Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 26, 2025

Mario Bava's "Danger: Diabolik" (1968) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the release include archival audio commentary by star John Phillip Law and critic Tim Lucas; archival audio commentary by critics Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson; vintage documentary; music video; and trailers. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

Money does not buy happiness -- except when it does.

Mario Bava’s Danger: Diabolik truly is in a category of its own, and the strength of its visuals, which is undeniable, is just one of many reasons why. Another significant reason is its reimagining of the classic comic character as a spectacular cinematic anti-hero, impossible not to cheer for. The comics sell this character in an entirely different way. The hand-drawn version of him is utilized as a catalyst for pure, unquestionably attractive yet one-dimensional action, and it is a pop artifact whose appeal is limited. In Danger: Diabolik, the new anti-hero is the definition of cinematic cool, exuding confidence and machismo that make him attractive to a vastly larger and more diverse audience. Another significant reason is Bava and the new anti-hero’s ability to transform kitsch into pop art. This transformation is the major advantage Danger: Diabolik has over all other Eurospy films that emerged during the 1960s and 1970s -- it provides it with a distinct, flashy but marvelous style.

The narrative is just a container for situations and relationships that Bava utilizes to make the reimagination of the classic comic character effective. (This is why Danger: Diabolik has, according to some of its biggest critics, an odd episodic structure). In the best of these situations, Diabolik (John Phillip Law) steals a twenty-ton gold ingot, which he then transports to his secret lair with the assistance of his beautiful girlfriend, Eva Kant (Marisa Mell). Earlier, Diabolik also climbs a huge tower to steal an exquisite emerald necklace for his girlfriend’s birthday, fully aware that his greatest nemesis, Inspector Ginko (Michel Piccoli), has set a trap for him. Diabolik even clashes with a famous criminal boss (Adolfo Celi) who teams up with Inspector Ginko and kidnaps his girlfriend.

Bava directs with flair that genuinely dazzles. However, this flair is coupled with very smart art direction and editing choices, easily creating the impression that Danger: Diabolik was a dramatically bigger project. This is a very important detail to remember because Danger: Diabolik routinely produces breathtaking visuals that at the time could be found only in enormously expensive Hollywood films.

The finale prepares for a sequel, which, according to old reports, was a project producer Dino De Laurentiis was enthusiastic about. However, Bava and De Laurentiis had a complicated relationship, and the former, who was frequently frustrated with it, chose not to do the sequel. It is unfortunate because Danger: Diabolik was well received and a proper sequel, which Bava would have undoubtedly delivered, most likely would have inspired a third film. It is not an exaggeration to speculate that this trilogy would have been the ultimate blueprint for adult superhero films.

Bava’s director of photography was Antonio Rinaldi, with whom he shot his greatest films, including the equally impressive sci-fi thriller Planet of the Vampires.

The memorable soundtrack, which blends appropriately stylish jazz and psychedelic tunes, was created by the legendary maestro Ennio Morricone.

Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Danger: Diabolik arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber.

The release introduces an exclusive new 4K makeover of Danger: Diabolik, prepared at Paramount. The 4K makeover is also made available on 4K Blu-ray in this combo pack release.

I viewed the 4K makeover in native 4K and then spent time with its 1080p presentation on this Blu-ray release. In native 4K and 1080p, the 4K makeover is a substantial upgrade, making it possible to experience Danger: Diabolik in a way that Shout Factory's Blu-ray release cannot. To be clear, it is not only because the 4K makeover produces visuals with superior delineation, clarity, and depth. These visuals boast better, expanded ranges of colors that ensure a far better dynamic range. As a result, now Danger: Diabolik has the lush and striking appearance that many of Mario Bava's films are known for. On my system, in native 4K and 1080p, the density levels of the visuals were significantly better, too. However, the new 4K makeover is not flawless. Why? There are different areas of it where some visuals reveal surface imperfections. Virtually all of them are small and very easy to ignore. However, there is one spot with a major, slightly distracting bump. I am perfectly fine with it because the makeover is so satisfying, but a proper restoration would have addressed this issue and the rest of the cosmetic imperfections. You can see what the bump looks like here. It is caused by the damage in the upper area of the frame. There are no traces of problematic digital corrections. My score is 4.25/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I viewed Danger: Diabolik in its entirety on 4K Blu-ray. However, I spent time with its 1080p presentation on this Blu-ray release. The comments below are from our review of the 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack.

The English track features original dubbing that is quite inconsistent. It can be somewhat uneven at times, a bit anemic, and even unnaturally thin. Unfortunately, all of these limitations are inherited. It is how the track was finalized when some years ago, and all other home video releases that have used it retain the same limitations. A good case can be made that Danger: Diabolik deserves a new Atmos mix -- Sony Pictures has done some very effective Atmos tracks for older films -- but the 2.0 track that is included on this release does not have any flaws. It sounds as it does because it replicates the native qualities of the English dub track.

Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary One - this archival audio commentary was recorded by star John Phillip Law and is moderated by Tim Lucas. The bulk of the information shared in the commentary addresses the production of Danger: Diabolik and Mario Bava's directing style, the specific locations that were chosen by Bava to enhance the production value of his work, Ennio Morricone's soundtrack, and the quality of the action material.

• Commentary Two - this archival audio commentary was recorded by critics Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson. The commentators share a lot of information about the conception and production of Danger: Diabolik, the film's visual style, the chemistry between its stars, how and why Danger: Diabolik is similar/disimilar to Barbarella, and the careers of various people that made the film.

• Danger: Diabolik - From Fumetti to Film - this archival program takes a closer look at the comic character that inspired Mario Bava to shoot Danger: Diabolik and the style of the cinematic anti-hero that John Phillip Law plays in it. Included in it are clips from interviews with writer/cartoonist Stephen Bissette, Law, Ennio Morricone, and producer Dino De Laurentiis, among others. In English and Italian, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (21 min).

• Music Video - presented here is Beastie Boys' music video "Body Movin". The video can be seen with an optional audio commentary by Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch. (7 min).

• Trailer One - presented here is a vintage trailer for Danger: Diabolik. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Trailer Two - presented here is a vintage teaser trailer for Danger: Diabolik. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Cover - a reversibel cover with vintage poster art for Danger: Diabolik.

Danger: Diabolik Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Had Mario Bava and producer Dino De Laurentiis figured out how to tolerate each other and make a second Diabolik film, they would have done a third too, and this trilogy would have been the ultimate blueprint for all superhero films. In addition to being a wildly entertaining visual stunner, Danger: Diabolik is a surprisingly versatile transgressor, which is why its pulpiness gives it such a mature, distinctive arty identity. It really is a great little film. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release introduces a fine new 4K makeover of it, prepared at Paramount. A 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack release is available for purchase as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.