Product Details

• Actors: Alexis Diaz de Villegas, Elsa Camp, Blanca Rosa Blanco, Antonio Dechent
• Directors: Alejandro Brugues
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: Spanish
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Entertainment One
• DVD Release Date: August 14, 2012
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0087MN9HO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,443 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

When Havana begins to fill up with zombies, Juan, a 40-year-old slacker, is forced to become a hero, defend his country and protect his own on an island that has turned into a real bloodbath.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart And Silly: This Zombie Comedy From Cuba Has Some Of The Year's Biggest Laughs August 5, 2012

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

I have an unrelenting fascination with all things undead. But with the current zombie craze reaching an all time high, it seems like every other movie, TV show, and book features my flesh eating friends! There's a LOT of contemporary zombie action, so it's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish something truly special from the crowded pack. The perfectly titled "Juan of the Dead" is a movie I wanted to see and thought I'd almost assuredly like. I assumed it would be an amusing, if not particularly substantial, addition to the undead canon. Well, not only did I like it, I LOVED this little Cuban film. (Yes, it is in subtitles). It takes familiar horror and survivalist themes and filters them through a deceptively smart and engaging screenplay. What's more, it is absolutely hilarious! I laughed out loud often in "Juan of the Dead" and that came as somewhat of a surprise to me. It is simultaneously silly AND witty. An astute political satire, an unusual cultural commentary, a non-stop splatter-fest, as well as a feast of slapstick mayhem: "Juan of the Dead" has emerged as one of my favorite films this year, a truly memorable horror comedy.

First, the film benefits greatly from its Cuban flavor which, right off the bat, makes it feel different from other comparable films. Juan (Alexis Dias de Villegas) is an irresponsible slacker who wastes most of every day with his clueless best friend Lazardo (Jorge Molina). The two actors play off each other so well, it's hard not to laugh at just about every interaction they have. Without much explanation, they start to notice unusual changes to their surroundings. With reports of a strange flu, a movement of alleged political dissidents, and a suspected American plot, the news reports seems to have figured out what is going on. Listen closely, there is much humor to be mined from these broadcasts but they are often in the background. But Juan and Lazardo are above politics and as their neighborhood turns to murder and carnage, their instinct for survival and capitalism kick in. With a group of companions and friends (including their grown children), they set to ridding Cuba from the attacking dissidents (the ridiculous explanation given for the undead) for a handsome fee.

The movie is fast, incredibly fun, and really really funny. Seriously, writer/director Alejandro Brugues has done a commendable job balancing the disparate elements of the film and made it an experience that you can appreciate for both its smarts and its silliness. I love that this is the first film to be shot in contemporary Cuba without government financing and that it still so candidly hits its satiric political targets. The creatures and effects aren't exactly high tech, but they fit perfectly into this underdog film. Remember, this isn't a big budget Hollywood affair, that's part of its appeal. There is plenty of blood and gruesomeness amidst the laughter. "Juan of the Dead" exceeded my expectations at every turn! If you like horror/comedy (obviously, this even gives a nod to Shawn of the Dead with its title), I give this my complete support and biggest recommendation. A great buddy comedy, you might even be surprised by the amount of heart this little film has as well as it draws to its conclusion. Absolutely loved it, the most fun I've had with a movie in quite a while. KGHarris, 8/12.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply amazing! July 29, 2012

By t.. rosa

Format:DVD

I waited months to see this movie and when it finally was shown in NYC, I invited my friends to go see it with me. The movie definitely exceeded my expectations and my friends loved it.

Juan de los Muertos is funny as hell and very witty. Without creating political debates, it delves into Cuba's political background and social reality in a humorous way.

The actors, some good, some not so much, were very enjoyable to watch. They had great chemistry and it really felt as if they were having a blast doing this movie. You really fall in love with these characters.

The graphics were better than I expected, given that I had read some negative reviews about that. I actually liked them. I mean, this is a zombie movie, you don't want it to look like some slick Hollywood production.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A original, good take on the zombie genre September 21, 2012

By Jraptor

Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you like Zombies, watch this. It is really that simple. It contains some scenarios that I have never seen and it is very original. The cultural difference (from America) enriches this movie and even the end credits are cool.