Shock Waves

This movie has the noble distinction of being the best zombie Nazi movie ever, and yes there are a few other out there to compete, though none so well done and awesome as this film.

A vacation boat that takes people for dives and to cruise the waters south of Florida is travelling along its merry way when there is a solar phenomenon that makes the camera go into sepia tones and sends their compass haywire. Not long after, a large wreck surfaces as the boat is sailing at night and runs them aground on a reef. Fortunately there is an island nearby that they can take refuge on as they try to repair their ship. On this island, the rogue Nazi Peter Cushing has made his home after he sunk a boatful of zombie troops off the shore of the island years ago. Now the zombies come out in full force, using their soldier skills and sneaking around underwater and knocking off the vacationers one by one as they try to find a way off the island.

An atmospheric triumph with a solid story and good performaces from the cast, Shock Waves is a great movie. The camerawork is top notch, eliciting many creepy shots of the zombies stalking their prey and a fantastic shot as the wreck is discovered as the captain of the cruise ship fires a flare in its direction. The dvd says that the print was taken from the director's own vault copy, which must have been on a rental video cassette because the transfer is crap and though it's watchable, the movie could do with a better and cleaner job to help out its shocking moments. The original negative is said to be lost so this is the best we'll do for now and it is a good start, giving people a chance to check out this classic for themselves. If you want a good scare and are in the mood for a good zombie film give it a look.