“Is this the end of zombie Shakespeare?” It would appear not, as John Murlowski’s comedy Zombie Hamlet
makes its way onto DVD on December 31st. Written by John McKinney and
with original music by Jackson Rathbone, whom you might remember from Twilight or, if you’re too ashamed to admit you knew that, the indie horror flick Dread.
The film stars Travis Wester, Jason Mewes, Shelley Long, Vanessa Lee Evigan, John Amos, and June Lockhart.
Zombie Hamlet tells the story of first-time film director,
Osric Taylor (Travis Wester), as he finally manages to get his dream
movie financed. He envisions Shakespeare's
Hamlet set against the
epic backdrop of the American Civil War. Osric heads to a small
Louisiana town to start filming when his production funding unexpectedly
dries up. With no other options, he agrees to accept southern matron
Hester Beauchamp's offer to finance his movie, as long as he throws some
zombies into the film to attract a wider audience. When Hester suddenly
dies mid-shoot, and with the local sheriff and ambitious news reporter
Shine Reynolds (Shelley Long) hot on his trail, Osric is thrust into one
precarious and hilarious situation after another in a desperate attempt
to keep “Zombie Hamlet” alive.
Level 33 Entertainment is behind the exclusive DVD release, which
will be made available on Amazon.com at an SRP of $14.99, and for rent
at rental outlets (but not Blockbuster; indie all the way).
