Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

My Dear Killer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 2, 2021

The unfortunate reality about 1972’s “My Dear Killer” is that its best scene also happens to be its first scene. It’s a reverse climax for the feature, which opens with a man being decapitated by a giant excavator, killed in a uniquely gruesome way, launching the movie with a surge of murder mystery energy that gradually weakens at the production transitions to a detective story that’s primarily about conversations and interrogations.

“My Dear Killer” tracks the efforts of Inspector Peretti (George Hilton) as he investigates a strange murder that’s tied to the kidnapping of a young girl in the area. Director Tonino Valerii is tasked with creating a giallo viewing experience, but the helmer is only interested in a few of the subgenre’s visual highlights, including a black-gloved killer and a few nasty set pieces. The rest of the feature is reserved for psychological games between Peretti and his suspects, following the detective around town as he tries to put together a motive and nab a suspect. “My Dear Killer” is handled well by Hilton, who gives a strong performance, and Valerii has a few moments of style that connect as intended. However, blips of excitement are few and far between, and the score by Ennio Morricone doesn’t get the juices flowing, used only intermittently as the picture settles into long stretches of exposition and investigation.

My Dear Killer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Vinegar Syndrome includes a note at the start of the "My Dear Killer" viewing experience explaining that the 35mm original negative used to create the AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation had an issue with missing frames. Efforts were made to cover some of the gaps, and the work is successful, with little pronounced evidence of the problem. Detail emerges with care, offering fibrous period suits and casualwear, and facial particulars are displayed in full. Interiors retain distinct decorative additions. Colors are tastefully refreshed, boosting style choices of the day, which handle with vivid primaries. Red blood is potent, as is greenery. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like.

My Dear Killer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a basic listening event for "My Dear Killer," offering a slightly muddier sound, revealing the track's age and dubbing quality. Some sibilance issues are detected, along with mild hiss and pops. Dialogue exchanges remain intelligible. Scoring cues aren't sharp, but orchestral support is satisfactory, with clear guitar stings.

My Dear Killer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• 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.

My Dear Killer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"My Dear Killer" is leisurely paced, working its way through unnecessary areas of exploitation (including child nudity) before reaching an interestingly theatrical conclusion. Those expecting a livelier showcase of horrific encounters and a celebration of giallo traditions are advised to lower expectations for a feature that's more of a television pilot than a ruthless examination of menace.