The world of horror cinema is about to get a whole lot more fascinating with the release of Night of the Living Tapes: The Official Home Video History of Night of the Living Dead (Expanded Edition). This new book is a treasure trove for fans of George A. Romero's iconic zombie film, offering an in-depth exploration of the film's extensive home video legacy. With nearly 650 home video releases documented, this expanded edition is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What makes this book particularly intriguing is the level of detail it provides. Geoff Turner, the author and historian, has spent years meticulously cataloging video box art, promotional materials, and rare releases from around the world. The result is a comprehensive archive that showcases the evolution of the film's distribution and the various formats it has been released on.
The original 2021 edition, which was a Kickstarter success, cataloged over 250 VHS and Betamax variants. The expanded version takes this even further, featuring:
- New Cover Artwork: Rick Catizone, known for his work on Night of the Living Dead, Creepshow, and Evil Dead II, has created a stunning new cover for this edition.
- Increased Page Count: With 305 full-color hardcover pages, the book provides an extensive overview of the film's distribution history.
- New Chapters: Ten new chapters delve into the complete distribution history, offering a detailed breakdown of the film's journey across different countries.
- Appendices: Eleven appendices cover various aspects of Night of the Living Dead and physical media collecting, providing valuable insights for collectors.
- Updated Checklists: The book now documents nearly 650 different releases across 26 countries, making it an invaluable resource for fans.
For those who appreciate the physical media aspect of cinema, this book is a treasure trove. It's one of the most comprehensive reference books ever assembled for a single horror film, and it's sure to be a go-to resource for fans and collectors alike.
The pre-orders for the expanded edition are set to begin on July 10, 2026, and they come with a range of exclusive items, including a signed bookplate, a VHS bookmark, a VHS sticker, an exclusive trading card, a Death Cult Press button, and a free "Cemetery Entrance" enamel pin for the first 75 orders. Shipping is expected to start on September 1, 2026.
As a lifelong fan of Night of the Living Dead, I'm thrilled to see this expanded edition. It's a testament to the film's enduring legacy and the dedication of fans and collectors who have preserved its history. This book is not just a reference; it's a celebration of one of the most influential horror films ever made, and it's a must-have for anyone who wants to delve into the fascinating world of its home video releases.
