Blu-ray Review: White Zombie [Film Masters Archive Collection]

Synopsis: In this low budget screamer, a couple honeymooning in Haiti run afoul of a diabolical voodoo master. This Pre- Code horror classic is considered to be the first feature length zombie movie, and features great atmospheric direction by Victor Halperin. The film's unsung hero was set designer Ralph Berger, who exploited sets of previous Universal Studios films, including bits from Dracula, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Frankenstein.​

Main Feature: I have a vague recollection watching White Zombie, on Svengoolie I believe. It wasn't until I watched the recent documentary Black Zombie, which traces the roots of the zombie archetype in Haitian and voodoo culture, that White Zombie was explored for it being the first zombie film but it's racial basis in the demonization of the voodoo culture. This prompted me to check out the film again now seeing it thru that lens. The film definitely makes more than questionable decisions with characters and plot not in line with modern tastes, to say the least. This does not take away from the story and one that can be a cautionary tale, with it also representing an entry of film history to be studied without alteration. It's campy, weird and sometimes clunky. But still an interesting watch from a technical aspect--production design, camera work being at the forefront. And Film Master Archive has done an admirable job restoring the sharp black and white look, adding to the the tone and knowledge I can see the film thru. 

Bonus Features: Zero extras. A slick cover, though.

Final Call: White Zombie is a history lesson--both good and bad--for both the zombie genre and it's sources with a decent restoration for a sub-par final product. 

Grade: B-