OVERALL: Draw

Both the Synapse Blu-ray/DVD combo and the 1998 special edition have different versions and exclusive extras while the 1989 version is on the Anchor Bay and Umbrella editions.

GENERAL NOTES:
The film exists in a number of versions:
- the original 1979 16mm version (66 minutes) intended as a teaching film about independent filmmaking;
- the 1989 version (92 minutes) featuring new camcorder footage from the set of Two Evil Eyes;
- the 1998 "special edition" (84 minutes) featured on the Synapse release that trimmed roughly seven minutes from the 1989 version;
- the 2012 “definitive” version (102 minutes) intended to document both the film and its influence on Romero’s subsequent work and popular culture.

Do note that the 1989 edit is available as a special feature on DAWN OF THE DEAD:
- R0 Arrow 4-disc edition - with optional commentary by Roy Frumkes and deleted scenes (NTSC-PAL conversion of Synapse transfer with opening logo).
- R0 Dutch Film Works - possibly 1979 original (specs list ~60 minute running time)
- Region ALL Arrow Blu-ray - without commentary but with deleted scenes and "lost interview".
- Region ALL Umbrella Entertainment (Australia) Blu-ray - with deleted scenes and "lost interview".
- Region ALL Opening (France) - with forced French subtitles
- R1 Anchor Bay Ultimate Edition - documentary with deleted scenes tacked on afterwards without credit (transfer is direct port of Synapse version with opening logo)
- R2 CE Opening (France) - with optional commentary
- R2 CE Alan Young Pictures (Italy) - documentary only
- R2 UK Anchor Bay "Trilogy of the Dead" - documentary only

CUTS:

• R0 Definitive Edition America- Synapse Films - No cuts - 2012 "Definitive" version (102:02 NTSC).
• R0 Synapse Films Exclusive Limited BD/DVD Combo America- Synapse Films - No cuts - 2012 "Definitive" version (102:02 NTSC).
• R0 Dawn of the Dead Ultimate Edition Australia- Umbrella Entertainment - No cuts - 1989 version (91:37 NTSC)
• R1 Special Edition America- Synapse Films - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (84:22 NTSC).
• R2 Dawn of the Dead -titled release Denmark- Nordisk Film - No cuts - 1979 version (63:01 PAL)
• R2 Germany- Best Entertainment - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (81:03 PAL).
• R2 Germany- cmv-Laservision - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (81:27 PAL).
• R2 Germany- Eurovideo - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (81:03 PAL).
• R2 Germany- Laser Paradise - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (81:03 PAL).
• R2 Doppel Metal Edition Germany- Laser Paradise - No cuts - 1998 "special edition" version (81:03 PAL).

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Comparison added by Eric_Cotenas on 02/12/12
Comparison last updated by Eric_Cotenas on 02/11/20

UPDATE LOG:

02/12/12 : Initial entry.
03/12/12 : Information about alternate availability.
04/12/12 : Correcting typos.
11/02/14 : Added R1 1989 version.
02/11/20 : Corrected versions notes and added other editions.