Illustrious Corpses – Kino Lorber (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Italy, 1976
Director: Francesco Rosi
Writers: Francesco Rosi, Tonino Guerra, Lino Iannuzzi, Leonardo Sciascia
Cast: Lino Ventura, Tino Carraro, Marcel Bozzuffi, Paolo Bonacelli, Alain Cuny, Maria Carta, Luigi Pistilli, Tina Aumont, Fernando Rey, Max von Sydow

Release Date: September 28th, 2021
Approximate Running Time: 121 Minutes 1 Second
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: PG
Sound: DTS-HD Mono Italian
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $24.95

"A detective assigned to investigate the mysterious murders of some Supreme Court judges. During the investigation he discovers a conspiracy that involves the Italian Communist Party." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 2.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "Restored by the Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory and The Film Foundation, with funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.

The 4K restoration of Cadaveri eccellenti used two first-generation reversal elements and the Italian magnetic sound mix, both provided by MGM.

Two 35mm vintage prints, preserved by the British Film Institute, were used as a reference for the color grading."

Illustrious Corpses comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 37.7 GB

Feature: 36.2 GB

Although the source is in excellent shape, it's difficult to look past the color palette, which does not look correct. Image clarity and black levels remain strong throughout; there are no issues related to compression.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD mono mix in Italian and included with this release are removable English subtitles. The audio sounds clean, clear, and balanced.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a trailer for Illustrious Corpses (3 minutes 23 seconds, DTS-HD mono Italian with non-removable English subtitles) and an audio commentary with filmmaker Alex Cox.

Other extras include trailers for The Sicilian Clan (2 minutes 21 seconds, Dolby Digital mono English, no subtitles), A Pain in the Ass (1 minute 45 seconds, DTS-HD mono French with non-removable English subtitles), The Hunter Will Get You (2 minutes 28 seconds, Dolby Digital mono French, no subtitles) and Farewell, Friend (4 minutes 2 seconds, DTS-HD mono French with non-removable English subtitles).

Summary:

Illustrious Corpses was directed by Francesco Rosi, a filmmaker known for his works that often feature social and political commentary. His notable films include Salvatore Giuliano, Hands over the City, and Three Brothers.

An inspector investigating a series of assassinations targeting judges uncovers corruption at the highest levels. When he attempts to expose this corruption, he finds himself in danger.

1970s Italian cinema excelled in creating political thrillers that reflected the sociopolitical climate of the time. While Italian cinema from this era frequently incorporated political themes and social commentary, the most impactful political thrillers prioritized substance over style. Case in point, Illustrious Corpses, a film that is based on a novel that takes on the social and political climate of 1970s Italy.

The narrative immediately grabs you with a phenomenal opening sequence, which perfectly sets the stage for what follows. The narrative quickly establishes a relentless tone that builds to an unforgettable finale, reaching an intense fever pitch. The premise involves a series of assassinations carried out by an unseen culprit who always remains one step ahead of the law. Furthermore, the story effectively maintains escalating tension from beginning to end.

The main draw of Illustrious Corpses is Lino Ventura (Army of Shadows) in the role of the protagonist, an inspector tasked with uncovering who’s behind a series of assassinations. He delivers a solid performance of a man determined to find the truth and not willing to compromise his integrity when faced with resistance from his superiors. Notable cast members include Luigi Pistilli (Death Rides a Horse) in the role of a reporter, Fernando Rey (Viridiana) in the role of the security minister, Max von Sydow (The Seventh Seal) in the role of the supreme court president, and Tina Aumont (Torso) in the role of a prostitute who witnessed one of the judge's assassinations.

Illustrious Corpses is an exposition-heavy film that has a handful of visually arresting moments that heighten the mood. Its central theme is how criminals and politicians are the same when it comes to society's power structure. When discussing Illustrious Corpses, one should not overlook Piero Piccioni's (The 10th Victim) exemplary mood-reinforcing score. Ultimately, Illustrious Corpses is a thought-provoking political thriller whose last spoken words, "The truth is not always revolutionary," serve as a perfect coda.

Illustrious Corpses makes its way to Blu-ray via a strong release that an underwhelming transfer undermines.

Written by Michael Den Boer