Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 2, 2025

Vinegar Syndrome returns to their exploration of little-seen thrillers with "Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7," which brings 1983’s “Mystere,” 1987’s “Sweets from a Stranger,” and 1988’s “Obsession: A Taste for Fear” to Blu-ray.

Click here for a review of Mystere

Click here for a review of Sweets from a Stranger

Click here for a review of Obsession: A Taste for Fear

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Mystere

• Commentary features film historians Eugenio Ercolani, Nathaniel Thompson, and Troy Howarth.

• "Two Brothers for a Mystere" (24:51, HD) is an interview with writer Enrico Vanzina, who takes viewers back to the 1980s, when he joined brother Carlo on a string of filmmaking successes that boosted their industry visibility. Creating a company to help steer their careers, the men embarked on the production of "Mystere," which was partially inspired by 1981's "Diva." The casting of Carole Bouquet is assessed, brought on to the project due to her physical beauty, which was of primary concern to Carlo, and the star fed into a family love of the James Bond films, as the actress was fresh off her role in "For Your Eyes Only." Other casting achievements are noted, bringing in a wide range of talent for the English- language endeavor. Music by Armando Trovajoli is also celebrated. The conversation turns to Enrico's father, Stefano Vanzina, who provided his sons with an education on the ways of moviemaking, shaping their interests in crime stories, and career highlights alongside Carlo are noted.

• "An American in Rome" (19:58, HD) is an interview with actor Greg Snegoff, identifying hismelf as a third-generation thespian, charting the career of his grandfather and father, who made his way around Hollywood after World War II. In the 1970s, Snegoff accepted advice to relocate to Rome, tempted by employment in dubbing, building his voicework resume. The interviewee presents memories from his time on the set of "Mystere," describing star Carole Bouquet as "cold and aloof," also sharing thoughts on additional co-stars. Career adventures are tracked, including days spent on 1984's "She" (described here as "not a well-planned movie") and dubbing efforts provided on "Yor: The Hunter from the Future," detailing star Reb Brown's severe acting limitations.

• "The House of Mystere" (19:23, HD) is an interview with production designer Paola Comencini, who got her start as a volunteer on Billy Wilder's "Avanti," receiving a chance to work alongside a beloved filmmaker. Knowing producer Carlos Vanzina since she was very young, Comencini reflects on their friendship and their shared experience as the children of moviemakers, as her father was Luigi Comencini. Talk of "Mystere" is offered (she describes the picture as not "not perfect, but it was a good effort"), identifying the visual style of the feature, inspired by American magazines. The interviewee jumps all over the place at times, reflecting on career achievements and trials (sharing that moviemaking is a "madhouse"), and she explores the relationship between Carlos and Enrico Vanzina, who were trying to move away from comedies with "Mystere."

• Alternate Italian Titles (6:22, HD) are offered.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Sweets from a Stranger

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Cruising for Sweets" (35:21, HD) is an interview with writer/director Franco Ferrini, who began his film career via book research on Sergio Leone, receiving an opportunity to spend time with the director, pulled into his creative orbit, eventually assisting on the screenplay for "Once Upon a Time in America." Collaborations continued, joining Dario Argento for "Phenomenon" and "Opera," and Lamberto Bava for "Demons." Other professional achievements are analyzed, including 1985's "Nothing Underneath," sharing thoughts on director Carlos Vanzina. Talk eventually turns to "Sweets from a Stranger," and the interviewee, being a die-hard cineaste, carefully climbed into the director's chair, overseeing casting and style. Ferrini's helming ambitions stopped at just a single release, referring to himself as a "fool" for not trying again. Admitting he has "mixed feelings" about the movie, the interviewee offers his thoughts on "Sweets from a Stranger," pointing out a few mistakes and power plays he lost.

• "Sweets Maker" (18:26, HD) is an interview with producer Claudio Bonivento, who wanted to work with director Franco Ferrini, happily accepting his pitch for a thriller, soon embarking on the "circus"-like atmosphere of the "Sweets from a Stranger" shoot. The interviewee definitely has his opinions about the actresses hired for the picture, sharing some ideas on her more volatile nature, and he's open about Ferrini's lack of directorial instinct, occasionally growing frustrated with his work. Bonivento tends to get a little sidetracked in his thoughts, discussing the unstable nature of the film business and its many participants over the years, reflecting on several creative challenges.

• "Kill Me with Your Smaila" (29:57, HD) is an interview with composer Umberto Smaila, who got his start in classical music before exploring the world of rock, finding his way to film scoring in the late 1970s. The interviewee also details his experiences as an actor during this time period, recalling work on several productions, including "Urban Animals." Smaila shares memories of director Carlos Vanzina and his own musical progression, working quickly to find the atmosphere of his assignments. Additional creative achievements are also analyzed.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Obession: A Tale of Fear

• Commentary features film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "This Used to Be the Future" (29:13, HD) is an interview with writer/director Piccio Raffanini, who describes himself as a "restless young man" during his formative years, settling into the life of a DJ, working local clubs. 1966's "A Man and a Woman" inspired a love of cinema, putting Raffanini on a hunt to recapture such emotion, and he broke into the business as a set photographer, learning the ways of the industry. The interviewee examines his early work in television and music videos, overseeing the creation of clips for bands like Ultravox and the Ramones. Talk turns to "Obsession: A Taste for Fear," which Raffanini admits was a chaotic experience, struggling with the writer and producer. Casting is highlighted, including the addition of Teagan Clive, a bodybuilder hired for her appearance, not acting skill. Raffanini isn't exactly thrilled with "Obsession: A Taste for Fear," amusingly pointing out more problems the longer he discusses it, eventually moving on to other career achievements.

• "Supervising the Obsession" (15:48, HD) is an interview with production supervisor Luciano Lucchi, who developed his industry experience in television, meeting others while working on the alternative music show "Mister Fantasy." Connections and employment developed throughout the 1980s, finding Lucchi participating in a large assortment of projects, eventually connecting with writer/director Piccio Raffanini. "Obsession: A Taste for Fear" is soon recalled, described as "quite exhausting to make" due to competing creative visions for the feature. The endeavor also struggled with its sci-fi concepts, finding Raffanini striving to make the effort unique.

• "A Taste for Synths" (14:01, HD) is an interview with composer Gabriele Ducros, who followed his father's footsteps into the industry, finding work in commercials to showcase his skills. He soon was hired for "Obsession: A Taste for Fear," but the interviewee has no real interest in discussing the picture, preferring to examine other creative achievements during the prime of his career, and his current work in television.

• "Cinema Killed the Video Star" (19:22, HD) is a video essay by Rachael Nisbet.

• Alternate Italian Titles and Credits (4:06, HD) are offered.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 7 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As with the other collections in the "Forgotten Gialli" series, visual elements are excellent, supplying richly film-like viewing experiences with refreshed chillers. Extras are also plentiful, supplying candid appreciations for production achievements from cast and crew.