My take: Zombieland (2009)

HD Goofnut · 02-03-2010, 11:49 AM

Title: Zombieland (2009)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Two Disc Set
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Subtitles: English and French
Run time: 88 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rating: R
Region Coding: Region Free
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee
Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus
Emma Stone as Wichita
Abigail Breslin as Little Rock
Amber Heard as 406
Bill Murray as Himself
Directed by Ruben Fleischer

My take: (the breakdown)

I have a weak spot for zombie films and there's really only a few really good ones out there. I wouldn't say that Zombieland is the best zombie movie, but it is certainly in the top tier. As described in the opening sequence and in a later scene most of the world is inhabited by the walking dead ever since a strain of mad cow disease began to infect humans. As Columbus explains, the only people that survived the initial carnage, like himself, were the people that followed a set of distinct rules. When he finds himself trying to head back home from college Columbus stumbles upon three other survivors along the way and they end up having their own share of adventures and difficulties in what has now become Zombieland. BE mindful, due to gore this one is not for children.

I was not expecting to be dazzled by a comed/horror film in terms of picture quality, but I was actually quite impressed. Colors are well saturated, bright, and vivid. Everything from the red and black blood to the bright yellow of the Hummer look great. Flesh tones are accurate in the majority, but have tendency to run a little on the orange/red side. Grain is somewhere between light and moderate and it stays consistent even during the last 20 minutes, which is filled with dark backgrounds. Fine detail is definitely reference level as hair, clothing, and, weapons sport quite a bit of detail.

While not quite as impressive as the video this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track still receives high marks in my book. Dialogue is clear and prioritized except during a few scenes in the middle of the film that tend to be of a quiet nature. Surrounds are used now and again, but I really wanted to see more than just zombie groaning sounds and music eminating from them. Your sub will definitely see plenty of action when bullets start flying and the LFE is plenty strong enough.

There's nothing of great length other than the commentary with this Blu-ray release, but there are some interesting segments. We get the commentary, a decent PiP feature, three making of features totaling about 30 minutes, five minutes of deleted scenes, and a few making of trailers segments. Thankfully all of these features are presented in 1080. There is also a digital copy on a second disc.

Movie: 7.5/10
VQ: 9.5/10
AQ: 9/10
Supplements: 4.5/10
Final word: A Must Own

As always thanks for reading folks.

Mattie_B · 02-03-2010, 04:30 PM

This movie is like an instant zombie classic. I picked this up yesterday and I loved every minute of it! I like the vintage style opening credits rolled in slow motion and all the subtle cliche zombie sayings going on through the movie. I'd actually give the movie an 8.5 or 9 myself since this is one of the best one's I've seen. There is plenty of blood, gore and comedy but it's done much better than something like Shawn of the Dead.

I also agree with your A/V assessment. This film was looked really great. I'm with HD Goofnut if you like Zombie flicks this is a must buy.

HD Goofnut · 02-03-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattie_B

This movie is like an instant zombie classic. I picked this up yesterday and I loved every minute of it! I like the vintage style opening credits rolled in slow motion and all the subtle cliche zombie sayings going on through the movie. I'd actually give the movie an 8.5 or 9 myself since this is one of the best one's I've seen. There is plenty of blood, gore and comedy but it's done much better than something like Shawn of the Dead.

I also agree with your A/V assessment. This film was looked really great. I'm with HD Goofnut if you like Zombie flicks this is a must buy.

I honestly felt Shaun of the Dead was slightly better, but it was still well done.

Mattie_B · 02-04-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

I honestly felt Shaun of the Dead was slightly better, but it was still well done.

Don't get me wrong Shaun of the Dead was good but this is more American humor. I also stumbled across a theme bonus. Not sure what you viewed it on but on the PS3 if you go under the game section with ZombieLand in you'll get the option to install a theme which I thought was cool. Not sure how many movies offer this and I wouldn't have known about that unless I forgot it was in there when I went to play modern warfare 2 today.

Quick snap of the PS3 theme.

Chris Gerhard · 02-04-2010, 05:03 PM

I haven't seen this yet but it sounds great. I love "Shaun of the Dead" and think we have had about ten times too many zombie movies but too few that make fun of the obvious absurdity of zombie movies. I know there are humor elements with most zombie movies but Shaun was the first one I have seen that got it right and made an all out comedy.

I haven't found an acceptable deal yet on the Blu-ray but plan to buy it when I do.

Chris

Stew4HD · 02-05-2010, 05:05 AM

And the judges say.....

Yes, 2 (that's right) 2 thumbs up for Zombieland.

Personally, I found this to be funnier that Shaun of the Dead... must be the southern humor that made me laugh more.

sschantz · 02-07-2010, 07:07 AM

I personally liked it. Loved the Zombie Classics (night of the living dead, dawn of the dead) but because there was more story and not as much Blood and Gore, definitely worth a watch.

oblioman · 02-07-2010, 11:12 AM

If you like the Woody type humor,,this be much more than a rental. Personally me hates gore movies,,but found this to be a lot more fun than gore. 3 thumbs up.

Nevada_MO_Guy · 02-08-2010, 09:24 AM

Poor Bill Murray

Nice house though

dsskid · 02-08-2010, 09:43 AM

Great review HD, thanks.

HD Goofnut · 02-08-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsskid

Great review HD, thanks.

You're welcome ds. Any zombie fan should definitely have this one in their library.

soupnazi · 02-09-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevada_MO_Guy

Poor Bill Murray

Nice house though

For me that whole segment was the best part of the movie.
I enjoyed the rest of the movie as well. It was a good entertainment without going over the top just to gross you out.

Hey Goofnut, you have been reviewing quite a few BDs. Have you noticed that the video and audio quality have been fairly good and consistent on most of the new BD releases?

HD Goofnut · 02-09-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soupnazi

For me that whole segment was the best part of the movie.
I enjoyed the rest of the movie as well. It was a good entertainment without going over the top just to gross you out.

Hey Goofnut, you have been reviewing quite a few BDs. Have you noticed that the video and audio quality have been fairly good and consistent on most of the new BD releases?

For the most part yeah. I think in the last year or so that the studios have begun to use lossless audio with virtually every title so that definitely helps. As far as the video other than it being a new release I can't think of any reason why it would look really good. I guess the directors/studios are taking care to make a better video presentation because they know HD nuts like us are going to scrutinize every square inch of it.

soupnazi · 02-09-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

For the most part yeah. I think in the last year or so that the studios have begun to use lossless audio with virtually every title so that definitely helps. As far as the video other than it being a new release I can't think of any reason why it would look really good. I guess the directors/studios are taking care to make a better video presentation because they know HD nuts like us are going to scrutinize every square inch of it.

That's what I've been noticing in the last year. I think they are starting to understand how to utilize HD technology better now. Technology moves too fast sometimes and it takes time to learn how to use it. It was definitely more of crap shoot buying new release BDs a year ago.

HD Goofnut · 02-09-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soupnazi

That's what I've been noticing in the last year. I think they are starting to understand how to utilize HD technology better now. Technology moves too fast sometimes and it takes time to learn how to use it. It was definitely more of crap shoot buying new release BDs a year ago.

Yeah, when 1 out of ever 4 Warner titles had lossy audio. Those days sucked.

02-03-2010, 11:49 AM	#1
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,145	My take: Zombieland (2009) Title: Zombieland (2009) BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Two Disc Set Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Subtitles: English and French Run time: 88 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rating: R Region Coding: Region Free Player used for review: LG BH200 Cast/Crew Info: Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus Emma Stone as Wichita Abigail Breslin as Little Rock Amber Heard as 406 Bill Murray as Himself Directed by Ruben Fleischer My take: (the breakdown) I have a weak spot for zombie films and there's really only a few really good ones out there. I wouldn't say that Zombieland is the best zombie movie, but it is certainly in the top tier. As described in the opening sequence and in a later scene most of the world is inhabited by the walking dead ever since a strain of mad cow disease began to infect humans. As Columbus explains, the only people that survived the initial carnage, like himself, were the people that followed a set of distinct rules. When he finds himself trying to head back home from college Columbus stumbles upon three other survivors along the way and they end up having their own share of adventures and difficulties in what has now become Zombieland. BE mindful, due to gore this one is not for children. I was not expecting to be dazzled by a comed/horror film in terms of picture quality, but I was actually quite impressed. Colors are well saturated, bright, and vivid. Everything from the red and black blood to the bright yellow of the Hummer look great. Flesh tones are accurate in the majority, but have tendency to run a little on the orange/red side. Grain is somewhere between light and moderate and it stays consistent even during the last 20 minutes, which is filled with dark backgrounds. Fine detail is definitely reference level as hair, clothing, and, weapons sport quite a bit of detail. While not quite as impressive as the video this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track still receives high marks in my book. Dialogue is clear and prioritized except during a few scenes in the middle of the film that tend to be of a quiet nature. Surrounds are used now and again, but I really wanted to see more than just zombie groaning sounds and music eminating from them. Your sub will definitely see plenty of action when bullets start flying and the LFE is plenty strong enough. There's nothing of great length other than the commentary with this Blu-ray release, but there are some interesting segments. We get the commentary, a decent PiP feature, three making of features totaling about 30 minutes, five minutes of deleted scenes, and a few making of trailers segments. Thankfully all of these features are presented in 1080. There is also a digital copy on a second disc. Movie: 7.5/10 VQ: 9.5/10 AQ: 9/10 Supplements: 4.5/10 Final word: A Must Own As always thanks for reading folks. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 417~139 Latest BD Review: *Ip Man*

02-03-2010, 04:30 PM	#2
Mattie_B High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: State College, PA Age: 26 Posts: 898	This movie is like an instant zombie classic. I picked this up yesterday and I loved every minute of it! I like the vintage style opening credits rolled in slow motion and all the subtle cliche zombie sayings going on through the movie. I'd actually give the movie an 8.5 or 9 myself since this is one of the best one's I've seen. There is plenty of blood, gore and comedy but it's done much better than something like Shawn of the Dead. I also agree with your A/V assessment. This film was looked really great. I'm with HD Goofnut if you like Zombie flicks this is a must buy. __________________ 42" Toshiba Regza 1080P-Logitech Z-5500 PS3 40GB - PSN AbsynthHaze - 360 ~ 60GB Live AbsynthHaze 46

02-05-2010, 05:05 AM	#6
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tejas Baby Posts: 9,274	And the judges say..... Yes, 2 (that's right) 2 thumbs up for Zombieland. Personally, I found this to be funnier that Shaun of the Dead... must be the southern humor that made me laugh more. __________________ ___________________________________ For L2W

02-07-2010, 07:07 AM	#7
sschantz Make It a Great Day!!! Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 272	I personally liked it. Loved the Zombie Classics (night of the living dead, dawn of the dead) but because there was more story and not as much Blood and Gore, definitely worth a watch. __________________ Make it a Great Day, Shawn TV Sony Grand Wega kdf-50e2000 Receiver - Yamaha HTR 5650 6.1 DVD Player - Yamaha DVC 6660 Sony BDP-350 Blu Ray Sub - Yamaha YST SW015 Speakers - Yamaha Matched Dynex 32 inch in Bedroom

02-08-2010, 09:24 AM	#9
Nevada_MO_Guy Missouri_HD_Guy Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Missouri Age: 42 Posts: 1,092	Nut up or Shut up. Poor Bill Murray Nice house though __________________ Sony KDS-60A2000 bulb hours ..... Yamaha RX-V1800 ..... Dish ViP 622 DuoDVR temps .... Toshiba HD-D1 ..... Philips BDP7200 ..... Mirage OMNISAT v2 FS .... Mirage OMNISAT v2 CC ..... Mirage OMNISAT v2 .... Mirage OMNI S12 (19Hz) ..... (2) Sony SA-W3000 (20Hz) ....Home Depot

02-04-2010, 05:03 PM	#5
Chris Gerhard High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 9,411	I haven't seen this yet but it sounds great. I love "Shaun of the Dead" and think we have had about ten times too many zombie movies but too few that make fun of the obvious absurdity of zombie movies. I know there are humor elements with most zombie movies but Shaun was the first one I have seen that got it right and made an all out comedy. I haven't found an acceptable deal yet on the Blu-ray but plan to buy it when I do. Chris

02-07-2010, 11:12 AM	#8
oblioman L2W,,,Godspeed Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Someville TN Posts: 7,112	If you like the Woody type humor,,this be much more than a rental. Personally me hates gore movies,,but found this to be a lot more fun than gore. 3 thumbs up.

02-08-2010, 09:43 AM	#10
dsskid ISF Calibrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Age: 46 Posts: 2,692	Great review HD, thanks. __________________ There is no one perfect display. Read as many professional reviews as possible on the models you are interested in, and then go to the store and actually view them before making your final decision. Living Room - Panasonic TH58PZ700U, Panasonic DMP-BD55AK Man-Cave (Den) - Sony KDL-46Z5100, Sony S360