For many years, fans have circulated a special version of Dawn of the Dead known as the Dawn of the Dead Extended Mall Hours Cut. This unique edit combines clips from every version of the iconic 1978 film into one expansive movie. If you happen to own a copy of this Mall Hours cut, you truly hold a treasure from the world of Dawn of the Dead. This film brings together footage from all three main versions and has become popular on file-sharing sites under the name ‘Extended Mall Hours.’ It’s said that this particular cut is the longest, running an impressive three hours and fifteen minutes.
The Mall Hours Cut was crafted by an anonymous fan who wanted to share their passion for the film. In this version, they included scenes that were left out of the original release. Thanks to this additional footage, viewers get a richer experience of the film’s universe, featuring extended scenes, different takes, and moments that were previously discarded. Many fans consider this edit a priceless collectible.
The Mall Hours Cut is a fan-made version of the film that has been tweaked in various ways. It offers a fresh take by adding, rearranging, or removing some scenes. This edit includes additional footage, especially in the mall parts, with more violence and extended dialogue that enrich the story and highlight its significance. For example, the bikers spend more time discussing their “attack strategy” in a longer scene, and after Stephen and Peter come back from shopping, they have a deeper conversation about what they would do if Fran got bitten. Overall, this version carries a heavier tone compared to the original, making it feel much darker and more somber. The new scenes blend smoothly into the overall film.
The summary suggests that the Mall Hours Cut grants viewers a closer look at the characters and their motivations, along with a better understanding of the zombies and the mall setting. The added footage features more blood and violence, leading to a viewing experience that is both thrilling and unsettling.
Even though this version isn’t officially licensed and isn’t available for purchase, it has built a loyal fan base. Many believe it’s a must-see for any film enthusiast. It’s also seen as a standout in the zombie genre, and if you get the chance to see this unique edit, you definitely should.
The Extended Mall Hours Cut was initially a rare video that circulated only among dedicated horror fans for a long time. Finding this version can be tricky, but a fan recently shared that doing a quick search on YouTube could lead you to this legendary cut.
Facts about the Extended Mall Hours Cut:
- Considered the holy grail of Dawn of the Dead fan edits
- Assembled by splicing together all available footage
- Gained legendary status in horror fan circles
- Owning a bootleg VHS was badge of honor for collectors
- Runs approximately 3 hours 15 minutes long
- Adds over 20 minutes of explicit content
- Greatly expands the mall sequences
- Features extended scenes of graphic violence
- Alternate character moments added
- Creates a darker, grittier tone
- Bikers attack planning added
- Debate on Fran getting bitten extended
- Never officially released
- Circulated as rare bootleg copies
- Still whispered about among hardcore fans today
All of the available footage from Dawn of the Dead has been included on a new Blu-ray edition called “The Complete Cut,” which was recently made available. Although the “Extended Mall Hours Cut” has been mostly superseded, we will continue to think of it as the first and best definitive edition throughout our lives. As a point of clarification, “The Complete Cut” is currently the ideal version to own because its picture quality is superior and its cuts were completed by professionals, making it even better than our previously cherished Mall Hours Edition.
More Dawn of The Dead Facts
The “Extended Mall Hours Cut” of Dawn of the Dead is a great example of how fans like to edit films. They often take movies and give them a fresh spin to bring them closer to the original ideas or stories. Other well-known examples in this area include:
Daredevil: The Miller Cut
- Background: Fans didn’t really embrace the 2003 Daredevil film, especially those who prefer Frank Miller’s darker take on the character.
- Fan Edit: This version tweaks the film to better reflect Miller’s style, trimming away the lighter elements that stray from the comic and putting more emphasis on the gritty tone and character growth.
Star Wars: The Phantom Edit
- Made by Mike J. Nichols, who goes by “The Phantom Editor,” this edit of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is probably the most famous fan edit due to its attention.
- It cuts down a lot of Jar Jar Binks’ scenes, simplifies the political talk, and rearranges the order of scenes for better flow. This edit sparked debates about the legal and ethical side of fan edits.
The Hobbit: The Tolkien Edit
- Goal: The original trilogy faced criticism for straying too far from J.R.R. Tolkien’s story in length and additional material. This fan edit aims to condense everything into a single movie, highlighting the main points from the book.
- Effect: It shows how fan edits can bring films back in line with their literary roots, often gaining appreciation from purists.
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
- What started as a fan project eventually got official release. Richard Donner was taken off the project during filming, which changed the final product in theaters.
- This edit reinstates the scenes and sequences that Donner originally intended, offering a glimpse of what might have been and illustrating how fan edits can impact official releases.
Blade Runner: The Replicant Cut
- There are many cuts of Blade Runner, including its theatrical release, director’s cut, and final cut. The Replicant Cut mixes elements from these different versions.
- This edit aims to piece together what fans feel are the best bits from each release to create what they consider the perfect viewing experience.
Fan edits question whether a film is truly finished, suggesting that cinema is a dynamic art form where audiences can create new “versions” of a movie. These edits often tread a fine line with copyright issues, leading to conversations about artistic ownership and the right to reinterpret.
They create a space for fans to not just watch, but to actively engage with media in creative ways, sometimes prompting official recognition or influencing studio choices.
Fan edits remain an important part of film culture, illustrating how fans connect with and cherish movies, opening up discussions that go well beyond just watching the film.
Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Horror Facts
