Blu-Ray Spotlight: The Case of the Bloody Iris 4K

This release from Celluloid Dreams is a debut for the ages.

Giuliano Carnimeo was primarily known for westerns, within those the films of the character Sartana. But with the collaboration of writer Ernesto Gastaldi (All the Colors of the Dark, Torso) and filmmaker Luciano Martino (The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh, Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key) producing, what has been created is quite surprising in its overall quality and craftsmanship. At first glance The Case of the Bloody Iris is an unremarkable giallo in the midst of hundred of other projects during this time. But certain elements fall into place to make this film impress considerably, much of which is celebrated in its restored visual and aural presentation from Celluloid Dreams.

Video

The Case of the Bloody Iris is presented in 2.35:1, the film’s original aspect ratio being 2.39. Everything about how the film looks on both the blu-ray and HDR-10 4K disc is breathtaking. Each inventive angle and shot (of which there are so many you’d lose track) are simply celebrated in Celluloid Dream’s staggeringly beautiful restoration. Each vibrant hue sings in every intended light and color cue hitting its mark exactly. Low lit shots are perhaps more enticing than well-lit ones, Carnimeo’s emphasis on shadows and silhouettes during these sequences only make the mystery of the killer that much sexier. The fashion on display only makes the visual presentation stronger, in the range shown from the painted costumes Fenech and Quattrini sport in their photo shoot to the daring wardrobe featured in the film. One thing is for sure: there is no better way to experience the artistry on display than this release’s presentation.

Audio

The film is presented in the original mono audio, but most important is the important inclusion of the Italian language track. The alternative is a relatively dopey English dub which doesn’t do the film any favors, but both are presented here in DTS-HDMA and sound as crisp and clear as possible.

Dialogue quality can vary due to the dubbing process that was prevalent in late 20th century Italian filmmaking, but never wanes to the point of becoming unintelligible. In fact the diversity in quality remains within a tight range of studio-like to mild echo, sometimes depending on the character’s placement within a scene.

The music and sound effects come through in great clarity and detail, presenting a full-bodied dynamic range that can sometimes have you forget you’re watching a 52-year-old film. It is important to note that the English subtitles present on the disc are forced on the Italian audio but optional when viewing the English dub.

Special Features

There are some very good features available on this disc, primarily due to the existence of an interview with Uruguayan Italian film legend George Hilton, one with Paola Quattrini, and a commentary track from Guido Henkel. The full list of extras are as follows:

• Drops of Giallo, Ernesto Gastaldi & Giuliano Carnimeo interview (29 min 26 sec) Director Guiliano Carmineo talks about his career, primarily focusing on his work with George Hilton in They Call Me Hallelujah, bridging into their work together on Case of the Bloody Iris. In Italian with English subtitles.
• Flowers of Blood, George Hilton interview (20 min 43 sec) Hilton talks about finding his career flourishing in Italy after his emigration from Uruguay and work there. He touches on the relationships he had with his co-stars on the set of Case of the Bloody Iris, particularly Edwige Fenech and Paolo Quattrini. In Italian with English subtitles.
• Marilyn, Paola Quattrini interview (11 min 50 sec) Quattrini recalls her experience in shooting the film, including some very enlightening anecdotes. During a scene in which she was to be submerged in a bathtub she reveals her sheer panic in having to be completely underwater, and lends her perspective on the shots of herself in public being murdered where there were no paid extras. In Italian with English subtitles.
• Outtake Reel (1 min 44 sec) A series of scanned extra footage that was trimmed from existing takes or discarded ones. The film’s theme plays over the footage.
• Image Gallery (5 min 16 sec) Behind-the-scenes photos, lobby cards and film advertisements
• Italian Trailer (2 min 54 sec) [In 4K on the 4K UHD disc.]
• English Trailer (2 min 54 sec) [In 4K on the 4K UHD disc.]
• Commentary Track by Guido Henkel: An interesting tour through the films of Carnimeo, Gastaldi, and Martino as well as nearly everyone actor that appears onscreen and serves as an excellent primer for giallo in general. There are some dead moments as Henkel lets the film breathe for a while but comes back in to inform the viewer about something they’ve just witnessed or are about to, giving interesting context and background information or just drawing filmic parallels as anyone who’s watched many movies would do. One comparison in particular that will echo with most viewers is Henkel’s visual connections to the Nightmare on Elm Street films.
• 6 Full-size lobby cards
• Reversible art with alternate Italian title

Note: all special features share the same disc with the film. Both the 4K UHD and Blu-Ray disc contain the same offerings as listed above.

Conclusion

Carnimeo’s direction, Gastaldi’s writing, and Martino’s influence make The Case of the Bloody Iris an unforgettable outing — especially considering this was the only giallo Carnimeo helmed. Everything comes together perfectly here. Celluloid Dreams putting this out as their debut release is quite the statement. Given the clear level of quality and love on display there’s no question that future releases will pull any punches when it comes to Italian cinema from this period. Their next release is already greatly anticipated.

This release comes highly recommended.