This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Robert Sammelin) is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Degausser Video was created by several of the devious minds behind VS, which will bring to Blu-ray deluxe editions of both canonical and under-seen shot on video (SOV) genre cinema, in addition to work shot on film, but edited on tape, wherein the original film materials are believed to be lost or destroyed. Similar to Vinegar Syndrome's focus on FILM preservation, Degausser will work only from original analogue tape materials with an emphasis on maintaining the aesthetics inherent to each respective video format. Additionally, each title released by Degausser will be made available in an ultra limited "new" VHS edition, fitted in a custom designed hard shell light box.
Richard Streeb is a brooding artist whose work dwells on grisly depictions of death and dismemberment. Shortly after the unveiling of his most recent exhibition, Streeb’s preoccupation with the macabre bleeds horrifyingly into real life when the artist is attacked in his own home by a black-clad, knife-wielding figure. After being stabbed multiple times before the eyes of his helpless wife, Streeb is dragged off into the night by his assailant. With the authorities proving ineffectual, and the mysterious killer striking again and again - targeting victims all tied to the artist - it falls to Streeb’s brother Bill to mount his own investigation in an attempt to unravel the meaning behind these slayings.
A loving homage to the films of Dario Argento and Mario Bava, director Joseph F. Parda’s micro-budget 5 DEAD ON THE CRIMSON CANVAS (1996) - produced by and starring B-movie stalwart Joe Zaso (Nikos the Impaler) - may well lay claim to being the only shot on Super-8 giallo to emerge from Long Island, NY. Featuring a black-gloved killer right out of the likes of Blood and Black Lace and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, and offering up plentiful bare skin and grisly deaths - including gouged eyes and faces stripped bare by piranhas - Degausser Video is thrilled to unveil 5 DEAD ON THE CRIMSON CANVAS on Blu-ray, newly restored from the best existing tape master and loaded with a host of new and archival extras.
directed by: Joseph F. Parda starring: Joe Zaso, Liz Haverty, Simeon Mony Damevski, Rick Poli 1996 / 96 min / 1.33:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly transferred and restored from the best surviving tape master
Commentary track with writer/director Joseph F. Parda and actor/producer Joe Zaso
"Long Island Giallo: The Making of 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas" (41 min) - a brand new documentary featuring interviews with actor/producer Joe Zaso, actor/painter Ray Schwetz, actor Ian Stark, and actor/still photographer Chris Hoskins
"A Dialogue with Mr. Streeb" (10 min) - a brand new interview with actor Simeon Mony Damevski
"Is It Giallo?" (5 min) - a brand new examination of 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas by Sam Panico
Original audition footage (5 min)
Stills and artwork gallery
Trailer
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.139344 / 5 from 122 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
This Blu-ray release of '5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas' is highly praised for its restoration quality, engaging giallo style, and excellent commentary track. Fans of the genre will appreciate the new and archival extras, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
"Interesting film for the right audience." — Blake B.
"The film looks great for being shot on super 8." — Logan G.
Reviews
SOV Giallo
"I‘m a huge sucker for SOV. Hope we get more Degausser Blu-rays. There weren’t any releases for quite some time. I own every degausser blu-ray release. This was a decent Giallo kind of SOV movie."
— Mathias S. (4/5)
A B-movie homage to gialli
"5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas is a stylish murder mystery that mixes pop-art aesthetics, soap-opera melodrama, and giallo-like sleaze into an entertainingly bizarre package. The Blu-ray presentation looks impressive for such an obscure title, with vivid colors and strong detail that really enhance the film’s psychedelic visual design, although the slipcover looks probably nicer than the movie itself."
— Roberto P. (5/5)
SKU: DV-023 SLIP
"As a big fan of the Giallo genre I am always down for nee discoveries and also for neo-gialli/hommages like this mid 90s US production. But I had a pretty hard time finishing it. The plot is alright and some of the kills are fun. But what's super annoying about it is the ADR dialogue and music. The obnoxious stock music never stops and half the time does not fit the tone of the movie. All dialogue was later dubbed and not very good. The mixture of both is just weird and destroys the otherwise innventive movie. Joe Zaso gives a good performance. He was a director of SOV movies in his own right. Picture quality is alright - it's a Degausser title, so go figure. The film was shot on 8mm or some very low res format and editited on tape."
— Dominik F. (3/5)
Giallo or Giallo-Tribute?
"In this case it's both. Clearly made as a tribute to giallo (specifically Argento movies, you can spot the obvious references) but it also just works as a giallo in it's own right. The video limitations mean this would most be appreciated by those amenable to SOV, even though this was shot on Super 8. Opens with a very generous shower scene that lets you know the filmmakers know the audience. Some good segments and the commentary track and making of feature were both good. Excellent artwork."
— Adam C. (4/5)
Crystal Plumage on the Crimson Canvas
"Five Dead on the Crimson Canvas is an ultra-obscure horror oddity shot on Super-8 mm, giving it a gritty, handmade texture that perfectly matches its unsettling tone. This giallo, pretty inspired by Argento's animal trilogy, follows a series of murders tied to dark artistic impulses, unfolding in a way that feels fragmented and dreamlike rather than traditionally narrative-driven. Its rough visual style and experimental approach make it stand out as a true underground curiosity, appealing especially to fans of regional, no-budget horror. The Blu-ray release from Degausser Video preserves that Super-8 aesthetic while presenting the film in the best possible quality for modern viewing. Rather than trying to clean it up too much, the transfer respects its raw origins, keeping the grain and texture intact. As with many Degausser titles, the release is aimed at collectors, often including limited packaging and contextual extras that help shed light on its production and cult status."
— Jaume M. (5/5)
Entertainingly fun
"Entertainingly fun low budget attempt at a giallo. Fits most of not all criteria, mysterious (art world) murders with a decent amount of blood and nudity. Super nifty artwork on the slipcover and sleeve."
— Kresh R. (4/5)
Better than expected
"I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie but I ended up really enjoying it. Really atmospheric and grainy but in a good way. Some pretty cool gore too! Definitely recommend for any giallo fans."
— Ryan H. (5/5)
A VHS Giallo?! What is this MADNESS???!!!
"For my full detailed review of 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas, see my entry on Letterboxd: @M4N14K How much of a film freak are you? This deep genre obscurity will surely put you to the test! I viewed this film on the 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas, Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray Limited Edition physical media release and it is the same great premium level of packaging and presentation that you’ve come to expect from the generic releases of this boutique label. No other brand beats Vinegar Syndrome at the cardboard game and this great slipcover is no exception to the consistently fantastic artwork and component quality this company produces."
— Michael B. (5/5)
Low budget mid 90s Super-8
"Low budget mid 90s Super-8 giallo. It’s about what you expect, obviously not comparing to the Italian classics but a fun experiment nonetheless. Extras are decent though and the artwork is exceptional, possibly better than the film."
— Kyle C. (3/5)
Great release for a forgotten passion project
"VS knocked it out of the park with this release!! I had never known about this film. And i’m happy I do now!! Totally trashy and cheap in the best way possible. I highly recommend for a certain group of people. Everyone else, look into the film before buying."
— Matthew C. (5/5)
Q&A
More Items to Consider
Cart
0 Item(s)
Stay in the know!
Join our mailing list for updates on new releases, promotions & events.
