Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 5, 2019

Co-writer/director Yann Gonzalez endeavors to recreate a classic 1970s giallo with “Knife+Heart,” and while many filmmakers these days want to play in the fields of blood and style, Gonzalez almost achieves an accurate recreation of the subgenre’s ferocity. It’s a creepy picture at times, blessed with a strong visual presence that toys with Argento colors and ultraviolence, while star Vanessa Paradise gives the performance of her career here, making sure every morsel of pain is chewed in full as she heads wherever Gonzales leads.

A masked killed with a bladed dildo is terrorizing the cast and crew of a gay porno production company in 1979, with Paradise playing the producer of such cinematic titillation, and she’s lost to romantic obsession during the bloodbath. The first half of “Knife+Heart” details the rising fears within the group, who continue with work as elements of serial killing come into view. Gonzalez has his vision for murder and environmental claustrophobia, mastering a few charged encounters that authentically unnerve, teaming with talented cinematographer Simon Beaufils to generate a strange screen space of terror and fantasy, while De Palma-esque obsessiveness also emerges during the run time.

Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation showcases the heightened visuals of "Knife+Heart" with care, securing stylish lighting with bold primaries, which favor major pushes of red and blue. More intricate hues are equally appealing, dealing with interior decoration and dreamscape visits, and greenery is pleasingly lush. Detail is sharp, embracing the feature's obsession with textures, handling rough leather and soft sweaters. Ample displays of skin also remain clear. Delineation is satisfactory, preserving extended stretches of limited lighting. Source is in fine condition.

Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is a largely frontal affair with distinct dialogue exchanges, offer full power for often hysterical performances, with nothing lost to distortive extremes. Scoring supports as needed, and more direct club visits bring out thumpy music, giving low-end some presence. Surrounds detail atmospherics comfortably, communicating a sense of the outdoors and room tones.

Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Islands" (24:06, HD) is a 2017 short film from director Yann Gonzalez.

• "Nous Ne Serons Plus Jamais Seuls" (10:13, HD) is another short from Gonzalez.

• "Les Vacances Continuent" (3:34, HD) is a music video.

• Interview (19:53, HD) sits down with Gonzalez and co-writer Cristiano Mangione to discuss their partnership and the making of "Knife+Heart."

• Gothic Introduction (3:31, HD) is a parody of late night horror movie host segments, featuring Pierre Emo.

• "De Sperme Et D'eau Fraiche" (2:28, HD) is the trailer that plays a key role in "Knife+Heart."

• And an International Trailer (2:00, HD), XXX Trailer (1:07, HD), and Theatrical Trailer (2:06, HD) are included.

Knife + Heart Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The second half of "Knife+Heart" is more about investigation than horror, and tension slips some as answers to questions are tended to, giving the viewer more than they need when it comes to motivation. The movie could do with less explanation, remaining remarkably effective when it simply experiences the visceral charge of giallo and its often wonderful visual intensity.