NOTLD - Colorized DVD

Mr_Vindictive · February 21, 2006, 08:26:30 AM

I remember someone posting about this DVD when it was first released. At that time, I was stronly against buying it since I could never imagine NOTLD being colorized. Recently, I was browsing around DeepDiscountDVD.com and saw that they had the DVD for about 10.00. I figured I'd pick it up since it also has the original B&W version of NOTLD on the disc.

I received it a few days ago, and let it sit on my shelf til last night. As I mentioned before, I could never imagine NOTLD in color. Now, that I've seen it, I must say that I'm pleased with the outcome and quite surprised.

Whoever did the coloring of this film must be a true fan. It's absolutely amazing just how good the film looks in color. Barbara's eyes, Johnny's tie, Karl Hardman's bald head, Bill Hinzman's teeth....they all shine through with beautiful color. It is like watching a completely different film. The only bad part of the coloring is that you can see the budget restraints that the film had. The B&W version covered up most of the cheap looking stuff, but in color everything looks a bit more fake. Although it's still not as good as watching the film in B&W, the novelty is still worth the 10.00.

Another great thing about the DVD is the commentary by Mike Nelson from MST3K. His commentary is sporadic, leaving minute pauses between comments but is funny overall. About 20 minutes into the film, Mike gives you a recipe to make your own zombie mix drink. He eventually goes on to give you other drink recipes that relate to the film, as it goes on. Other than that, it's your normal MST3K style comments which are hilarious.

If you are a fan of NOTLD, then I don't see why you wouldn't pick up this version on DVD. It certainly looks good, and sounds good too. It's considerably better than the 1.00 NOTLD DVD that I've had for a while now. Still a great film.

trekgeezer · February 21, 2006, 09:26:47 AM

I have the B&W version, picked it up at WalMart for $1.

ulthar · February 21, 2006, 06:08:41 PM

I taped the colorized version off TV a few years ago...USA Network probably. I saw the tape in the cabinet the other day a grabbed it to take a look. I had forgotten it was the colorized version. It's not bad, as you say, but there is something about the B&W that adds to the spookiness of the original.

ToyMan · February 21, 2006, 09:16:48 PM

luckily, both the black and white AND the color versions are on the disc. WIN/WIN, suckas.

Just Plain Horse · February 22, 2006, 01:09:36 PM

I got it too and I must agree about the coloring... though I got it for Mike Nelson's commentary myself. Remember: zombies hate clotheslines. Seeing the trailer for Carnival of Souls in color threw me... gotta keep my eyes out for that one...

BTM · February 22, 2006, 04:16:58 PM

I gotta know.. were the zombies green?? I'm told there was a VHS colorized version that sucked because they made the zombies green. (I'm told in the original makeup, they were actually more a pale white/grey combo.)

Whoa, Mike Nelson! Hearing him would be good enough to get the DVD for that alone! :)

Mr_Vindictive · February 22, 2006, 04:48:55 PM

BTM,

Nope, the zombies are a pale white/grey color as one would expect a dead body to be.

The Burgomaster · February 22, 2006, 05:13:19 PM

I bought the colorized VHS tape back in the 1980s. I watched it in color once. Every other time I watched it, I turned down the color on my TV and watched it in B&W.

nobody · February 22, 2006, 08:49:52 PM

I buy every single "Off Color Films" DVD that comes out, and I'll continue to do so, so long as Mike continues to supply the commentaries. It's the closest thing available to new MST3K episodes since the shows demise.

Their latest film was kind of a disappointment, however. The commentary was solid, but the movie was "Plan 9 From Outer Space", which I've seen several times (and already own as part of an Ed Wood box set). I hope their next film is something more obscure.