Zombies are a pop culture phenomena, and that is a given. And with good reason, because they are unique in their very own way.
Throughout the course of this documentary you are get to visit (or re-visit) many of the iconic and influential movies that helped define the zombie genre. Here movies such as "White Zombie", "Night of the Living Dead", "Return of the Living Dead", "Dawn of the Dead", "28 Days Later", and many others are brought out help flesh out the zombie genre, pardon the pun.
We also get interviews and personal opinions from many influential people in the zombie genre, such as directors, writers, producers, actors, etc. Here we come face to face with people such as George Romero, Bruce Campbell, Robert Kirkman, Greg Nicotero, Simon Pegg, Tom Savini, etc.
If you enjoy the zombie genre, the "Doc of the Dead" is definitely worth spending an hour and a half on. This documentary shows a lot of good insights and views on the genre and on how influenced on the world and society around us.
I have been a fan of the zombie genre since my early teen years, and I must admit that I love anything zombie or even remotely zombiesque. And I delve into anything with zombies, such as movies, books, board games, PC and console games, etc.
"Doc of the Dead" is diverse and approach the many different subgenres of zombies that there are, such as running zombies ("World War Z", no, not "28 Days Later" as these were infected, and not zombies as such),talking zombies ("Re-Animator"),the archetypical shambler ("Dawn of the Dead"),etc.
There is a couple of documentaries on the zombie phenomena, and "Doc of the Dead" is definitely well worth sitting down and watching, especially if you are a life-long fan of the genre. You might actually learn something new, broaden your horizon or actually see things in a whole new light.
Plot summary
The definitive zombie culture documentary, brought to the screen by the makers of THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS.
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
A delve into the world of the dead...
Excellent, entertaining documentary
Spoiler Alert: A few key scenes I mention may be considered spoilers.
This is a wonderfully entertaining and informative documentary about the literary and historical evolution of the zombie from a folk lore creature to it's current pop-culture status.
It contains both interviews with famous zombie directors and writers as well as original content created to illustrate certain points the film maker set out to explain. My personal favorite (spoilers) are clips from my favorite serial killer and movie critique Mr. Plinkett (red letter media).
Catchy music, uplifting message, and over all highly entertaining. A must see for any zombie fan.
Enjoyable documentary for fans of popular American 'zombie culture'.
As others have stated, this film doesn't delve too deeply into zombie "history", and contains very little insight into international zombie lore (except that which directly affected the evolution of the modern 'Hollywood' zombie).
What this film really examines is zombies of modern American pop culture, and how this "zombie craze" that's sweeping the nation came to be. So if you're looking to be educated in zombie lore through the ages and from around the globe...look elsewhere. If, like me, you're simply a fan of Hollywood zombies and the films/shows/etc. that sparked a pop- culture phenomenon the likes of which the world has never seen...then I highly recommend you watch this film.
It features interviews with pretty much EVERY recognizable name from modern zombie cinema, including George Romero; Simon Pegg; Greg Nicotero; Tom Savini; and even Judith O'Dea (a.k.a 'Barbra' from Romero's original Night of the Living Dead). I had the pleasure of meeting Judith O'Dea a few years ago at a zombie festival in my small hometown where I was working security...and she actually sat with me as we watched a screening of 'Night of the Living Dead', and gave me a running commentary throughout the movie...which, for a horror fan and overall film junkie like me...was awesome. We spoke in-depth that day about this zombie sensation that's sweeping the nation...and one thing became VERY CLEAR: whether you're a fan or NOT...American zombie films, TV show's, comic books, etc., have had a HUGE impact on modern society.
I don't think anyone can ever know WHY we're so obsessed with the living dead...not definitively...but 'Doc of the Dead' will certainly leave you with a slightly elevated understanding of the phenomenon, and entertain you in the process.