos, Dawn of the Dead offers a critique of consumer culture, highlighting society’s obsession with material possessions.

Critics praised the film for its social commentary.

Many reviewers lauded Dawn of the Dead for its thought-provoking message, elevating it beyond a mere horror flick.

It was heavily censored in some countries.

Due to its graphic content, Dawn of the Dead faced censorship challenges in several countries, leading to significant cuts and alterations.

The famous theme music was composed by Goblin.

The iconic score for Dawn of the Dead was created by the Italian progressive rock band, Goblin, adding an eerie atmosphere to the film.

A remake was released in 2004.

Almost three decades after the original, a remake of Dawn of the Dead was released in 2004, bringing the zombie terror to a new generation of viewers.

George A. Romero considered it his favorite of the Dead series.

Out of his legendary “Living Dead” series, Romero regarded Dawn of the Dead as his personal favorite, citing its blend of horror and social commentary.

The film had notable controversies surrounding its release.

Upon its release, Dawn of the Dead faced controversy and backlash for its extreme violence and graphic content, sparking debates about the limits of on-screen gore.

It has been hailed as one of the greatest horror films of all time.

Dawn of the Dead consistently appears on lists of the best horror films ever made, cementing its status as a genre-defining classic.

The film has a significant fan following.

Decades after its release, Dawn of the Dead still has a dedicated and passionate fanbase, showcasing its enduring popularity.

It was remastered in 4K in 2019.

To commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary, Dawn of the Dead was remastered in 4K, allowing audiences to experience the horror in stunning detail.

Dawn of the Dead inspired a video game series.

The success of the film led to the creation of the “Dead Rising” video game franchise, where players fight hordes of zombies in a shopping mall setting.

The movie underwent budget challenges during production.

Due to financial constraints, the production team had to get creative with their resources, utilizing donated props and enlisting friends and family as extras.

It was shot on 16mm film.

To achieve the desired gritty and realistic look, Dawn of the Dead was filmed using 16mm stock, adding to the rawness of the visuals.

The film’s release was delayed in several countries.

Some countries had reservations about the explicit violence in the film, leading to delayed or restricted releases in certain territories.

Dawn of the Dead had a limited theatrical release initially.

The film had a relatively small initial release, but its popularity grew over time, eventually becoming a staple of the horror genre.

It received mixed reviews upon its initial release.

Critical reception for Dawn of the Dead was varied, with some reviewers praising its social commentary and others criticizing it for its explicit content.

The film’s success led to a franchise.

Dawn of the Dead spawned several sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place in the zombie movie pantheon.

It was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

In 2008, Dawn of the Dead was deemed culturally significant and added to the National Film Registry, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The film’s production faced challenges due to Pennsylvania’s strict labor laws.

The production team had to navigate Pennsylvania’s labor laws, which restricted shooting hours and required additional permits for nighttime filming.

It was released unrated in several countries.

Due to the explicit nature of the film, some countries opted to release Dawn of the Dead without a rating, granting it more creative freedom.

The movie popularized the use of zombies in pop culture.

Dawn of the Dead played a significant role in introducing zombies to mainstream audiences, leading to their widespread presence in movies, TV shows, and literature.

The film’s ending is intentionally ambiguous.

George A. Romero purposely left the ending of Dawn of the Dead open to interpretation, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the fate of the main characters.

It was one of the first horror films to heavily utilize gore effects.

With its realistic and graphic depiction of zombie violence, Dawn of the Dead helped pave the way for the use of elaborate gore effects in future horror films.

It has been referenced in numerous pop culture works.

Dawn of the Dead’s impact reverberated throughout pop culture, with references and homages appearing in films, TV shows, music, and even video games.

The film went through significant editing to secure an R-rating.

To avoid receiving an X-rating, Dawn of the Dead underwent extensive editing to remove explicit scenes and reduce the overall level of violence.

It has been studied in film schools.

Dawn of the Dead is often dissected and analyzed in film schools for its social commentary, technical achievements, and overall influence on the horror genre.

The film’s original script had a different ending.

George A. Romero initially planned to end Dawn of the Dead with the main characters committing suicide, but decided on a more ambiguous conclusion during production.

Dawn of the Dead was translated into multiple languages.

The film’s popularity led to international distribution and dubbing in various languages, further expanding its global reach.

It influenced the creation of zombie walks and events.

Dawn of the Dead’s portrayal of zombies inspired the emergence of zombie walks and events, where participants dress up as the undead and roam the streets.

The film’s cinematography was praised for its visual style.

Romero’s use of wide-angle lenses and creative camera angles in Dawn of the Dead contributed to the film’s distinctive and immersive visual aesthetic.

Dawn of the Dead continues to captivate audiences today.

Even after more than four decades, Dawn of the Dead retains its ability to thrill and terrify viewers, proving its enduring status as a horror masterpiece.

Whether it’s the captivating performances, the social commentary, or the groundbreaking special effects, there’s no denying the impact that Dawn of the Dead has had on the world of cinema. From its humble beginnings to its cult status, this film has carved its place in history as a true testament to the power and influence of the zombie genre. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and immerse yourself in the chilling world of Dawn of the Dead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dawn of the Dead is a classic horror movie that has carved its place in cinema history. From its groundbreaking special effects to its thought-provoking social commentary, it continues to captivate audiences even decades after its release. With its fast-paced action, intense suspense, and memorable characters, this film remains a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and movie lovers alike.

FAQs

Q: When was Dawn of the Dead released?

A: Dawn of the Dead was released on April 20, 1978.

Q: Who directed Dawn of the Dead?

A: The movie was directed by George A. Romero.

Q: Is Dawn of the Dead a sequel?

A: Dawn of the Dead is a sequel to Night of the Living Dead (1968) but features a different set of characters and takes place in a different location.

Q: What is the plot of Dawn of the Dead?

A: The movie follows a group of survivors who seek refuge from a zombie apocalypse in a shopping mall while battling both the undead and their own internal conflicts.

Q: Is Dawn of the Dead available to stream online?

A: Yes, Dawn of the Dead can be streamed on various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix.

Q: Did Dawn of the Dead receive any awards or nominations?

A: While the film did not receive major awards recognition, it has gained cult status and is widely regarded as a significant contribution to the zombie genre.

Q: Are there any remakes or sequels to Dawn of the Dead?

A: Yes, there was a remake of Dawn of the Dead released in 2004, directed by Zack Snyder. Additionally, several unofficial sequels and spin-offs have been made, but they are not considered part of the official franchise.