Illustrious Corpses: Limited Edition – Radiance Films (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: January 25th, 2026 (UK), January 26th, 2026 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 120 Minutes 49 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 12 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Italian
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"When a series of Supreme Court judges are murdered, Inspector Rogas (Lino Ventura, Army of Shadows) is sent to discover the truth. A procedural noir soon turns into a labyrinthine conspiracy thriller as corruption and institutional power converge." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "Illustrious Corpses was transferred from multiple CRI elements, as the original negative could not be located. The film was restored by Cineteca di Bologna in 4K at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, with funding from the Film Foundation and the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.” 

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

Disc Size: 39.1 GB

Feature: 32.5 GB

Although this release uses the same source Kino Lorber used for their 2021 Blu-ray release, colors look more pleasing and accurate. Flesh tones look healthy, image clarity and compression are solid, black levels are strong, and the image retains an organic look.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Italian with removable English subtitles. The audio is in excellent shape; dialogue comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and ambient sounds and the score are well represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery (33 images—stills/lobby cards/posters), a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 22 seconds, LPCM mono Italian with non-removable English subtitles), an interview with Gaetana Marrone, author of The Cinema of Francesco Rosi (28 minutes 53 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an archival French TV  interview with director Francesco Rosi (3 minutes 40 seconds, LPCM mono French with removable English subtitles), an archival French TV  interview with Francesco Rosi and actor Lino Ventura (4 minutes 46 seconds, LPCM mono French with removable English subtitles), an archival audio commentary with filmmaker Alex Cox, reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings and a 32-page booklet (limited to 3000 copies) with cast & crew information, an essay titled Body Snatchers written by Michael Atkinson, a newly translated archival writing by Francesco Rosi, an archival interview with Francesco Rosi conducted by Andrée Tournès, and information about the transfer.

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.

Radiance Films gives Illustrious Corpses its best home media release to date. Highly recommended.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer