Knives of the Avenger – Kino Lorber (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Italy, 1965
Director: Mario Bava
Writers: Mario Bava, Alberto Liberati, Giorgio Simonelli
Cast: Cameron Mitchell, Fausto Tozzi, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, Luciano Pollentin, Amedeo Trilli, Renato Terra, Sergio Cortona, Elissa Pichelli

Release Date: January 15th, 2019
Approximate Running Time: 84 Minutes 20 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Italian, Dolby Digital Mono English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $29.95

"a wandering soldier (Cameron Mitchell) who finds shelter in the home of a woman and child (Elissa Pichelli, Luciano Pollentin). When an assassin (Fausto Tozzi) is sent to kill the innocents, Helmut becomes their defender, fulfilling the prophecy foretold by a witch-like psychic." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4/5

Knives of the Avenger comes on a 25 GB single layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 21.8 GB

Feature: 18.6 GB

Though there is no word about the source of this transfer when compared to previous home video releases from Image Entertainment and Anchor Bay. The areas of improvement in this transfer are immediately noticeable. Colors have never looked more vibrant and image clarity has greatly improved.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Italian), 3.5/5 (Dolby Digital Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Italian and a Dolby Digital mono mix in English. The Italian language track is the stronger of these two audio mixes. Dialog comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced. Included with this release are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include, a reversible cover art, a trailer for the film (1 minute 27 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), English title sequence (4 minutes 50 seconds, Dolby Digital mono English, no subtitles) and an audio commentary with Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark.

Other extras include trailers for Baron Blood, Evil Eye, Lisa and the Devil, Kill, Baby... Kill! and Hatchet for the Honeymoon.

Summary:

Though it's most common for a director to stay with a film from the beginning to the end. There are many instances where a new director is hired to continue on from what has already been completed or scrap everything that their predecessor had completed.

Throughout his career, Mario Bava would take over several films that other directors had started. Knives of the Avenger is one of the films where Mario Bava was given the task of salvaging a film after the original director was fired. Knives of the Avenger’s original director, Leopoldo Savona (Arms of the Avenger, Apocalypse Joe).

Though there are elements in Knives of the Avenger that are associated with the Peplum genre. Knives of the Avenger is actually closer to the Italian sub-genre of films that were knockoffs of Richard Fleischer’s The Vikings.

The cast does a good job in their respective roles. The most memorable performance was by Fausto Tozzi (Cry of a Prostitute) in the role of Hagen, a man whose act of savagery has led to a blood feud. Other notable cast members include Giacomo Rossi Stuart (Death Smiles on a Murderer) in the role of an exiled king named Arald and Cameron Mitchell (Blood and Black Lace) in the role of Knives of the Avenger's hero, Rurik.

From a production standpoint, the premise retreads well-worn ground, and the narrative is predictable. Fortunately, there are more things that Knives of the Avenger does right than wrong. The well-executed action sequences are Knives of the Avenger's greatest strength.

Knives of the Avenger gets a strong release from Kino Lorber, recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Hatchet For the Honeymoon: Deluxe Collector's Edition – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Spain/Italy/France, 1970
Director: Mario Bava
Writers: Santiago Moncada, Mario Bava, Laura Betti, Mario Musy Glori
Cast: Stephen Forsyth, Dagmar Lassander, Laura Betti, Jesús Puente, Femi Benussi, Antonia Mas, Luciano Pigozzi, Gérard Tichy

Release Date: December 13th, 2021
Approximate Running Time: 88 Minutes 7 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: 15 (UK)
Sound: DTS-HD Mono English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region B
Retail Price: £25.00 (UK)

"this unsettling production sees troubled protagonist John Harrington (Stephen Forsythe) turning to a life of serial killing. Refused a divorce by his uncaring wife, and haunted by childhood trauma John takes out his murderous frustrations on a string of would-be brides who innocently cross his path." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "Transfer from the 35mm Internegative with additional cleanup performed by 88 Films."

Hatchet For the Honeymoon comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 36.2 GB

88 Films Feature: 24.1 GB

Redemption Films Feature: 19.6 GB

The source used for this transfer looks fantastic. Colors are nicely saturated, contrast, image clarity, and black levels remain strong throughout, and there are no issues with compression. That said, when compared to the Redemption Films Blu-ray release, this new transfer is superior in every way.

Audio: 4.25/5

This release comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD mono mix in English and removable English SDH subtitles. Where Redemption Films Blu-ray’s audio had issues with background hiss or distortion. The audio track for this release has none of these issues. Dialog comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should.

Extras:

Extras for this release include reversible cover art, A3 fold-out poster, theatrical trailer (2 minutes 26 seconds, Dolby Digital mono English, no subtitles), an interview with Dr. Marcus Stiglegger titled My Dying Bride (9 minutes 36 seconds, DTS-HD stereo German with removable English subtitles), an interview with actress Dagmar Lassander titled A Hatchet for Dagmar (25 minutes, DTS-HD stereo German with removable English subtitles), an interview with assistant cameraman Gianlorenzo Battaglia titled Working with a Maestro (14 minutes 6 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Italian with removable English subtitles), an interview with filmmaker Lamberto Bava titled Meet the Bavas (25 minutes 7 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Italian with removable English subtitles),an audio commentary with Troy Howarth author of The Haunted World of Mario Bava and a forty-page booklet with an essay titled Un-American Psycho: On the Trail of the European Movie Maniac written by Andrew Graves, an essay titled Don’t Stain the Staircase written by Barry Forshaw and an essay titled The Forsyth Saga.

Extras on Redemption Films' Blu-ray release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 37 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles) and an audio commentary with Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava – All the Colors of the Dark. Other extras include trailers for Black Sunday, Baron Blood, Lisa and the Devil, and The House of Exorcism.

Summary:

Hatchet for the Honeymoon was one of three films that Mario Bava directed in 1970. He was a versatile director who worked in just about every film genre. He was most successful when he worked in the thriller or horror genres. With Hatchet for the Honeymoon falling into the latter category,

Hatchet for the Honeymoon is a psychological thriller that revolves around a psychopath protagonist who’s driven to kill women due to childhood trauma. The narrative immediately establishes the protagonist's deranged state of mind, and the rest of the narrative is his journey trying to unlock the source of his childhood trauma.

Hatchet for the Honeymoon is not your run-of-the-mill stalk and kill scenario. In fact, when it comes to violence, most of it occurs offscreen. Most of the tension comes from ghosts who haunt the protagonist.

Though the cast are all very good in their respective roles, especially Stephen Forsyth's (Fury in Marrakesh) portrayal of an insane protagonist named John Harrington. He delivers a fantastic performance that perfectly captures his character's state of mind. Other notable cast members include Laura Betti (A Bay of Blood) in the role of John’s wife and Dagmar Lassander (The Laughing Woman) in the role of a model named Helen.

From a production standpoint, there’s not an area where Hatchet for the Honeymoon comes up short. The premise is superbly realized, the narrative is well-executed, and a twist ending provides a satisfying conclusion. Once again, Mario Bava delivers a beautifully photographed film that’s filled with atmosphere. With the most visually arresting moments being the scenes in the room full of mannequins. Ultimately, Hatchet for the Honeymoon is a solid thriller that is arguably Mario Bava’s most underrated film.

Though some may pass over this release because it does not come with an Italian language track, they will be missing out on an impressive release that comes with a wealth of insightful extra content and Hatchet for the Honeymoon has never looked or sounded better on home video, highly recommended.

Note: Limited edition - 3000 Units Only.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Bloody Pit of Horror – Severin Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Italy, 1965
Director: Massimo Pupillo
Writers: Romano Migliorini, Roberto Natale
Cast: Mickey Hargitay, Walter Brandi, Luisa Baratto, Ralph Zucker, Rita Klein, Alfredo Rizzo, Barbara Nelli, Moa Tahi, Femi Benussi, Nando Angelini, Albert Gordon, Gino Turini, Roberto Messina

Release Date: February 22nd, 2022
Approximate Running Time: 86 Minutes 27 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: DTS-HD Mono Italian, DTS-HD Mono English
Subtitles: English, English SDH
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $29.95

"When the crew of a saucy photoshoot breaks into an abandoned castle, they will unleash the madness of the male-body-obsessed owner (muscleman Mickey Hargitay in the WTF? performance of his career) who is possessed by the vengeful spirit of a 16th century torturer." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "scanned in eye-stabbingly stunning 2K from the original uncut negative recently discovered in a Rome lab vault."

Bloody Pit of Horror comes on a 25 GB single layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 22.2 GB

Feature: 21.6 GB

The source used for this transfer looks fantastic, and it is a massive upgrade when compared to the Something Weird Videos DVD release. Colors are nicely saturated and sometimes vivid, and image clarity and black levels look strong throughout.

Audio: 4/5 (DTS-HD Mono Italian, DTS-HD Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a DTS-HD mono mix in Italian and a DTS-HD mono mix in English. Both audio mixes sound great. Dialog comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced. Included with this release are removable English subtitles for the Italian language track and removable English SDH subtitles for the English language track.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a limited-edition slipcover, Something Weird Videos trailer for Bloody Pit of Horror (1 minute 34 seconds, Dolby Digital mono English, no subtitles), two alternate opening sequences under the titles, Blood Pit of Horror and A Tale of Torture (4 minutes 33 seconds, Dolby Digital mono) and an audio Commentary With Filmmaker David DeCoteau And Film Historian David Del Valle.

Summary:

Bloody Pit of Horror was directed by Massimo Pupillo, a filmmaker whose filmography is brief. Notable films he directed include Terror-Creatures from the Grave, Lady Morgan's Vengeance, and Django Kills Softly.

Bloody Pit of Horror is a classic example of low-budget Italian cinema of the 1960’s and 1970’s that was made on a shoestring budget. That said, despite its anemic resources, Bloody Pit of Horror is a film that far exceeds its resources.

When discussing Bloody Pit of Horror, everything begins and ends with its leading man, Mickey Hargitay’s portrayal of the protagonist, The Crimson Executioner. Who delivers a mesmerizing performance in which he fully engulfs himself in his character's insane mind? That said, the rest of the cast's performances are not in the same league as Mickey Hargitay’s performance.

Reportedly, Bloody Pit of Horror was inspired by the Marquis de Sade's writings. And though there are some elements, like the torture devices that appear in Bloody Pit of Horror that have a De Sade vibe, when compared to other Marquis de Sade-inspired films, Bloody Pit of Horror is very tame.

The most surprising aspect of Bloody Pit of Horror is how effectively it uses humor. Most notably, the ridiculous photoshoot sequences. Also, Bloody Pit of Horror has an ample amount of eye candy. Ultimately, Bloody Pit of Horror is an unusual Italian genre film that is truly a film that's in a genre unto its own.

Bloody Pit of Horror gets a first-rate release from Severin Films that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and an informative audio commentary, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Black Candles – Severin Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Spain, 1982
Director: José Ramón Larraz
Writer: José Ramón Larraz
Cast: Helga Liné, Vanessa Hidalgo, Jeffrey Healey, Alfred Lucchetti, Manuel Gómez-Álvarez, Carmen Carrión, Julia Caballero, Tito Valverde

Release Date: February 22nd, 2022
Approximate Running Time: 84 Minutes 43 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: DTS-HD Mono English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $29.95

"When a young couple visits in-laws in the UK countryside, they will instead discover a haven of the occult where lesbianism, incest, sodomy, bestiality and beyond may all be commanded by Lucifer himself." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.75/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "scanned uncut in 2K".

Black Candles comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 39.6 GB

Feature: 24.4 GB

Though the source used for this transfer looks very good, It should be noted that there’s print debris and a few scratches that appear throughout this transfer. That said, the colors look very good, the image looks crisp, the grain looks organic and though black levels fare well, there are some instances where they could look better.

Audio: 3.75/5

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

Extras:

Extras for this release include an interview with Antonio Lázaro-Reboll, author of Spanish Horror Film titled An Exception To The Norm (21 minutes 20 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with Gavin Baddeley, author of Lucifer Rising: Sin, Devil Worship & Rock'n'Roll (42 minutes, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), a documentary short on actress Helga Liné titled La Dama Del Fantaterror (16 minutes 20 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Spanish with removable English subtitles and text in English) and an audio commentary with Rodney Barnett and Troy Guinn, hosts of NaschyCast.

Summary:

José Ramón Larraz is a filmmaker whose films can be split into three distinctive groups. The first group is thrillers. The first group is horror films that he directed while living in the UK. The second group is melodramas and erotica that he directed after his return to Spain, after censorship in that country was laxed, and the third group is a few slasher and horror films that he directed at the end of his career. Black Candles fall into the second group.

Like many who became aware of José Ramón Larraz, I was introduced to his cinema via Vampyres, a film that’s arguably his greatest achievement as a filmmaker. My next venture into the cinema of José Ramón Larraz was Black Candles, a film that, technically, is the polar opposite of Vampyres.

Black Candles is a satanic-themed erotica film that only delves into the realm of horror cinema. The premise bears many similarities to Rosemary’s Baby, which is not a surprise since many satanic themed films from this era used elements from Rosemary’s Baby. That said, it depicts sharing elements with Rosemary’s Baby, but this is where any similarities end. Since Black Candles' narrative is like night and day when compared to Rosemary’s Baby,

Visuals are the one area where Black Candles does not disappoint. José Ramón Larraz has a strong visual eye, and Black Candles is filled with many visually arresting compositions. Unfortunately, when it comes to the narrative, this is one area where Black Candles comes up short. The narrative is padded with sex scenes, and what little exposure there is barely moves things forward. 

The performances are best described as serviceable. With only Helga Liné’s (My Dear Killer) in the role of Fiona, the protagonist's sister-in-law, she portrays one of the ringleaders of a satanic cult that has lured her sister-in-law into their coven. She delivers a strong performance that is reinforced by her enthusiasm during the more salacious moments.

Of course, when discussing Black Candles, there are two things that get the most discussed. There’s an ample amount of nudity and a sex scene with a goat. Ultimately, if you can get past the anemic narrative and if you just like weird cinema, then give Black Candles a spin.

Severin Films gives Black Candles its best home video release to date, recommend.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Symptoms – Mondo Macabro (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: UK/Belgium, 1974
Director: José Ramón Larraz
Writers: José Ramón Larraz, Stanley Miller, Thomas Owen
Cast: Angela Pleasence, Peter Vaughan, Lorna Heilbron, Nancy Nevinson, Ronald O’Neil, Marie-Paule Mailleux, Mike Grady, Raymond Huntley

Release Date: May 10th, 2016
Approximate Running Time: 91 Minutes 34 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 aspect ratio / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $29.95

"Helen, who lives alone, invites her new friend Anne to stay with her in a lonely house, lost in the English countryside. The house, the woods that surround it and the figures fleetingly glimpsed through its windows, all seem imbued with a deep sense of mystery. Helen appears to be hiding a secret and the more Anne tries to uncover it, the deeper she is pulled into its dark heart." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, “This release, taken from the original negative and fully restored.” 

Symptoms comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 45.3 GB

Feature: 24.9 GB

This release is done in conjunction with BFI’s own release in the UK. Both releases use the same source as their 2K transfers, a restoration of the film’s original negative. Colors and flesh tones look accurate, black levels look very good, and details look crisp. Also, the grain looks natural and there are no issues with compression.

Audio: 5/5

This release comes with one audio option: a LPCM mono mix in English and removable English SDH subtitles have also been included with this release. There are no issues with background noise distortion; the dialog is clear and everything sounds balanced. The range and depth are also excellent. With the more ambient aspects of the soundtrack being well represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a Mondo Macabro preview reel, theatrical trailer (2 minutes 6 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), a text based bio for Celia Novis who directed the documentary On Vampyres and Other Symptoms, a featurette titled From Barcelona… To Turnbridge Wells: The Films of José Larraz (24 minutes 11 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with actress Angela Pleasence (9 minutes 37 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), the second interview with actress Lorna Heilbron (17 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles) and the third interview with producer Brian Smedley (17 minutes 4 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles) and a documentary titled On Vampyres and Other Symptoms (73 minutes 54 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles).

Summary:

Content-wise, Symptoms has all the ingredients that one would want and, more importantly, expect from a psychological thriller. And the bulk of the narrative takes place at one central location, a remote estate in the English countryside, which is in its own state of decay. Another strength of Symptoms is its well-defined protagonist and her deteriorating state of mind. It is made crystal clear the moment she arrives onscreen that something about her is off balance. Also, though the secondary characters are not as well defined as the protagonist, Symptoms builds them up just enough that their presence greatly adds to the story at hand.

From a production standpoint, there is not an area where Symptoms does not deliver. The visuals are rock solid, and they take full advantage of the symptoms' central location. Also, the visuals are filled with atmosphere, and they do a superb job of reinforcing the mood. And when it comes to pacing, things start off slowly as the first act is used to establish all the main players. Then, the middle act reveals the things that are just lingering beneath the surface, while the final act serves as the moment of truth for the protagonist.

Without a doubt, Symptoms' greatest asset is its leading lady, Angela Pleasence, who delivers an utterly convincing performance in the role of this film’s disturbed protagonist, Helen. Another performance of note is Lorna Heilbron in the role of Anne, the friend staying with Helen. Ultimately, Symptoms is an extraordinary psychological thriller that has been cut from the same mold as films like Repulsion and Don’t Look Now.

Symptoms gets an exceptional release from Mondo Macabro that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and a wealth of insightful extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Monkey Kung Fu – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Hong Kong, 1979
Director: Mar Lo
Writers: Mar Lo, On Szeto
Cast: Siu-Tung Ching, Chiu-Sing Hau, Feng Kuan, Hui-Huang Lin, Siu-Hung Leung

Release Date: March 22nd, 2022
Approximate Running Time: 93 Minutes 26 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Cantonese, LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: $29.95

"When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, “HD master from the original 35mm negatives.” 

Monkey Kung Fu comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 32.9 GB

Feature: 27.4 GB

The source used for this transfer is in great shape. Colors are nicely saturated, the image looks crisp, and though black levels fare well, there are moments when they could be improved.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Cantonese), 3.25/5 (LPCM Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Cantonese and a LPCM mono mix in English. The Cantonese language track is the stronger of the two audio mixes. It sounds clean, clear and robust when it should. Though dialog comes through clearly on the English language track, there are some mild distortion issues, most prominent in the first twenty minutes. Included with this release are two subtitle options: English for the Cantonese language track and a second English subtitle track for Cantonese text and signs.

Extras:

Extras for this release include theatrical trailer (3 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Cantonese with burnt-in English and Cantonese subtitles), an interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung titled Stunting Around (14 minutes 46 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, reversible cover art, a double-sided foldout poster, a limited edition slipcover and a twenty-four page booklet with an essay titled Going Ape Hong Kong Style: A Look Back at Monkey Kung Fu written by Andrew Graves.

Summary:

Monkey Kung Fu is an adventure martial arts film that begins in a prison. From there, a prisoner named Wei Chung escapes with another prisoner. Then, Wei Chung looks for the other half of a medallion that he was given by a prisoner before he was executed after escaping from prison.

From its opening moments, Monkey Kung Fu establishes a breakneck pace. The narrative is best described as minimal. The wall-to-wall fight sequences, which are inventive and well-executed, are the main attraction.

A few standout fight sequences include a scene in the prison where Wei Chung and the prisoner who gave him the half medallion fight in a dining area. In this sequence, the two fighters use the table, chairs, and even each other when executing their martial arts moves. Another standout fight sequence involves a man who holds a bird cage in one hand while fighting with his other hand.

Although the performances are best described as serviceable. With the standout performance being Siu-Tung Ching's portrayal of Wei Chung. His performance relies more on his character's fighting skills. His background as a stunt and action coordinator is put to good use in Monkey Kung Fu.

The most surprising aspect of Monkey Kung Fu is how it uses humor. Most of its contemporaries had humorous one-liners and humor that came from the fight sequences. All the humor in Monkey Kung Fu comes from its fight sequences. Most notably, the sequences that follow Wei Chung’s escape from prison. After his escape, he finds himself chained to another prisoner, and a humorous situation arises from their trying to find a way to get their chain removed. Another funny moment is when Wei Chung goes to a brothel and the prostitute uses her superior martial arts skills against him in bed. Ultimately, Monkey Kung Fu is a highly entertaining mix of action and humor.

Monkey Kung Fu gets a good release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and a wealth of insightful extras, recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer