Return of the Living Dead Book Signing and Release Party – at Dark Delicacies – Burbank, CA

If you’re a fan of Punk rock and zombie flicks then there’s a chance you’re already familiar with the 1985 cult classic film “The Return Of The Living Dead”. With a soundtrack boasting singles from The Damned, TSOL, 45 Grave, The Cramps and SSQ it is only right that the film would carry out certain Punk rock characteristics, and that it does! The film would go on do be moderately successful at the box office but would go on to be hugely praised in the cult and Punk rock communities, thus spawning a number of sequels. The first two “Returns” still remain the most popular of the bunch, with cast and crew reunions often taking place yearly at horror conventions around the world.

With 25 years since its release date and still popular as ever amongst die hard fans, authors Christian Sellers and Gary Smart set it upon themselves to compile hundreds of behind the scenes photos and cast/crew interviews for one hell of a retrospective book documenting anything and everything “Return of The Living Dead”. The books release party took place at horror-gore superstore Dark Delicacies in Burbank CA with a number of cast and crew on site to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Many of the films fans were glad to meet the cast in such a personal setting, seeing as the majority of cast reunions take place at huge conventions and usually cost upwards of $30 at the door and $20 for autographs. Free autographs and photo opportunities made this already cool event that much more awesome, and to top it all off 45 Grave’s very own Dinah Cancer (who sang on the films most known song Party Time) was on hand to accompany cast and crew!

Two hundred plus fans gathered for what was to be a great time had by all, including wife of the films director, the late Dan O’Bannon. With plenty of down time spent in line I was able to take a look at what the book had to offer and what I can honestly say is that this book has left no grave unturned. Everything you ever wanted to know and more is within the books pages, often with photographic evidence to accompany such anecdotes. The cast and crew were also more than happy to share and discuss their experiences from the set and spill the beans on which scenes were the most fun and disgusting to film (lots of blood and nudity, for mature audiences only!).

The most fanatical die hards brought along more than just the new book to get signed, among the items were original movie posters dating back to 1985, 12” Vinyl soundtrack Lp’s, coffin shaped guitar cases, original artwork and even memorabilia from other films the actors had worked on. Some fans even had tattoos paying homage to Return of the Living Dead!

The Complete History of The Return Of The Living Dead is a success of a project any which way you care to look at it. The idea of fans around the globe retaining interest in a film which would lead to an awesome book being put together a quarter of a century later is a testament to the films legacy. Impressive full color photos on every page affords this book a huge advantage over the small black and white photos usually accompanied with horror flick books, and with an average retail price at just $20.00 this film is an automatic must have. If you were there at the book singing event than you know how much love there is amongst the cast and fans and why this makes for a special book all together.

Cast and Crew at Book Signing: Beverly Randolph - Jules Brenner - Stanzi Stokes - Dinah Cancer - William Stout - Jewel Shepard - Brian Peck - James Karen - Don Calfa - Clu Gulager - John Philbin - Graham Henderson - Williams Munns - Cherry Davis - Robert Craighead - Victoria Slaymaker - Paul Sammon

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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