DVD & Blu-Ray Buying Guides: Giallo

This list hopes to gather together some of the information on Giallo releases on the internet. Hopefully it will save you some time in trying to find a definitive release. I've tried to include all of the standard "Greatest Giallo" films but may have missed a few, so please let me know of any omissions.

All the Colors of the Dark (1972)

AKA: Tutti i colori del buio; Day of the Maniac; Demons of the Dead
Director: Sergio Martino
  • The best choice at the moment is still the R1 Shriek Show dvd which is long OOP and getting pretty expensive and also has its own transfer faults.
  • There is a German R2 from Astro ("Die Farben Der Nacht"). It has no Italian soundtrack but does have a poor quality English track as well as the expected German. The picture quality isn't the greatest either.
  • No matter how hard I look I cannot find any news about a forthcoming Blu-Ray or even a new DVD release.
Label: Media Blasters/Shriek Show
Format: DVD
Region: 1
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Interviews | Gallery | Alternate title and closing sequences | Trailers | Radio spots
Notes: Interviews are in Italian with English subs.

Amuck! (1972)

AKA: Alla ricerca del piacere; Hot Bed of Sex; Amuck; In Search of Pleasure; Leather and Whips; Maniac Mansion
Director: Silvio Amadio
  • You'll have to find a bootleg copy of this one I'm afraid.
  • Apparently Camera Obscura have a Blu-Ray release in the pipeline.
  • 88 Films also has this film slated for release on Blu-Ray.
  • There is an OOP double bill (with "Super Stooges Vs. The Wonder Women") DVD by Code Red, if you can track it down. It has the correct aspect ratio but is cut from 98 minutes to 84, the cuts being dialogue rather than boobs and blood.
  • There is also an old OOP DVD by EuroVista with an incorrect ratio, pan & scanned and taken from a VHS source. It does, however, contain the full 98 minute cut and apparently the colours are pretty good.
Label: TwistedAnger
Format: DVD-R
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio:
Audio:
Extras:
Notes: Bootleg

A Bay of Blood (1971)

AKA: Reazione a catena; Carnage; Blood Bath; The Last House on the Left, Part II; Twitch of the Death Nerve
Director: Mario Bava
  • A bit of a tie this as according to some sites the region locked (B) Kino Blu-Ray has a slightly better picture and due to its aspect ratio shows a little more at the top and bottom of the screen, but the Arrow Blu-Ray is region free and has far more extras. The Arrow release is cheap (less than £8 at the moment) so maybe get both if you can.
  • Someone mentioned that the audio is compressed on the Kino blu, although all reviews mention that it's uncompressed. However, it does seem to have the occasional chorus-pedal-like flaw.
Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 84:02/84:53
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Commentary | Featurettes | Interview | Trailers with commentary | Radio spots | Booklet | Poster
Notes: Includes both the English and Italian versions.

Label: Kino Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: A
Length:
Ratio: 1.87:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Trailer | Non-related trailers | Booklet | Poster
Notes: Includes both the English and Italian versions.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

AKA: L'uccello dalle piume di cristallo; The Gallery Murders; Point of Terror; The Phantom of Terror
Director: Dario Argento
  • The region free VCI Blu-Ray wins with the correct aspect ratio but has minimal extras, although the soundtrack is a nice touch.
  • If you can find it then grab the Blue Underground Blu-Ray as it keeps the original ratio and has a fair few extras.
  • Another case of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro fucking with colour and aspect ratios again. The Arrow Blu-Ray has a great selection of extras but is presented in Storaro's fucking 2:1 ratio (so the image ends up cropped) with an alter colour palette! Plus the Arrow release is ridiculously expensive. However, the Arrow release does have English and Italian mono soundtracks. Unfortunately, even though I have it, I cannot recommend it.
Label: VCI
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 98
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Trailer | Soundtrack
Notes:

The Black Belly of the Tarantula (1971)

AKA: La tarantola dal ventre nero;
Director: Paolo Cavara
  • The R1 Blue Underground and R0 Italian releases are pretty much identical but the interview extra that's on both discs is in Italian and only the Blue Underground release has English subs for it.
  • If you need region free then go for the Italian R0 Ripley's Home Video DVD.
Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: R1
Length:
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Interview | Trailer | TV spot
Notes:

Blood and Black Lace (1964)

AKA: Sei donne per l'assassino; 6 donne per l'assassino; Fashion House of Death; Six Women for the Murderer
Director: Mario Bava
  • The Arrow Blu-Ray is the one to get. 3 discs including a frsh 2k scan of the film, the film on DVD and loads of extras.






Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: A/B (although DVDCompare lists it as B only)
Length: 88:39
Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: Italian mono | English mono
Extras: Introduction | Commentary | Documentaries | Featurettes | Short film | Trailer | US opening | Booklet
Notes: 3-discs. 1 x Blu-Ray, 2 x DVD.

The Bloodstained Shadow (1978)

AKA: Solamente nero; Bloodstained Shadow; Only Blackness
Director: Antonio Bido
  • The region B locked 88 Films Blu-ray is the one to get. Better picture quality and an Italian soundtrack. The extras are minimal however.
  • If you can't play region B discs then it's either the R0 Blue Underground or Anchor Bay DVD releases. Both are identical and both have an interview with the director.
  • There is a R2 German DVD from X-Rated KultDVD but the extras aren't quite as good.
  • None of the DVD's have the Italian soundtrack.
Label: 88 Films
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: B
Length: 108:53
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Italian opening and closing | Trailer
Notes: Forced English subs on the Italian soundtrack.

The Case of the Bloody Iris (1972)

AKA: Perché quelle strane gocce di sangue sul corpo di Jennifer?; Erotic Blue; What Are Those Strange Drops of Blood Doing on Jennifer's Body?; Why Are Those Strange Drops of Blood on the Body of Jennifer
Director: Giuliano Carnimeo
  • I've been trying to find a picture comparison but can't find one and I am going to have to assume that the R0 Blue Underground, Anchor Bay and the R2 X-Rated Kult DVD releases are of the same quality. Given that I would go for the identical R0 releases even though they only have the English soundtrack.
  • If you can read German, then go for the X-Rated Kult DVD as it has the Italian soundtrack with German subs and a few more extras.
  • As usual stay away from the UK Vipco/Blackhorse DVD releases.
Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono
Extras: Trailer | Alternate stabbing scene | Filmography
Notes:

The Case of The Scorpion's Tail (1971)

AKA: La coda dello scorpione; Scorpion's Tail; Tail of the Scorpion
Director: Sergio Martino
  • All copies of this film seem to be OOP and expensive.
  • Unless you can speak Italian or read French then the OOP No Shame DVD is the one to get. Note that this DVD is a PAL to NTSC conversion. There does seem to be some cropping issues.
  • Else, the French R2 DVD by Neo is worth looking at with a commentary by the film's screenwriter.
  • There is also a (limited to 1000 units) German DVD from filmArt. It has been confirmed that there is no English soundtrack or subs for the Italian or two German soundtracks.
  • This film really needs a decent Blu-Ray or DVD release!
Label: No Shame Films
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 91:14
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Documentary | Trailer | Gallery | Booklet
Notes:

The Cat o' Nine Tails (1971)

AKA: Il gatto a nove code; Cat o' Nine Tails
Director: Dario Argento
  • Both the Blue Underground and the Arrow Blu-Rays are supposed to be on a par with each other and differ only slightly in colour palette and of course their extras. Both are region free. So for the UK the Arrow will be cheapest and in the US the BU will probably be cheapest.
  • For DVD go for the R0 Blue Underground release.


Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 111:45
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Featurettes | Trailer
Notes:
 
Label: Blue Underground
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 111:44
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English surround | English mono | Italian surround | French surround
Extras: Featurette | Trailer | TV spots | Radio spots | Interviews
Notes:

Death Laid An Egg (1968)

AKA: La morte ha fatto l'uovo; A Curious Way to Love; Plucked
Director: Giulio Questi
  • The consensus still seems to be that the R2 Japanese DVD from King Records is the best version in regards picture quality and extras.
  • There is an Italian R2 DVD from CDE but does not include English subtitles.
  • There is a new German Blu-Ray (a double bill with Yellow). Both films are in German with Englisg subs and are an alternate German cut. The original Italian cut with English is included but is in SD. I've not heard anything good about picture quality and it seems they've just upscaled a standard definition source.
Label: King Records
Format: DVD
Region: 2
Length: 86:42
Ratio: 1.85:1 (non-anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Biographies (Japanese) | Gallery | Trailer
Notes:

Death Occurred Last Night (1968)

AKA: La morte risale a ieri sera; Death Took Place Last Night; Death Occured Last Night
Director: Duccio Tessari
  • I think Raro do the only release but it's available in region-free Blu-Ray and R1 DVD.






Label: Raro Films
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 97:38
Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono (English subs)
Extras: Introduction | Trailer | Booklet
Notes: Restored from a 35mm print.

Death Walks at Midnight (1972)

AKA: La morte accarezza a mezzanotte; Cry Out in Terror; Death Caresses at Midnight
Director: Luciano Ercoli
  • The Arrow Blu-Ray/DVD boxed set comes in first place with improved picture and subtitles plus loads of extras. Unfortunately, the soundtrack cd has not been carried over from the No Shame release.
  • The 2nd place release is the long OOP and expensive R0 DVD double pack (with "Death Walks on High Heels") from No Shame.
  • The Italian No Shame DVD has audio sync issue so avoid that one.
  • The UK Mondo Macabro is cropped down to 2.00:1 and is still expensive.
Label: Arrow Films
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: A/B
Length: 101:50/106:04
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono (English subs)
Extras: Introduction | Commentary | Interviews | Trailers | Visual essay
Notes: Double pack with "Death Walks on High Heels". Includes the TV version. The boxed set is limited to 3000 copies and comes with a 60 page booklet.

Death Walks on High Heels (1971)

AKA: La morte cammina con i tacchi alti
Director: Luciano Ercoli
  • The Arrow Blu-Ray/DVD boxed set comes in first place with improved picture and subtitles plus loads of extras. Unfortunately, the soundtrack cd has not been carried over from the No Shame release.
  • The 2nd place release is the long OOP and expensive R0 DVD double pack (with "Death Walks on High Heels") from No Shame.
Label: Arrow Films
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: A/B
Length: 107:48
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono (English subs)
Extras: Introduction | Commentary | Interviews | Trailers
Notes: Double pack with "Death Walks at Midnight". Includes the TV version. The boxed set is limited to 3000 copies and comes with a 60 page booklet.

Deep Red (1975)

AKA: Profondo rosso; The Deep Red Hatchet Murders; The Hatchet Murders
Director: Dario Argento
  • The new 4k restoration from Arrow wins. At present, this is only available as a limited edition box which has already sold out. It will be released as a standard edition on 2nd May 2016.
  • If you can't get the Arrow 4k release and still want decent picture and sound quality then go for the region-free Blue Underground Blu-Ray.
  • If you can't get the Arrow 4k release and it's extras you want then go for the older region-free Arrow Blu-Ray.
  • For DVD go for the older Arrow release as you get both the theatrical and director's cut on both Blu and DVD.

Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: A/B
Length: 127:14 | 104:53
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian 5.1 | Italian mono (English subs)
Extras: Commentary | Introduction | Visual essay | Featurettes | Trailers
Notes: The limited edition boxed set comes with both the original and export cuts, a soundtrack CD, 31 page booklet, double-sided poster and six lobby cards.

Delirium (1972)

AKA: Delirio caldo; Death at the Villa
Director: Renato Polselli
  • It's close but I'd go for the DVD by Blue Underground over the Anchor Bay. Both releases have two different cuts of the film, but the BU is region-free and has an interview with the director. Plus the AB release is OOP now. Note that the BU DVD does not have an Italian soundtrack for the US cut of the film.
  • If you really want to see the US version with an Italian soundtrack then track down the Anchor Bay DVD.
Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 102 (International) / 85 (US)
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono (International/US) | Italian mono (International)
Extras: Interview
Notes: Does not have an Italian soundtrack for the US cut of the film.

Don't Torture a Duckling (1972)

AKA: Non si sevizia un paperino
Director: Lucio Fulci
  • There is a limited (2000) 4-disc (1xBD, 2xDVD, 1xCD) German Blu-Ray from 84 Entertainment which supposed to be of very good quality if you can find a copy. It has German, English and Italian soundtracks. However, both the English and Italian soundtracks have forced German subs with no option of English subs.
  • For the rest of us mere mortals it has to be the R0 UK "Fan Edition" DVD from Shameless.
Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 98:21
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Trailer | Non-related trailers
Notes: The very witty Shameless copyright warning which is always funny.

The Double (1971)

AKA: La controfigura
Director: Romolo Guerrieri
  • Only available as a bootleg.








Label: TwistedAnger
Format: DVD-R
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio:
Audio:
Extras:
Notes: Bootleg

Dressed to Kill (1980)

AKA: Vestito per uccidere
Director: Brian De Palma
  • The Arrow Blu-Ray wins because of a possible audio problem with the Criterion looks a little pale and insipid. release (see below). Plus I think the Criterion looks a little pale and insipid. Your mileage many vary.
  • The French region B Carlotta Blu-Ray also has impressive extras and apparently has a picture on a par with the Arrow release. All extras are in English apart from an introduction.
  • If you buy the US Criterion Blu-Ray please make sure the back of the box says "Second printing". The first printing has major image problems.
  • I have also read of an audio screw-up with the Criterion release. I have no idea if this affect just the first printing or both. Apparently part of the audio was scavenged from several sources.
Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: B
Length: 105:00
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English 5.1 | English mono
Extras: Featurettes | Interviews | Gallery | Trailer | booklet
Notes:

Eyeball (1975)

AKA: Gatti rossi in un labirinto di vetro; The Devil's Eye; The Eye; The Secret Killer; Wide-Eyed in the Dark
Director: Umberto Lenzi
  • The R0 German DVD from Marketing Film wins as it's much cheaper than the very similar, but limited to 666 copies, R0 German DVD from X-Rated KultDVD. Plus I actually found a review of the Marketing Film release and it seems pretty good although the English soundtrack is a little lacklustre.



Label: Marketing Film
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 88:15
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | German 5.1 | German mono
Extras: Trailer | Gallery | Filmographies | Non-related trailers
Notes:

The Fifth Cord (1971)

AKA: Giornata nera per l'ariete; Evil Fingers
Director: Luigi Bazzoni
  • The R0 DVD from Blue Underground is the best with an anamorphic transfer and better extras but the more expensive OOP Japanese R2 DVD from King Records has an Italian soundtrack. Also I've read that the PQ on the Japanese release isn't up to much.
  • There is a DVD release from Desert Island Classics which I'd stay away from as they're usually shit. Pretty much a bootleg as far as I know.
Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 1.77:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono
Extras: Featurette | Trailer
Notes:

Footprints on the Moon (1975)

AKA: Le orme; Footprints
Director: Luigi Bazzoni; Mario Fanelli
  • Currently, the best release is the 5-disc RB/2 German Blu-Ray from Koch. It's English friendly (apart from the Italian/German extras) and comes as a double-bill with The Possessed (La donna del lago) which is not English friendly. Available from amazon.de<. Thanks, Ipcress!
  • Otherwise, go for the R0 DVD from Shameless. Be aware that this is spliced together from two sources. That means that viewing the film with the English soundtrack you'll get occasional Italian dialogue with English subs.

Label: Koch MEdia
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: B/2
Length: 96
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono | German mono
Extras: Trailers | Gallery | Interviews (not English friendly) | Featurette (not English friendly)
Notes: 5-disc set (2xBlu-Ray/3xDVD). Double-bill with The Possessed (La donna del lago) which is not English friendly.

Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion (1970)

AKA: Le foto proibite di una signora per bene; Days of Anguish
Director: Luciano Ercoli
  • I can only find a R0 DVD from Blue Underground. I have this and it's a fine release.







Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono
Extras: Featurette | Trailer
Notes:

Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971)

AKA: 4 mosche di velluto grigio; Four Patches of Grey Velvet; 4 Flies on Grey Velvet
Director: Dario Argento
  • Very close but I'll give this one to Shameless for the seamless-branching of the missing footage and the removal of framelines from the final scene. It's also region free compared to the region B/2 Blu-Ray/DVD combo from Koch Media (also includes the missing footage but no seamless-branching).
  • If you want a DVD then maybe the RB/2 Koch Blu-Ray is the one to get as it comes with a DVD copy and you'll have the blu for when you upgrade. Shameless also do a R0 DVD version if you can't play R2 DVDs.
  • Stay away from the German Retrofilm DVD as the screenshots I've seen look terrible.
Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 103:19
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English master mono | Italian master mono | English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Alternate credits | Trailers | Gallery | Interview | Non-related trailers
Notes:

The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963)

AKA: La ragazza che sapeva troppo; Evil Eye; The Evil Eye
Director: Mario Bava
  • A pretty simple one unless you live outside Europe. The region B locked Arrow Blu-Ray wins with pretty much the same transfer as the Kino Lorber Blu but has way more extras and a copy of versions of the film on two DVDs. Note that both releases have the US cut (titled "Evil Eye") of the film as well as the original Italian version.
  • If you're in the US and do not have a region free player then go for the region A Kino Lorber Blu-Ray.
Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: B
Length: 92:26/85:39
Ratio: 1.66:1/1.78:1
Audio: Italian mono (original cut) | English Mono (US cut)
Extras: Commentary | Introduction | Documentary | Interview | Trailers | Booklet
Notes: 3-dsc combo (Blu-Ray/DVD/DVD). Includes both versions of the film on both Blu-Ray and DVD.

Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1970)

AKA: Il rosso segno della follia; Blood Brides; An Axe for the Honeymoon
Director: Mario Bava
  • If you can play region A then go for the Redemption/Kino Lorber Blu-Ray.
  • There is a region B Blu from Australian company Cult Cinema. The few reviews I've found say there is no print damage but occasional dirt specks. This may mean that they're using the same source as the Redemption Blu, which would be a good thing. However, I have read bad things about the sound quality.
  • The UK R2 Anchor Bay DVD may also be worth picking up as it has an hour long documentary on it.
Label: Redemption Films/Kino Lorber
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: A
Length: 88:32
Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: English mono
Extras: Commentary | Non-related trailers
Notes:

The House with Laughing Windows (1976)

AKA: La casa dalle finestre che ridono; The House of the Laughing Windows; House with the Windows That Laugh
Director: Pupi Avati
  • I think the Shameless R0 DVD is the one to go for. DVDCompare didn't list it but I believe that it's the most recent transfer and was supervised by the director himself. It contains new, improved subtitles as well as a 20 minute interview with director Pupi Avati.
  • Most definitely a film that needs a Blu-Ray release.


Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: Italian 5.1 | Italian mono
Extras: Interview | Trailer | Non-related trailers
Notes: New transfer, restored under the supervision of director Pupi Avati.

The Iguana With The Tongue of Fire (1971)

AKA: L'iguana dalla lingua di fuoco
Director: Riccardo Freda
  • The only release I could find is the German R0 DVD ("Die Bestie mit dem Feurigen Atem") from New World Entertainment.
  • This release is also available as a limited "Bigbox" edition.





Label: New World Entertainment
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 91:43
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | German 5.1 | German mono
Extras: Gallery | Trailer | Text | Non-related trailers
Notes:

Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)

AKA: Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto
Director: Elio Petri
  • The 4K restoration region A 3-disc Blu-Ray combo from Criterion wins. Loads of extras and a great picture.
  • For those of us unable to play region A discs there's an Italian region B Blu (with English subtitles) from Lucky Red, unfortunately all extras are in Italian without subs. This release features the same 4K restoration as the Criterion Blu.


Label: Criterion
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD/DVD
Region: A
Length: 115:33
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Italian mono
Extras: Interviews | Trailers | Booklet
Notes: 3-disc combo (Blu-Ray/DVD/DVD)

The Killer Must Kill Again (1975)

AKA: L'assassino è costretto ad uccidere ancora; The Dark Is Death's Friend; The Killer Must Strike Again
Director: Luigi Cozzi
  • The R1 DVD from Mondo Macabro is the only DVD I could find. Luckily it is supposed to have a very good picture and sound.





Label: Mondo Macabro
Format: DVD
Region: 1
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Commentary | Featurettes | Original title sequence | Biographies | Production notes | Gallery | Non-related trailers
Notes:

The Killer Reserved Nine Seats (1974)

AKA: L'assassino ha riservato nove poltrone
Director: Giuseppe Bennati
  • The, apparently stunning, Austrian region B Camera Obscura Blu-Ray is the only release.







Label: Camera Obscura
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: B
Length: 104
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Italian mono | German mono
Extras: Commentary | Interviews | Trailers | Gallery
Notes: English and German subtitles

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin (1971)

AKA: Una lucertola con la pelle di donna; Lizard in a Woman's Skin
Director: Lucio Fulci
  • Currently the best is the region free Blu-Ray/DVD/CD combo from Le Chat qui Fume. It has two versions of the film and a bonus soundtrack CD. Please note that some of the extras are in French and not subtitled.
  • Mondo Macabro have a Blu-Ray coming out soon with some great extras. This will be available first as a limited edition (999) and then a standard edition. Both will have the same features and extras. This uses the same master as Le Chat qui Fume release. It also includes SD footage cut into the film which is only included as an extra on the French release. That would mean that, along with the old Optimum release, it's the most complete version available.
  • If you need a DVD then the old R1 Optimum DVD is the way to go for the longest cut.
Label: Le Chat qui Fume
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 102:5/95:41
Ratio: 1.78:1/1.85:1 (letterboxed)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono (English, French subtitles) | French mono
Extras:
Notes: 3-disc (Blu-Ray/DVD/CD). Note that the French VHS version of the film has no subs and is only available on the Blu-Ray disc.

The New York Ripper (1982)

AKA: Lo squartatore di New York; Psycho Ripper; The Ripper; New York Ripper
Director: Lucio Fulci
  • This one is a bit of a mess. I can't recommend the Shameless Blu-Ray as it is still cut (missing the famous nipple slicing) but it does have an extra 15 seconds of material - probably the footage removed from the Blue Underground release.
  • The Blue Underground is missing 15 seconds of footage where they removed a editing/continuity error. See DVDCompare for more details.
  • The Austrian XT Video Blu-Ray has forced German subs on the English soundtrack and non-English friendly extras. This release probably has the missing footage as well.
  • A DVD from Another World Entertainment (AWE) has the scene in the correct place.
  • I'm going to have to go for the Blue Underground (at least if you're not Austrian/German) for the time being, but really it's a toss-up between this and the XT Video. My head hurts!
Label: Blue Underground
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 92:59
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English 7.1 | English mono
Extras: Featurettes | Trailer
Notes: Please read the notes above regarding missing footage.

The Night Evelyn Came out of the Grave (1971)

AKA: La notte che Evelyn uscì dalla tomba; The Night She Arose from the Tomb; The Night That Evelyn Left the Tomb
Director: Emilio Miraglia
  • The OOP Emilio Miraglia Killer Queen Box Set DVD from No Shame is still the best release out there at the moment. This will be expensive though.
  • The single disc Italian R2 DVD from No Shame is very similar in picture quality to the US version above but only has a trailer as an extra. This release has no English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack.
  • The German R2 DVD from X-Rated KultDVD is also VERY expensive.
  • Stay away from the American R0 Sinema Diable DVD as the image is a bit squeezed.
  • Arrow are due to release a Blu-Ray box set of this film and The Red Queen Kills Seven Times. It's due out on 23rd May 2016. More info here.
Label: No Shame
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 101:07
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono (English subtitles)
Extras: Introduction | Interviews | Featurette | Trailers | Gallery
Notes: 2-disc set with "The Red Queen Kills 7 Times". Comes with postcards, booklet and a 12cm tall figurine.

Opera (1987)

AKA: Terror at the Opera
Director: Dario Argento
  • I'll go for the R0 2-disc Arrow DVD as it has both the International and the US cuts of the film, various soundtrack options and some decent extras.
  • The 2-disc R0 DVD from Anchor Bay is worth looking out for as it has a bonus soundtrack CD. This is also available as a single disc from both Anchor Bay and Blue Underground - both are identical.
  • There still is no Blu-Ray of Opera apart from an apparently poor region A Japanese release from Kadokawa.
  • Give us a bloody decent Blu-Ray, please!
  • Apparently there is a limited edition German Blu-Ray from Koch. According to what I've read, it uses the same master as the Japanese Blu with better encoding. It also suffers with some hissing on the English soundtrack and has no English subs for the Italian soundtrack. However, it does contain both versions of the film. Until I get to see a proper review/comparison it's hard to recommend it.
  • Also Code Red should be releasing a Blu in the US.
Label: Arrow Video
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 102:52/91:30
Ratio: 2.28:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: International = English 5.1, English stereo (Cannes), Italian stereo | US = English stereo, English stereo (Cannes)
Extras: Featurette | Music video | Biography | Gallery | Trailers | 18 other Argento trailers
Notes: 2-disc. Includes both the International and US versions.

The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1974)

AKA: Il profumo della signora in nero;
Director: Francesco Barilli
  • Either of the region free Raro DVDs (US/Italian) will do as they're pretty much identical, although there are reports of the US DVD having a slightly louder soundtrack, less obtrusive subtitles and a higher bitrate. I've listed the US version.
  • Raro should be releasing a Blu-Ray sometime in the near future.



Label: Raro Video
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 103:24
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Italian mono | English mono
Extras: Featurette | Biography | Booklet
Notes:

Murder to the Tune of the Seven Black Notes (1977)

AKA: Sette note in nero; The Psychic; Seven Notes in Black; Death Tolls Seven Times
Director: Lucio Fulci
  • If you can find it the region B German Blu/DVD set from 84 Entertainment has the best picture available although it still has its faults (some DNR for one). Also, includes the film on DVD.
  • The R1 Severin DVD is the next best even though it does not have the Italian soundtrack. The French R2 Neo DVD (available as a single or double disc) does have an Italian soundtrack but it has forced French subs and the extras aren't English friendly.
  • I believe that both the US Severin and French Neo DVDs are OOP and pretty expensive.
Label: 84 Entertainment
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: B/2
Length: 96
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: German mono | English mono (optional German subs)
Extras: Commentary (German with no English subs) | Italian opening credits | Interviews and featurettes (Italian with German subs) | Trailers | Gallery | Non-related trailers
Notes: 3-disc combo (Blu-Ray/DVD/DVD)

The Red Queen Kills Seven Times (1972)

AKA: La dama rossa uccide sette volte; The Lady in Red Kills Seven Times; Red Queen Kills 7 Times; Blood Feast; Feast of Flesh; The Corpse Which Didn't Want to Die; The Red Queen Kills 7 Times
Director: Emilio Miraglia
  • Obviously if you have the money and want both this film and "The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave" get the OOP Emilio Miraglia Killer Queen Box Set DVD from No Shame.
  • There is also a R0 DVD from Eyecatcher which, I believe, a German release. I have no info apart from it has Italian, English and German soundtracks and is in widescreen. I think I may have to buy it and find out :)
  • Arrow are due to release a Blu-Ray box set of this film and The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave. It's due out on 23rd May 2016. More info here.
Label: No Shame
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 99:10
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Introduction | Interviews | Trailers | Gallery
Notes: 2-disc set with "The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave". Comes with postcards, booklet and a 12cm tall figurine.

Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972)

AKA: Sette orchidee macchiate di rosso
Director: Umberto Lenzi
  • It looks like the R1 Shriek Show DVD is the one to get, although they don't have the best reputation in the world for quality.
  • The German R2 DVD from UFA has the uncut version (English) and a cut German version (German language, no subs) but has no other extras.
  • There are a couple of more DVDs on Amazon but I have no idea about who made them and so cannot look up any details.

Label: Media Blasters/Shriek Show
Format: DVD
Region: 1
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono
Extras: Interviews | Trailer | Gallery | Non-related trailers
Notes:

Seven Deaths in the Cat's Eye (1973)

AKA: La morte negli occhi del gatto; Seven Dead in the Cat's Eye; Cat's Murdering Eye
Director: Antonio Margheriti
  • The Blue Underground seems to be the one to get.
  • There is also a R2 Japanese DVD from Trash Mountain. I managed to find one Frech review of this disc and according to Google Translate it's pretty bad.
  • And a DVD from HDMV (Germany) called "7 Tote in den Augen der Katze". Couldn't find any info about this one.
  • And a DVD from X-rated KultDVD (Austria) in a hardbox called "7 Tote in den Augen der Katze".
  • Stay away from the Italian Dagored DVD as it's cut.
Label: Blue Underground
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 94:33
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono
Extras: Interview
Notes:

Short Night of Glass Dolls (1971)

AKA: La corta notte delle bambole di vetro; Short Night of the Glass Dolls; The Short Night of the Butterflies
Director: Aldo Lado
  • The Austrian region B 2-disc Camera Obscua Blu-Ray wins. It is expensive, like all Camera Obscura releases, but it's supposed to be of exceptional quality and well worth getting.
  • Otherwise it's the R0 Blue Underground DVD, which is still a fine release.


Label: Camera Obscura
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: B
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Italian mono (English subs) | German mono (English subs)
Extras: Commentaries (English subs) | Feature length interview with the director | Featurettes | Trailers | Booklet
Notes: As far as I know all German content, including the booklet, has English translations/subtitles.

So Sweet, So Dead (1972)

AKA: Rivelazioni di un maniaco sessuale al capo della squadra mobile; ; Confessions of a Sex Maniac; Bad Girls; Penetration; The Slasher ...is the Sex Maniac!; Revelations of a Sex Maniac to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Division
Director: Roberto Bianchi Montero
  • Camera Obscura does it again. It's now OOP but I can't find any other releases.




Label: Camera Obscura
Format: DVD
Region: 2
Length:
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: Italian mono | German mono (English subs)
Extras: Commentary | Featurette | Photonovel | Gallery | Booklet
Notes:

Spasmo (1974)

AKA:
Director: Umberto Lenzi
  • I think this one all comes down to which is easiest to buy as they are very similar. So go for the region B 88 Films Blu-Ray is you are in the UK/Europe and the region free Scorpion Blu-Ray if you elsewhere. I've looked at some picture comparisons and really, it all comes down to personal choice. I do like the idea of both a pure and a fixed version as there is on the Scorpion Blu



Label: Scorpion Releasing
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Italian mono | English mono
Extras: Interview | Trailer
Notes:

Label: 88 Films
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: B
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Italain mono | English mono
Extras: Q&A | Italian opening and end credits | Poster cards
Notes:

The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971)

AKA: Lo strano vizio della Signora Wardh; Next!; Blade of the Ripper; The Next Victim!
Director: Sergio Martino
  • The Shameless R0 DVD wins as all the US DVDs are PAL to NTSC conversions and the extras on the German Koch DVD are not English friendly.
  • If you can understand German, think about getting the R2 Koch Media DVD.


Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 96:24
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Introduction | Interviews | Venice screening with Sergio Martino | Trailer | Fact Track | Gallery | Non-related trailers
Notes:

Strip Nude for Your Killer (1975)

AKA: Nude per l'assassino
Director: Andrea Bianchi
  • The Blue Underground, while not great, is still superior to the current DVDs.







Label: Blue Underground
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Interviews | Gallery | Trailers
Notes:

Tenebrae (1982)

AKA: Tenebre; Unsane
Director: Dario Argento
  • The Arrow Blu-Ray wins with a new transfer (shared with the French Wildside Blu-Ray) and a load of extras. It's even a Blu-Ray/DVD combo if you don't have a Blu-Ray player.
  • A Blu-Ray from Synapse will be released on 23rd Feb 2016 and may see Arrow lose the crown.




Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: B
Length: 100:54
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Commentaries | Introduction | Interviews | Goblin live | Featurette | Trailer | Booklet
Notes: 2-disc Blu-Ray/DVD combo.

Torso (1973)

AKA: I corpi presentano tracce di violenza carnale; Carnal Violence; The Bodies Presented Traces of Carnal Violence
Director: Sergio Martino
  • The Blue Underground Blu-Ray wins with a superior picture, both Italian and US versions of the film and more extras than any of the DVDs.





Label: Blue Underground
Format: Blu-Ray
Region: 0
Length: 92:59/90:06
Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Interview | Intro | US opening credits | Trailers | Radio spot | Gallery
Notes: It seems that some of the scenes previously missing from the Italian version, the soundtrack will shift from English to Italian with English subs. This is the case with all releases of the Italian version.

What Have They Done to Your Daughters? (1974)

AKA: La polizia chiede aiuto; The Coed Murders
Director: Massimo Dallamano
  • The R0 Shameless DVD wins over the harder to source and region locked German Koch DVD, and the R0 non-anamorphic DVD from Redemption. Also, the Shameless disc has a higher bitrate and supposedly the better picture.
  • One large plus for the Koch DVD is that it has the English, Italian and German soundtracks.
  • The Redemption DVD is cut by a few seconds.
  • Camera Obscura have this slated for a Blu-Ray release, which will probably take first place when released.
Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length: 86:52
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono
Extras: Trailer | Non-related trailers
Notes:

What Have You Done To Solange? (1971)

AKA: Cosa avete fatto a Solange?; Who's Next; Who Killed Solange?; Solange; Terror in the Woods; The School That Couldn't Scream; The Secret of the Green Pins
Director: Massimo Dallamano
  • The new Arrow Blu-Ray wins with a superb 2K transfer, better extras than any of the DVD releases, Italian and English soundtracks and it's a Blu-Ray/DVD combo. Available as either a region A or B package.
  • Stay away from the English/Dutch EC Entertainment DVD as it's cropped and the image is enlarged with a bad picture.
Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: A/B
Length: 106:41
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English mono | Italian mono
Extras: Commentary | Interviews | Trailer | Booklet
Notes: Available as identical region A or B package. Make sure you get the right one!

Who Saw Her Die? (1972)

AKA: Chi l'ha vista morire?
Director: Aldo Lado
  • The UK R0 Shameless DVD is the one to get. It's longer by 7 seconds (a murder scene is longer by 2 stabs compared to the Blue Underground and Anchor Bay releases).
  • The US R0 Blue Underground and Anchor Bay DVDs (both identical) do have an interview with Aldo Lado that is missing from the Shameless DVD.


Label: Shameless Screen Entertainment.
Format: DVD
Region: 0
Length:
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English mono
Extras: Trailer | Non-related trailers
Notes:

Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I have the Key (1972)

AKA: Il tuo vizio è una stanza chiusa e solo io ne ho la chiave; Excite Me; Eye of the Black Cat; Gently Before She Dies
Director: Sergio Martino
  • The Arrow Blu-ray is the one to get. A great picture, very good extras, and a copy of the film on DVD. Currently this is only available as part of the two film set "Black Cats". The films will be released individually in 2016.




Label: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray/DVD
Region: 0
Length: 96:43
Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Italian mono | English mono
Extras: Interview | Featurettes
Notes:

2 comments:

  1. Hey, just a couple possible additions for the major update you did over at LB. As I have no account now, I couldn't post there--cheers!:

    1. LIBIDO: There's a US DVD that's the Italian track + English subs. Middling quality, and likely not an "official" release, but it's the one I watched:

    http://www.amazon.com/Libido-Giancarlo-Giannini/dp/B00IMO0GH8/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1455327682&sr=1-1&keywords=libido+dvd

    2. DEADLY INHERITANCE: An English-friendly version is available in Volume 1 of the Koch Giallo set (DVD only), which is the way I watched it:

    http://www.amazon.de/Koch-Media-Giallo-Collection-Teil-blutd%C3%BCrstigen/dp/B008410CHS

    3. A QUIET PLACE TO KILL: Same company as the LIBIDO disc above, Italian with English subs:

    http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Place-Kill-Carroll-Baker/dp/B00IO6LCNQ/ref=pd_bxgy_74_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=05FK878035X9JW0HNPSY

    4. CRIMES OF THE BLACK CAT: The Dagored transfer is easily one of the absolute worst I've seen on DVD :(

    5. EYE IN THE LABYRINTH: Code Red have released a Blu-ray, available through SAR:

    http://www1.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm/ID/30914/EYE-IN-THE-LABYRINTH-1972/

    6. KNIFE OF ICE: This bootleg-quality US DVD is available with the English track:

    http://www.amazon.com/Eduardo-Fajardo-Silvia-Monelli-Carroll/dp/B002M9FXTU/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1455328252&sr=1-1&keywords=knife+of+ice

    7. THE WEAPON, THE HOUR, THE MOTIVE: Unlike the DEADLY INHERITANCE disc, the version of this included in the Koch box set includes no English options.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that Leonard, I'll add the info later today. My next project is adding the LB update to this blog (probably as a new page), which I'm not looking forward to.

      We all miss you at LB!

      Delete