After waking from a coma in an abandoned hospital, police officer Rick Grimes finds the world he knew gone - ravaged by a zombie epidemic of apocalyptic proportions. Nearby, on the outskirts of Atlanta, a small encampment struggles to survive as 'the dead' stalk them at every turn. Can Rick and the others hold onto their humanity as they fight to live in this terrifying new world? And, amidst dire conditions and personal rivalries, will they ultimately survive one another? AMC’s The Walking Dead is an epic, survival adventure series from the director of The Shawshank Redemption and the producer of The Terminator and Aliens.
The Walking Dead debuted on October 31, 2010 and was instantly the best new show of the season. Yes this is a dramatic survival horror show that features zombies but it is so much more than that. The most important aspect of the show is the study of the human condition and how we face tragedy in the form of a devastating plague. There are several touching moments that never feel forced. The horror element of the show surely won't disappoint gore fans with super detailed makeup effects by the great Greg Nicoterro. The show is also perfectly cast with every genre and race covered and each character has their own diverse personality that makes this the best ensemble currently on television after Mad Men. The season is a quick and furious 6 episodes due to the filming schedule. I highly recommend picking up this excellent show before it returns this fall with 13 more episodes. 9/10
The Walking Dead arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This is a considerable upgrade over the blocky and noisy AMC broadcast that is provided through Cablevision in my area. The show is shot on 16mm film that lends to the gritty, realistic feel that the show portrays. Colors are decidedly subdued but there are some scenes that are filled with a lush, green forest. The color of the blood varies from dark to corn syrup mixed with red food coloring with a nice deep tone. I noticed a nice upgrade in fine detail such as clothing texture where I was able to make individual stitches, a home with scratched hard wood floors showed its age well. The Zombie makeup really shines here with every gory detail revealed.
Black levels were solid throughout. Due to being shot on 16mmm their is a fine layer of grain that was never obtrusive and adds to the overall feel of the show. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will be very happy with this strong transfer. 8.5/10
Audio is provided by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. An enthralling track that rarely lets up. Gunshots pound the listening area with crisp details heard in bullets tearing through undead flesh. Surrounds are almost constantly engaged with environmental effects, zombie movement and the music score bleeding to the back. Dialogue was crisp and clear with the southern accents easily intelligible. Dynamics are strong with a one scene in the end of the first episode that will knock you and your listening area for a loop. You'll know the scene when you hear and feel it. LFE is tight and precise, for a television production their were some startlingly deep lows in a few scenes. This is a fantastic listen that matches the events unfolding on screen with scary perfection to bring into the environment of the show. 10/10
* The Making of The Walking Dead (29min53sec, HD) - This is a great overall behind-the-scenes look from cast and crew that examines the inspiration for the show, the work leading up to bringing the show to fruition with AMC, and the production itself. Be sure to watch this one.
* Inside The Walking Dead (HD) - This is broken up into six separate featurettes that focus on each of the seasons six episodes.
* A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman (4min51sec, HD)
* Behind the Scenes Zombie Make-Up Tips (6min45sec, HD) - A fast lesson from Greg Nicoterro on how you can make yourself a zombie.
* Convention Panel with Producers (11min32sec, HD)
* The Walking Dead Trailer (1min3sec, HD)
* Zombie School (3min, HD) - How the zombie actors were taught how to walk and look like the undead.
* Bicycle Girl (5min6sec, HD) - A nice look at the zombie that Rick shows mercy to.
* On Set with Robert Kirkman (3min8sec, HD) -
* Hanging with Steven Yeun (3min52sec, HD)
* Inside Dale's RV (3min25sec, HD) - A fun look at the set that is used to portray the fatherly characters home and mode of transportation.
* On Set with Andrew Lincoln (3min46sec, HD) - A brief talk with the star of the show.