Search - Dawn of the Mummy on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 12/09/2003 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 37 mins Studio: Madacy Total Copies: 1 Genres: Horror, Creature Film

This film's title clearly reflects the two films that most inspired it: The Mummy and Dawn of the Dead. The plot involves a group of jet-setting fashion models and photographers who choose the tomb of an evil and sadistic pharaoh named "Seferaman" as the setting for their Egyptian-themed magazine shoot. Since these characters are also phenomenally stupid, it's only a matter of time before someone's disturbing the hot-tempered pharaoh's beauty rest, prompting the mummy and his cannibal companions to rise from their dusty graves and tear the infidel defilers to shreds. Good camerawork, voracious gore effects, and the chaotic mummies-in-the-streets finale recall some of the better Italian zombie epics -- but this resemblance unfortunately extends to the typically threadbare plot, which requires each and every character to plow headfirst into situations that almost guarantee death or dismemberment. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Brenda King
Barry Sattels
George Peck
John Salvo
Joan Levy

Gorehounds rejoice! The only mummy gore movie ever produced finally gets a much belated DVD release courtesy of Madacy Home Video. Though horror fiends may initially bring into question the apparent panning and scanning of the film, rest assured that director Frank Agrama himself states that Dawn of the Mummy was indeed shot for full-frame release despite 35 mm origins that would seem to imply widescreen composition. Though it's more than a little dark in addition to being slightly washed out and sporting notable debris in some scenes, the transfer is fair and offers a solid reproduction of cinematographer Sergio Rubini's excellent photography. Sure the Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack may be nothing to scream about, but it is well balanced and clear despite some minor hiss. A curious and welcomed inclusion comes in the form of an audio commentary track featuring Dark Delicacies owner Dell Howison discussing the film with Agrama, who comes across as a soft-spoken and good-humored director with an impressive knowledge of film. Agrama and Howison provide commentary that is lively, entertaining, and informative (even revealing that the director is a former surgeon!). It's great to hear Agrama expound on the technical aspects of the film, and his perspective on the films of the early '80s compared to current Hollywood fare is both thought-provoking and informative in regards to celluloid evolution. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide