Could there really be a zombie outbreak? If So, Doc Of The Dead will help you every step of the way as it delves into the evolution of the zombie genre in film and literature. It also looks at the impact and influence on pop culture over the recent years. Leading zombie experts and celebrities speak out about their loves and fears of the walking dead. There is even a survival guide on what to do if the zombie apocalypse does happen – at least you’ll be prepared.
Doc Of The Dead is a good idea, a quaint idea, an idea that appeals to the masses who love everything about zombies. For those unaware of the history of the genre there are some very nice and comprehensive pieces on what brought it into the mainstream. Also it looks at the cultural change and appreciation of zombies into the modern day mainstream.
There are some fun, and quite stern, talking heads from the likes of Max Brooks, George Romero, Robert Kirkman, Greg Nicotero, Tom Savini, Simon Pegg, Bruce Campbell and plenty more. They all offer up their own opinions about the zombie culture nowadays, and what it was like when they first started out. Most of the interesting speeches come from Max Brooks (author of The Zombie Survival Guide) who actually starts out with some fun and jokey stories but does have a few stern words and also makes mention of how the cultural tide turned after such events as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
The father of zombie movies George Romero constantly bleats on about how surprised and shocked he is that is has become part of the daily psyche of everyday life now. For a man who really started the whole zombie apocalypse he doesn’t seem to know too much as he keeps questioning the logistics of it all. Bruce Campbell’s wedding story is worth watching the doc just for that alone. Also the big debate that still rages on, even here, is – walking or running zombies?
The doc is interspersed with footage of how to survive a zombie outbreak. It is all filmed via point of view as if to make believe that it is the viewer that is in this bind. It tries to play it for fun but actually these are the poor moments in the documentary. It’s all very hammy and a rather low budget found footage feel to it. The constant idiotic voice-over narration also doesn’t help as it’s done in a strange part southern, part western American accent. These parts really let down the whole doc; thankfully they don’t last too long.
Doc Of The Dead is a respectful and almost comprehensive look at the zombie phenomenon. It’s slightly more than a DVD extra but also slightly less than a full blown doc. An enjoyable watch but there is very little here that isn’t already known to those addicted to the genre.
