The Dead Invades US Shores This October

Matt Boiselle

After a very successful theatrical run earlier this year in the U.K., Global Cinema Distribution is proud to announce that The Ford Brothers zombie-action thriller, The Dead will be making its North American debut in 20 cities beginning with Los Angeles on October 7th, then followed by a wider release on October 14 starting with New York City and all points in between.

Centering on the aftermath of a global zombie outbreak, this movie was filmed in the harshest African regions of Burkina Faso and Ghana and focuses on an American mercenary that has just survived a horrific plane crash and his quest to stay alive amidst rampaging hordes of the undead. He soon thereafter meets up with an African soldier who is searching for his lost son, and it isn't long before the two are fighting side by side against mass quantities of blood-thirsty flesh eaters.

Shot on 35mm film, this movie has already gained nationwide acclaim in the UK for its brutality and edge-of your-seat storyline. Make sure you search out the trailer and hopefully if you live in a major city, you too will be able to partake in some good old fashioned zombie madness this October.

 - Just a little update - after writing this info I did some searching and found out that the movie will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray this October 10th!

Sideshow Collectibles' The Dead, Life-Sized?

The greatest in-house zombie collectibles you will find are now getting bigger. "The Dead" by Sideshow Collectibles, has seen several different incarnations. The line began as run of 12" figures with amazing detail and accessories. Their first character from this line, Patient Zero, is now demanding $300 or more on Ebay.

While their line of 12" figures continues, Sideshow took The Dead a step further by offering them as part of their Premium Format line. These are 1/4 scale statues that demand attention. Again, launching with Patient Zero, the premium format figures retail at around $250 and are simply stunning. A review of Patient Zero can be found here.

Adding a bit of cartoon to the line, Sideshow later introduced the first vinyl figure from The Dead, Mort. He was available in two limited versions, color and black and white. Both have been sold out but there is one color version left in stock in the Zombie Toy Store.

The Dead line began to spread like a zombie virus throughout Sideshow's offerings. The recently sold-out trio of busts, The Specimen, added a bit of scientific discovery. As part of Sideshow's Legendary Scale line, these figures were about 1/2 scale. Here's the review, buy them in the Zombie Toy Store.

Well... now Patient Zero is back! This time as a life-sized 1:1 scale bust. Yup. For those of you who really want to be freaked out at night, you can now own an incredibly detailed zombie bust. Pre-orders will begin June 10th. We will post more news and photos as they become available.

The Dead: Specimens

Sideshow Collectibles brings us yet another addition to their in-house zombie line, The Dead. For better pics and to see the specs, check out the product listing at Sideshow Collectibles (The Dead: Specimens Legendary Scale Bust Set). This collection of zombie busts is sold as a set and their details are amazing. Don't forget to check out my review of their Premium Format Patient Zero as well!

The origin of the virus is yet unknown as humanity struggles to contain the Dead. Without answers, the hordes multiply rapidly. Few attempts to kill them have succeeded, but scientists have gathered a small number of specimens for testing and training. The answer seems to lay with the head, the brain of the once reanimated corpse. These specimens seem to offer a cure, and when they find one, you must Be Ready.

The first specimen to discuss is #090 “Probe”. This subject is helping science by allowing us to stick probes through his skull and into his brain. These probes are remove-able allowing you to play “mad scientist” and conduct your own experiments. There is a stream of blood that runs down his head from each puncture. You can almost imagine that something has been accomplished through this experimentation by the look on the subject’s face. He is almost in a hypnotic state and his eyes are extremely bloodshot as if one of our probes did a bit too much damage.

Common yet still appreciated painting details are apparent such as the gloss vs. matte paint applications. His eyes have a glossy sheen making them appear very lifelike. Open wounds and blood also have a glossy, wet appearance. Again, while this is a common technique used by most companies, it is still effective and makes a difference. My favorite detail with this particular piece is the pale, almost translucent skin. You can faintly see blue veins running throughout his head. It is not necessarily just the fact they are there, but also where they are and how many are visible. Combine this with the other exquisite and life-like features of the skin and you are left with a truly creepy collectible. The wrinkles, pores, and general facial structure are frighteningly realistic.

Our next specimen is #419 “Lobotomy”. The same exquisite detail is present with Lobotomy as well. Again, the facial expression is perfect for the experimentation being done. With his brain exposed, the crooked-mouthed lobotomy looks somewhat complacent. In fact, I feel that this specimen is very reminiscent of “Bub” from Romero’s Day of the Dead. While our first specimen to me looked more ominous and scary, this guy seems a bit more sad and playful. Pores, wrinkles, and effective use of facial muscles and structure make this guy every bit as realistic as probe.

Looking to play more “mad scientist” games? Fear not as Lobotomy has a removable scalp. The top of his head detaches to reveal the infected brain underneath. Sideshow, sparing no attention to detail, even has the inside of the removed cranium sculpted and painted to look like the inside of a skull. If you decide to display your zombie head whole, this top section is held into place with hidden magnets. Yes, the brain is coated with the same shimmering gloss as the blood, eyes, and other exposed wounds.

Finally, we have specimen #187 "Bullet". It doesn't take a genius to figure out how this specimen received his nickname. Apparently, experimentation with over for this particular subject. I would have to say this specimen is the least lifelike of the trio. That's not to say it isn't an astounding piece. Every gruesome, gory detail is to par with his two friends'. I think, maybe, it is the hair. While not horrible looking, I find it distracting when compared with the other two. In Sideshow's defense, the hair is textured and is painted with various shades. The wounds, wrinkles, skin textures, and paint applications combine to make yet another amazing bust. I particularly like his glazed over eye. I dare you to buy this and not stick your finger in his eye socket.

These guys are available as a set for $224.99 and the edition size is a very limited 200 pieces. While not exactly kid-friendly, they will turn some heads this holiday season.

Sideshow Collectibles' Update: The Dead

As a zombie fan, a toy fan, and a zombie toy fan, Sideshow Collectibles' in-house line of zombie collectibles are my personal favorite. Their line, The Dead, started as a run of 12" zombie toys ...er, collectibles. Shortly after, they released a Premium Format edition of Patient Zero (review). For those not familiar with Sideshow, their Premium Format series is 1/4 scale of life-like goodness featuring real clothing. Recently, they have taken The Dead in some new directions.

Not too long ago Sideshow released a vinyl collectible of Mort, the zombie. Mort stands approximately 10" and has an "animated" type appearance. This version also featured a classic black and white or grayscale color scheme. This edition was limited to just 250 pieces and available for $69.99. Earlier this week to help you prepare for Halloween, Sideshow released the color version of Mort. This version is limited to 500 pieces and, incredibly, is still available for $59.99.

The Dead have gone from 12" figure, to Premium Format monster, to animated cute. Now let us bring out "The Specimens". This latest incarnation of The Dead features three "Legendary Scale" busts. Sideshow's Legendary Scale bust lines are approximately 1:2 scale of pure, quality collectible. The first of this new line for The Dead is a trio and limited to only 200 pieces. Amazingly, these are still available for $224.99 direct from Sideshow. If interested, buy them now as I guarantee they will not be available for long nor will they be available at this price in the future.

"The latest addition to the Sideshow Original The Dead collection, Sideshow proudly brings you The Dead: Specimens Legendary Scale Bust Set. This plague-ridden trio, including Specimen 090: Probe, Specimen 187: Bullet, and Specimen 419: Lobotomy, depicts just a few of the desperate attempts to eliminate The Dead. Each piece is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. The Dead: Specimens Legendary Scale Bust Set is an outstanding addition to any display."

Sideshow Announces Latest For The Dead

Sideshow Collectibles does it again. Their line of 12" collectible zombies is getting another new member. This one is Subject 245: Punk. My writing about how much I love these guys is probably getting old. So take a look at these pics then click here to view more and form your own opinion.

Sideshow Collectibles' Premium Format Patient Zero

Sideshow Collectibles does it again. They are one of the most consistent companies out there when it comes to releasing a quality collectible. I know I’ve commented before about their in-house line of unique zombie collectibles appropriately titled The Dead. As a matter-of-fact, Sideshow’s The Dead line made my list of the top 5 zombie toys. If you want to know where they placed, head over to Zombie Command where my article is posted.

What I have lined up for review today is the premiere release of their Premium Format zombie. Patient Zero shares the same name as Sideshow’s initial 12” offering and it has not been disclosed if and how many Premium Format zombies will follow. With an edition size of only 300, Patient Zero was not available to order for very long. And count your blessings if you were fortunate enough to secure one of the only 100 Sideshow exclusive ones. The exclusive edition has a dismembered hand that Patient Zero can carry with him. Because you never know when you’re going to need a snack.

Sideshow’s Premium Format series of collectibles are ¼ scale, painstakingly detailed, and breath-taking to view. So what we have is an 18 inch blood-soaked zombie toy. I use the word “toy” loosely; Patient Zero is a real cloth clothing covered statue.

The pose is dynamic but not overly so. With one arm reaching out for what I would presume to be his next victim, this statue captures just enough movement for a zombie. His foot is also in position to clumsily move him towards the prize. This movement will bring me to my first detail: the front outside of his right shoe is worn and torn with popped stitching. A detail that’s easy to miss given its location but once noticed gives the indication that poor Patient Zero has been lumbering around for quite some time. To add to this assumption are the frayed ends of his pant legs.

They say the clothes make the man and they are certainly an important detail here as well. It’s hard to pull off real clothes on a collectible and the majority of the time they just don’t look right. Buttons are usually too large, the clothes are stiff and don’t necessarily fit like they would on an actual person, and stitching never looks appropriately scaled. I’m happy to say Sideshow manages to work past any of these flaws. Buttons, stitching, type of materials used, belt loops, pockets, folds, tears, frays… all are spot-on. Even the blood stains are realistic looking with deep reds in the center with the color fading as it is absorbed into the shirt material. Another amazing detail is an unnoticeable wire that runs through the bottom and front seams of the shirt. This allows you to adjust the amount of action you want him to display.

The sculpting and paint applications are just as amazing. Wrinkles and folds of skin, exposed inner flesh, stains on teeth, details on his hands, all of them combine to create one of the most realistic collectibles I have seen. Even the base has details in just the right spots with small spatterings of blood where they would have dripped off of his dangling hand. The eyes have a white glaze over them effectively ghosting his baby blues. Patient Zero’s tongue is even contorted behind his imperfectly twisted teeth in such detail you can almost hear his moaning. Moaning because he saw his own price tag of $275.