Romero's Zombie-apocalypse nowadays counts as one of the most important horrormovies of cinematic history. You can ask the viewers or the critivs everyone just praises the movie, even 30 years after its first release in cinemas. When it was released in 1978, it took the screenland by storm. It made 55 million $ (because of inflation that would nowadays be 179 million $) worldwide, far more money than they had for production costs [500.000 $]. When it was released on VHS for the first time in the USA in 1983, 750.000 copies ere sold. International releases quickly followed. The movie was a source of inspiration for a whole generation of moviemakers, and it was plagiarized several times. The modern genre of zombie movies was not only constituated by "Dawn of the Dead" - still to this day, it is the defining movie for that genre!

Dario Argento and George A. Romero clinched a deal to finance the movie which said that Argento was allowed to cut his own version of the movie for every non-English-speaking country (except for South and Middle America) while Romero's version was particularly released in the English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand). The two versions differ substantially from each other. The following report will shine a light on these differences.



This is a comparison between the Argento-Cut (also known as "Euro-Cut") and the Romero-Cut (also known as "US Theatrical Cut"). Both versions originate from the US Ultimate Edition released by Anchor Bay.

Romero-Cut (US Theatrical Cut) Length: 126 minutes Rating: Unrated

Argento-Cut (Euro-Cut) Length: 119 minutes Rating: Unrated

By comparison, the Romero-Cut is missing out on 1545.2 seconds.

0:00:00
The logos of the opening credits are shown at a different spot and in a different font. However this does not result in any difference in time.

No difference in time.

0:00:45
An employee of the production company talks to Fran - in the Romero-Cut we only hear her voice from off-screen.

4.5 sec.

0:01:59
When Fran hands the new list of the rescue center over to the production manager she says that this list might already be outdated. In Argento's version the production manager answers that he does everything in his power.

3 sec.

0:03:03
Just before the production manager comes rushing in the studio, you in the Argento-Cut see a new rescue center being added to the list. The scientist on TV enjoins the audience to act as quickly as possible since the zombies "breed" like rabbits.

18 sec.

0:03:05
Just before the production manager enters the room you see Fran coming back to the studio.

1.5 sec.

0:03:08
When the production manager talks to Fran over the loudspeakers you shortly see her entering the shot.

2 sec.

0:03:28
You see a short close-up shot of the woman in the studio. She stands up and leaves the studio with 2 other persons.

4 sec.

0:04:02
In the Argento-Cut, the scientist exposes his theses a little longer.

5 sec.

0:04:28
A crewmember throws paper shavings at the scientist. Subsequently, there's a little riot inside the studio. This scene is a little longer in the Argento-Cut.

3 sec.

0:04:42
In the Argento-Cut the scientist also recommends the audience to abandon any moralities because they are obsolete - the people in the studio are highly indigant.

10 sec.

0:05:01
Again, the scientist talks a little longer. In the Romero Cut you actually do see this scene, however it is the last scene of the opening sequence in the TV studio - and it is 2 seconds shorter.

2 sec.

0:05:01
Close-up shots of the police headlights - as a transitio ot the next scene - were cut out of the Romero-Cut.

6 sec.

0:05:56
A short shot of the task force was cut out.

2 sec.

0:06:04
In Argento's version the national guard storms in as well.

1 sec.

0:06:04
Roger takes the cigarrete out of his mouth before he talks. From off-screen you meanwhile hear the police chief's voice - Peter makes a short comment about it.

10 sec.

0:07:41
In Argento's version the gas grenade rolls down the stairs a little longer.

10 sec.

0:07:43
Additional shots of the assailing troops. The police chief issues the order to use the tear gas over the radio.

3 sec.

0:07:46
In the Argento-Cut there's a block of of new scenes of the troops storming the house.

15 sec.

0:07:49
A shot of the gas grenade.

1 sec.

0:07:56
The scene of the woman being interrogated begins a little earlier.

0.5 sec.

0:07:57
Alternative shot of the first wrangling.

2 sec.

0:08:00
In the Argento-Cut the man looks around again before he tries to run away.

0.5 sec.

0:08:16
In Argento's version the door closes.

0.5 sec.

0:09:26
There's a short missing reaction of the young police officer.

1 sec.

0:09:57
When the young police officer tilts backwards this is shown a little longer in the Argento-Cut.

0.5 sec.

0:09:57
The battle with the zombies begins a little earlier.

0.5 sec.

0:10:20
In the Argento-Cut one of the police officers is able to take a out while the young police officer stylishly aims at the zombie.

6 sec.

0:10:58
There's a missing scene where Roger talks insistently to the police officer.

11 sec.

0:12:07
Just before Roger lights a cigarette he asks Peter if he also wants to bail.

13 sec.

0:12:38
Roger shortly tells Peter about Steven's job as a chopper pilot.

3 sec.

0:13:10
The priest tells Roger and Peter that the people here won't cease their dead people.

6 sec.

0:14:04
When the SWAT team breaks the door open they look through the room which seems to be empty before the zombies break through.

5.5 sec.

0:14:17
When the zombies break through the door they are shown a little longer.

0.5 sec.

0:14:21
In Argento's version the zombies stumble up the stairs a little longer.

3 sec.

0:14:25
Ditto.

2 sec.

0:14:25
Extended scene of the SWAT team upside the stairs.

1.5 sec.

0:15:21
While Peter shoots the zombies they just go on eating flesh.

1 sec.

0:15:45
In Argento's version Roger goes on shooting.

9.5 sec.

0:16:26
Stephen and Fran land at the meeting point with the helicopter. Fran sees a dead person lying on the landing field and recoils. Stephen decides to examine the terminal all by himself but he just runs across more corpses...

47.4 sec.

0:16:41
Stephen's radio message is longer.

6 sec.

0:16:41
Stephen throws the radio device away.

1.1 sec.


0:16:41
Roger and Peter reach the landing field...

2.9 sec.


0:16:53
...and get out.

2.8 sec.

0:16:53
Stephen shortly looks towards them.

0.8 sec.

0:18:16
Fran and Peter talk some more in the helicopter.

14 sec.

0:18:34
Stephen rotates his head some more with fatigue...

7.5 sec.

0:18:58
Stephen says something.

5.1 sec.

0:18:58
The helicopter's approach is longer.

0.8 sec.

0:19:00
Ditto.

1.1 sec.

0:19:15
Roger and Peter look down on the open field.

1.1 sec.

0:19:28
A few additional shots of the national guard.

1.1 sec.

0:19:41
Ditto.

2 sec.

0:20:32
The helicopter circles the burning car wreck.

1.5 sec.

0:20:36
Wads of smoke rise.

3 sec.

0:21:28
A frew additional frames...

0.6 sec.

0:21:28
Peter shortly looks around.

0.6 sec.

0:21:53
Stephen approaches the barn a little longer.

1.4 sec.

0:21:53
Roger enters the house and turns to the side.

4 sec.

0:21:29
Roger sits down.

6 sec.

0:24:29
When Roger shoots the zombie kids, this is shown a little more detailed.

4 sec.

0:26:09
2 shots from inside the helicopter were added.

4.3 sec.

0:26:11
The following sequence was extended.

1.6 sec.

0:27:36
The helicopter flight over the mall is longer.

7.2 sec.

0:27:56
Argento's version shows an additional shot of the zombies in the parking lot.

1.2 sec.

0:29:17
Roger turns to the side.

1.6 sec.

0:29:27
Peter reaches for his flashlight.

2.8 sec.

0:29:27
Peter lights the storeroom and then goes to Roger.

3 sec.

0:29:27
Roger says something to Peter.

1.2 sec.

0:29:34
Stephen tries to open a window.

3.5 sec.

0:30:33
Stephen and Fran laugh about Roger's comment...

3.6 sec.

0:30:33
Peter opens the door to the hallway; Roger gives him a nod.

4.7 sec.

0:30:45
Peter lights a cigarette.

2.5 sec.

0:35:35
The following shot is a little longer.

0.7 sec.

0:35:35
BANG!

1.7 sec.

0:35:54
The zombie falls back a little further.

1 sec.

0:35:54
Roger guns down another zombie.

2.5 sec.

0:35:57
Despite Fran's warnings, Peter runs in the mall. In Argento's version he shortly looks back.

4 sec.

0:36:52
Roger's bullet hits the zombie's head. Subsequent to that, Roger and Peter run away while the zombies press their heads against the glass.

5.9 sec.

0:37:27
Now follow short sequences of the guys going shopping.

7.9 sec.

0:38:06
Stephen enters the janitorial room.

3.3 sec.

0:38:06
Ditto.

5.7 sec.

0:38:06
A few missing frames in Romero's version.

0.2 sec.

0:38:48
In Argento's version, a few more zombies stumble through the mall.

0.6 sec.

0:39:35
An additional shot of the zombies.

1.6 sec.

0:39:46
The following sequence is a little longer.

0.9 sec.

0:39:46
Stephen swoops for the site plan from the janitorial room.

5.5 sec.

0:42:32
A missing long shot of the upper floor.

0.6 sec.

0:42:32
Roger guns down a zombie.

2.4 sec.

0:43:11
The zombies hear gunfire and turn around.

2.9 sec.

0:43:11
Stephen turns around as well.

1.2 sec.

0:43:37
Fran anxiously sits on the stairs.

2 sec.

0:48:24
Roger, Peter and Stephen crawl through the ventilation shaft a little longer.

9.1 sec.

0:48:24
An additional shot of the stairwell and Fran.

2.2 sec.

0:48:47
The trio continues crawling - they are looking for a safe exit.

10.9 sec.

0:49:02
In Argento's version, the zombie comes through the door a little earlier.

3 sec.

0:49:02
The following shot is a little longer in Argento's version.

0.4 sec.

0:49:32
A missing back view of Peter.

1.7 sec.

0:49:53
Fran waves the flare about in front of the zombies.

1.3 sec.

0:50:09
Fran turns to the zombie.

1.4 sec.

0:50:09
Fran combats against the zombie. It hits her so that she drops the flare while trying to climb out of the window.

6.4 sec.

0:50:24
The following sequence is longer.

1 sec.

0:50:24
Again, the flare is in front of the zombie's face.

1 sec.

0:50:24
The following shot is minimally longer.

0.2 sec.

0:50:27
Roger, Peter and Stephen meet in the hallway.

1.7 sec.

0:50:27
Fran tries to keep her distance from the zombie a little longer.

3.4 sec.

0:50:30
The trio enters the hallway.

8.6 sec.

0:50:30
She struggles.

1.5 sec.

0:52:31
Surprisingly enough, Romero's version misses out on a longer dialogue.

87.1 sec.

0:52:31
The following sequence is a little longer.

3 sec.

0:55:24
Several shots of zombies were added.

3.5 sec.

0:55:33
The zombies stumble up the escalator.

2.1 sec.

0:55:39
More stumbling outside.

1.7 sec.

0:55:39
The cut to the TV panel comes slightly earlier.

1.4 sec.

0:55:39
Peter and Stephen are talking on the roof some longer. Interspersed are shots of our grey friends.

9.6 sec.

0:55:39
Fran watches TV longer.

4.3 sec.

1:03:06
After Roger has shot the zombie in the chest, the zombie stumbles back a bit and then slowly bends forward again.

4.5 sec.

1:03:13
Peter drives to Roger.

3.2 sec.

1:04:55
Peter drives to Roger.

3.2 sec.

1:04:55
A longish dolly shot of the two trucks is missing.

12.3 sec.

1:05:29
Chased by the helicopter, the trucks turn into the parking lot of the mall.

12.8 sec.

1:05:32
The following shot is missing.

2.5 sec.

1:05:38
Fran runs across the roof of the mall. Stephen watches her from the helicopter.

5.1 sec.

1:06:04
The following shot is slightly longer.

0.5 sec.

1:06:04
A zombie tears his own arm off. Roger's truck is encircled by zombies.

0.9 sec.

1:06:05
Argento has the one-armed zombie striking at the truck twice.

1.9 sec.

1:06:43
In Argento's version, Fran fires at the zombie twice.

2.9 sec.

1:07:46
Fran shoots another zombie.

0.8 sec.

1:08:30
Roger's injury leaves Steve stunned. Fran destroys another zombie.

6 sec.

1:08:34
A total view is missing.

2.6 sec.

1:08:34
Roger bandages his wound. Peter has a presentiment.

5 sec.

1:08:37
The following shot is slightly longer.

0.5 sec.

1:08:37
The following shot is slightly longer.

2.9 sec.

1:08:52
Roger and Peter are arguing in the truck longer.

12.4 sec.

1:10:42
Peter and Stephen get some weapons – two shots were added.

4.4 sec.

1:12:16
Peter aims at a zombie longer.

2.3 sec.

1:12:20
Another headshot.

3.4 sec.

1:12:24
Dito.

3.4 sec.

1:13:11
Stephen says something.

2.8 sec.

1:14:49
Another zombie is banged away.

1 sec.

1:14:49
The following scene sets in a little earlier.

0.8 sec.

1:14:53
The following scene sets in a little earlier.

3.2 sec.

1:15:07
The following scene sets in a little earlier.

5.5 sec.

1:15:28
The following scene is a bit longer.

0.6 sec.

1:15:28
The following scene sets in a little earlier.

2.5 sec.

1:16:13
Peter shuts the door and a zombie's hand is torn off.

0.4 sec.

1:16:53
They contact Fran over the radio. This takes longer in Argento's version.

5.5 sec.

1:16:56
Shooting zombies while driving – life is beautiful.

5.5 sec.

1:16:56
The following scene sets in a little earlier.

0.3 sec.

1:19:30
Stephen and Peter talk longer.

9.7 sec.

1:19:56
A distance shot was added. Fran informs Peter and Stephen about Roger's condition.

15.5 sec.

1:20:55
Peter and Stephen equip themselves with tools.

8 sec.

1:21:02
Morning sickness makes Fran have an urgent toilet break.

9.4 sec.

1:21:47
Stephen gets a paint bucket; Peter tries it right away.

12.5 sec.

1:22:18
The following shot was extended.

1.7 sec.

1:22:18
The following scene sets in earlier.

1.2 sec.

1:22:25
Fran wheels the wounded Roger through the mall in a barrow.

1:22:51
The following scene sets in earlier.

5.9 sec.

1:22:54
An alternative shot of the following scene was used, which is slightly shorter.

- 1.3 sec.

1:23:38
Fran rambles about the mall longer.

4 sec.

1:23:48
So does Stephen.

3.9 sec.

1:23:54
Peter is coming, too.

7.6 sec.

1:24:06
And the shopping trip continues.

7.6 sec.

1:25:11
Using the gambling machines.

1.8 sec.

1:25:15
Prehistoric "Duck Hunt". Yeah!

0.8 sec.

1:25:16

Gaming til you drop.

4 sec.



1:25:21

The following shot starts earlier.

0.6 sec.



1:25:23

The following shots are missing.

1.7 sec.



1:27:01

The following shot starts earlier.

6.7 sec.



1:27:38

The following shot starts earlier.

8.2 sec.



1:30:54

The TV documentary continues.

8.3 sec.



1:32:48

The following shot is longer.

1.6 sec.



1:32:48

Peter is waiting tables, the ungrateful bunch guzzles.

4.8 sec.



1:32:48

The following shot starts earlier.

1.5 sec.



1:33:26

The following shot starts earlier.

3.2 sec.



1:33:42

Stephen wants to hand Fran an engagement ring.

13.2 sec.



1:33:42

Ditto.

2.4 sec.



1:36:39

A playing device is turned on, music sounds. Fran enjoys herself in the cosmetics department.

16.5 sec.



1:40:35

Mr. Savini combs his beard longer.

2.5 sec.



1:41:28

The rockers cheer a little longer.

1 sec.



1:41:28

Fran listens longer.

2.7 sec.



1:41:47

The following shot is longer.

0.8 sec.



1:42:15

A whole lotta rockers.

7.7 sec.



1:42:59

The following shot starts earlier.

7.7 sec.



1:43:16

The following shot starts much earlier.

14.6 sec.



1:43:35

Let's rock!

5.3 sec.



1:43:35

The following shot starts earlier.

0.3 sec.



1:43:56

Peter locks the doors.

4.6 sec.



1:43:56

The rockers do what rockers do: have a civilized conversation.

19 sec.



1:44:22

...and now the sledgehammer is gotten out.

13 sec.



1:44:22

The rockers quickly talk about what to do before storming the shopping mall.
Some zombies are shot in passing.

23.2 sec.



1:45:22

Stephen and Peter agree to let the rockers have their fun. Stephen does not want to give up the shopping mall without a fight – to Peter’s displeasure.

24 sec.



1:45:24

The rockers dash through the shopping mall.

6.6 sec.



1:45:35

Ditto.

3.4 sec.



1:45:35

The following shot starts earlier.

2.2 sec.



1:45:40

The following shot starts earlier.

2.2 sec.



1:45:43

The following shot is shown longer.

2.2 sec.



1:45:43

The following shot starts a few frames earlier.

0.1 sec.



1:45:44

During the following shot, part of the middle is curiously missing.

2.4 sec.



1:45:54

The following shot is shown longer.

1 sec.



1:45:54

The following shot starts earlier.

3.2 sec.



1:46:10

The following shot starts earlier.

7.2 sec.



1:46:10

The following shot starts earlier.

1 sec.


1:47:17
Peter watches the mall rage and seems to be amused, Fran sits on the stairs anxiously. The bikers ransack the arms store and drive around in the mall on their bikes.

18.2 sec

1:47:17
The following shot starts earlier.

1.4 sec

1:47:27
The following shot ends later.

4 sec

1:47:29
Extended shot of Peter's attempt to reach Stephen on the radio.

5.7 sec

1:47:29
Extended shot of the bikers making it rock.

13.1 sec

1:47:31
Argento gives the bikers the chance to a longer ransacking.

10.2 sec

1:47:35
The money flies through the air.

3.4 sec

1:47:35
The following shot starts earlier.

0.3 sec

1:47:56
The following shot lasts longer.

3.2 sec

1:47:56
Additional shootout between Stephen and the bikers.

1.7 sec

1:48:00
Shot of a hemodynamometer.

1.7 sec

1:48:02
A biker stops right next to it.

3.2 sec

1:48:27
The following shot lasts longer.

1.6 sec

1:48:27
The following shot lasts longer.

1.4 sec

1:48:27
The following shot starts a couple of frames earlier.

0.1 sec

1:48:38
Additional shot of the shooting bikers.

2.5 sec

1:48:43
The following shot lasts longer.

2 sec

1:48:43
Further scenes of the bikers.

4.7 sec

1:48:27
The bikers just got started.

12.8 sec

1:49:43
Further zombies get killed.

7.6 sec

1:49:56
The following shot starts a couple of frames earlier.

0.2 sec

1:49:56
The fallen biker leaves his bike and runs away.

4.1 sec

1:50:04
The bikers fire off another shot at Peter.

3.2 sec

1:50:04
Same here.

3.2 sec

1:50:15
Still ransacking.

7.5 sec

1:50:18
The following starts earlier.

1.8 sec

1:50:21
The bikers ask for a sledgehammer.

1.9 sec

1:50:28
Stephen just checks if the bikers are doing well.

12.3 sec

1:50:33
The following shot lasts longer.

0.6 sec

1:50:33
Stephen pushes the button once again - and the doors shut.

3.7 sec

1:52:18
The following starts earlier.

6.3 sec

1:53:32
The bikers retreat.

4 sec

1:55:10
Ditto.

2.3 sec

1:55:10
Lunch time.

3 sec

1:56:18
The following starts earlier.

0.7 sec

1:57:50
You should have a bite if you're hungry.

12 sec

2:05:11
The final credits are entirely different in either of the versions. Argento uses traditional credits accompanied by the Goblin score, Romero uses images of the mall accompanied by popular elevator music. Romero's credits are 21.5 sec longer.

- 21.5 sec