Planet Terror is a horror film released on DVD in the United States during 2008. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez and originally released theatrically as part of the Grindhouse double feature alongside Death Proof. The film is firmly rooted in the horror genre and features extreme gore action dark humor and a retro grindhouse aesthetic that mimics vintage exploitation movies with simulated film scratches and embedded trailers.
The plot follows the accidental release of an experimental bio nerve gas at a remote US military base in Texas. Those exposed to the gas transform into flesh eating mutating zombies that are aggressive and determined to kill anyone they encounter. The infection spreads through a small town and the survivors must band together to fight off the growing horde of sickos that threaten to overrun the local population and potentially the entire world.
The main group of survivors includes Cherry a stripper who uses a machine gun prosthetic in place of her broken leg her ex boyfriend Wray a shady mechanic a strong willed doctor the local sheriff and an assortment of various other townspeople. They must join forces to survive the night as the zombie outbreak escalates. The characters are well developed within the grindhouse style and each brings different skills to the fight for survival.
Highlights of the DVD release include a high quality video transfer enhanced audio options a directors commentary deleted scenes behind the scenes featurettes and the complete set of fictional trailers that were shown in theaters as part of the Grindhouse experience. The cast features Rose McGowan as Cherry Freddy Rodriguez as Wray Marley Shelton as the doctor Josh Brolin and Naveen Andrews among others. The soundtrack is heavily funk and rock influenced which adds to the chaotic and energetic tone of the film.
The categorization of this item as Horror is accurate and aligns with the content which focuses on zombie outbreaks body horror and survival against overwhelming monstrous threats. The DVD is widely available and remains a popular example of modern horror cinema that embraces its exploitation roots while delivering polished action sequences and memorable characters.