Night Of The Living Dead 1990 RETROSPECTIVE - What The Remake Got Right

In this episode of REWIND, we'll talk about everything the 1990 remake of 'Night of The Living Dead' got right & the fascinating history behind the remake as it relates to the original film.
Check out more REWIND movie reviews here: • REWIND - Movie Reviews
#TonyTodd #nightofthelivingdead #tomsavini #georgeromero

[@pippinhootinanny3661]

The zombie eating the severed hand was my writing professor in college. Great guy. Apparently the actor originally slated to eat the hand backed out, so my professor jumped at the chance for more screen time.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Now that is cool. I don't blame him, I'd jump at that opportunity to be a zombie too. 🧟‍♂ Awesome.

[@GoryRory]

I'm currently working on a production of Night Of The Living Dead The Musical right now where most of the team had seen or knew of the original, but none of them knew about the remake, so I projected this for them last night before rehearsal. Thank you so much for your wonderfully comprehensive look at the incredible remake.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Gory Rory! A NOTLD musical? That sounds AWESOME! I was lucky enough to see Beetlejuice on Broadway, we're hoping to check out Little Shop of Horrors. Is your show in NY? And thanks for the viewing, glad to be of help and that is really nice to hear.

[@SilverBackCeasar7414]

I loved this movie. One of my favorites. I went to see this at movies in 1990

[@MarvelandDC379]

The original Night of the Living Dead remains one of my favorite horror films and I watch it every Halloween. That being said, I really appreciate your input on the 1990 remake. I hate the mindset that critics and audiences have that if it 's a remake or reboot, it's automatically bad. Sometimes you have to judge things purely by their own merits being its own interpretation. I prefer the 60s version, but the remake has plenty of good things about it. Can't go wrong with Tony Todd!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeeey wassup Charles, that is cool, I did not know you were a fan of the original. Aside from being such an important film for the genre it is also so eerie. Tony Todd was amazing in the remake, I think he took the whole thing up another level. Always appreciate hearing from you, hope you've been well & have a happy Halloween. 🎃

[@jasonmerced718]

This movie is way better than the original. If you disagree then it's because it's probably remake hate. It really is superior in every way

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

I hear you Jason, there's a knee-jerk reaction to hate on remakes but in some cases, they can surpass the OG.

[@SkepticalChris]

Truly one of the best remakes ever. You'd be a bunch of yoyo's if you didn't watch this movie and love it! One of the best parts of this was of course how Barbara was remade into one kickass lady. She's frail and frightened at first, then she realizes, its either fight or die, so she chooses to fight, and I love your comparison of her to Ellen Ripley, because she Barbara has a baptism of fire. She easily can go toe to toe with other kickass women like Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

😂 A bunch of yoyos indeed. 🤣 Glad to see another fan of bad-ass Barbara. That was the perfect direction to go with her character and it was handed so well. Appreciate the comment Chris! Have a good weekend! ✌

[@magaz]

I still remember picking up the VHS release of this at Blockbuster (it might have been “Ritz video express” at that time) and the cover art had Ben prominently featured. Bit an issue you might think. But it’s the shot of him coming out of the basement at the end. They knew how to spoil movies in the 90’s! There was a similar thing the first time I saw Dawn as well. With Roger on the back cover.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

True, they were pretty casual with spoilers back then. And the thing is with the remake, there were some differences and Ben's fate could have been one of those aspects that went in an alternate direction.

[@rkrueger8009]

90s night of the living dead is great! Very underrated

[@EricBinford]

I've always liked this film. It was hard in my lil'country surroundings to find this on DVD when it came out as such. I still watch from time to time.

[@kaboomzzz]

The original is an all time classic, of course, but this remake is super solid and way underrated. Great analysis. Subscribed.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey wassup Kaboomz, welcome aboard! Happy to have you here.

[@CurlyGirlAtTheMovies]

I need to rewatch this one. I honestly don’t remember how I’ve ever felt about it when seeing it years ago. Your review definitely made me want to give it another try.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Curly Girl! I'd love to hear your thoughts if you give this a rewatch. It's presently on Shudder. Thanks for popping in! 😃

[@lukeharbolt7681]

" cooper open this door or I'ma blow it go shit!" Bunch of yoyo's

[@PaxPanic]

Absolutely killed it again, Fever! Your editing is ON POINT! and I always learn something!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Aw thanks Pax, much appreciated! 😁

[@TheEpicGypsy]

The absolute transformation of Barbra was perfectly well done, the character went from being scared stiff to strong and fearless.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Agreed and it was executed very well. That one aspect added a lot to this remake. Thanks for the watch & comment EpicGypsy. Have a good one!

[@MrRezRising]

I've been a casual Savini fan since Creepshow was in theaters. I never knew he was in 'Nam. Thanks! 🙂🤘

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

I think that was news to me as well, or I'd heard about it & forgotten that detail. Thanks for watching Rez! Have a good one!

[@viceversar-do1cn]

I prefer traumatized, terrified, overwhelmed, and slowly going nuts Barbara of the original over "bad-assed" macho, gun-toting, action-hero Barbara of this remake. I think it's more dramatic. And not every female character can be a "bad ass" a la Sigourney Weaver in Aliens. I think ever since THAT movie a lot of movie audiences have pretty much required and demanded THAT of every movie heroin, often rather stupidly.

[@lukeharbolt7681]

The copyright thing is very true that's why in almost any horror movie you watchyou will see night of the living Dead being played on TV

[@jamesprovosthemingway4285]

I Love this remake! One of my favorite Zombie 🧟‍♂️ movie's and favorite Halloween 🎃 movie 🎥 🎬 🎞

[@joerussell9574]

I remember seeing this in theaters as a teenager alone. I thought it was awesome and always underrated! I wish there was more radio/tv talk in Romero's movies but that is my main nitpick.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Joe! That must have been some experience. I think the first time I saw this I was in junior high and we watched it on video in art class.

[@joerussell9574]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater It was eerily awesome! It was me and like a few other people and I was immersed! I am just glad we got to experience these great movies considering the crap they put out now...Man I loved the 80s and 90s! Thanks again FDT!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

A fine choice, good sir. I have always dug this one. Great cast. Great direction. Great mood. I wouldn't say it's a better film than the original, but I will say I enjoy it just as much. It's one of those that if I catch it on TV, I'm probably going to stop and watch.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeeey Mr. Sterling. Glad you enjoyed it man. I hear you about the original too. An all time classic. I was happy this review allowed me to speak on that one a bit as well. Hope you have a happy Halloween.

[@InnerPeaceAtlanta]

Cool 👍I enjoyed watching, thank you!! Leaving full support my 💖 friend. Have a Lovely Day Greetings!like92

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rfernandz2001]

I challenge myself when I revisit the original film to take the position that NEITHER Ben nor Mr. Cooper are in the right. We, the audience, are conditioned to see Ben as the "hero" because he is the most assertive and charismatic.

[@RobertHarbitzII]

Night90 is my favorite horror movie!😮

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey awesome, yeah I'm happy to see this one is favored by so many. 💪Thanks for watching Robert.

[@susanmctavish6639]

I saw Patricia Tallman at a convention and wish I'd gotten an autograph. The music at the end credits of the 1990 one is awesome. Check it out.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Susan, that's cool, well at least you got to see her. The music was awesome as I recall.

[@rainbowFRIGHT]

These were definitely some of the best looking zombies even compared to zombies of today especially with those clear eyes. A little more gore I think would have helped with getting a better reception from audiences when it was released but oh well. It's still was always one of my favorite remakes. I mean come on, we got Tony freakin' TODD as Ben, lol.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thanks Rainbow, yeah I was happy to give this one some love. Ton Todd was a true highlight. I recently rediscovered this and enjoyed it a lot so I figured it would be a good break between TZ vids.

[@HildaDC]

Heyyy Anthony here watching my friend much love and blessings to u ❤️ 💛

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thank you Hilda! Much love!

[@toast4975]

This was actually one of the first movies I saw that got me into zombie films and George Romeros work. This is definitely a rare example of a remake done right (still better than the dawn of the dead remake in my opinion) and should be in any horror fans collection.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Toast! I think I may have caught this one first as well. Also, I agree this a great addition to any horror fan collection. Be well!

[@HaveCheetahWillView]

Another damned great review.....if you ever teamed up with Kevin from Haunted By Horror,you two would be flat out amazing in your reviews. I still have to see the remake.....

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Patrick! Thanks for the watch, yeah I recommend the remake if you ever get a chance, especially if you dig the original. I''ll check out Kevin's work. Be well. 😁

[@lostinthereel]

Loved your inclusion of Siskel & Ebert at the beginning! I'm obsessed with your rewind reviews Ant, I hope you do more! I've actually never seen ANY of these Romero movies 😱 I'll have to dive into them someday

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thanks for stopping by Shawn! I used to watch Siskel & Ebert as a kid, LOL so who knows, I may have even been watching that review waaaay back then.

[@spiritsnscreams]

While the original is my favourite, this one is top notch too and you have covered it really well Anthony. I love hearing about your favourite classic films as well as the Twilight Zone episodes. It’s nice keeping these films alive. Great review as always!!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thanks Karen, yeah whenever possible I try to mix things up a little.

[@Zorros2ndCousinTwiceRemoved]

First Fright Night II gets some much-deserved love, then the eighties Twilight Zone (which made me start rewatching it), then this. I just discovered you yesterday, but you just might become my favorite person around here. ^^ As with Fright Night II, I simply cannot comprehend why critics were meh (if they didn't outright dislike it) and why hardly anyone even takes notice nowadays. Not only does NotLD '90 serve up some sweet surprises for connoisseurs of the original, it improves on the original in every conceivable way. Let's face it, film-historically it's an extremely important landmark, but judged on its own merits, it's a shoestring-budget student film with very wonky deliveries, to put it charitably. Yes, it's rightfully beloved and was a remarkable achievement that cannot be understated, but if you disregard the historical context for a minute (by showing it to someone not particularly interested in the genre, for example), it really hasn't aged well at all. At any rate, Savini's take should be up there with the other two classics, Dawn and Day, and by rights should be required watching for every horror fan.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Much thanks for the kind words Don, happy to have you here! I agree totally, the original is a classic and a massive achievement. But - yes, it also has some rough spots which I could see being more noticeable especially without historical context. NotLD '90 deserves more recognition too, so I'm happy to see many are on the same page with this remake.

[@daviddowsett1658]

At 51, I watched these in order Day in 1985 ... then Dawn of the back of this, which I thought was great ... Then Night, which strangely I only think is OK, so I was not that interested when the 1990 remake was released, first noticed in Vid shop without knowing it was being made, expectations were low, and it was great much better than the Original IMHO (Dawn>Day>Night'90>Dawn'04>Land>Night>Diary>Survival ... I won't include the Day Remake)

[@SciFirstMovieTalk]

Absolutely awesome insight!! I absolutely love the original Night of the Living Dead - an absolute horror masterpiece - but this remake is amazing in it`s own right - one of the rare occasions where a remake really lives up to it`s predecessor - both absolutely terrifying movies!! :)

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeeey SciFirst! Always glad to hear from you & good to hear you are a fan of this remake! Thanks for checking in!

[@NyesBizarreCinema]

Yay! Thanks Anthony for reviewing this! You read my mind! 😁 For years, I felt like my brother and I were the only ones who loved NOTLD 1990. I said it was more entertaining than the original and I still stand by that. In my weird opinion, lol,this is one of the best remakes EVER! Yep! I'm so pleased to see more people embracing it. Another weird opinion of mine... I always said that Tony Todd deserved an Oscar for his work in this film. Tom Savini is a awesome director! Great job Anthony!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Nye! I'm so glad someone not only has seen this but is even as fond of it as you are. Tony Todd absolutely shines in this performance and there is so much nuance to his character. He's a bad-ass, he's clearly a leader but there's also these great subtle / heartfelt moments too where he's down in the cellar and suggests getting some blankets for Cooper's child. Anyway, thank you as always for the watch & comment. Have a happy Halloween!

[@tyortiz2151]

This sets the vibe for Halloween weekend .. thanks 🎃

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Ty! Thanks as always! Happy Halloween!

[@SilverBackCeasar7414]

Halloween is my favorite holiday and this is one of my favorite movies.

[@lukeharbolt7681]

I love this way better than the original ever will be

[@Reverend_Nada]

Hi Anthony, I really enjoyed this review. I haven’t seen this movie is years and it was good to look back at it. Though I liked this one, I wish they had kept the way Ben is killed intact as I find so much more impactful in the original. And some good bits of info! Keep it up!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Leslie! Wassup man, hope you had a nice Halloween. I hear you about the original ending. That remains a true gut punch. I think being a fan of Tony Todd, I wanted his character to survive which would have been different, but I understand, for the purposes of the story it's more powerful if he does not make it. Thanks for checking in & be well!

[@geekyhijynx8442]

FANTASTIC review mate!! This flew by and you are a natural at these! This funnily enough was my first viewing of Night of The Living Dead about 20yrs ago and I really enjoyed it and kinda prefer it over the original!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

You now that you mentioned it, I think my experience was similar. This was likely the first version I watched too. Thanks for checking in Joe, much appreciated man. 🤜🤛

[@mr.danandhorror4230]

Awesome review Anthony! Really good points. That “they’re coming to get you Barbara” mashup had me rolling. Todd and Tom Towles are great in this.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Mr. Dan! Glad you enjoyed it man. Happy Halloween. 🎃

[@user-pf7qg9lc6p]

I never really care of about day of the dead and dawn of the dead, not fan of those sequels, but night of the living dead fan i am, also soundtrack is great

[@ryanbellegrave9777]

Great reviews! I’m a giant horror fan and you do a wonderful job. Subbed. 👍🏼

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey wassup Ryan, happy to have you here! Stay tuned for more. Have a good weekend ahead. 👍🏼

[@theupsidedan]

Awesome video! I haven’t seen any of the “Living Dead” movies but they’re definitely on the list! I loved your comparisons between the original and the remake and comparing the main female character to Ripley.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

This one might actually be a nice starting point. It's on Shudder at the moment. Thanks Dan!

[@TheUndeadOfNight]

Great review , nice touch with the audio editing on the multiple re-release covers of the original . I thought this was Tony Todd's best performance on screen , much more natural and realistic than his later roles . Hard to disagree with anything you said in your review but here is a minor one , I thought it had just enough gore to keep it from being an effects showcase while still keeping it scary .

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Undead, much thanks for checking in, hope you've been well! I hear you about the gore thing. I guess maybe I get too used to all the blood and guts from other zombie movies. Have a good weekend!

[@adamdavis1737]

The original in my opinion is still the best zombie movie ever made and one of the best horror movies ever made But I think this is a really good remake and it manages to stand on its own. I don't think it replaces the original, but it doesn't feel like a super inferior copy of it either. It tells the same story with enough of a twist on which characters develop in what way that I thoroughly enjoy it right alongside the rest of the franchise. Honestly I probably like it more than day of the Dead at the very least

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Adam! The original is such a landmark film. It deserves the praise it receives. You pretty much encapsulated why I dig this remake too. It tells the same story but there are still fun twists along the way. Especially when it comes to Barbara. Thanks for the watch & comment! Be well!

[@Cinecrisis]

Hey Anthony, thanks for shining a light on this underrated gem. I haven't seen this in a number of years but I remember really loving it when I first saw it. No, it's not as good as the original, but nothing could ever be, and I think they knew that going in. It's definitely interesting to see this story told in a more modern light and go back to basics for a very simple story especially after the series got more intricate in later sequel films. I have to say the ending though lacks the final gut punch of the original and the fate of Ben is so much more impactful in the original compared to this one, but it's an interesting take nonetheless. And you can't go wrong with Tony Todd. As always, looking forward to the next video!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Cinecrisis, I hear you about the original gut-punch ending. I was curious how many other people recalled this one, so its a nice surprise to see a decent amount of people not only remember it but are fans as well. I appreciate you stopping by as always! Have a good one!

[@FanZceneVids]

Excellent review and I love this remake! Much like Croneberg's The Fly and Carpenter's The Thing this is how you do a remake. My only complaint would be Harry becomes to overbearing at times. In the original you can kind of see where he's coming from. That being said in the remake it provides a lot of great scenes and material for Ben and Harry. Keep kicking butt man 🤘

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Ha, ha agreed, the original Cooper was more toned down. Here, it's like he was clearly a villain and only helped briefly. Thank you for checking in FanZcene! 🤘

[@deadpan80]

its not the shitshow its reputed to be, but at the end of the day, it is a cash grab. at least, it plays with the expectations of fans of the original by adding little twists along the way and it does honor the original unlike most remakes don't

[@terencemiguana]

Excellent video as Always Anthony. Never realised that was Bill Mosely. Some nice trivia here and I have always enjoyed this remake as it changed some things without hurting the story and it is a shame that Savini did not become a notable director as he did a great job here in his debut. Horny Zombies are always welcome in my house!😂

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

lol, I'm trying to make #hornyzombies a thing 😆 Thanks for watching Terence! Much appreciated man.

[@LisaLoves]

Such a well put together video Anthony. I adore the original movie and I don’t think I’ve actually seen this remake. With what you’ve said I’ll have to give it a go.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Lisa, thanks for stopping by & I appreciate the kind words as always! Last I checked I think this was still on on Shudder. Have a good one! : )

[@cirespeedreviews]

I watched the original, and enjoyed it as is.. I haven't watched the 90s version though. I like the twist in the beginning in the cemetery like you mentioned. Maybe one I will probably watch.. another great video Anthony 💯💯💯

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thank you Cirespeed! Speaking of zombies, Star Wars: Clone Wars delved into this area a bit with 'Legacy of Terror' & 'Brain Invaders' I may have to give those a rewatch this Halloween. 🎃

[@cirespeedreviews]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater i remember the episode with the invasive worms infecting the squad.. Great episode! Enjoy the weekend bro 💯

[@officerperez]

I saw this before I had a chance to see the original and I love it more than the first as a result. Sue me.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

I had a similar experience, I think many feel the same way...it is a solid remake & it works really well just on its own. 👍

[@officerperez]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater Tell me about it. It started my path to a loving zombie films, which evolved into a love for Horror in general. It might sound silly, but whenever a new person got brought into my friends group, it was always required viewing upon our first hang-out. Sort of like letting them know what I'm about. And, for the most part, all of them enjoyed it

[@tracybuck4829]

Another fine job.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thanks Tracy! Appreciate it.

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Fabulous and entertaining

[@IanFindly-iv1nl]

Well, THIS one wasn't GROUNDBREAKING and GAME CHANGING like the original was in it's day, no. It's pretty much like any other horror movie of it's era (late 80s slash early 90s). But it's pretty decent as REMAKES go, yeah.

[@DeeTeaDee]

I always prefer the originals in 99.9% of the cases. Music and movies But I DO prefer the 90’s one to the original one.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

I hear you, I tend to prefer the original in most cases too, this is one of those tougher calls though.

[@DeeTeaDee]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater hey. Has this had a recent dvd release without the dark filters would you happen to know?? Crazy timing im actually watching it now after many years and I forgot how BAD the filters were that they added . Its so DARK!! The sun and lightbulbs are having no effect in the house man!

[@WongNdeso980]

Happy Halloween ,

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Happy Halloween!

[@BullsRetro]

The remake is better in my opinion. Great film.

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

The original night of the living dead is the original nes Metroid and night of the living dead 1990 is Metroid zero mission for the Gameboy advance. Kinda like metroidvania genre is the zombie movie genre.

[@starlord2211]

CFBR

[@jamesprovosthemingway4285]

This movie definitely teaches that the living are no better than the living Dead and can be worse. The End of the movie where it shows the Living acting like animals 😕 shooting and playing with the Zombies 🧟‍♂️ like its just another joke to deal with.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Agreed, it's a somber conclusion but very telling about humanity. Thanks James!

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

The last great horror remake.

[@user-pf7qg9lc6p]

Yes the original is better anyway, remake is comedy but not better nothing ways and i like the original's Barbara better, Barbara isn't nothing fighter, it's hysteric crazy

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

The night of the living dead 1990 remake is better than the blob 1988.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

If I had to pick I'd, go with Night of the Living Dead as well. Two really good remakes, I'm a fan of the Blob too, especially those practical FX.

[@user-pf7qg9lc6p]

Remake is cleary black humor but i prefer the original

[@theScrupulousBerserker]

🎃Happy Halloween Fever Dreamland Theater, love this channel & I always recommend you! 🙌🏽🎬🤌🏼 Skål 🐾

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Aw thanks, Bushwhacking History in Buffalo, very happy to hear that. Much appreciated! 😁Have a happy Halloween as well.