6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Slasher film. An axe-wielding maniac stalks the beautiful women of an upscale sanitarium.
Starring: Klaus Kinski, Rosalba Neri, Margaret Lee (II), Jane Garret, John KarlsenHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 54% |
Erotic | 16% |
Mystery | 12% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 2.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Fernando Di Leo's "Slaughter Hotel" a.k.a. "La bestia uccide a sangue freddo" (1971) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Raro Video U.S. The supplemental features on the disc include an archival interview with actress Rosalba Neri; archival documentary film; and deleted scenes. Also included with this release is an illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Chris Alexander. In English or Italian, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.
The killer
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Fernando Di Leo's Slaughter Hotel arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Raro Video U.S.
The high-definition transfer is problematic. There are traces of digital corrections which appear to have been applied in an attempt to tone down the scanner noise that becomes visible during well-lit sequences. As a result, detail and clarity are compromised, and many of the darker sequences look disappointingly flat and smeary (see screencaptures #19 and 20).
There are traces of sharpening corrections as well. Unsurprisingly, virtually the entire film has a harsh digital look which can be quite distracting (see screencaptures #5 and 10). The relatively good news here is that colors are lush and well saturated. The film is also free of large debris, cuts, stains, and damage marks. Despite a few uneven transitions -- obviously due to the fact that there is some missing footage -- overall image stability is very good. Lastly, during select dark sequences I also noticed macroblocking and compression artifacts sneaking in. All in all, it is disappointing to see that yet another very good cult film from Raro's catalog does not have the organic appearance it should have after it transitions to Blu-ray. And in this case, I must mention that it is actually quite easy to tell that what is under the layer of scanner noise/digital corrections is of very high quality. This could have been a wonderful presentation of Slaughter Hotel, even more convincing than Mondo Macabro's presentation of Pasquale Festa Campanile's The Slave. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).
There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For the record, Raro Video U.S. have provided optional English subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.
Clarity is very good, but there are some minor balance fluctuations. However, this should not be surprising because the International Version features original overdubbing. Additionally, there are a couple of sequences on the same version for which there are no existing audio elements. The music and the audio effects are well rounded and stable. There is no distracting background hiss.
I really like the films Raro Video U.S. bring to Blu-ray, but some serious adjustments must be made so that they look as good as they should. At the moment, many of these releases come with too many issues that make them virtually impossible to recommend. If the right adjustments are made, Raro Video U.S. could be one of the most exciting labels on the market. Consider adding Fernando Di Leo's Slaughter Hotel only if you can find it on sale.
Profondo rosso
1975
Le foto di Gioia / Slipcover in Original Pressing
1987
Sei donne per l'assassino
1964
Standard Edition
1982
1980
I corpi presentano tracce di violenza carnale / Carnal Violence
1973
L’uccello dalle piume di cristallo
1970
Un gatto nel cervello | Glow in the Dark Cover & Mini Portrait of Lucio Fulci Limited Edition to 3000
1990
Nude per l'assassino
1975
Lo squartatore di New York
1982
La notte che Evelyn uscì dalla tomba
1971
Non si sevizia un paperino
1972
Suor Omicidi
1979
Reazione a catena
1971
1980
Featuring The Girl Who Knew Too Much / La ragazza che sapeva troppo
1963
Il profumo della signora in nero
1974
Chi l'ha vista morire?
1972
1977
Non ho sonno | Standard Edition
2001