Back in 1978, writer/director George A. Romero brought the world one of the greatest horror movies ever made (and I would say one of the greatest movies ever made, regardless of genre), Dawn of the Dead (get it HERE). Today, the George A. Romero Foundation took to Twitter to share a look at the tallied-up results of a Dawn of the Dead test screening. According to these results, the test screening audience was 74% male, with 75% of the audience being between the ages of 18 and 25. 35% of them rated the film excellent, 43% good. But 51% thought it was too long. Here’s a full page of results:
Dawn of the Dead is an epic; the version cut together for its Cannes premiere was 139 minutes and the theatrical cut was 126 minutes. Co-financier Dario Argento made his own 119 minute cut for international release. Fans have also used the footage from the various versions to put together a 155 minute cut. I like to spend as much time in the world of Dawn of the Dead as possible when I watch it, so I tend to go with that “extended mall hours” / “complete cut” version. I would never say it was too long.
Dawn of the Dead has the following synopsis:
As hordes of zombies swarm over the U.S., the terrified populace tries everything in their power to escape the attack of the undead, but neither cities nor the countryside prove safe. In Pennsylvania, radio-station employee Stephen and his girlfriend, Francine, escape in the station helicopter, accompanied by two renegade SWAT members, Roger and Peter. The group retreats to the haven of an enclosed shopping center to make what could be humanity’s last stand.
The film stars David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross. And it features some spectacular gore, courtesy of Tom Savini (who also has an acting role in the film).
The George A. Romero Foundation is dedicated to honoring the life, work, and cultural influence of George A. Romero. They are also dedicated to supporting a new generation of filmmakers and artists inspired by his legacy.