5.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
In Venice a detective is on the trail of a killer who commits a double murder (a married couple) then more grisly killings occur. Sex, drugs, gore and perversions are ingredients of this sadistic and sleazy giallo.
Starring: Jeff Blynn, Gianni Dei, Eolo Capritti, Vassili Karis, Giancarlo Del DucaHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 52% |
Mystery | 16% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.67:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
In perhaps one of the weirdest movie openings I’ve ever encountered, 1979’s “Giallo in Venice” commences with a brutal murder (a man getting stabbed in the stomach repeatedly with scissors), a reveal of two dead bodies, and the use of big band music to score the immediate nightmare. It’s the first sign that director Mario Landi isn’t exactly paying close attention to the mood of severe scenes, but there’s a certain loopy charm in the feature’s absurdity, at least until it reaches unimaginable acts of violence that not only sober the picture up, but puts it down a point of no return. “Giallo in Venice” is a lot of things, but tonally balanced is not one of them.
In a rare move, the "Giallo in Venice" viewing experience (AVC encoded, 1.67:1 aspect ratio) begins with an apology, with Scorpion Releasing stating that the Blu-ray is built from the best elements available to the company. And there is a lot of wear on tear on display here, with speckling constant, scratches intermittent, and reel changes harsh, resulting in jumpy frames. However, while damage is there, "Giallo in Venice" isn't a pretty picture to begin with, with the roughness fitting for such an icky film, giving it the Grindhosue treatment. Of course, those hunting for an immaculate presentation won't find much to love here, requiring viewers to adjust their expectations and enjoy the raggedness. What's positive here is brightness, with a fresh look at the feature's nastiness, finding detail compelling, picking up on fibrous outfits and gore zone particulars, making it easy to spot fake limbs and iffy make- up. "Extensive color correction" is appealing, bringing out sharp primaries to accentuate period style, Venice locations, and deep red blood. Delineation is comfortable.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't allow for much dimension, dealing with pronounced dubbing and technical limitations. Extreme reactions blow out rather quickly, leaving highs harsh on the ears. Intelligibility isn't threatened, with most dialogue exchanges securing performances and exposition. Scoring isn't defined, offering a "wall of sound" approach that thickens orchestral and big band selections, emphasizing shock and volume over precision. Hiss is present throughout the listening event. Popping and crackling are common.
Landi doesn't have the style of his contemporaries, with his direction more of a blunt instrument, treasuring graphic events over cinematic ones. "Giallo in Venice" does lead to a somewhat unpredictable conclusion, which earns some points, but to get there means traveling through a scummy effort that's big on displaying pain and low on filmmaking finesse.
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The Next Victim / Lo strano vizio della signora Wardh
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2001
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2004
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