Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 19, 2025

Vinegar Syndrome returns to their exploration of little-seen thrillers with "Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8," which brings 1972’s “A.A.A. Masseuse, Good- Looking, Offers Her Services,” 1975’s “Reflections in Black,” and 1978’s “Rings of Fear” to Blu-ray.

Click here for a review of A.A.A. Masseuse, Good-Looking, Offers Her Services

Click here for a review of Reflections in Black

Click here for a review of Rings of Fear

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

A.A.A. Masseuse, Good-Looking, Offers Her Services

• Commentary features films historians Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Photo Story Hero" (16:22, HD) is an interview with actor Renato Rossini, who developed a love for cinema as a young man, drawn to the ways of westerns before actually acquiring work in the film industry, building a career as an extra and stunt performer. With the business booming in the 1960s, Rossini had his pick of roles, working to change his appearance and delve deeper into his characters. Talk turns to "A.A.A. Masseuse, Good-Looking, Offers Her Services," and the interviewee provides appreciation for director Demofilo Fidani and his co-stars.

• "Gentlemen Prefer Blondell" (38:16, HD) is an interview with actress Simonetta Vitelli, and she details her relationship with director Demofilo Fidani, who was also her father. The interviewee explores Fidani's life, interests, and career highlights, also charting his dedication to the study of parapsychology. Vitelli analyzes her own professional choices, and the experience of working with other filmmakers besides her father. Very little time is devoted to an inspection of "A.A.A. Masseuse, Good-Looking, Offers Her Services," though Vitelli reveals parts of the movie were shot inside the family's home.

• "A.A.A. Looking for Paola" (20:14, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Remembering the Medium" (14:22, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Luca Rea.

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

Reflections in Black

• Commentary features film historian Rachael Nisbet.

• "Reflections on Cimarosa" (28:52, HD) is an appreciation piece from writer Domenico Moneti, biographer of director Tano Cimarosa.

• Export Version Footage (7:38, SD) is offered, delivering more scenes of sexuality to "Reflections in Black."

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

Rings of Fear

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

• "Deep Red Rings" (26:22, HD) is an interview with screenwriter Franco Ferrini, who was initially hired to write a remake of "What Have You Done to Solange," ending up in a situation where he was tasked with pursuing the rights to redo the picture. The interviewee discusses his minimal participation in the creation of the script, and details his relationship and perception of director Massimo Dallamano, who was killed shortly before production on "Rings of Fear" commenced. Instead of continuing with a discussion of "Rings of Fear," Ferrini veers off into other tales from his career, including a partnership with Dario Argento, scripting "Phenomena" and "Opera" for the helmer.

• "From Big Screen Scares to Small Screen Epics" (23:31, HD) is an interview with director Alberto Negrin, who discusses his formative years as an assistant director, receiving an opportunity to understand the business of the arts and its demands. Eventually setting out to become a filmmaker, Negrin charts the development of his career and his early connection to "Rings of Fear," taking on a project that was credited to numerous screenwriters. The interviewee discusses his hesitation to glamorize violence and offers candid thoughts on producer Leo Pescarolo, admitting the frugality of the production was frustrating, leading him to feel disappointed in the feature. Talk moves away from "Rings of Fear," as Negrin is more interested in exploring his television career, overseeing such projects as "Secret of the Sahara" and "Mussolini and I."

• "Cecil B. Negrin" (13:51, HD) is an interview with director Alberto Negrin, who discusses his career choices, including time making documentaries, his experiences with actor Roberto Benigni, and various professional opportunities that allowed him to pursue different areas of storytelling. He also analyzes the downfall of the Italian television industry.

• "The Red Thread" (25:23, HD) is an interview with actor Fabio Testi, who sits next to his massive dog and reflects on the heyday of the Italian film industry, permitted to explore many genres during his career. The interviewee recalls his interactions with director Masimo Dallamano, detailing his presence on set and artistic interests. Talk turns to "Rings of Fear," examining the production's financing issues, which almost ended the shoot, and he details his relationship with director Alberto Negrin. Co-stars are assessed, along with the state of Italy, and Testi explores other projects completed with Negrin and his own acting adventures during his prime years as a working thespian.

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

Forgotten Gialli: Volume 8 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As with the other collections in the "Forgotten Gialli" series, film quality isn't always there, but A/V ranges from decent to excellent, and supplementary material is satisfactory, offering some insight into the making of the movies.