Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Girl in Room 2A Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 2, 2021

It’s difficult to describe 1974’s “The Girl in Room 2A” has a giallo, especially as viewers understand the subgenre today. It’s a pulpy mystery featuring the hunt for missing people, and it’s more of a fetish film, highlighting the dungeon punishment of naked women by a man dressed in a deep red executioner outfit. It’s not a movie that’s looking to startle its audience, aiming to be more kinky than macabre. The production almost resembles a Hammer Horror event at times, which works best for the endeavor, finding success with mild sleuthing, not terrifying encounters.

Jack (John Scanlon) is looking for his sister, Edie, who’s gone missing. He finds his way to Margaret (Daniele Giordano), who’s fresh out of prison, accepting a place to stay with Mrs. Grant (Giovanna Galletti), though she grows suspicious that something evil is near. Jack, desperate to infiltrate Mrs. Grant’s dwelling, connects with Margaret, with the pair learning more about what goes on in the bowels of the house and how it connects to creepy Mr. Dreese (Ray Vallone).

“The Girl in Room 2A” delivers some weird atmosphere during the main titles, which pairs a jaunty soundtrack with scenes of Edie’s agonizing demise. And this is the feature’s introduction. However, nothing ever gets that wild again during the run time, which quickly settles into a detective story with Jack and Margaret, who sense that something is going on in Mrs. Grant’s home, but struggle to find clues, leading to scenes of exploration and exposition, learning more about the young woman’s criminal offenses. It’s not the stuff of nail-biting cinema, but “The Girl in Room 2A” periodically breaks away to showcase the torture chamber, where the Man in Red whips and pierces the young women he’s collected. It could be the stuff of nightmares, but it’s shot like a quickie porno film.

The Girl in Room 2A Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Vinegar Syndrome includes a note at the start of "The Girl in Room 2A" sharing how this Blu-ray release represents an "integral version" of the feature, combining Italian and export cuts. Because of this, the 35mm original negative used as the source for the AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation has been patched with a few brief moments pulled from a 35mm release print to complete the movie. While noticeable, it isn't distracting. Detail emerges with ideal sharpness during the viewing experience, capturing room decoration and fibrous costuming, especially fetish/cult gear. Skin particulars are exact, surveying the varying ages of the cast. Colors are striking, with red the dominant hue, found on fashion choices and evildoers, with the central image of the masked ghoul commanding attention. Skintones are natural, as is greenery. Delineation is satisfactory, doing well with shadowy encounters. Source is in strong shape, with a few extended scratches.

The Girl in Room 2A Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA of the "integral cut" also comes with a note, pointing out that the English dub of "The Girl in Room 2A" contains brief Italian subtitles, and the Italian dub contains brief English audio. Dialogue exchanges are clear during the listening experience, offering a crisp understanding of exposition and emotional surges without fuzzy extremes. Scoring cues aren't precise, but instrumentation remains appreciable.

The Girl in Room 2A Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (11:20, SD) is an undated conversation with Daniela Giordano, who shares her initial career inspiration, turning to acting to achieve some level of financial and creative freedom in her life. The interviewee reveals her favorite location and the one that proved to be problematic. Directors are briefly examined, with Giordano recalling time spent with Mario Bava and Paul Naschy. There's a short overview of "The Girl in 2A," and Giordano reveals she used a body double in the picture, avoiding the more exploitative interests of producer Dick Randall. Also included is a mention of co-star Karin Schubert.

• Audio Essay (17:57) by Rachael Nisbet is offered.

• Still Gallery (1:46) collects film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:33, SD) is included.

The Girl in Room 2A Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The strangeness of "The Girl in Room 2A" is more appealing than the actual movie, though it has some sense of pace and elements of discovery to keep it going. A storm-the-castle conclusion helps immensely, adding action to the endeavor, with the production making sure to distract viewers before they actually realize what they've just sat through.