Sofie Marvin

Written by Sofie Marvin

Modified & Updated: 28 Apr 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

48-facts-about-the-movie-dawn-of-the-dead
Source: Plex.tv

Are you a fan of thrilling zombie movies? If so, chances are you’ve heard of the classic horror film, “Dawn of the Dead.” Released in 1978, this iconic movie has left a lasting impact on the genre and continues to captivate audiences to this day. “Dawn of the Dead” is not only a spine-chilling tale of survival in the face of a zombie apocalypse, but it also paved the way for future zombie films with its innovative storytelling and groundbreaking special effects. In this article, we will delve into 48 fascinating facts about “Dawn of the Dead,” from its production history to its cultural impact. So grab your popcorn and get ready to explore the depths of the undead in this thrilling cinematic adventure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dawn of the Dead, released in 1978, is a classic zombie film that explores consumerism and societal decay while delivering intense horror and dark humor.
  • The movie’s low budget, realistic zombie makeup, and social commentary have made it a timeless favorite, influencing the zombie genre and popular culture.
Table of Contents

The movie Dawn of the Dead was released in 1978.

Dawn of the Dead, directed by George A. Romero, is a horror film that was first released in It is the second installment in Romero’s Living Dead series.

The film was shot in Pennsylvania.

The majority of Dawn of the Dead was filmed in and around the Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

It has a sequel, titled Day of the Dead.

Following the success of Dawn of the Dead, George A. Romero directed a sequel titled Day of the Dead, which was released in 1985.

The movie’s plot centers around a zombie apocalypse.

Dawn of the Dead tells the story of four survivors who seek refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie outbreak.

The film has both horror and social commentary elements.

While Dawn of the Dead is known for its gruesome zombie scenes, it also explores themes of consumerism and societal decay.

The main characters are played by David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross.

David Emge portrays Stephen Andrews, Ken Foree plays Peter Washington, Scott H. Reiniger takes on the role of Roger DeMarco, and Gaylen Ross stars as Francine Parker.

The zombies in the film were portrayed by local extras.

Due to budget constraints, George A. Romero cast local residents and volunteers as zombies in the film.

Dawn of the Dead was praised for its special effects makeup.

The film’s realistic and gruesome zombie makeup, created by Tom Savini, received critical acclaim for its quality and attention to detail.

It was originally released with an X rating.

Due to its graphic content, Dawn of the Dead initially received an X rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. It was later re-rated as an R.

The movie was a commercial success.

Despite its modest budget, Dawn of the Dead grossed over $55 million worldwide, making it a commercial success for independent cinema at the time.

The film was remade in 2004.

A remake of Dawn of the Dead was released in 2004, directed by Zack Snyder. It featured a different cast and updated storyline.

The original movie inspired the zombie genre.

Dawn of the Dead is often credited with popularizing the zombie genre in mainstream cinema and influencing future zombie films and TV shows.

The script was written by George A. Romero.

In addition to directing the film, George A. Romero also wrote the screenplay for Dawn of the Dead.

The movie’s soundtrack was composed by Goblin.

The atmospheric score for Dawn of the Dead was composed by the Italian progressive rock band, Goblin.

Dawn of the Dead was initially released as Zombi in European markets.

In some European countries, the film was released under the title Zombi or Zombi 2 to capitalize on the success of the Italian film Zombi, which was marketed as a sequel to Dawn of the Dead.

The film received positive reviews from critics.

Upon its release, Dawn of the Dead received generally positive reviews from film critics, with praise for its social commentary and groundbreaking horror elements.

The Monroeville Mall became a tourist attraction after the film’s release.

The Monroeville Mall, where much of the movie was filmed, experienced an increase in tourism as fans visited the location to see where the iconic zombie scenes took place.

The movie’s tagline is “When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”

The tagline of the film, “When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth,” has become a memorable quote associated with the movie.

The film explores themes of consumerism and the collapse of society.

Through its setting in a shopping mall, Dawn of the Dead delves into themes of consumerism and the crumbling of societal norms in the face of a zombie apocalypse.

Some scenes had to be cut or modified to avoid censorship.

Due to its graphic violence, certain scenes in Dawn of the Dead had to be altered or removed to comply with censorship regulations.

The gore effects were inspired by the work of Tom Savini.

The realistic and gory special effects in the film were influenced by the work of renowned special effects artist Tom Savini, who also played a role in the movie.

The film’s budget was around $650,000.

Dawn of the Dead was made on a relatively low budget of approximately $650,000.

Dawn of the Dead is considered a classic in the horror genre.

Over the years, Dawn of the Dead has gained a cult following and is regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time.

The movie has a runtime of 127 minutes.

Dawn of the Dead has a total runtime of 127 minutes in its original theatrical release.

The film features intense and suspenseful sequences.

Throughout Dawn of the Dead, there are numerous thrilling and suspenseful scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Dawn of the Dead has influenced other forms of media.

The film’s impact extends beyond the realm of movies and has influenced video games, TV shows, and other forms of popular culture.

The movie was filmed in the 16mm format.

To keep costs down, Dawn of the Dead was shot using 16mm film stock instead of the more expensive 35mm format.

The film’s production faced numerous challenges.

From limited resources to tight shooting schedules, the production of Dawn of the Dead faced various obstacles, which were overcome to create a successful film.

It was nominated for several awards.

Dawn of the Dead received nominations for various awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.

The movie’s success led to more zombie films in the 1980s.

Following the popularity of Dawn of the Dead, the 1980s saw a surge in zombie-themed films, capitalizing on the genre’s newfound mainstream attention.

The film’s cinematography was notable for its use of color.

Dawn of the Dead utilized vibrant colors, especially in scenes set within the shopping mall, which added to the visual impact of the film.

The movie had alternate endings.

Dawn of the Dead featured multiple alternate endings that were filmed but ultimately not included in the final cut of the movie.

Romero considered Dawn of the Dead to be his favorite film in the Living Dead series.

George A. Romero stated that Dawn of the Dead was his personal favorite among the films in his Living Dead series.

The film’s success led to international distribution.

Due to its commercial success, Dawn of the Dead was distributed internationally, reaching audiences around the world.

The movie explores the psychological toll of survival.

Amidst the zombie chaos, Dawn of the Dead delves into the psychological struggles that the survivors face as they navigate the new world.

It was re-released in various versions over the years.

Since its original release, Dawn of the Dead has been reissued in different versions, including extended and director’s cut editions.

The film’s social commentary is still relevant today.

Decades after its release, the social commentary embedded within Dawn of the Dead remains relevant, providing a critique of consumerism and societal decay.

The movie features a mix of horror and dark humor.

While Dawn of the Dead is known for its horror elements, it also incorporates moments of dark humor, providing some levity amidst the zombie-infested chaos.

The film’s editing was handled by George A. Romero himself.

In addition to directing and writing the film, George A. Romero also took on the responsibility of editing Dawn of the Dead.

The movie was remastered in 4K.

In recent years, Dawn of the Dead was remastered in 4K, preserving the film’s visual quality for modern audiences.

The iconic movie poster features a horde of zombies outside a mall.

The movie poster for Dawn of the Dead has become iconic, featuring a horde of zombies gathered outside a shopping mall.

The film’s original title was “Zombie.”

Before being titled Dawn of the Dead, the film was initially referred to as “Zombie” during its production.

The movie received critical acclaim for its social commentary.

Critics praised Dawn of the Dead for its insightful social commentary and its ability to use horror as a vehicle for deeper themes.

The film’s success led to a video game adaptation.

In 1986, a video game adaptation of Dawn of the Dead was released, allowing players to experience the zombie apocalypse as seen in the film.

Dawn of the Dead has been referenced in other films and TV shows.

Over the years, Dawn of the Dead has been referenced and spoofed in various films and TV shows, paying homage to its impact on popular culture.

Some viewers consider Dawn of the Dead to be Romero’s best film.

For many fans of George A. Romero’s work, Dawn of the Dead is considered the pinnacle of his filmmaking career.

The movie’s DVD and Blu-ray releases include bonus features.

The DVD and Blu-ray releases of Dawn of the Dead often include bonus features, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and documentaries about the film’s production.

The movie has stood the test of time.

More than four decades after its release, Dawn of the Dead continues to be revered by horror enthusiasts and continues to entertain and provoke thought.

Conclusion

Overall, Dawn of the Dead is a classic horror film that has left a lasting impact on the genre. With its intense storyline, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects, it has become a fan favorite over the years. The movie effectively combines elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary, making it more than just a typical zombie flick.

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or new to the genre, Dawn of the Dead is definitely worth a watch. Its gripping storytelling, thrilling action sequences, and thought-provoking themes will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare yourself for a zombie apocalypse like no other with Dawn of the Dead.

FAQs

1. When was Dawn of the Dead released?
Dawn of the Dead was released in 1978.

2. Who directed Dawn of the Dead?
Dawn of the Dead was directed by George A. Romero.

3. What is the plot of the movie?
The movie revolves around a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. As they try to survive and find a way out, tensions rise and their humanity is pushed to the limits.

4. Is Dawn of the Dead a sequel?
Dawn of the Dead is the second film in George A. Romero’s “Living Dead” series, following Night of the Living Dead.

5. Are there any hidden messages or social commentary in the movie?
Yes, Dawn of the Dead uses the setting of a shopping mall to critique consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material possessions in modern society.

6. What impact has Dawn of the Dead had on the horror genre?
Dawn of the Dead is widely regarded as one of the most influential zombie movies of all time. Its realistic depiction of a zombie apocalypse and its social commentary have inspired countless filmmakers and shaped the genre as we know it today.

7. Is Dawn of the Dead a scary movie?
Yes, Dawn of the Dead is known for its intense and gory scenes, which can be quite scary for some viewers. However, it also features elements of action and suspense, balancing out the horror.

8. Are there any other films related to Dawn of the Dead?
In addition to the original, there have been several remakes and spin-offs of Dawn of the Dead over the years, including a 2004 remake directed by Zack Snyder and a 2008 sequel called Day of the Dead.

Hungry for more zombie action? Sink your teeth into 40 mind-blowing facts about Dawn of the Dead, the quintessential horror classic that redefined the genre. From behind-the-scenes secrets to the film's enduring legacy, there's plenty more to explore in this apocalyptic masterpiece. So, gather your survival gear, barricade the doors, and prepare for a thrilling ride through the world of Dawn of the Dead.

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