This month marks the 50th anniversary of my most-watched movie, George A. Romero's 1968 classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, and there has been a lot of celebrating going on. A few weeks ago, there was a theatrical screening of the film at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, which is where the premiere was held in '68. Last night, Fathom Events beamed the film out to theatres across the U.S., and they'll be doing that again tonight.
Also getting in on the celebration is the entertainment store FYE. They're selling an exclusive 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition Blu-ray set of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD that includes what they describe as "a host of items you can only find in this once in a lifetime set".
In this set they have the
Criterion Collection 2 disc Blu-ray featuring the original premier version of the film, restored and remastered in 4K Ultra HD from the original camera negative and supervised by George A. Romero with the support of the Museum of Modern Art and The Film Foundation. It includes new and archival footage, interviews, and commentary from the original cast & creators.
The Collection also features amazing artwork including an official, beautifully painted, limited edition graphic novel based on the film. Thumb through 250 pages of never published covers by Stephen R. Bissette, stunning art by Richard Bonk, and exclusive photos and interviews with the original 1968 cast and filmmakers.
Fans will get the original eight 1968 lobby cards from the release of the film, beautifully remastered with gold foil lettering, specially re-designed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. 250 of the boxes have been randomly inserted with an additional lobby card autographed by "Johnny" of "They're coming to get you Barbra" fame, played by actor Russell Streiner.
There is also an exclusive poster of the now Iconic Karen Cooper, played by Kyra Schon and a special edition commemorative ticket specially designed with gold foil to commemorate the 50th Anniversary.
This collectors edition sports a suggested retail price of $124.99, but right now it's available for $99.99. Copies can be purchased through FYE.com or at any FYE location.
It would be cool to have those items, but this set is a bit outside of my price range. Hopefully fans who do score a copy will enjoy them.