Both the crypto-zombies of Nightmare City and the film itself are fast-paced sons of bitches without so much as a whisper of a thought inside their heads.

Before there was 28 Days Later there was Nightmare City, a zombie film like no other. A totally different zombie experience, Nightmare City breaks ground in the genre by having faster, more sadistic zombies that George Romero's zombies. Nightmare City is a one entertaining zombie flick with plenty of juicy bits to please the zombie connoisseur. The film is very original and Umberto Lenzi has crafted a little known gem thats waiting to be discovered by hardened zombie fans. Nightmare City is an underrated gem of the genre, and it is fairly obscure. But if you're lucky to find this film and you crave the zombie genre, then watch this film. The film is definitely a different type of zombie film, and it works well because it's so exciting to see something different in the zombie, a much more aggressive type of zombie, and who knows, maybe this gave the inspiration to the faster zombies of 28 Days Later. Nightmare City is a fine director, and he has crafted a memorable zombie film. Nightmare City is a refreshing and totally different zombie going experience, and considering that this was made in the early 1980's, Nightmare City could easily be seen as groundbreaking film in the genre where most zombie films of the era had slow walking zombies. Nightmare City is a must see if you love classic zombie films.

Directed by Umberto Lenzi and Starring Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter, Mel Ferrer, Francisco Rabal, Sonia Viviani and Eduardo Fajardo. Without a doubt the best title ever "NIGHTMARE CITY" and you would also expect the story to be cool as well with its Escape Theme. But alternately the film is so DULL and what I can remember when I was around 6 when I first saw it the movie freeked me out a lot...But these days it took me more than one watch before I got throw the entire film. Umberto Lenzi is a very talented director but I don't think directing horror movies is a good idea for back then...Or maybe it's just me for not likening this. But as from what I have read the movie was very successful in my country during its first theatrical run in 1981 under the title of "City of the Walking Dead", and a matter of fact I saw this not long ago for a re-release when I was holidaying in Fukuoka with my younger brother and sister. An Uncharted plane lands that seems to be connected to a radiation spill in another city in Italy and reporter Miller is assigned to investigate it. But after the military open the plane hundreds of radiated Zombies escape across the airport and start infection all the citizens of that district. Miller wants to warn people about the disaster that is happening before it escapes into the city, But the army keep it secret so they can contain it. But Miller needs to escape the city after the zombies break loose and find his wife. First thing you might say is the story might sound awesome but the story can just drag most times and so much. 50% for story: I am 50% mixed on what I thought of it, Personally some scenes are just awesome with the zombies raiding place and the escape elements are really good...But it's the way the story drags on sometimes in to all these random events and complicated dialogue that ruins it. And the talking scenes can be so dull and boring. 55% for characters: Some characters are more interesting than others like our mad scientist but overall I am HMMM it throughout the film with their little backstories and some characters are so different to the film. 60% for acting: Our lead Mexican actor Hugo shows he can act with Lenzi's little direction given film but overall it's all just above average and can be pretty good and the dubbing is really good...But we do have our week points. 80% for special effects: I am not going to lie some of the coolest zombies to ever come out of Italy or any film and they look amazing, And the special effects are radical mad they might have their week points but overall I liked them a lot...And the special effects good with the jumping onto the helicopter scene. 68% for everything: Some creepy and dark settings on Rome when the zombies cut the city's power and people are crashing their cars. But overall the shadow effects are flawless and would make you jump I felt like some things in this movie was missing something. I think really the film could have been better but did a great job with the budget at hand but I think my expectations where to high because of the title of the film. Keiko's score 56-100 BBFC Rating 18 Eirin Rating R-15+