Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 2, 2021

Already the leading company in deep cut cult releases, Vinegar Syndrome turns their attention to the subgenre that launched a thousand black-gloved killers: the giallo. With “Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2,” Vinegar Syndrome locates three more obscure offerings from Italy and Spain, emerging with 1972’s “My Dear Killer,” 1972’s “The French Sex Murders,” and 1974’s “The Girl in Room 2A.”

Click here for a review of My Dear Killer

Click here for a review of The French Sex Murders

Click here for a review of The Girl in Room 2A

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

My Dear Killer

• Alternate English Language Version (98:24) is included, sourced from a videotape.

• "Innocence Lost" (44:59, HD) is an interview with screenwriter/assistant director Roberto Leoni, who opens with memories from his youth, including a passion for murder mysteries and art. Channeling that spirit into "My Dear Killer," Leoni details his relationship with director Tonino Valerii, who provided a special filmmaking education the interviewee remains grateful for. Stunt work is examined, focusing on the opening excavator scene, and locations are noted, with the feature shot in Italy and Spain. Casting is spotlighted, with Leoni especially excited about the initial hiring of Giancarlo Giannini in the lead role, only to watch the actor drop out of the movie shortly before production began. He still seems distraught over this development. Characters are highlighted and the ending of "My Dear Killer" is analyzed. An overview of the endeavor's troubled release closes the conversation.

• Interviews (13:28, SD) include George Hilton, who discusses his casting in "My Dear Killer," his relationship with director Tonino Valerii, professional challenges, and time with co-stars. For Tonino Valerii, the conversation explores his earlier work in the western genre and the switch to a giallo, casting achievements, censorship issues, and the length of the shoot.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The French Sex Murders

• Commentary features film historians Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan.

• Still Gallery (2:51) collect lobby cards, press kit pages, and poster art.

• "The Wild, Wild World of Dick Randall" (32:41, SD) is a 2005 appreciation piece for the producer, beginning with his origin story in New York City, finding his way into the business of film distribution. Moving to Rome, Randall found ways to churn out movies without spending too much money, beginning his journey in exploitation endeavors. The documentary details his relationship with wife Corliss Randall, and his expansion into the global market, having a hand in bringing Bruce Lee to the world. Following trends and oddities, the producer kept rolling along, often taking small parts in these efforts. Randall's late career includes time in London, working into the 1980s with junky offerings. The subject's cult legacy is also assessed.

• A Trailer has not been provided on this release.

The Girl in Room 2A

• Interview (11:20, SD) is an undated conversation with Daniela Giordano, who shares her initial career inspiration, turning to acting to achieve some level of financial and creative freedom in her life. The interviewee reveals her favorite location and the one that proved to be problematic. Directors are briefly examined, with Giordano recalling time spent with Mario Bava and Paul Naschy. There's a short overview of "The Girl in 2A," and Giordano reveals she used a body double in the picture, avoiding the more exploitative interests of producer Dick Randall. Also included is a mention of co-star Karin Schubert.

• Audio Essay (17:57) by Rachael Nisbet is offered.

• Still Gallery (1:46) collects film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:33, SD) is included.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Supplementary material is an improvement over the last set, and Vinegar Syndrome delivers the best possible presentations with largely obscure titles, giving them as much TLC as possible. The movies themselves are a mixed bag, more talkative than threatening, but there are areas of exploitation to enjoy, and some ridiculousness too, giving fans at least some level of fun with strange pictures.