There are five films in the Return of the Living Dead franchise, a series distinct from George A. Romero’s Living Dead films despite sharing a similar premise. These five films offer a unique blend of horror, comedy, and punk rock sensibilities, solidifying their place in cult classic cinema.
A Deep Dive into the Rotting Ranks: The Five Films
The Return of the Living Dead series, launched in 1985, quickly carved its own niche in the zombie genre. Unlike Romero’s focus on societal decay and the breakdown of order, Return of the Living Dead emphasized dark humor, grotesque special effects, and a faster, smarter breed of undead with an insatiable craving for… brains. Let’s examine each film individually:
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Return of the Living Dead (1985): Directed by Dan O’Bannon, this film is widely regarded as the franchise’s masterpiece. It introduced the iconic zombies that crave brains and the infamous Trioxin 2-4-5, a chemical agent responsible for reanimating the dead. Its witty dialogue, memorable characters (like Burt and Ernie), and punk rock soundtrack cemented its status as a cult classic.
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Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988): This sequel, directed by Ken Wiederhorn, leans more heavily into the comedic aspects. While it shares some thematic similarities with the original, it features a younger cast and a more cartoonish tone. Some consider it a lesser entry, but it still offers plenty of zombie mayhem and laughs.
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Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993): Directed by Brian Yuzna, this installment takes a darker, more romantic approach. The story centers around a young man who uses Trioxin to resurrect his deceased girlfriend, leading to gruesome consequences. It’s notable for its grittier visuals and emphasis on practical effects.
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Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2005): This is where the franchise significantly falters for many fans. Directed by Ellory Elkayem, it marks a departure from the original’s tone and features a more generic zombie outbreak storyline. CGI effects replace the practical effects of the earlier films.
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Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave (2005): Also directed by Ellory Elkayem, this film continues the storyline from Necropolis and features even more reliance on CGI and a predictable plot. It’s generally considered the weakest entry in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Return of the Living Dead
To further clarify and expand upon the Return of the Living Dead franchise, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
Film Specific Questions
Is Return of the Living Dead a sequel to George A. Romero’s Living Dead films?
No, Return of the Living Dead is not a direct sequel to Romero’s films. While it originates from a script initially developed with Romero, it evolved into a separate entity due to creative differences. The film even contains a self-aware reference to Romero’s films, portraying them as “based on true events.”
Which Return of the Living Dead movie is considered the best?
The original Return of the Living Dead (1985) is overwhelmingly considered the best film in the franchise. Its blend of horror, humor, practical effects, and iconic characters established the series’ distinct identity.
Which Return of the Living Dead movie is considered the worst?
Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave (2005) is generally considered the weakest entry in the series. Its reliance on CGI and predictable plot disappointed many fans.
Does Return of the Living Dead 3 connect to the other films in the series?
While it uses Trioxin 2-4-5, Return of the Living Dead 3 is somewhat standalone in terms of plot and characters, although it maintains the same universe continuity. It presents a darker and more tragic narrative than previous entries.
Lore & Characters Questions
What is Trioxin 2-4-5 and why is it important?
Trioxin 2-4-5 is a fictional chemical agent responsible for reanimating the dead in the Return of the Living Dead universe. It’s central to the franchise’s lore and explains the existence of the intelligent, brain-craving zombies.
Why do the zombies in Return of the Living Dead eat brains?
The zombies in Return of the Living Dead eat brains because they believe it alleviates the pain of being dead. This characteristic is a defining trait that distinguishes them from the more traditional, mindless zombies often portrayed in other media. This was established in the first movie when one zombie was interrogated.
Who is Burt Wilson and why is he such a memorable character?
Burt Wilson is a character in the original Return of the Living Dead, portrayed by Clu Gulager. He is the owner of Uneeda Medical Supply, a seemingly ordinary business that accidentally becomes ground zero for the zombie outbreak. His increasingly desperate attempts to contain the situation, coupled with his dry wit, make him a memorable and often hilarious figure.
What are Tarman zombies and why are they so iconic?
Tarman is a specific zombie character from the original Return of the Living Dead, named for his tar-like, viscous appearance due to being preserved in a drum of Trioxin. He’s iconic for his decaying, slimy look and his guttural moans for “brains!”
Production & Legacy Questions
Why isn’t George A. Romero involved in the Return of the Living Dead franchise?
While the initial script for Return of the Living Dead was based on a treatment Romero had written, creative differences led to him parting ways with the project. He retained the rights to the title Living Dead, while John Russo, his former collaborator on Night of the Living Dead, retained the rights to create sequels using the “Return of…” prefix.
Are there any plans for future Return of the Living Dead movies?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for any future Return of the Living Dead films. However, the franchise maintains a strong cult following, so a reboot or revival remains a possibility.
What is the legacy of the Return of the Living Dead franchise?
The Return of the Living Dead franchise holds a significant legacy in the horror genre. It popularized the concept of zombies craving brains, introduced a faster and more intelligent type of undead, and blended horror with dark comedy in a unique and influential way. It’s also notable for its memorable characters, practical effects, and punk rock soundtrack.
How does the soundtrack contribute to the overall feel of Return of the Living Dead?
The soundtrack of the original Return of the Living Dead is integral to its overall atmosphere. Featuring punk and deathrock bands like The Cramps, T.S.O.L., and The Damned, the music amplifies the film’s anarchic energy and subversive humor, contributing to its distinctive tone. It serves as a counterpoint to the gruesome visuals, making the film both terrifying and entertaining.