Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 16, 2021

Celebrating stranger areas of giallo entertainment, Vinegar Syndrome offers a double-feature release with 1985’s “Nothing Underneath” and 1988’s “Too Beautiful to Die.”

Click here for a review of Nothing Underneath

Click here for a review of Too Beautiful to Die

Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Nothing Underneath

• Commentary #1 features The Hysteria Continues.

• Commentary #2 features film historian Rachael Nisbet.

• "High Fashion Music" (12:36, HD) is an interview with composer Pino Donaggio, who was recruited by the producer of "Nothing Underneath" due to his work on "Body Double." The Brian De Palma film was the template for "Nothing Underneath," keeping Donaggio busy with suspense themes and sounds, combining an orchestra with synthesizers to add to the eeriness of the picture. The interviewee discusses other creative achievements, keeping up with De Palma demands after the success of "Body Double."

• "Murder He Wrote" (28:56, HD) is an interview with screenwriter Franco Ferrini, who discusses the process of adapting the original novel "Nothing Underneath" was based on. Research was required, along with lengthy discussions of character with director Carlo Vanzina. The production wanted a new "Body Double," and Ferrini grew uncomfortable with such closeness to Brian De Palma's movie, also pointing out other homages found in the film. Casting is explored and the reaction of the fashion community is analyzed. Ferrini also shares recent efforts to turn "Nothing Underneath" into a television series.

• "Murder a la Mode" (28:34, HD) is an interview with screenwriter Enrico Vanzina, brother of director Carlo Vanzina, who details early creative achievements in his career, also working to navigate through tragedy concerning a real-world murder around the time of production on "Noting Underneath." Vanzina repeats many of the tales told in "Murder He Wrote," including the production's desire to recycle ideas from "Body Double" and casting anecdotes. A brief discussion of the sequel is also included.

• "Models, Murder and Italy" (19:21, HD) is an interview with actor Tom Schanley, who charts his rise from theater opportunities to his casting on the television show, "The Yellow Rose," which helped to launch his career. For "Nothing Underneath," Schanley was sent to Italy, enjoying the sights, also detailing time with his co-stars, including Donald Pleasance. The interviewee was also surrounded by models, leading to a vague answer about highlights during the shoot. Schanley also provided memories of visiting Yellowstone National Park.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Too Beautiful to Die

• Commentary features film historian Rachael Nisbet.

• "Nothing True But The Eyes" (42:13, HD) is a lengthy interview with writer/director Dario Piana, who charts his creative development in the world of commercials, offered "Too Beautiful to Die" as a "novice," not even 30 years old at the time. Tasked with emphasizing sound and style, Piana pulled from his years in advertising and love of Ridley Scott, exploring various technical achievements found in the film. The interviewee details his extensive use of storyboards to support daily work, and his general resistance to the marketing push of "Too Beautiful to Die" as a sequel to "Nothing Underneath." Casting choices are analyzed, and Piana's career is explored, eventually making a few Hollywood pictures, including "Lost Boys: The Thirst."

• Deleted Scenes (12:21, HD) are presented in storyboard form.

• Alternate Ending (1:59, HD) is presented in storyboard form.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Nothing Underneath / Too Beautiful to Die Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While audio offerings vary in quality, visual presentations for "Nothing Underneath" and "Too Beautiful to Die" are quite good, and Vinegar Syndrome puts in some effort to provide a packed list of supplements as well, helping to understand the creation of these model-obsessed Italian thrillers.