The Crazies

Released to coincide with the arrival of the 2010 remake, this Blu-ray edition of director George Romero's original 1973 “pandemic nightmare” is not quite the underappreciated gem suggested by its admirers. Made five years after Romero's Night of the Living Dead (a bona fide genre classic), The Crazies is surprisingly tame in comparison. When the story begins, a plane crash near Evans City, PA, has resulted in the release of a chemical weapon known as “Trixie,” which causes either death or insanity to those exposed. As the town starts to dissolve into anarchy, the Army moves in to restore order and keep the plague from spreading. Among those attempting to flee are nurse Judy (Lane Carroll) and her boyfriend David (W.G. McMillan), who are joined by Artie (Richard Liberty) and his daughter Kathie (Lynn Lowry). Given that this was the era of the Kent State killings and the Vietnam War, it's no surprise that the soldiers are trigger-happy dimwits, while their leaders and most of the brainiacs responsible for creating the toxic substance in the first place are hopelessly inept. Unfortunately, the “sci” element of this lurid sci-fi tale is lame, the acting is amateurish, and the technical aspects are both cheap and silly. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by Romero, and an interview with Lowry. Optional. (S. Graham)