The MoMA 4K Restoration of "Night of the Living Dead" Is Free Online
George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead has never looked better. Long regarded as a landmark in independent cinema, this film remains one of the most influential horror titles ever created.
The story behind it is almost as legendary as the film itself. After its initial release, the copyright was accidentally left unrenewed, placing the movie in the public domain. This meant no company could profit from it, so high-quality versions were rare for decades.
“The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Film Foundation have released a stunning 4K restoration of ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ available to stream for free online.”
While Romero never earned the wealth that such a cultural milestone might have brought, his work now reaches a new generation in pristine quality. This restoration offers not just nostalgia, but a vivid look at the artistry and vision that made the film a phenomenon.
Independent Filmmaking Lessons
- Romero filmed on a minimal budget, showing that creativity often beats financial muscle.
- The 4K restoration displays his stark black-and-white cinematography in extraordinary detail.
- The movie serves as an unintentional “film school,” teaching persistence, vision, and ingenuity.
Watching it today feels like witnessing filmmaking resurrected—alive, breathing, and inspiring all over again.
Author’s Summary
The MoMA 4K restoration revives Romero’s classic, letting modern audiences experience it in the best quality ever, a timeless reminder of independent cinema’s true power.