UNPOPPED CINEMA'S TOP 30 BEST DISCS OF 2020

As we continue to grapple with the on-going global pandemic, several boutique home video labels this past year continued to unearth, preserve and release a cavalcade of cinematic riches on disc week after week. Labels such as 88 Films, AGFA, Arrow Video, Blue Underground, Camera Obscura, Cauldron Films, The Criterion Collection, Dark Force Entertainment, Garagehouse Pictures, Kino Lorber, Mondo Macabro, Scorpion Releasing, Scream Factory, Second Sight, Severin Films, Synapse Films, and Vinegar Syndrome need to be praised and applauded for their unwavering dedication to what was, undoubtedly, one strange year. The vast array of titles released in 2020 have once again been incredible, to say the least. So, let’s take a look at some of my favourite releases and honourable mentions.  

AL ADAMSON: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION [1960 - 2019] (Severin Films) – Anchored by David Gregory’s superb documentary BLOOD AND FLESH: THE REEL LIFE AND GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON (2019), Severin Films have lovingly assembled all 32 of Adamson’s credited films in what is perhaps one of the most impressive collective undertakings on any one film director. Spread out over 14 discs (!) with far too many extras to even mention here; this already jam-packed set also includes The Blood and Flesh Files, a wonderful 120-page book with writing from Amanda Reyes and Bill Ackerman, who discuss each film at length. An unparalleled accomplishment in both content and packaging. 

 

AMERICAN RICKSHAW [1989](Cauldron Films) – One of the loopier and truly unforgettable Italian films you’re ever likely to encounter, Sergio Martino’s genre mash-up made its North American HD debut earlier this year thanks to Cauldron Films, an exciting new specialty label. Featuring an eye-popping new transfer, several worthy extra features (including a fantastic audio commentary from Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan) and very cool packaging, Cauldron’s new disc is absolutely first-rate and comes highly recommended. Read the review.

 

BAHIA BLANCA [1984] (Severin Films) – One of the more obscure and criminally undervalued titles in Jess Franco’s exhaustive filmography, this was nearly impossible to see outside of shoddy, grey market bootlegs. In Alain Petit’s book, Jess Franco ou les Prosperités du Bis, Franco said this was (quote) “one of my best-looking films,” which Severin shows off in grand style thanks to their new 4K transfer and several illuminating special features.

 

CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE [1980] (Kino Lorber Studio Classics) – Here making its worldwide HD debut, Antonio Margheriti’s hybridization of Vietnam-themed war pictures and Italian cannibal gut-crunchers arrived on Blu-ray looking better than ever, and with a whole gutful of worthy extras to boot, including an excellent audio commentary with Video Watchdog’s Tim Lucas. Read the review.

 

COME AND SEE [1985] (The Criterion Collection) – An agonizing, nightmarish vision of cruelty, this is one of the most devastating anti-war films ever produced. Filled with unforgettable, hallucinatory images (Aleksey Rodionov’s camerawork is without peer) and a haunting performance from then-unknown actor Alexsey Kravchenko, COME AND SEE is a war film like no other. Previously released by Kino Lorber as a 2-disc Special Edition DVD, Criterion’s very welcome HD upgrade includes a brand new 2K restoration provided by Mosfilm, along with a host of archival interviews, making-of documentaries, and a recent interview with ace cinematographer Roger Deakins who acknowledges its many influences on his work. 

 

THE COMPLETE LENZI BAKER COLLECTION [1969 - 1972] (Severin Films) – Usually regarded as a journeyman director, Umberto Lenzi has, thanks to brilliant collections such as this, been finally getting the recognition he so richly deserves. Gathering together four of his collaborations with ex-pat Hollywood star Carroll Baker (which for the record include ORGASMO [a.k.a. PARANOIA, 1969], SO SWEET… SO PERVERSE [1969], A QUIET PLACE TO KILL [1970] and KNIFE OF ICE [1972]), Severin has rightly given prominence to this quartet of sexually-charged gialli, which all look uniformly outstanding in this new set. Lenzi’s once difficult-to-see ORGASMO is a particular revelation as it not only preserves the film’s original 2.35:1 Techniscope framing but includes both the Italian and very different US release version as well! On the extras front, Samm Deighan, Kat Ellinger, Troy Howarth, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, and Nathaniel Thompson all provide very engaging audio commentaries as they delve into plenty of detail for each film. As if this set wasn’t exhaustive enough, Severin has also included a pair of soundtrack CDs, which even consists of the heretofore unreleased-and complete-Piero Umiliani score for ORGASMO! 

 

DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS [1971] (Blue Underground) – A popular title within BU’s catalogue, Harry Kümel’s marvelous, one-of-a-kind and dreamy take on the Elizabeth Bathory legend has been beautifully packaged in a new three-disc edition, which not only features a stunning 4K UHD, but a new Blu-ray, and soundtrack CD as well. All of the extra features from previous releases have been thoughtfully ported over, but BU has also included a pair of enticing new trailers, an extensive artwork gallery, and a brand-new audio commentary with Kat Ellinger, who leaves no stone left unturned in her expert, fact-filled talk. 

 

DAWN OF THE DEAD [1978] (Second Sight) – George A. Romero’s masterpiece is the definitive zombie film, and this highly-anticipated 4K UHD box set should now be considered its definitive home video presentation! Supervised by DoP Michael Gornick, all three versions have been immaculately restored from their original camera negatives and are, to put it mildly, stunning in their clarity. Lavishly designed and over-flowing with special features both new and old, Second Sight also adds three separate soundtrack CDs featuring Goblin’s iconic score and the complete De Wolfe library tracks! And to top it all off, a beautiful 160-page (!) hardcover book with all-new writing on the film is also included! This new box set is sure to keep even the most jaded fan entertained for hours on end. 

 

DEADLINE [1980] (Vinegar Syndrome) – Popular horror novelist Steven Massey (Stephen Young) is beginning to lose his grip on reality through a series of vivid and often gory hallucinations, which sinks him further and further into a world of self-delusion and tragedy. Mario Azzopardi’s effective, Canadian-produced shocker never did make the jump to DVD, but thanks to VS, this new 2K scan (taken from the producer’s personal 35mm print) is a significant upgrade in every way, far removed from Paragon Video’s muddy old VHS tape. Extras are limited, but Henry Lass and DoP Manfred Guthe appear in separate on-camera interviews, who discuss the Canadian tax shelter years and working alongside director Azzopardi.

DEMONIA  [1990] (Severin Films) – Despite the film’s litany of production woes, Lucio Fulci’s low-budget Gothic horror film still possesses flashes of style and imagination, but thanks to Severin Films’ major HD overhaul, it’s now an altogether more satisfying viewing experience. As for the extras, Severin includes many newly-produced interviews, but the highlight is a superb and very informative audio commentary from Stephen Thrower, author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci (FAB Press, 2018), who not only sheds light on the present film but Fulci’s less-talked-about latter-day career as well. Read the review.

 

DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE [1970] (Kino Lorber Studio Classics) – Coming at the end of their fruitful collaboration, which began with DAVID AND LISA (1962), Frank and Eleanor Perry’s domestic drama focuses on Tina Balser (Carrie Snodgress), a Manhattan housewife who is alienated by her indifferent, socially-minded husband (Richard Benjamin). In the hopes of finding solace in another man’s arms, she begins an affair with a brash young writer (Frank Langella), who turns out to be a lot less than she initially hoped. Based on Sue Kaufman's novel, the film’s themes of isolation, materialism, and misguided ambition are as relevant today as they were fifty years ago. Bypassing DVD altogether, Kino offers a fine transfer of the film, which is nicely complemented by a rewarding audio commentary with screenwriter Larry Karaszewski and film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell, who, as usual, find plenty to discuss, including some of the differences between Perry’s film and Kaufman’s book. 

 

FORBIDDEN FRUIT: THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE EXPLOITATION PICTURE (Kino Lorber / Something Weird Video) – Initiated with William Beaudine’s, Kroger Babb produced sex hygiene picture MOM AND DAD (1945), Kino and SWV have embarked on a series of ‘cautionary’ films, which, to date, consist of eight volumes. Of course, each Blu-ray comes loaded with a number of interesting, rarely-seen extras in which SWV is famously generous.

 

FORGOTTEN GIALLI - VOLUME 1 [1973 - 1978](Vinegar Syndrome) – A most welcome box set, this first volume certainly lives up to its title, which contains León Klimovsky’s unusually violent TRAUMA (1978), Javier Aguirre’s Ten Little Indians inspired thriller, THE KILLER IS ONE OF THIRTEEN (1973), and one last, head-scratching obscurity, Helia Columbo’s THE POLICE ARE BLUNDERING IN THE DARK (1975). Loaded with numerous extra features, informative audio commentaries (from the likes of Samm Deighan, Kat Ellinger and Troy Howarth) and a substantial audio essay from Rachael Nisbet, this impressive collection needs to be on the shelf of every self-respecting Eurotrash fanatic! Read the review.

 

FRIDAY THE 13^TH COLLECTION [1980 - 2009](Scream Factory) – Readily available throughout home video's history, this hugely popular slasher franchise has been much-loved among collectors. Yet, it has never received the red-carpet treatment many fans have craved over the years. Well, thanks to Shout Factory’s Scream Factory line, this impressive “Deluxe Edition” box set brings together all twelve films and a huge assortment of special features spread out over 16 Blu-rays! The first four films all come with new 4K scans, while the New Line Cinema titles outside of Ronny Yu’s FREDDY VS. JASON (2003) are all given new 2K scans. While the rest of the films don’t receive the same facelift, at least they are properly restored to their original 1.85:1 framing, which should count for something. Despite the missed opportunity to properly remaster all the films, this is sure to remain the definitive box set for years to come.

 

THE FU MANCHU CYCLE, 1965 – 1969 (Indicator) – This brilliant collection includes all five Fu Manchu adventures (all beautifully remastered from the StudioCanal vaults) and a mountain of extra features, including several audio commentaries, interviews, documentaries, alternate title sequences, and a 118-page (!) booklet, which also includes more fine work from Tim Lucas. Beautifully assembled and incredibly thorough, this easily ranks as one of the best releases of the year!

 

THE FURY OF THE WOLFMAN [1972] (Scorpion Releasing) – A troublesome production with a very scattershot home video release history, Scorpion tried their very best to remedy this situation with their much-improved Blu-ray. Although the transfer still has some damage and speckling, this heavily-flawed Paul Naschy / Waldemar Daninsky werewolf picture has never looked better than it does here. Along with a pair of separate audio commentaries from Troy Howarth and Mirek Lipinski, Scorpion has also included both the theatrical and export versions, the latter of which contains some lesser-quality SD inserts. While not perfect, I can’t imagine this getting a better release anytime soon.

 

GAMERA – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [1965 - 2006] (Arrow Video) – Much like their earlier, equally impressive Herschell Gordon Lewis SHOCK AND GORE box set, Arrow Video have outdone themselves yet again with this monstrous set dedicated to everyone’s favorite fire-eating giant turtle. Featuring all twelve films comprising both the Showa Era (1965-1980) and the Heisei Trilogy (1995-1999) and then finishing off with Ryuta Tasaki’s rather spineless GAMERA THE BRAVE (2006), Arrow’s oversized¾and beautifully packaged¾rigid slipcase is one very imposing collection. Because of the wide assortment of special features (including intros by genre expert August Ragone) contained herein, it would be virtually impossible to list everything. Still, it’s worth mentioning that an 80-page book with writing from Patrick Macias and a 130-page hardbound book containing reprints from a four-issue Gamera comic book are also generously included. It’s a stunning, incredibly obsessive set that’s well worth your hard-earned cash.

 

GRAVEYARDS OF HONOR [1975 - 2002] (Arrow Video) – Based on Goro Fujitu’s book on real-life post-World War II gangster Rikio Ishikawa, this unflinching, extremely violent portrait unfolds as a typical rise and fall gangster story, but director Kinji Fukasaku’s stylistic flourishes and kinetic pacing are bold and unique with style to spare – it’s a gangster film like to other. Although following a similar storyline, which is just as violent, Takashi Miike’s 2002 remake is an altogether different beast setting the film in then-contemporary ’90s Japan. Housed in one of Arrow’s sturdy slipcases, this 2-disc set also encompasses several immersive extras, including audio commentaries from Mark Schilling and Tom Mes, visual essays from The Projection Booth’s Mike White and Diabolique’s Kat Ellinger, several archival interviews with the cast and crew, and an informative book written by genre expert Jasper Sharp. 

 

THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE        [1974] (Synapse Films) - Released under many alternate titles and numerous different versions, Jorge Grau’s seminal Euro zombie shocker has been steadily available in several ‘special editions’ throughout the digital age thus far. However, the recent 3-disc Limited Edition Steelbook from those perfectionists at Synapse Films easily eclipses every single other release that preceded it. Without going into too many specifics, the image is virtually flawless. Synapse has also commissioned several new special features, including a pair of enthusiastic and highly-enjoyable audio commentaries from Troy Howarth and a co-commentary from Cinema Arcana’s Bruce Holecheck and Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson. Other extras include a couple of on-camera interviews with Gianetto De Rossi courtesy of Eugenio Ercolani, and a feature-length documentary on director Jorge Grau. Enclosed in an eye-catching Steelbook featuring original cover art by Wes Benscoter (and a slick slipcover), this exemplary set also includes a DVD copy of the Blu-ray and a 15-track (29m59s) soundtrack CD of Giuliano Sorgini’s memorable score. Read the review.

 

LUCIO FULCI 4K X 3 [1979 - 1982] (Blue Underground) – Having re-visited Fulci’s gore classics innumerable times on DVD and Blu-ray, BU has truly outdone themselves with their most recent 4K UHD releases. As impressive as their 3-disc Limited Editions of ZOMBIE (1979), THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY (1981), and THE NEW YORK RIPPER(1982) were, these new upgrades are truly remarkable in their clarity and detail without ever sacrificing their natural film-like structure – they are simply stunning. You need these!

 

MACABRE [1980] (88 Films) – Without a doubt, this remains Lamberto Bava’s best film, a languorous Gothic melodrama of obsession and madness, which has finally garnered a very handsome HD upgrade. Touted as a (quote) “new 2K restoration from the original camera negative”, 88 Films’ transfer provides a generous boost in details than earlier DVD releases. As for extras, director Bava appears in an excellent on-camera interview, cheekily entitled, Don’t Lose Your Head. However, the most significant bonus is an audio commentary from author Troy Howarth and Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson, who provide another one of their absorbing and very entertaining look into the film. 88 Films have also seen fit to include a 12-page booklet with liner notes written by Rachael Nisbet. 

 

MASSACRE AT CENTRAL HIGH [1976] (Synapse Films) – Not so much a slasher film as the title implies, this oddly fascinating film is more of a thought-provoking examination of social class structure, albeit a very violent one. Proving difficult to see since its 1981 VHS release from Electric Video Inc., Synapse’s new Blu-ray is a real sight for sore eyes, which features yet another one of their stellar restorations and a host of newly-produced special features.

 

THE McPHERSON TAPE [1989] (AGFA) – Long before directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez popularized the ‘found-footage’ film with THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999), Dean Alioto did much the same with this SOV (shot-on-video) production, which he shot for a paltry $6500. Even though it contains all the usual staples associated with found-footage cinema, such as overlapping dialogue, video glitches, and shaky camerawork, it’s the film’s backstory, which proves to be far more fascinating than the film itself. Securing a distribution deal after the film had wrapped, all the master tapes burned down in a warehouse fire, only for the film to mysteriously reappear a few years later where it was traded among UFO conspiracy theorists and pawned off as the real deal! All of this and much more are thoroughly discussed within the numerous special features included on AGFA’s disc, which also includes Alioto’s 2017 director’s cut, UFO ABDUCTION. 

 

POLIZIOTTO SPRINT [1977] (Camera Obscura) - Unfortunately, outside of second or third-generation bootlegs, Stelvio Massi’s anarchic high-speed smash-’em-up was never easy to see, so Camera Obscura’s newest HD restoration is a much welcome release, indeed. Starring Italocrime icon Maurizio Merli without his trademark ’stache, this is much more of a showcase for the talents of veteran stunt arranger Rémi Julienne and his extraordinary stuntwork. As usual, CO’s all-region Blu-ray is yet another gorgeous release, boasting a beautifully-detailed and colourful image, with no digital enhancement of any sort. Although extras are limited, CO does include an excellent—and highly-appreciated—interview with author Roberto Curti. Read the review.

 

RUBEN GALINDO JR. X 2 [1985 - 1989] (Vinegar Syndrome) – Previously released on DVD in less-than-satisfactory condition via BCI/Eclipse, Ruben Galindo Jr.’s CEMETERY OF TERROR (1985) and GRAVE ROBBERS (1989) are a pair of latter-day Mexican horror films, which have never garnered any real attention. Thankfully, VS has come to the rescue of these scrappy—and at times very gory—films with brand-new 4K scans and some fantastic restoration work. Of course, VS doesn’t skimp on the bonus features as well, with numerous audio commentaries and interview featurettes. 

 

SHINING SEX [1975] (Severin Films) - A hypnotic, often bizarro melding of an experimental softcore sex film with science-fiction trappings, Jess Franco’s wholly unique film remains one of the director’s more unapologetically voyeuristic efforts. Only sporadically released on videotape, Severin’s edition of SHINING SEX boasts an all-new transfer taken directly from Eurociné’s original camera negative, which is very impressive. Beginning with a thorough audio commentary from Franco expert Robert Monell and NaschyCast’s Rodney Barrett, Severin also includes many fascinating interviews (including Gérard Kikoïne and Eurocine’s Daniel Lesoeur) and In the Land of Franco Part 3, which documents many of Franco’s shooting locations. The limited-edition release also comes with In the Land of Franco Vol. 1, a very welcome soundtrack comp CD (14 tracks, 54m) featuring music from several Jess Franco films, the present one included. Read the review.

 

SINS OF THE FLESH [1974] (Mondo Macabro) – Rarely-seen outside of France, it’s distinctive titles such as this that makes me better appreciate the work everyone does at MM. Directed by iconoclast Claude Mulot (here employing his familiar Frédéric Lansac pseudonym, which he used for most of his subsequent adult titles), this is a twisted, erotically-charged, exploitation picture, which focuses on Benoît (Francis Lemonnier) and Jean-Pierre (Patrick Penn), a pair of ne’er-do-well’s always on the lookout for trouble. Considering its relative obscurity, MM’s Blu-ray looks terrific and includes a wealth of extra features, including several interviews with many of Mulot’s colleagues, who discuss his career and effectively summarize the burgeoning world of French sex films at the time. Unfortunately, the Limited ‘Red Case’ Edition (which included a set of postcards and a booklet with an essay from Pete Tombs) has since sold out, but the standard retail edition contains the same transfer and extra features.

 

TRAILER TRAUMA 5: 70s ACTION ATTACK [2020] (Garagehouse Pictures) - Yet another contribution to Garagehouse Pictures’ exciting Trailer Trauma series, their latest colossal undertaking is a magnificent, lovingly-put-together tribute to ’70s action pictures, which veers from badass blaxploitation to messily-dubbed, gimmicky martial arts films and everything in-between, even including big-budget Hollywood classics in amongst all the expected “B” and “Z”-grade trash. Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger also provide a fantastic, comprehensive audio commentary and never fail to wax enthusiastic for each and every film. Read the review.

 

WAR OF THE WORLDS [1953] (The Criterion Collection) – Beautifully restored in 4K, Byron Haskin’s sci-fi classic has never looked better than it does here on Criterion’s spectacular Blu-ray, and it's loaded with tons of bonus features as well. Nuff said!

 

YETI, THE GIANT OF THE 20TH CENTURY [1977](Dark Force Entertainment) – Made hot on the heels of Dino de Laurentiis’ KING KONG (1976) remake, Gianfranco Parolini’s laughably awful giant monster movie has always been a personal ‘bad movie’ favourite. Usually relegated to inferior quality bootlegs, Dark Force’s new Blu-ray looks mighty impressive, and even though it’s a bare-bones affair, the fact it was released at all is cause for celebration. Plus, it’ll look good next to my 14-year old Beat Records CD of Sante Maria Romitelli’s disco-themed score. 

 

 

HIGHLY HONOURABLE MENTIONS

 

THE ALEJANDRO JODOWORSKY COLLECTION (Arrow Video / ABKCO), BEYOND THE DOOR (Arrow Video), THE BLACK CAT (Severin Films), BLUE MONKEY (Dark Force Entertainment), BRIDES OF DRACULA (Scream Factory), BRIGADE OF DEATH (Film Art), CISCO PIKE (Indicator), CRASH (Arrow Video 4K), DANGEROUS CARGO (Mondo Macabro), DEATH WISH 3 (Scorpion Releasing), FLASH GORDON (Arrow Video), THE GHOST BREAKERS (Kino Lorber Studio Classics), HE CAME FROM THE SWAMP: THE WILLIAM GREFÉ COLLECTION (Arrow Video), HUSBANDS (Criterion Collection), AN IDEAL PLACE TO KILL (Mondo Macabro), KISS OF THE VAMPIRE (Scream Factory), MALABIMBA (Vinegar Syndrome), MR. NO LEGS (Massacre Video), MOTHRA (Eureka!), NIGHT TIDE (Indicator), PATRICK STILL LIVES (Severin Films), SHIVERS (Vestron Video / Lionsgate), SLEEPLESS (Scorpion Releasing), THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH (Severin Films), SOLDIER BLUE (Kino Lorber Studio Classics), THE TENANT (Scream Factory), THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM (M Square), UNIVERSAL HORROR COLLECTION VOLUMES 4, 5 & 6 (Scream Factory), THE UNTOLD STORY (Unearthed Films), WHODUNIT? (Vinegar Syndrome).

 

Unfortunately, I could not obtain Vinegar Syndrome’s most recent Black Friday releases to review them in time. There’s no doubt that FADE TO BLACK (1980), THE BEASTMASTER (1982), DON’T PANIC (1988), FORGOTTEN GIALLI – VOLUME 2, and SILENT MADNESS (1983) would have probably snuck onto this list as well.  

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? - BLU-RAY REVIEW

Although more commonly associated with the so-called “Schoolgirls in Peril” giallo trilogy, which also included Massimo Dallamano’s WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE (1971) and Alberto Negrin’s THE RED RINGS OF FEAR (a.k.a. TRAUMA, 1976), which Dallamano co-wrote, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? was also the third film in Roberto Infascelli’s loosely-related “Polizia” trilogy for Primex Italiana, which was preceded by both Steno (a.k.a. Stefano Vanzina)’s FROM THE POLICE… WITH THANKS (a.k.a. EXECUTION SQUAD, 1971) and Infascelli’s RANSOM! THE POLICE ARE WATCHING (1973), a pair of trailblazing polizieschi, which helped redefine and popularize Italocrime films during the ’70s.  Thanks to Arrow Video's Blu-ray,  this polizia/giallo hybrid finally receives its long-awaited home video release in North America.

A 15-year-old girl named Silvia Polvesi (Sherry Buchanan) is found hanging in the attic of a dodgy sublet, the victim of an apparent suicide, as is deduced by Inspector Valentini (Mario Adorf). However, Assistant District Attorney Vittoria Stori (Giovanna Ralli) thinks otherwise, and her suspicions are further substantiated by the autopsy results. This precipitates the arrival of seasoned homicide detective Silvestri (Claudio Cassinelli), who, quite conveniently, just happens to catch a man snapping photos from across the street during his initial investigation of the crime scene.  However, it turns out that this (quote) “damn peeping tom”, one Bruno Paglia (Franco Fabrizi), also happened to snap some revealing photos of the recently late Silvia in the company of a young man, whom the police quickly track down, only the lead goes nowhere, as their sneaky suspect proves to have a rock-solid alibi.  The slimy Paglia is eventually released thanks to his resourceful lawyer, but the police receive another tip-off, which leads them to a secret (if deserted) high-end brothel which proves to have possibly been the scene of still another murder when they discover its bathroom awash in blood.  A few days later, an abandoned car is found containing the mutilated corpse of Tallenti (“Now we know who was cut-up in the bathroom”), a private investigator who had earlier been hired by Silvia’s parents (Farley Granger and Marina Berti) to provide them with surveillance of her clandestine activities. Then Tallenti’s girlfriend Rosa is stalked by a killer clad in black motorcycle leathers and a matching dark-visored helmet (the German title translates as “Death Wears Black Leather”), who is searching for missing audio tapes which expose an underage prostitution ring that could quite possibly implicate some very powerful people…

Released by NMD Films in 1980 as The CO-ED MURDERS stateside where, by that time it was clearly trying to grab a share of the slasher-movie craze, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? has always tried to capitalize on the more lurid or ‘horrific’ elements within its basic framework including a couple of vicious murders and a prototypical stalking sequence recalling any number of gialli, but, upon closer scrutiny, it displays many more characteristics to that of a poliziesco.  As the increasingly frustrated commissario (“It’s your methods I disagree with!”), Claudio Cassinelli is determined to solve the case, but is saddled with issues which are emblematic of virtually all other Italocrime efforts as he receives “pressure from the ministry” or even from the press, the latter of which he at one point uses to his advantage. Considering the bleak subject matter, the cynical conclusion is also indicative of the genre, which involves “names that can’t be touched”, an aspect which draws still more attention to, not only the corrupt bureaucrats of the time (or pretty much any other time, too), but of an entire country poised on the brink of implosion.  Featuring all the usual genre tropes – including an extended car-and-motorcycle chase – the film is at its most-effective (and chillingly disturbing, even to this day) whilst Silvestri and Stori listen to graphic reel-to-reel audio tapes of the girls consorting with their so-called “johns”.  Depicted utilizing deep-focus in a single long static shot showing the tape reels spinning in the foreground while Cassinelli and Ralli are seen standing in the background, Dallamano lets this scene play-out quietly as their characters react with gradually mounting disgust, exchanging not a single word; all amounting to an extremely powerful and utterly devastating sequence. As is described in “Eternal Melody”, one of the disc’s many extras, Stelvio Cipriani composed the main theme of the film as a sort of “lullaby” – intended to accentuate the “vulnerability” of the female victims – a piece which, after viewing this powerful scene, adds further resonance to Cipriani’s incredible and unforgettable score.  

Elsewhere, the film makes direct references to the gialli with its cleaver-wielding, bike-riding killer, who is presented as an almost unstoppable force, and succeeds on numerous occasions in completely eluding the police.  It’s an interesting character: a faceless fusion of the classic giallo-inspired black-clad killer with a purse-snatching delinquent zipping around on a motorcycle. Yet he too is revealed to not be of any great significance within the plot; merely small-fry among a much larger and far more powerful group of ‘untouchable’ bigger fish.  Although THE RED RINGS OF FEAR is a loosely-connected follow-up of sorts (indeed, almost a partial remake, in some respects), the popularity of WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? also spawned an unofficial rip-off a year later; Mario Caiano’s WITHOUT TRACE (a.k.a. CALLING ALL SQUAD CARS, 1975), which not only nicks the underage prostitution ring idea, but also casts Luciana Paluzzi opposite tough-guy commissario Antonio Sabàto. 

In 2016, those ever-reliable perfectionists at Camera Obscura were the first to debut the film on Blu-ray. Labeled number 20 in  their long-running, and indispensable, Italian Genre Collection, this is yet again another high quality release that puts all former versions to shame.  Previous VHS and DVD versions were either incomplete or not presented in their proper aspect ratios, and always appeared rather drab and lifeless, so CO’s Region B disc is a real sight for sore eyes.  Taken from the original Italian camera negative, the film’s presentation is absolutely first-rate without resorting to any unnecessary digital manipulation whatsoever, resulting in a perfectly natural picture.  The DTS-HD Mono 2.0 soundtrack is also available in either Italian, German or English, and all sound very good, but the English one is, in this editor’s humble opinion, the best, and it also preserves much of the English voice-talent like Susan Spafford, Michael Forest, Pat Starke and Tony La Penna, to name a few.  

This 2-disc set – which is spread over one Blu-ray for the main feature and one DVD for additional extras – also includes a number of revealing supplements, which begins with an audio commentary (subtitled in English) from Dr. Marcus Stiglegger, and is this time joined by German filmmaker Dominik Graf, who go on to discuss most of the principal actors in the film, it’s strong connection to the poliziesco genre, plus many other interesting facts.  One of the more bizarre – and certainly eye-opening! – extras on the first disc includes some heretofore-unseen and unused sex footage, including some non-simulated activity; which, in all honesty, wouldn’t really add anything to the film at all, but it’s an interesting extra nonetheless. However, the most significant extra (on disc two), is the aforementioned “Eternal Melody”, a 47-minute interview with composer Stelvio Cipriani, who discusses the bulk of his career, including his humble beginnings as an accomplished pianist (he actually sits in front of his piano and occasionally plays some of his more memorable work herein); his initial meeting with Tomas Milian, which led to his very first score, for the fine spaghetti western The BOUNTY KILLER (a.k.a. The UGLY ONES, 1966); and how he’s inspired and interprets the classical works of Mozart, Debussy or Bach into many of his scores.  Produced by Freak-O-Rama, it’s an amazing overview of the maestro’s career, and makes for a stellar featurette.  Next up, editor Antonio Siciliano discusses his work in “Dallamano’s Touch”, another Freak-O-Rama production, which focuses on his long working relationship with Dallamano following the success of WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO SOLANGE? and his surprise over the additional sex footage, which he is shown during the interview.  As usual, an informative booklet of liner notes with writing from Kai Naumann is also included, while German, English and Italian trailers, as well as a thorough poster/still gallery finish off the extras.  

Following their impressive 2015 Blu-ray of  WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE?, Arrow Video brings Dallamano’s sequel-of-sorts to Blu-ray in what is the film’s first-ever legitimate home video release in the U.S.A. and Canada. Utilizing the same 2K restoration courtesy of Camera Obscura, the transfer looks identical in terms of PQ, and as revealed above, it's a revelation for anyone that has had to suffer through innumerable bootlegs and so-so releases over the years. In terms of audio, Arrow provides both English and Italian tracks in LPCM mono, and both sound excellent, without any issues whatsoever. Respectively, English SDH subtitles and properly-translated English subtitles are also provided. 

Locandina courtesy of Peter Jilmstad and Steve Fenton.

Thankfully, for anyone without Region B capabilities, Arrow’s Region A Blu-ray carries-over the essential Freak-O-Rama productions “Eternal Melody” and “Dallamano’s Touch,” and it also includes the “Unused Hardcore Footage”, but all-new to this edition is an audio commentary from film historian and author Troy Howarth, who goes on to discuss many of the film’s merits and how it straddles the line between the giallo film and the then-burgeoning poliziotteschi, which at the time were beginning to gain in popularity at the Italian box office. He goes on to discuss many of the film’s excellent performances, which are given (quote) “more depth” than usual and how Cassinelli (quotes) “anchors” the film, and just what a (quote) “remarkably well-made movie” it is, which makes some of the film’s more exploitable moments that much more (quote) “unsettling”. Of course, he also goes on to discuss the film’s (quote) “dynamic sounding music”, which remains one of Cipriani’s best scores, even though much of it is nicked from earlier films, such as RANSOM! THE POLICE ARE WATCHING; it’s a great, easy listen full of interesting details, and well worth your time. Also new to this edition is Master & Slave – Power, Corruption and Decadence in the Cinema of Massimo Dallamano (19m44s), an audio essay from author and editor-in-chief of Diabolique magazine, Kat Ellinger. In it, she discusses Dallamano’s career at length and how he was (quote) “a director who was driven as an auteur and a pusher of boundaries”, which includes numerous clips, trailers and stills from just about his entire career with an emphasis on both SOLANGE and DAUGHTERS and the (quote) “tumultuous cultural climate” they were made in. It’s another wonderful supplement that will make you want to explore Dallamano’s career with a far keener eye; he was far from merely a work-for-hire director. Rounding-out the extras is the film’s English-language credit sequence, a poster/still gallery and the film’s Italian-language trailer (with English subtitles). In the first pressing, a 23-page booklet includes a well-researched – and nicely-illustrated – essay from Michael Mackenzie, and, of course, Arrow Video also provide a reversible sleeve, including original eye-popping art from Adam Rabalais. Both the Camera Obscura and Arrow Video editions are available to order from DiabolikDVD, while Canadian readers can order the Arrow Video Blu-ray domestically from Suspect Video. Whichever edition you choose, both are absolutely stellar, and a must-own!

UNPOPPED CINEMA'S TOP 20 BEST DISCS OF 2017

Although facing tough competition from VOD (Video-On-Demand) and numerous online streaming sites such as Netflix, physical media (i.e. DVD and Blu-ray) has, in terms of sales at most brick-and-mortar stores at least, slowed considerably over the years, but this has resulted in most online retailers, and many of the Blu-ray companies themselves, offering more and more interesting titles, many times in Limited and/or Special Editions, some of which sell-out within mere days after being released. Of course, it would be great if the major studios would release more of their own back catalogues, although from a purely business standpoint, it really doesn’t make much sense. But thanks to resourceful companies like AGFA, Arrow Video, Blue Underground, Camera Obscura, Code Red, The Criterion Collection, Dorado Films, Garagehouse Pictures, Indicator, Kino Lorber, Mondo Macabro, Scorpion Releasing, Scream Factory, Severin Films, Subkultur, Synapse Films, and Vinegar Syndrome, these small-but-dedicated labels have happily – and very successfully – filled the void by licensing all sorts of previously unseen or barely-released films. Some prime examples include Arrow Video’s stunning restoration of J.S. Cardone’s THE SLAYER (1982) or, thanks to Olive Films, long-forgotten oddities such as Terence Young’s THE KLANSMAN (1974) are finally turning up, which has, until now, remained buried in the Paramount vaults.  It’s inevitable that the marketplace will change once again at some point in the future, but for now, the wealth of material that continues to get released truly boggles the mind. The titles listed below are but a mere fraction of the highlights, all of which, of course, come highly recommended.

HIS GIRL FRIDAY [1940] (Criterion Collection) – A true American classic celebrated for its rip-roaring dialogue and for Howard Hawks’ stroke of genius by casting a woman (the unequaled Rosalind Russell) as a female reporter at odds with Cary Grant’s Walter Burns. Criterion’s very impressive 2-disc Blu-ray contains an amazing array of extras, including Lewis Milestone’s THE FRONT PAGE (1931), which was also adapted from Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur’s play of the same name. As good as Milestone’s film is, you’ll quickly realize what a maverick Hawks was for his inspired bit of casting. The newspaper-styled liner notes booklet is also a very clever touch.

THE NEW CENTURIONS [1972] (Indicator) – Sometimes referred to as (quote) “the force’s poet laureate”, former cop Joseph Wambaugh adapted this to the screen from his own novel, which details the life of a cop as seen through the eyes of rookie Roy (Stacy Keach) and a grizzled, seen-it-all veteran named Andy Klivinsky (George C. Scott). On the surface, it’s typical of most cop flicks, but what really sets this film apart is Wambaugh’s authentic dialogue and details of life on the force, which is beautifully grounded by Keach and Scott’s remarkable performances. Debuting on Blu-ray, Indicator’s Dual Format DVD combo is a great-looking transfer, which perfectly shows-off Ralph Woolsey’s scope photography and Boris Leven’s realistic production design. The accompanying thick (23-page) booklet is also a very welcome bonus.

SAINT JACK [1979] (Scorpion Releasing) – Following AT LONG LAST LOVE (1975) and NICKELODEON (1976), a pair of big-budget flops, Peter Bogdanovich decided to try something very different when he helmed this magnificent character study, which stars Ben Gazzara as Jack Flowers, a pimp in ’70s Singapore who aspires to opening his own brothel. While this was difficult to see for years in anything resembling a decent version, Scorpion went back to the original negatives and created an all-new HD Master, which looks spot-on. And to top it all off, numerous extras are also included, comprising two audio commentaries from Bogdanovich and film historian Ben Slater. Essential!

CATHY’S CURSE [1976] (Severin Films) – Long-relegated to overflowing VHS bargain bins and ubiquitous, cheaply-produced DVD collections, Eddy Matalon’s CATHY’S CURSE was given a whole new lease on life with Severin’s superb, eye-opening new transfer. Infinitely more enjoyable than ever before in this new incarnation, the film still remains a loopy mess, but Severin have also included plenty of interesting extras, including interviews with French director Matalon, as well as the film’s child star Randi Allen and her mother Joyce Allen. As an extra-special bonus, Severin have also included both the superior 91m director’s cut and the more familiar 82m U.S. cut. A terrific restoration indeed. Read review.

INQUISITION [1976] (Mondo Macabro / Red Case Edition) – Thanks to a number of Blu-ray companies, 2017 was, without a doubt, the year of Paul Naschy. The first, and one of the best Naschy releases of the year was this film, his directorial debut, set in 16^th century France. Naschy stars as Bernard De Fossey, an inquisitor sent to a small town to try and stamp-out heresy, however, his own personal demons and uncontrollable secret lusts soon begin to surface from within him... This superb release features a pristine new HD transfer taken from the film’s original negative and also incorporates a number of revelatory bonuses to help viewers better appreciate this wonderful if brutal film. Read review.

BLOODY FRIDAY [1972] (Subkultur Entertainment) – A true labour of love from the folks at Subkultur, Rolf Olsen’s nasty/sleazy crime flick was taken from then-current headlines, and is further boosted by Raimond Harmstorf’s no-hold-barred and completely non-PC performance. Released in a number of previous video editions both in the U.S. and Germany, the U.S. 2-disc Limited Collector’s Edition (as distributed by Mondo Macabro) contains no less than three (!) different cuts of the film, plus a substantial number of extras, including Sadi Kantürk’s exhaustive documentary A Cold Day, which runs almost two hours in length and interviews just about every still-living person associated with the film! A pair of audio commentaries, very detailed restoration documentaries, location tours and a number of trailers are also included, just for good measure, making this a truly outstanding release in every way! Read review.

CRY OF A PROSTITUTE [1974] (Code Red) – Long-unavailable in anything approximating a decent, English-friendly version, Andrea Bianchi’s uncompromisingly mean-spirited crime-meller finally arrived on Blu-ray courtesy of Code Red in a very pleasing new transfer of the uncut version. In a scenario that incorporates many a spaghetti western motif (including inevitable riffs on Leone/Eastwood’s A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS [1964]), Henry Silva plays Tony Anniante, a lone hitman who plays-off a pair of feuding mob families against each other, while the whole film is liberally suffused with plenty of scuzzily unforgettable action highlights. Directed with assured control and style by Bianchi, this can easily be regarded as his best film. Read review.

EXPLOSIVE EUROCRIME DOUBLE FEATURE (Dorado Films) – Following their first foray into the Blu-ray market with a Jess Franco Double Feature, Dorado Films decided to next tackle the world of Eurocrime with this stupendous set, featuring both Marino Girolami’s SPECIAL COP IN ACTION (1976) and Mario Caiano’s WEAPONS OF DEATH (1977), top-tier poliziotteschi both, which were long-overdue for a proper release. Dorado’s very Limited Edition also contains a bonus DVD of Alberto De Martino’s THE COUNSELLOR (1973), a very cool mini-replica of the WOD Italian pressbook, plus a couple of booklets featuring writings by genre go-to guy Roberto Curti, author of the must-have reference volume Italian Crime Filmography 1968-1980 (McFarland, 2013). Highly recommended! Read review.

DEATH LINE [1972] (Blue Underground) – Having been previously released by MGM as a no-frills DVD, Blue Underground recently went back to the original uncensored camera negative and made a new 2K scan of this outstanding film, and the results are extraordinary: it has never looked better! Blue Underground’s Dual Format Blu-ray / DVD combo also includes a wealth of new extras, including a lively audio commentary with director Gary Sherman, producer Paul Maslansky and assistant director Lewis More O’Ferrell. Other extras include numerous – very entertaining – featurettes, British and U.S. trailers (under A.I.P.’s re-titling RAW MEAT) and an excellent booklet with writing from Michael Gingold. A terrific disc all around!

BEYOND THE DARKNESS [1979] (Severin Films) – In 2011, Shriek Show released a heavily-compromised Blu-ray of this popular Joe D’Amato film, which was, quite frankly, a complete waste of the format’s capabilities. Luckily, Severin Films subsequently acquired the film, which is now in far better hands, and it shows. Easily one of D’Amato’s best films, Severin’s Blu-ray looks just about perfect, and it puts any other release of BTD to shame. Naturally, the good folks at Severin have also loaded their edition with a whole bucketful of special features, including Joe D’Amato: The Horror Experience, an almost 70m doc about the film’s director, as well as throwing in the original Cinevox soundtrack CD (featuring one of Goblin’s best scores) as an added bonus. A definitive, must-have Blu-ray to be sure. Read review.

THE SLAYER [1982] (Arrow Video) – Formerly a VHS staple, this atmospheric horror film pretty much got bypassed during the DVD craze, save for a couple of dodgy releases, which looked like nothing more than sub-par VHS rips themselves. Working with the original camera negative, Arrow Video commissioned a new 4K scan, and the results are spectacular, to say the least. It’s stunning work, which is further bolstered by some wonderful special features, including numerous audio commentaries, a thorough documentary on the film from Red Shirt Pictures’ Michael Felsher, location footage, and tons more. This is one of the finest restorations of the year and one of Arrow’s most surprising releases. Read review.

TWO FEMALE SPIES IN FLOWERED PANTIES [1980] (Severin Films) – Never before made officially available on U.S. or Canadian shores in any form, this hilariously odd and at times vicious ‘spy’ adventure is Jess Franco at his most unpredictable. Definitely not one for the casual Franco viewer, Severin Films have nonetheless packed their Blu-ray with oodles of goodies to try and sway potential newbies into entering Franco’s web of sleaze and espionage. Beginning with a typically rambunctious interview with Franco himself, this is followed by a rare interview with Franco’s long-time composer and collaborator Daniel White; a lengthy chat with Franco expert Stephen Thrower, as well as the film’s awkwardly-narrated – if unforgettable – Anglo export theatrical trailer. Severin goes on to further sweeten the deal with the inclusion of a bonus DVD (included with the first 3000 units only) of Franco’s alternate Spanish cut of the film, OPALO DE FUEGO (a.k.a. Merchants of Sex).

FANGO BOLLENTE [1975] (Camera Obscura) – Released as part of CO’s long-running “Italian Genre Cinema Collection”, Vittorio Salerno’s once difficult-to-see and socially-significant Italocrime film has really been given the red-carpet treatment. Joe Dallesandro stars as Ovidio, who, along with two pals, terrorizes the city while a grizzled old detective (played by the director’s big brother Enrico Maria Salerno, a true icon of Italocrime cinema) is determined to bring them down. Also known as THE SAVAGE THREE, this still highly-prescient film looks fantastic on CO’s Blu-ray and, as usual, they have has also provided a very informative commentary, as well as a couple of lengthy on-camera interviews with director Salerno and actor Dallesandro. Read review.

DON’T TORTURE A DUCKLING [1972] (Arrow Video) – Making its North American Blu-ray debut, Lucio Fulci’s unique – and in many people’s opinions, best – film has never looked better than it does here, despite the many trials and tribulations involved in its restoration process. A giallo film of the highest order that very nearly transcends the genre by mixing-in plentiful social/religious commentary into its controversial storyline.  As usual, Arrow Video include a number of terrific extras, including a feature-length audio commentary from Fulci expert Troy Howarth.

RAWHEAD REX [1986] (Kino Lorber Studio Classics) – Adapted from a short story taken from Clive Barker’s Books of Blood Volume 3 (1985), George Pavlou’s film was met with much scorn (especially from Barker himself) upon its initial release in ’86, and despite lots of enthusiastic press (including an incredible cover for Fangoria #61), the film died a quick death at the time. While flawed, RAWHEAD REX finally received a second chance courtesy of the busy folks at Kino Lorber in an impeccable new transfer and fully-stocked Blu-ray, which definitely sheds plenty of new light on this solid, no-nonsense creature feature.

THE THING [1982] (Arrow Video UK) – Following Scream Factory’s superb 2-disc Blu-ray from last year, Arrow Video decided to release their own Limited Edition of John Carpenter’s classic film, but while Scream Factory’s disc has plenty of interesting and different extras, Arrow Video’s new 4K restoration from the original camera negative (Scream’s 2K scan was taken from the Interpositive) is a total stunner, and the real star of the show here. Plus, Arrow have also produced some interesting new extras, including Who Goes There? In Search of The Thing from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and 1982: One Amazing Summer (again from Ballyhoo), which covers some of the incredible genre films released that summer. An excellent, fully-illustrated booklet is also included, as are eight Collector’s Postcards, all of which come beautifully-packaged in yet another of Arrow’s impressive hardboxes. Between last year’s impressive release from Scream Factory and Arrow’s Limited Edition, fans of Carpenter’s enduringly popular film have much to be thankful for.

BLOODBEAT [1983] (Vinegar Syndrome) – Long-forgotten, this one-of-a-kind supernatural slasher flick from French director Fabrice Zaphiratos – who shot the film out in the wilds of rural Wisconsin, of all places – has, believe it or not, shown up on Blu-ray in a Limited Edition release no less! Zigzagging wildly between telekinesis and samurai killers (etc.), and boasting a wonderfully cheap synth score and much regional non-acting, BLOODBEAT somehow manages to coalesce into an unforgettable viewing experience. Restored from the original camera negative in 4K, VS have also decked-out their LE with a number of extras, which are every bit as interesting as the feature itself.

PAUL NASCHY COLLECTION II (Scream Factory) – 2017 also saw the release of the first Paul Naschy Collection from Scream Factory, which also housed five Naschy films in glorious HD and, although it’s a marvelous set, all the titles were previously released on DVD via BCI/Eclipse back in 2007/2008. With Volume Two however, Scream have issued a number of previously-unreleased or otherwise poorly-released titles (well, at least here in the U.S.) onto the Blu-ray format for the first time. These include Javier Aguirre’s gruesome HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (1972), Leon Klimovsky’s Italian-lensed Spanish giallo A DRAGONFLY FOR EACH CORPSE (1973) and his take on Gilles De Rais, THE DEVIL’S POSSESSED (1974); Juan Bosch’s EXORCIST rip-off, EXORCISM (1974), which did receive a quite excellent DVD from BCI back in 2008; and finally, M.I. Bonns’ long sought-after THE WEREWOLF AND THE YETI (1975), which might perhaps be better-known to some as NIGHT OF THE HOWLING BEAST (its 1977 stateside theatrical release title from Sam Sherman’s Independent-International Pictures). This new set features a couple of highly-informative commentaries courtesy of Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn from NaschyCast, and author Troy Howarth (who has a career-spanning book on Naschy in the works via Wildside/Kronos [“WK”] Books as we speak). A wonderfully-written booklet from Naschy expert Mirek Lipinski is also included.

TRAILER TRAUMA PART 4: TELEVISION TRAUMA (Garagehouse Pictures) – Following their incredible 2-disc TRAILER TRAUMA PART 3: ’80s HORROR-THON release, Garagehouse Pictures have decided to celebrate the long-forgotten TV spots of yesteryear. Combining a whopping 269 tele-spots, this ambitious compilation moves along briskly and is, quite possibly, the fastest three hours you’ll spend in front of your TV. A perfect – and once again, indispensable – follow-up to TT3. Read review.

SUSPIRIA [1977] (Synapse Films) – Thanks to the meticulous restoration from the perfectionists at Synapse Films, this eagerly-anticipated Blu-ray of Dario Argento’s masterpiece can very easily be regarded as the definitive release. Argento’s already stunning film looks absolutely gorgeous here. Supplemented by an incredible array of extras, including the soundtrack CD and housed in a beautiful Steelbook, Synapse’s new 40^th Anniversary 4K restoration is a real knockout! If you’re going to buy one Blu-ray this year, this should be it!

Needless to say, it would be remiss of me not to mention the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA)’s exciting new line of Something Weird Video titles on Blu-ray, Film Movement Classics’ impressive Joe Sarno Retrospect Series and Vinegar Syndrome’s Sexploitation Signature Series, all of which triumphantly celebrate early sexploitation and/or horror efforts.

AMERICAN GENRE FILM ARCHIVE (AGFA) – They burst onto the scene earlier this year with Tom Hanson’s THE ZODIAC KILLER (1971), a nutty, zero-budget take on the Zodiac murders that has a far more interesting back story than anything occurring in its running time, and which is also nicely-detailed on AGFA’s Blu-ray. In addition, they’ve also included Dave A. Adams’ bizarre, almost incomprehensible, ANOTHER SON OF SAM (1977), which, like the main feature, has also been scanned in 2K! Then, later in ’17, they issued William Morgan’s Ed Wood-scripted girl-gang classic THE VIOLENT YEARS (1956), which included another great Frank Henenlotter audio commentary with Wood biographer Rudolph Grey, as well as Boris Petroff’s public domain mainstay ANATOMY OF A PSYCHO (1961), mastered in 2K, no less (!), but then AGFA and SWV really blew people’s minds when they unleashed BAT PUSSY (197?) onto an unsuspecting public, an almost inconceivable bit of sleazy hokum, which is also regarded to be one of the first ‘porn parodies’ and amounts to one of the more (ahem) unforgettable ‘films’ you may see this year! And yeah, there’s even an audio commentary from Lisa Petrucci and Tim Lewis from SWV; a cool gallery of ‘crime-smut’ trailers, as well as yet another mysteriously-made quickie, ROBOT LOVE SLAVES (1971). Mutha***kin’ incredible!

FILM MOVEMENT CLASSICS – In what promises to be an ongoing collection of releases dedicated to the works of one-of-a-kind director Joe Sarno, Film Movement has, thus far, released two volumes in this their ambitious series. Volume One features a new 2K transfer of Sarno’s gothic horror tale VAMPIRE ECSTASY (a.k.a. THE DEVIL’S PLAYTHING, 1973), which was paired-up with Anthony Farrar’s Sarno-scripted SIN YOU SINNERS (1963). VAMPIRE ECSTASY producer Chris Nebe provides an informative audio commentary, while other extras include interviews, trailers and a nicely-produced booklet of liner notes with writing from Tim Lucas, who offers some insightful thoughts on the films. Volume Two includes ALL THE SINS OF SODOM (1968) and VIBRATIONS (1968), two of Sarno’s best-realized films, which, as with Volume One, are also supplemented by some wonderful extras, including an archival interview with Sarno, an audio commentary with Sarno’s wife Peggy Steffens-Sarno and Tim Lucas.

VINEGAR SYNDROME – Kick-starting their Sexploitation Signature Series with one of Joe Sarno’s more alluring and distinctive films, 1966’s RED ROSES OF PASSION, VS’ 2K transfer from the original negative is absolutely stunning, and although extras are sparse (a video interview with Sarno historian Michael Bowen is included, however), the impeccable, near-perfect transfer more than makes for up for it. Volume 2 included Bernard Hirschenson’s THE PICK-UP (1973), a Crown International-distributed title, which has been restored to its original cut. Entitled PAZUZU, the film is most certainly ripe for rediscovery, but the real kicker in this set is the inclusion of Jerald Intrator’s ORGY AT LIL’S PLACE (1963), a William Mishkin-produced sexploitation film co-produced and photographed by Hirschenson. With Volume 3, Vinegar Syndrome delved into the world of Andy Milligan with SEEDS (1968), which can now be regarded as one of his best films, especially in this new-and-heretofore-unseen director’s cut, which comes as a true revelation. Presented as a double feature, the disc also includes Milligan’s debut film, VAPORS (1965), which, like SEEDS, has also been scanned in 4K(!). Featuring a shit-ton of extras, the set also includes the more familiar sexploitation version SEEDS OF SIN. These are three amazing releases in what promises to be one hell of a series!

 

HIGHLY-HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

ABSURD (88 Films), AMUCK! (Camera Obscura), ANTHROPOPHAGOUS (88 Films / Remastered 2^nd Edition), THE APARTMENT (Arrow Academy / Limited Edition), THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (Arrow Video / Limited Edition), BLACKENSTEIN (Severin Films), THE BLOOD-SPATTERED BRIDE (Mondo Macabro), BRAIN DAMAGE (Arrow Video), THE CLIMBER (Arrow Video), DAY OF THE JACKAL (Arrow Video UK), DEMON WIND (Vinegar Syndrome), THE DEVIL’S HONEY (Severin Films), DRACULA, PRISONER OF FRANKENSTEIN (Al!ve), DRIVE-IN MASSACRE (Severin Films), FRANKENSTEIN ’80 (’84 Entertainment), GEORGE A. ROMERO: BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAWN (Arrow Video); HACK-O-LANTERN (Massacre Video / Limited Edition), HAMMER VOLUME ONE: FEAR WARNING! (Indicator), HOUSE: THE COLLECTION (Arrow Video UK / Limited Edition), JESS FRANCO TRIPLE BILL (Mondo Macabro), THE KLANSMAN (Olive Films), MICKEY ROSE (Indicator), MILDRED PIERCE (Criterion Collection), ONE DARK NIGHT (Code Red), THE PHANTASM COLLECTION (Well Go), THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (Criterion Collection), RE-ANIMATOR (Arrow Video / Limited Edition), RUMBLE FISH (Criterion Collection), THE SINBAD TRILOGY (Indicator), THE STENDHAL SYNDROME (Blue Underground / Limited Edition), SUSPICIOUS DEATH OF A MINOR (Arrow Video), SWEET BABY CHARLIE (a.k.a. THE SADIST, Code Red), TERROR IN A TEXAS TOWN (Arrow Academy), THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON’T THEY? (Kino Lorber Studio Classics), THE UNHOLY (Vestron Video Collector’s Series), WEB OF THE SPIDER (Garagehouse Pictures), THE WANDERERS (Kino Lorber Studio Classics), WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN (Twilight Time), A WOMAN’S TORMENT (Vinegar Syndrome) and THE YAKUZA (Warner Archive Collection).