Jimi Hendrix: Rainbow Bridge (1971): Vintage DVD Review

Movie rating: 6/10

DVD rating: 7/10
DVD Release Date: 2001
Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Rating: R
Distributor: Rhino Home Video
List Price: $24.95

Disc Details
Special Features:
Interactive menu.
Isolated music selection.
Chapter selection.
2 conversations with Jimi Hendrix.
3 trailers for the movie.
Video Format: Full Frame (1.33:1)
Languages: English
Captions: None.
Casing: 1-Disc Keep Case
Synopsis

Back in 1971 I was at the Fare 4 theater in Memphis watching a sci-fi film called "The Neptune Factor." The Jimi Hendrix film "Rainbow Bridge" was playing on another screen. This was one of the few occasions that I was unsuccessful in sneaking into an R rated movie. It took me 30 years but I finally got to see it. You can to, thanks to Rhino Home Video.

As a kid, I was under the impression that "Rainbow Bridge" was a concert film. While Jimi's last American concert just 6 weeks before his death is in the film, "Rainbow Bridge" is much more. The film begins with a blank screen and a voice over. The disembodied voice states that the movie wasn't scripted. That it was made by people who are in touch with our brothers from space. The film's plot revolves around the very groovy black actress Pat Hartley as she makes her way from LA to San Diego and eventually Maui. She has been sent to the Rainbow Bridge Center for Occult Studies by the facility's benefactor to see if the folks using the place are accomplishing anything or just using his ocean side mansion to do drugs and have sex.

What follows is a screwy, disjoined series of vignettes, skits and conversations about the search for our inner deity, free love, homosexuality, LSD and space people. While the film is a curio of the hippie era, it is surprisingly interesting. What other movie includes a tantric sex obsessed eco-terrorist giving a save the trees speech being assassinated by Jimi Hendrix from a nearby window? Some of the conversations are downright bizarre. Others are compellingly fresh even today. There are folks weighing the pros and cons of drug use, religion and promiscuity. If you can get past the dated use of "groovy" "heavy" "trip" and other hippie lingo you may enjoy or be amused by what you hear. I was struck that this film appeared to be a foreshadowing of the New Age movements so popular today. The film's reason for existence, though, is the 17 minute Jimi Hendrix concert before a fortunate few in a Maui meadow.

Accompanied by bassist Buddy Cox from Band of Gypsies and Mitch Mitchel from the Jimi Hendrix experience, Jimi wails through many of his best songs. The concert was filmed in July of 1970, less than 2 months before his death. I found the footage to be superior to his filmed "Woodstock" performance. At times it is hard to see his fingers move through the blur of movement across the fretboard.

Jimi also appears in the 'assassin fantasy" scene and in a couple of conversations with actress Pat Hartley and one of the commune's space people gurus. Jimi is stoned out of his mind. It is hard to tell if he is mocking the space guru or really in tune with what is going on. It really appears that he is trying to get into Pat Hartley's pants. Either way, Jimi shows a side of himself that has rarely been seen in public.

The Disc

This is the first time "Rainbow Bridge" has been available on video, much less DVD. I real find by Rhino Home Video. A lost 16mm print of the film was found and restored. Considering the source material, the picture and sound are quite good.

The marketing obviously focuses on Hendrix's concert. Even though Hendrix doesn't appear until the last half hour of the movie, his music permeates the soundtrack throughout.

Picture Quality: 7/10

As I said before, this transfer was made from a restored 16mm print. The picture is quite good. The film is shot mainly out doors in California and Hawaii. Lots of beautiful scenery.

Sound Quality: 6/10

The music is excellent. The sound quality of the concert scene rates a 10. The only problem is the sound fades away during some of the conversations. During the assassin scene, Jimi says something to the camera after he shoots the eco-guy. You can't make it out the first time.

Menu: 9/10

The menu is set up for Hendrix fans. Good use of the rock music. Easy to navigate.

Extra Features: 8/10

The extras are really just tools to allow Hendrix fans to access his work in the film. There is a isolated music section. You click on a song and you are taken to the part of the film where that song appears, whether it is part of the concert or soundtrack music. It's kind of cool.

There is an interview section which isolated the two conversations between Jimi, Pat Hartley and the space people guy which appear in the film.

The Final Word:

Rock fans have cause to rejoice. You may be put off by the philosophical point of the "space people" but you can't deny the power of Jimi Hendrix's presence in "Rainbow Bridge." Thanks Rhino!

Quadrophenia (1979): Vintage DVD Review

Disc Details
Special Features:
Widescreen format.
Chapter selection.
Commentary by director Franc Roddam.
Theatrical trailer.
Interview with Sting.
Photo gallery including publicity photos, memorabilia, and continuity Polaroids from Franc Roddam's scripts.
Who discography.
Film trivia subtitle track.
Quiz: Are you a "Mod" or a "Rocker?"
Film restoration feature.
Vespa trailer featuring classic commercials.
British mod film compendium.
Easter eggs include "Portrait of a Mod," reviews of the film and Riot button.
Animated London to Brighton Beach location map with footage from the scenes today.
Cast and crew filmographies.
Video Format: Widescreen (1.85:1)
Languages: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Captions: None.
Sides: 1-Disc Keep Case

Synopsis

In the early and mid 60s, English youth embraced two styles. There were Mods and there were Rockers. The Rockers were tough leather boys on motorcycles who fondly remembered the riots caused by Bill Halley and the Comets when they toured England in the 50s. The Mods were more stylish. The uniform was the bespoke suit and their mode of transportation was a Vespa scooter decked out with about a million mirrors and reflectors. They embraced the music of The Who and those lads from Liverpool. The Mods were just working class blokes and their girls dreaming of a better life. Based on The WHO’s album of the same name, "Quadrophenia" is one of the most underrated films of the 70s. Director Frank Roddam created one of, if not the best "teen angst" film ever made.

"Quadrophenia" captures 10 days in the life of Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels), a lost young teen who rebels against his complacent parents by embracing all the trappings of the Mod scene. Jimmy has few goals: he loves taking speed, riding his Vespa, dancing the night away, fighting with the Rockers and most of all, Jimmy wants to be with the sexy Steph (Leslie Ash). As happens with all people on an inner quest, Jimmy slowly begins to realize that his friends, the pills and even Steph don't ease the pain he feels.

"Quadrophenia" is well written, well acted, deliberately paced and never boring. Director Roddam captures the era perfectly. The sound track is filled with a great songs from the era. The surviving members of The Who were the executive producers of this outstanding movie. Keith Moon tragically died just before production began. Their music is also amply represented on the soundtrack. The cast of relatively unknown actors and actresses are all excellent. Sting made a very memorable film debut as "Ace Face," the coolest of all the Mods.

If you have ever seen this great movie on VHS you need to see this totally restored DVD version. The picture and sound couldn't be better. This is another film that I discovered in Danny Perry's great reference book "Cult Movies." This is a multi-layered film which gets better after each viewing. The film is as explosive as the 1964 riot between the Mods and Rockers which inspired Pete Townsend to write the album "Quadrophenia."

The Disc

WOW! Rhino Home video took great pains to restore this film. It is a great movie, and they have treated it as such. They also jammed this DVD with a ton of outstanding extras. The only thing they left out of this DVD are free front row tickets to a WHO concert!

Picture Quality: 10/10

This DVD was digitally remastered from the original 35mm film negative. The film restoration feature shows you just how much work went into this project.

Sound Quality: 10/10

The soundtrack was also remastered. The restoration feature also gives the viewer a comparison between the aging soundtrack and the newly remastered one.

Menu: 10/10

Turn it up! Great music by The WHO blares over the flashy hip menu. The DVD has a ton of features. Despite the complexity of the disk, the menu is easy to navigate.

Extra Features: 10/10

The commentary track by director Frank Rodham is excellent and informative.

I also enjoyed the trivia track. As you watch the movie all sorts of captioned goofy facts pop up. There are also a whole bunch of Easter eggs hidden throughout the disk.

The interview with Sting shows what a truly strange (and I mean that in a good way) person he is.

The Mod film compendium is huge. There are nearly 50 films featured with capsule reviews! Who fans will enjoy the discography.

The animated "London the Brighton" map is very cool. You can toggle back and forth between two screens which show either the road map of the trip you are taking or a fast motion film taken from a car as it drives the 45 mile route. Neat quirky soundtrack on this feature. It really doesn't mean anything but it is fun. There are trivia captions which pop up along the way.

The abovementioned film restoration feature shows a split screen on which you see the before and after comparison.

The Final Word:

Please reward the makers of this DVD by buying this product. It is an excellent product. If such works are rewarded with commercial success, we might just find that other such great DVDs will come down the pike. Rhino Home Video is to be commended for a job well done!

Mario Bava Box Set: The Whip and the Body (1963): Vintage DVD Review

Movie rating: 8/10
DVD rating: 9/10
Release Date: 1963
Running Time: 1 hours 28 minutes
Rating: N/A
Distributor: VCI HOME VIDEO
List Price: $24.99 Individually. $59.99 as part of Mario Bava Box Set of three films.

Disc Details Special Features:
Outstanding commentary by Tim Lucas.
Bonus Musical Track by Carlo Rustichelli.
French Trailer.
Extra Mario Bava film trailers.
Photo Gallery.
Original American credit sequence.
Scene selection.

Biographies of Christopher Lee, Daliah Lavi, Tony Kendall and Mario Bava.
Very informative insert included with the disc.
Video Format: Widescreen (1.85:1)
Languages: English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Italian
Captions: English, Spanish.
Sides: 1-Disc Keep Case

Synopsis

Mario Bava's 1963 Gothic horror film is a tale of sexual repression and psychological madness. The film opens with a shot of a bloody dagger surrounded by roses mounted in a glass dome. Giorgia (Harriette White Medin), the estates housekeeper weeps and vows revenge on the man who drove her daughter to commit suicide with the enshrined blade. The man is Kurt Menliff (Christopher Lee), the wayward son of Count Menliff (Dean Ardow). Kurt it so happens returns home from a self-imposed exile that very evening. Kurt has returned to the castle to congratulate his brother Christian (Tony Kendall) on his marriage to the beautiful Nevenka (Daliah Lavi). This is subterfuge on Kurt's part as he has really returned to lay claim to his part of his father's estate and to reclaim his former lover, Nevenka.

Nevenka is a stunningly beautiful woman who's cold exterior offers her husband no conjugal warmth. Kurt's sudden appearance sets feelings of wariness and suspicion to all members of the house. Nevenka is racked with fear, or is it desire? The next day Nevenka and Kurt have a chance meeting on the beach. Kurt reminds her of his power over her. She trembles as he takes her riding crop from her. Kurt begins to whip her with the braided leather. Nevenka cries in pain, but her cries soon turn to orgasmic pleasure. This is one twisted family unit. Kurt returns to the castle. Later that evening the others discover that Nevenka is missing. All except Kurt go to search for her. As Kurt prepares to go to bed he has his throat slashed by an unseen assailant.

Following Kurt's interment in the family crypt, things begin to go bump in the night. Nevenka finds that Kurt's lust for her has power to reach beyond the grave. As the midnight lashings continue, others begin to die. I'll leave it to you the viewer to discover and uncover the mysteries which await you in this Gothic S/M creepy classic.

Bava's brilliant use of sound and light (and shadows) maximizes the stories potential for suspense and fear. The film is beautiful. The colors are deep and rich, shot in the "three-strip Technicolor" process. Bava also uses different colors for symbolic purposes. Being a horror film, the color red plays an important role in the storytelling process. Bava's background as a painter is put to expert use in each frame. His shots are compositions. The framing of the actors, use of colors and well placed shadows intensify the atmosphere and please the eye. The suspense is nicely accented by a rich chamber music score by Carlo Rustichelli.

"The Whip and the Body" has only been available in heavily truncated versions until now. American censors cut the bondage scenes. The S/M subject matter is not played for titillation value. The strange relationship between Kurt and Nevenka is central to the plot. Nevenka's sensual reaction to her master's touch is arousing, but if all you're interested in is kinkiness, go rent a porn film. "The Whip and the Body" examines the master/slave relationship on a deeper level. Christopher Lee and Daliah Lavi have great chemistry between them. It becomes obvious that Nevenka is not really dominated by Kurt any less than he is by her. They both need each other. Why else would he return from exile, and later the grave to possess her.

The film was shot without sound. The dialogue was later synched in. Unfortunately, Christopher Lee did not dub his own voice in either the Italian or English version. The actor who dubbed his voice comes close to sounding like him much of the time, but it's just not the same. This complaint aside, the acting is excellent. The fact that Lee relies on body language and facial expressions much of the time minimizes the dubbing problem. This is some of his best work. Daliah Lavi is outstanding as the haunted Nevenka. The then 23 year old Israeli actress and singer doesn't make one false move in her performance. Nevenka is a tragic and haunting character. Lavi embues her with all of the grace, mystery and sensuality needed to pull off this difficult role.

The Disc

I'm partial to the films of Mario Bava and Dario Argento. Therefore I really like this disc. I'm glad these movies are becoming available in their original, uncut widescreen versions. Thank's VCI. How about putting some of Jesus Franco's work on DVD?!?! This disc is worth having on its own, but I recommend getting the Box Set from VCI. The Box set also includes "Blood and Black Lace" and "Kill! Baby...Kill!"

Picture Quality: 10/10

Beautiful rich Technicolor movie. Real eye candy. Fully restored. No fading. Wow!

Sound Quality: 8/10

The sound is crisp. The folks at VCI cleaned up the soundtrack beautifully. The only reason I didn't give this a 10 is the because of the dubbing problems, but that is the fault of the filmmakers, not VCI. They did a great job with the source material.

Menu: 10/10

Not as fancy or high tech as the wonderful "Alien" and "Aliens" menus but simple and elegant. Has a nice Gothic motif which goes well with the film. Easy to navigate.

Extra Features: 8/10

To quote Spencer Tracy, "There's not much there, but what's there is choice." The commentary track by Bava expert Tim Lucas is excellent. If you like this kind of movie, you are going to enjoy and learn from the commentary. The bio's of the principle cast and director also provide some good info, including filmographies.

The Final Word:

Kudos to VCI Home Video Inc. for their work in finding, restoring and making available to the public this horror classic. "The Whip and the Body" is available individually and as part of a boxed set of three Mario Bava films. I got the boxed set, and am very pleased with all three films. One of my favorite reference books is Phil Hardy's "Encyclopedia of Horror Movies." My appetite for European horror movies was whetted by Mr. Hardy's book. My thanks to VCI for making the original European versions of some of these films available.

Mario Bava Box Set: Kill, Baby...Kill! (1966): Vintage DVD Review

Movie rating: 8/10
DVD rating: 6/10
Release Date: 1966
Running Time: 1 hours 24 minutes
Rating: PG
Distributor: VCI Home Video
List Price: $24.99 individually of $59.99 as part of a box set which includes "The Whip and the Body" and "Blood and Black Lace"

Disc Details
Special Features:
Interactive menus.
Chapter selection.
3 screen Mario Bava biography and filmography.
Previews for "Blood and Black Lace", "The Night Visitor" and "The Bird With the Crystal Plummage."

Video Format: Full Frame (1.33:1)
Languages: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Captions: None.
Sides: 1-Disc Keep Case

Synopsis

Mario Bava's 1966 film "Kill, Baby...Kill!" is a neat little chiller set in a remote superstition filled European village at the turn of the last century. A demonic little girl is driving the town's folk to commit some very bloody suicides. Each victim it turns out also has a silver coin embedded in their hearts. All of his information is established in the films first ten minutes. It's the whys and wherefore's behind these strange occurrences that makes for a spooky evening with the lights out. This was Bava's last gothic film. Some say it is among his best, I can't say that I disagree.

The film opens with a bloody suicide and the laughter of a child. Following the credits, Dr. Eswe (Giacomo Rossi-Stuart) arrives via a reluctantly driven horse and carriage. This seems to be a staple of gothic horror movies. No matter how hard you try, the coach driver is going to make you walk the last mile so he can get out of Dodge before sundown. Chances are, when you reach the town, you will find it inhabited by terrified rubes who are tightlipped except to say "you're now welcome here." Of course, the visitor never heeds their advice and usually pays dearly for it. Bava spins a unique yarn which breaks free of this standard launching pad to become something special. Dr. Eswe is a coroner who has been called in by an Inspector (Piero Lulli) to examine the body of the impaled woman from the opening scene. The Inspector is also an outsider called in by the town mayor, Karl (Max Lawrence). No one wants to answer the questions of the Doctor or the Inspector. It turns out that the body he was supposed to examine has already been moved to the graveyard. The two interlopers arrive just in time to prevent the burial. The good Doctor begins his autopsy, aided by the mysterious Monica (Erica Blanc). Monica has also just arrived in town due to the recent death of her parents. It is during the autopsy that Doc discovers a silver coin in the heart of the dead woman. Monica has a superstitious explanation for why it is there, but no one can explain how it got there.

And I'm not gonna tell ya! You'll just have to get the movie and find out for yourself. I will tell you that there is a sorceress, Ruth (Fabienne Dali), a demonic ghost of a little girl who has a habit of popping up to ruin the day for many a townie, a sinister villa which may be the key to all of the carnage. This is a spooky little movie. Don't rent it is your looking for splatter. If you enjoy films such as Hammer's "The Horror of Dracula" and the like, then by all means get this one.

As in "The Whip and the Body" Bava uses light and shadows to paint a creepy mosaic of suspense. Bava's pacing is impeccable. He has created some very creepy images which will stay with you, as he did in the final portion of "Black Sabbath." The little girl creeped me out. Maybe it is because I have two daughters and saw a little of them in her! (They are little heathens!) Seriously, the girl appears at the window of one of her intended victims at night. It is a shock. One particular death scene stands out in its twisted beauty. A young girl awakens to see the imp from hell at her window. She is drawn toward a lamp decorated with a sword. The victim's face vacillates between horror and ecstasy. She knows that she will soon be dead, but she also looks longingly at the metal that will soon penetrate her. As if shaking off the demonic seduction of her mind and will, the victim's face is overcome by the realization that she is not going to enjoy this, but will be powerless to stop it. It is a haunting scene which is not easily forgotten. The interplay between the two actresses is excellent. The imp shoots a look at the weapon the victim will use on herself. The victim looks to the weapon. The small nuances that Bava elicited from the two girls are great.

There is also an interesting chemistry between Dr. Eswe and Ruth, the sorceress. The Doctor is the product of the age of reason. If it cannot be empirically proven he does not believe in it. He soon realizes that there is more to be found under the sun than he imagined. Instead of ridiculing the witch, he seeks knowledge from her. He believes that there is a logical explanation (rather than a supernatural one) for the events in the town. It is interesting to see these characters interact in such a way. It goes against the mold for this type of film, and it was very refreshing.

The only distraction in the film is Bava's overuse of the zoom lens. The zoom can be a great tool if use sparingly ala the great ending of "Count Yorga Vampire." However, Bava's use of the zoom becomes extreme at times, and ends up taking away from the suspense. This little bitch aside, "Kill, Baby...Kill!" is an eerie little gem. The title makes it sound more like an exploitive slasher film, but it isn't. It is a well paced, suspenseful little ghost story. If you go into the experience knowing that you will be better prepared to enjoy it. Carlo Rustichelli returns to provide a great score. Many an otherwise good movie had been ruined by a lame score. Bava chose well in Rustichelli as a frequent collaborator.

The movie is dubbed. They didn't do a bad job, but for some reason, I have to watch a movie twice to get past the dubbing. The first time around, I sit there wondering what the actors really sound like. Fortunately for me this movie is worth seeing twice. I think I'll put it away for sometime until the shocks and twists fade into memory, and then take it out for a fresh scare.

The Disc

What could have been! This is a really good movie. If there had been just a couple of extras such as letterboxing and a commentary as great as the one found on "The Whip and the Body" this would be a great disc. As it is, I am glad I have it. It would be a welcome addition to any Horror movie fan's collection.

Picture Quality: 7/10

The opening scenes which take place in broad daylight are a bit faded. Once the action shifts to night time, the brilliance of Bava's use of colors and shadows comes to life. It would give the picture quality a 10 were in not for several bland moments at the beginning. This seems to be Bava's fault and not VCIs as the remaining scenes are rich on their depth and color.

Sound Quality: 10/10

Very good, except I hate dubbing! I guess I need to learn Italian.

Menu: 7/10

Easy to navigate, but like the other special features, there's not much to it.

Extra Features: 2/10

This disc really could have used a commentary by Tim Lucas and letterboxing.

The Final Word:

Despite the lack of letterboxing and special features, "Kill, Baby...Kill!" is more than worth the purchase price. The movie is good enough to move the product so to speak. Thanks again to VCI Home Video Inc. for making "Kill, Baby...Kill!" available to the public this horror classic. "Kill, Baby...Kill!" is available individually and as part of a boxed set of three Mario Bava films. I got the boxed set, and am very pleased with all three films. One of my favorite reference books is Phil Hardy's "Encyclopedia of Horror Movies." My appetite for European horror movies was whetted by Mr. Hardy's book. My thanks to VCI for making the original European versions of some of these films available.

Mario Bava Box Set: Blood and Black Lace (1964): Vintage DVD Review

Blood and Black Lace
Movie rating: 9/10
DVD rating: 10/10
Release Date: 1964
Running Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
Rating: N/A
Distributor: VCI Home Video
List Price: $24.99 individually or $59.99 as part of the three film Mario Bava Box Set

Disc Details
Special Features:
Widescreen, uncut European version with scenes never shown in America before.
Scene Selection.
Biographies of Cameron Mitchell, Eve Bartok (What a Life!), Luciano Pagozzi (the Italian Peter Lorre), Mary Dawne Arden, and Mario Bava.

American, French and Italian Trailers.
Extra Mario Bava Trailers.
Excellent commentary track by Tim Lucas.
Photo Gallery.
Bonus Musical track.
Video Format:
Anamorphic Widescreen
Languages:
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Italian.
French.
Captions:
English, Spanish.
Sides: 1-Disc Keep Case

Synopsis

Inspector Sylvester (Thomas Reiner) questions some future victims in Blood and Black Lace. Of the three Mario Bava films available in the "Mario Bava Box Set" from VCI, I've saved my favorite for last. "Blood and Black Lace" is a landmark in the history of horror films for being the first 'body count' movie. Bava's suspenseful movie was the harbinger of the slasher craze of the 70s and 80s. Elements of "Blood and Black Lace" can be found in the "Friday the 13th" films. "Scream" also incorporated important elements from this 1964 classic. Set in the world of Italian high fashion, "Blood and Black Lace" deals with a series of violent murders of the young fashion models.

Contessa Cristina (Eve Bartok) owns 'Christiana Haute Couture,' one of Italy's top fashion salons. Max Marian (Cameron Mitchell) is the manager of Cristina's empire. The film opens the night before and important show. Isabelle (Lea Lander) arrives at the estate only to be brutally strangled and dragged off into the woods. Another model, Nicole (Ariana Gorini) is shown sneaking outside to meet her cocaine addicted boyfriend, Franco (Dante Di Paolo) just prior to the murder. Franco is feeling the weight of the monkey on his back. Nicole can't help him at the time. She suggests he see Isabelle. Franco responds that he did see her, but she took what he had and used it herself. He slinks off into the shadows to wait for Nicole to score. In the background we see, Marco (Massimo Righi) the handyman. He fixes a broken sign. After completing his job he enters the house and runs into Cristina. Marco is in obvious pain. The source of his pain becomes apparent when he rushes into a back room and is seen taking pills in silhouette. Later that night, Cristina discovers the body of Isabelle stuffed in a wardrobe. Inspector Sylvester (Thomas Reiner) arrives and interrogates each of the models, designers and other hangers on. Later that night Nicole discovers Isabelle's diary in front of everyone. What secrets does the diary hold? In a wonderful montage, each of the main characters keep an eye on Nicole's purse which contains Isabelle's diary. Needless to say Nicole is not long for the world, but does she still have the diary, and what secrets does it hold?

Bava's genius as a filmmaker is perfectly displayed by the above-mentioned action. In the first ten minutes of "Blood and Black Lace" Bava has introduced all of the main characters, shown the first murder and set up the second (and third fourth, fifth .....), planted suspicion for the killing on most of the cast, and in doing so changed the face of horror films forever. As I mentioned in the reviews of the other Bava films in this boxed set, Bava's background was as a painter. His use of color, lights and shadows, and frame composition are all utilized to maximize suspense and terror. Unlike Hitchcock in "Psycho" Bava chose to shoot "Blood and Black Lace" in color. This decision paved the way for future horror directors like Dario Argento, Sean S. Cunningham, Sam Raimi and multitudes of others. Like Hitchcock, Bava storyboarded the entire movie before filming one frame. His meticulous eye for detail shows in every frame. Once again, Bava's images of mayhem are accented by the rich music of Carlo Rustichelli.

There has been much debate about violence against women in film and its relation to real violence against women. "Blood and Black Lace" is packed with scenes of violence against women. A strong argument can be made that the scenes have an erotic quality to them. So, you may ask, why would I recommend this movie? I fall on the "if you don't want to watch violence, then turn it off" side of the debate. In criminal law, "entrapment" occurs when the police overwhelm a person with temptation to the point that they do something they would otherwise not do. It is a very rare occurrence despite what Hollywood would have you believe. I don't believe that a person would watch "Blood and Black Lace" or any other slasher type film and then go commit murder. Those who get ideas for methods of killing and torture from film and then carry them out in real life were predisposed to do so, and would have done so whether they saw a violent movie or not. That is what I believe. I may be wrong. I don't believe that we should censor film content based on the lowest common denominator. If we did you would be reading a review of "Barney Goes to the Circus" right now. Editorial content aside, I loved this movie. It includes the brutal killings of many women, but so does the Bible.

Bava created several stunning set pieces of mayhem. Each killing has its own unique style, lighting and pacing. Bava's movie started a style of Italian film called the "Giallo." Giallos were lurid mysteries similar to the American Pulps of the 30s and 40s. The Giallos were characterized by exploitive and titillating cover illustrations. Bava translated these illustrations into his cinema and thereby created a form of cinema which continues to this day in Italy. Two set pieces stand out above the rest. This is an accomplishment considering the effort Bava put into each of the films set pieces. My favorite takes place in a deserted antique store at night. A green neon light from a dance club across the street flashes on and off. The Nicole searches through the deserted store in search for her boyfriend. Something else waits for her. Halfway through the sequence, Bava chose to end the music and rely on the sounds of the hunter and prey. This is a long and elaborate sequence which keeps the viewer on the end of their seat. The second set piece which stands out involves the sudden death of Tao-Li (Claude Dantes) in a bathroom. The scene is short in duration, but powerful in its impact. It is the only murder which has not been set up ahead of time. The viewer is suddenly thrust into the last few seconds of the young woman's life. This jarring cut from calm and serenity to violence and desperation is as powerful a scene as Bava has put on film.

Bava's brilliance is also apparent in many more subtle ways. There is a one minute sequence during the fashion show which is done in one shot. The camera travels around the room, characters walk in and out of frame, the action shifts from one character to another. What is more amazing about this scene is that the film crew couldn't afford a crane or dolly. The camera was attached to a child's red wagon. The shot is as smooth and precise as if a stedi-cam had been used. Another amazing fact is that "Blood and Black Lace" was made for around $135,000.00. "Blood and Black Lace" has the look and production values of a much more expensive film. I watched the movie last night with my two teenagers. My daughter said in her typically jaded way, "Oh no, not another old movie." I told her to leave if she didn't want to watch. She stayed, she was scared, she liked it. You will too.

The Disc

The best of Bava. VCI has gone to a lot of trouble restoring the Bava films. This is the jewel in their Bava crown. Lovers of the genre must have this boxed set. Hey VCI, how about a Boxed set of the Horror films of the late Michael Reeves. He only made three before he died at age 29.

Picture Quality: 10/10

Color was so important to Bava. He a master of color cinematography. VCI has done the master proud by painstakingly working on this film until it was perfect. Thanks VCI for not rushing to put out an inferior product. Film buffs will reward this dedication.

Sound Quality: 10/10

Crisp and clear. Rustichelli's music alone is worth the price.

Menu: 10/10

Nice incorporation of the films music, images and tone. Easy navigation.

Extra Features: 10/10

The commentary track is great. As with, "The Whip and the Body" Tim Lucas gives the viewer insight into the work of a master. Mr. Lucas' passion for his subject matter shows. This is a work of love.

The Final Word:

If you haven't figured it out by now, I love horror movies. I may rate this a little higher than a non-fan. Those who love horror movies will love this. Kudos to VCI Home Video Inc. for their work in finding, restoring and making available to the public this horror classic. "Blood and Black Lace" is available individually and as part of a boxed set of three Mario Bava films. I got the boxed set, and am very pleased with all three films. One of my favorite reference books is Phil Hardy's "Encyclopedia of Horror Movies." My appetite for European horror movies was whetted by Mr. Hardy's book. My thanks to VCI for making the original European versions of some of these films available.

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage: Vintage DVD Review

Movie rating: 8/10
DVD rating: 6/10
Release Date: 1969
Running Time: 1 hours 38 minutes
Rating: N/A
Distributor: VCI Home Video
List Price: $24.99

Disc Details
Special Features:
Scene Selection.
Interactive menus.
Biographies of Dario Argento, Tony Musante and Suzy Kendall.
Info about "Dark Dreams," the Dario Argento website.
Separate original score track.
Original theatrical trailer.
Video Format: Widescreen (2.35:1)
Languages: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Captions: None.
Sides: 1-Disc Keep Case

Synopsis

Dario Argento's first film as a director set the stage for his glorious career as one of the world's premiere horror directors. While not as gory as many of his later films, "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" is a showcase of Argento's visual flare, suspenseful pacing and lean mean gut ripping style of filmmaking. Available on DVD in its uncut, widescreen European version from VCI Home Video, "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" is a fast-paced fun slasher film. Set in Italy, "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" concerns an American writer, Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante) who witnesses an attack on a beautiful young woman. He scares off the killer, but soon finds that the killer doesn't like having a living witness around.

Sam has struggled as a writer in Italy for several years. He finally earned enough off of an Ornithology book to book passage for himself and his British girlfriend, Julia (Suzy Kendall, WOW) back to America. The night before he is scheduled to leave he witnesses a knife attack on Monica Ranieri (Eva Renzi) at the art gallery she owns. The killer flees before the deed is done. Sam is questioned over and over by Inspector Morosini (Enrico Salerno). Inspector Morosini is not satisfied with Sam's story and takes his passport. Sam is upset, but then things begin to get spooky for him. He receives phone calls from the killer telling him to leave the country. Sam can't and so the killer takes breaks from killing other young woman to try and kill Frank. Pissed off, Sam begins to conduct his own investigation of the serial killer. Or course, he has more success than the police department. What follows is tension, red herrings, slashings, car chases, gun fights and a great twist ending.

Argento pays homage to both Hitchcock and Bava with his work, however, he adds his own personal touch to emerge as more than just another imitator. Argento strips his film of a lot of the plotting that was so essential to Hitchcock's work. Argento builds a plausible story which provides just enough action to move the story from one scene of mayhem and suspense to the next. It's like a war movie that cuts out the first half hour of melodramatic character building scenes and starts off with a bullet right between the eyes. Argento's work lacks a bit of the eerie poetic beauty of Bava's, but lacks none of his mentors penchant for tension, pacing and suspense. The film is also helped by the camera work of Vittorio Storaro and the music of Ennio Morricone.

I had never seen "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" before getting this DVD. I have seen many others including "Tenebre", "Profundo Russo", "Suspira" and "Phenomena." The seeds of near perfection that Argento reached in those later movies is apparent here. There are numerous set pieces which are relentless in their horror. I especially liked the scene in which Julia is trapped in her apartment while the killer chips a hole in the door with a large butcher knife. As the tip of the knife chips through the hardwood door, I was reminded of the scene in the birds where the beaks of the birds furiously pecked away at the doors and walls of the room. Ms. Kendall plays pure terror perfectly in this scene. As the killer toys with the door, it is as if he is saying "See what my lovely blade can do to this hard wood? Just wait until you see what it does to your soft flesh!" One almost forgets to breath watching this scene. There is also a neat cameo by the creepy Reggie Nalder (you know the face) as a hired assassin.

I won't ruin the experience for you by revealing anymore. If you like this kind of stuff, you will be very, very pleased by this film.

The Disc

I really like this movie. Maybe I'm getting jaded by all the extras offered on some DVDs. I'm the kind of movie nut who wants to know what the gaffer had for breakfast on the 6th day of shooting. So, I guess I rate the overall disc a little lower because there aren't a lot of extras. I nice commentary would have helped. I know this is petty, and I hope it doesn't stop you from getting the disc, because it is a great hooror film, especially for fans of Argento.

Picture Quality: 9/10

Great picture. There is one glitch where the picture seems to catch for a second. I don't know if this was a glitch on my disc or was the result of the compression process. Otherwise it's beautiful.

Sound Quality: 10/10

Rich and crisp. Especially noticable when you play the separate track of Ennio Morricone's soundtrack.

Menu: 6/10

Simple, easy to navigate. Gets the job done.

Extra Features: 3/10

Not much there. Fans of Argento would like more extras. Still worth getting for the movie itself.

The Final Word:

Thanks again to VCI Home Video for bringing these harder to find, restored European horror films to the public. This movie was a major forerunner of the films of John Carpenter and other American horror directors of the 70s and 80s. It is also great to see where Argento started, in light of how far he went.