All Ladies Do It

Cult Epics has outdone themselves with their release of "All Ladies Do It" on a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, providing film enthusiasts and collectors a Region-Free native 4K presentation with HDR capabilities, accompanied by a standard Blu-ray alternative. This edition heralds an exclusive new 4K restoration carried out in Italy, setting a high benchmark in the visual quality of the film that negates the necessity to discuss prior releases. The restoration not only honors the original framing of the movie but elevates its overall visual fidelity to dramatic new heights, ensuring viewers experience the film as never before.

Viewing "All Ladies Do It" in both its native 4K and downscaled 1080p formats reveals a striking difference in quality. The 4K rendition maintains very strong organic qualities, free from digital artifacts that often accompany digital corrections, thus retaining the film’s intended grain and texture. Despite this, there are discernible weaknesses in the encoding process, more so at the 1080p level, particularly in darker scenes which betray some deficiencies. Furthermore, the film's unique cinematography, which plays inventively with light and grain, introduces inherent variability in visual quality that while intriguing, suggests room for improvement in encoding.

The HDR grading comes across as exceedingly subtle, offering only modest enhancements to the dynamic range that might not meet expectations for a significant leap in quality. Nonetheless, the color balance is meticulously handled, showcasing the film in a palette reminiscent of Federico Fellini’s classic works, which could be considered the highest praise for its visual presentation. Image stability is impressive, barring minor issues that do not detract from the overall viewing experience. This release not only meets but surpasses what one would hope for in a restoration, providing a viewing experience that could aptly be described as revelatory for fans and newcomers alike, earning a well-deserved score of 4.25/5.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" offers a quartet of audio tracks, presenting a nuanced auditory experience that caters to both English and Italian-speaking audiences. The selection includes English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Stereo), English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 (Mono), Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Stereo), and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 (Mono). For viewers preferring the Italian tracks, English subtitles are readily available, ensuring accessibility across linguistic barriers. This array aids in immersing the viewer into the film's aural landscape, though it should be noted that both language options suffer from overdubbing aspects that detract from an otherwise robust auditory presentation.

The English Stereo track, in particular, showcases commendable fidelity, harmonizing well with the film's vibrant musical scores. The restoration efforts are evident, breathing new life into the score and elevating the overall viewing experience. Despite the shortcomings introduced by the overdubbing process, which impacts the naturalism of dialogues, there is an undeniable healthiness to the musical components that resonate through these tracks.

No discernible anomalies were detected across the discs, which speaks to the quality of this release's digital transfer and mastering process. The absence of audio defects ensures that the listener's experience remains immersive and uninterrupted, preserving the integrity of the film's soundscape. This meticulous attention to detail in the audio presentation notably enhances the 4K UHD Blu-ray viewing experience of "All Ladies Do It," rendering it a commendably polished auditory venture for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "All Ladies Do It" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that not only enhances the viewing experience but also provides in-depth insights into Tinto Brass's directorial nuances, thanks to exclusive audio commentaries by Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth. These commentaries delve into the blend of fantasy and reality, humorous undertones, and casting choices, particularly highlighting Brass's work with Stefania Sandrelli. The disc also includes a remastered trailer, a trailer reel for Cult Epics releases, and a notably candid archival interview with Tinto Brass, discussing his views on erotica, film production challenges, and collaborations with actresses. Additional features like outtakes, a photo gallery, a 20-page illustrated booklet, a reversible cover featuring original Italian poster art, and collectible lobby cards round out an engaging package for fans and newcomers alike, preserving technical details and offering a richer context to Brass's filmmaking approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Exclusive audio commentary by critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth.
• Trailer: Fully remastered trailer for "All Ladies Do It".
• Trailer Reel: Collection of trailers for Cult Epics releases (Frivolous Lola, Paprika, P.O. Box Tinto Brass, Istintobrass).
• Interview with Tinto Brass (2001): Archival interview covering a wide range of topics.
• Outtakes: Selection of outtakes included in the 4K Director's Cut.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills from the film.
• Booklet: 20-page illustrated booklet with essay and credits.
• Cover: Reversible cover with original Italian poster art.
• Cards: Four collectible lobby cards.

Tinto Brass' "All Ladies Do It" (Così fan tutte, 1992), presented on a 4K UHD Blu-ray by Cult Epics, showcases an erotic exploration anchored by the stunning Claudia Koll as Diana. Her vivid fantasies and daring escapades provide the central narrative drive, immersing viewers in scenes laden with opulence and sensuality. The film, articulated in Brass’ characteristic episodic structure, gracefully navigates through Diana's adventures, punctuated with lavish parties and intimate moments that are both light-hearted and elegantly crafted. Diana’s interactions, particularly with Alphonse (Franco Branciaroli), ignite a journey of self-discovery and liberation against the backdrop of Venice's amorously charged milieu. The plot serves as a conduit for displaying an array of luxurious costumes and engaging scenarios, bolstering the film's appeal without necessitating a robust storyline.

The cinematography by Silvano Ippoliti, complemented by Massimo Di Venanzo’s contributions, encapsulates the essence of Brass' vision through visually stimulating compositions that enhance the narrative’s erotic elements without overshadowing its thematic undercurrents. This cinematic endeavor benefits significantly from Pino Donaggio’s musical selections, which imbue each scene with an appropriate levity and charm, resonating well with the film's overall atmosphere. Such technical mastery ensures that "All Ladies Do It" is not just a feast for the eyes but also a resonant piece that cleverly critiques conservative Italian values under the guise of humor and romance.

Performance-wise, Koll's portrayal of Diana is notable for its confidence and depth, marking a significant achievement for her in a lead role. Her chemistry with the cast, especially the somewhat stiff Paolo Lanza, who plays her husband, is nuanced, adding layers to their on-screen relationship. Despite some performances not hitting the mark entirely, the film triumphs as a celebration of sensuality and freedom, encapsulated in Brass' distinctive style. The creative direction, combined with adept cinematography and engaging musical scores, forges a vibrant tapestry of eroticism and satire that remains compelling. "All Ladies Do It" thus stands out as an emblematic work in Tinto Brass’ oeuvre, a testament to sensual storytelling meshed with aesthetic elegance.

Cult Epics’ latest release, a stunning 4K UHD Blu-ray of Tinto Brass's "All Ladies Do It," featuring Claudia Koll, marks a significant milestone in the appreciation and restoration of erotically charged cinema. This release celebrates Brass's unique approach to filmmaking, which, despite the longstanding controversies surrounding his work, has always distinguished him from his contemporary, Federico Fellini. While both directors shared a profound appreciation for female beauty, Brass was much more explicit in his portrayal, often pushing the boundaries of the genre beyond mere suggestion. The 4K restoration brings this distinction into sharper focus, offering viewers an unparalleled visual feast that highlights Brass's stylish and witty direction.

The technical aspects of this release deserve particular attention. The restoration process has evidently been executed with meticulous care, resulting in a visual quality that breathes new life into Brass's vision. The richness of colors, improved contrast, and enhanced clarity make "All Ladies Do It" a compelling watch for aficionados and newcomers alike. The attention to detail in the 4K UHD Blu-ray not only serves to celebrate Brass's cinematic style but also sets a new benchmark for the restoration of films in this genre.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" by Cult Epics is an exceptional addition to any film enthusiast’s collection. Its restoration honors Tinto Brass's unique contribution to cinema, blending explicit content with artistic flair. With this release, Cult Epics not only elevates Brass's work but also challenges the preconception of his films as mere erotica. This edition is highly recommended for those who wish to experience the fusion of beauty, style, and eroticism through the lens of one of the genre's most controversial yet undeniably talented directors.