Recommended Lamberto Bava!
"Very nice standard release from VS. Four disc set for two cuts of the film. Reversible sleeve."
Details
This listing is for the standard edition 4-disc 4k UHD/Blu-ray release. The limited edition diagonal magnet box (designed by Robert Sammelin) was limited to 7,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the packaging and the 40-page book.
Bruno, an up and coming film composer, has been hired to write the score to a new horror movie. The film’s director, Sandra, suggests that he move into a spooky and secluded villa, so as to get extra creative inspiration. However, life begins to imitate art as a vicious killer starts bumping off anyone and everyone who happens to pay Bruno a visit. As each death leaves more clues, while opening up more possibilities as to potential suspects, Bruno begins to believe that the film he’s been hired to work on may itself be the key to unlocking the mystery...
The first major international hit for director Lamberto Bava (Macabre), A BLADE IN THE DARK was initially conceived as a TV mini-series but quickly deemed far too violent for the airwaves by Italian censors, and was instead re-edited for theatrical release. A classically structured giallo, albeit one taking stylistic cues from the then booming slasher craze, complete with an array of elaborate and bloody murders, the film features Andrea Occhipinti (Conquest), Fabiola Toledo (Caligula: The Untold Story), and actor turned director, Michele Soavi (Stage Fright). Co-scripted by prolific Italian genre writer Dardano Sacchetti (The Bronx Warriors) and featuring a pulsing score by the legendary Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (Ironmaster), Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present the world UHD debut of this 80s giallo classic, newly restored in 4K from its original camera negative and presented for the first time on disc in both its extended TV version as well as its long unavailable international theatrical cut, all supplemented by a host of new and archival bonus materials!
directed by: Lamberto Bava
starring: Andrea Occhipinti, Anny Papa, Fabiola Toledo, Michele Soavi, Valeria Cavalli, Stanko Molnar, Lara Lamberti
1983 / 109 min / 1.66:1 / English & Italian Mono with translated English subtitles
Additional info:
- 4-disc Region Free Set: 4K Ultra HD x2 / Blu-ray x2
- 4K UHD content presented in High-Dynamic-Range
- Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
- Both versions of the feature film presented on both 4K UHD and BD
- Presented in both its Italian and English soundtracks for both the 109-minute Uncut Extended Version and the slightly cutdown Theatrical Version
- Commentary track with The Hysteria Continues for the Extended Italian TV Edit
- Commentary track with film historian and author Kat Ellinger for the Extended Italian TV Edit
- "Don't Go Down the Stairs" - an interview with director Lamberto Bava
- "House" - an interview with screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti
- "Lights in an Empty House" - an interview with cinematographer Gianlorenzo Battaglia
- "The Gothic Slashers of Lamberto Bava" - a video essay by film historian and author Samm Deighan
- "Behind the Blade" - an archival interview with Lamberto Bava and Dardano Sacchetti
- "All the Colors of Giallo" a feature-length documentary exploring Giallo films directed by Federico Caddeo
- Original theatrical trailers in Italian and English
- 40-page perfect bound book with essays by Caroline Kopko, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Dana Reinoos (Note: only included with the deluxe box edition)
- Reversible sleeve artwork
- Translated and English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.767094 / 5 from 468 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Customers highly praise the 4K UHD/Blu-ray release of 'A Blade in the Dark' for its fantastic picture quality, beautiful packaging, and stellar edition. The transfer quality and overall look of the product are also highly commended, making it a top-notch release for fans of the giallo genre.
Summary topics
- Giallo Genre: 21%
- Box Packaging: 8%
- Transfer Quality: 15%
- Edition Quality: 7%
Review topics: ["colors","quality","design","picture","looks","box","packaging","work","sound","case","detail","set","upgrade","structure","shape","buy","material","shipping","release","giallo","film","movie","transfer","edition","extras","features","presentation","restoration","artwork","booklet"].
Review highlights
- "Real quality - the magnetic outer box, the thick and sturdy slipcase, and nice thick reversible sleeve." —
- "Transfer looks great, good movie and the slipcase is amazing!" —
- "Great packaging, transfer and movie" —
Reviews
A classic Lamberto Bava giallo!!
"What release was this?? I wish I had seen this before with that beautiful slipcover. I didn't have the chance to get with that awesome slipcover, but I got the standard version at least. Excellent release and movie. This has infinite extras for us to discover and watch. Just buy this one, it's fantastic!!"
Doesn't make a lot of sense. . . But they rarely do.
"Synopsis: Film composer Bruno rents out a secluded Italian Villa while he works on the score for a new horror movie. While plugging away a barrage of sexually progressive women show up only to be murdered by an unseen woman. Bruno knows something is up but without bodies he doesn't think the police will help (despite the fact there is a plethora of forensic evidence on-site). As the bodies pile up the composer starts to think that the film he is working on is the key to solving the mystery. Review: These always throw logic out the window but the music is solid and even though the twist is telegraphed from a mile away, it's still enjoyable. When the killer speaks it freaked me right out. Carnage Count 2/5 Sleaze Score 2/5"
“You are a female your are a female”
"This one had me hook from the word go and very invested. Following the main character in his search for what’s going on around him. This release comes with a theatricals version and extended tv version. Great picture transfer and sound. A lot better than I thought for a 16mm negative. Beautiful art work."
Outstanding release The 4k restoration
"Outstanding release The 4k restoration was great"
Very fun
"I haven’t watched many giallo like many of my friends have but I saw this one recently and really fell in love with it. Glad to have a nice 4K for the collection!"
Obscure Giallo Given the Release it Deserves
"It is hard to believe that a film by Lamberto Bava did not get a proper blu ray release in North America until now, but I am very glad it happened! A very comprehensive release at that, with multiple different versions. Awesome release!"
Excellent giallo
"Dark with a sprinkle of edge, this Giallo is simply great."
Great film wish I coulda got the deluxe box
"Great late era giallo. Amazing transfer looks great. Also special features are next level. Only regret is not getting the deluxe edition when I had a chance."
Bava Genius
"Gorgeous restoration of this slow burn psycho-giallo! Essential viewing for the genre and beyond. Only regret was not purchasing the deluxe box soon enough!"