For horror fans, last week was big for high-caliber DVD releases. For veterans, the 4th installment in George A. Romero's zombie franchise, Land of the Dead, is graced with a special edition DVD. Meanwhile the new-comer shocker Saw gets a long awaited director's cut.

So which one is worth your money? Khyron dishes out the goods with a dual DVD review:

George A. Romero's Land of the Dead (Unrated Edition) (DVD)

Alright, here we go, Land of the Dead without the confines of the MPAA. If there's one thing George Romero is known for, it's gore. Imaginative, sickening, occasionally funny gore. The 'R' version released to theatres was pretty hardcore, but when compared to the previous Day of the Dead, it left something to be desired.

So how much extra footage was added? Only a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, much of this addition is a lone scene that Romero cut because he was unsatisfied with it--and for good reason. The scene really kills the flow of the film. The reminder of the added scenes are second-long additions to gore shots. There's nothing terribly violent or original, save for a gag with a zombie ripping the face off a poor sap. Reminded me of a classic Savini stunt.

As far as the DVD transfer, the film looks great. Colors are bold and defined, with much of the film tinted to make a dark, gritty appearance. Blood runs smooth and looks slick, making this the most polished of the Dead franchise.

The extra features are all pretty standard, including commentary and several making-of's. There's also a rather funny documentary by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright (the minds behind Shaun of the Dead) detailing their meet with Romero and filming their cameo appearance. However, the lackluster extra scenes still left me let down.

Rating: 3/5

Saw (Uncut Edition) (DVD)

The first thing that jumps out with this DVD is its very unique case. The original edition featured a clear plastic package, now this one builds on that by adding fake blood in a sealed pouch on the cover. It's a hard effect to describe, but makes for a very cool collector piece.

Yet another horror movie restricted by the MPAA's 'R' rating, the original Saw was edited not only for content, but the lighting and music was altered to make it less intense. There are a few extra seconds of gore, but this edition is most clearly different in the sound. The pounding score during the violent scenes is so blissfully loud and unnerving, it's like watching a whole different movie. Likewise, the sound effects are bit more...revealing. Where as the original left much of the sounds to your imagination, this cut brings on the squishing and crunching when skulls are bashed in and feet are sawed off. All very shocking.

Visually, the Saw uncut edition is much more artistic and stunning. The blue tint of the bathroom scenes is now much more intense, while the green tint of the crime scenes is much more sickening. The transfer is of great quality, as well, being noticeably more resolute in certain scenes when compared to the original DVD.

Of the special features, a new commentary by Director James Wan, writer/star Leigh Whannell and star Carey Elwes is the most entertaining. Their comments are as revealing as they are funny. There's also a spoiling sneak-peak of the opener to Saw II.

If you cant get enough of Saw, this DVD will certainly keep you satisfied until the second one makes it to DVD.

Rating: 4/5