Strip Nude for Your Killer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Strip Nude for Your Killer" by Arrow Video is meticulously restored and encoded in 1080p AVC, maintaining the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The restoration work was conducted at L'Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna, with the 2-perf Techniscope 35mm camera negative being scanned in 2K resolution via a pin-registered Arriscan. Compliments go to the diligent efforts that repaired thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and film wear using advanced digital restoration tools. As per the era’s standard post-production processes, the Italian and English mono audio tracks, remastered from optical sound negatives, do display some slight audio sync issues. Predictably, some scenes appear soft due to the inherent limitations of the original photography and lab processes used during the period.

Visually, this release surpasses its predecessors in clarity and overall detail. This significant improvement is evident when comparing screenshots from Arrow’s version to those from Blue Underground's previous release. Enhanced contrast reveals better delineation of elements like the background wall and grain field. The palette is notably healthier with richer, more robust tones—swatches like the warmer purple/pink hues are more vivid in this edition. Fabric textures and other visual details often shine through impressively despite sporadic variations in sharpness, a testament to the valuable restoration work that mitigated almost all signs of age-related wear and tear.

An intriguing addition to this Blu-ray release is the option to view two different gradings of the opening sequence: one with a distinctive blue tint and another with standard grading. This choice is accessible via a submenu following language selection, providing viewers with a customized visual experience from the start. As is standard with Arrow releases, there are no noticeable compression issues, ensuring a smooth viewing experience throughout.

The audio presentation of "Strip Nude for Your Killer" on Blu-ray features clear and energetic LPCM Mono tracks available in both English and Italian. Both tracks are relatively similar in amplitude and mix levels, making your choice primarily a matter of whether you prefer subtitles or not. The film’s score by Berto Pisano stands out, especially during the credits theme, which has an evocative, near-Blaxploitation feel—reminiscent of projects like the original "Shaft." Despite some cues that may not perfectly match the imagery, the score is rendered with impressive sonic clarity and substantial low-end energy.

Dialogue across both tracks is crisply defined, maintaining clarity throughout the film. Occasional sound effects are delivered with notable forcefulness, contributing to the overall immersive experience. Crucially, the audio tracks do not exhibit any age-related distortions, damages, or dropouts, ensuring a consistent and high-quality listening experience.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Strip Nude for Your Killer" provide a rich array of materials tailored for avid fans and cinephiles alike. The Audio Commentary by Adrian J. Smith and David Flint offers a dynamic, though sometimes overlapping, discussion that delves into an extensive range of production insights and biographical details. Visual essays and interviews like Sex and Death With a Smile and A Good Man for the Murders respectively feature intimate looks at star Edwige Fenech's career and actor Nino Castelnuovo's perspectives, with the latter presented in Italian with English subtitles. Other notable additions include exclusive interviews such as The Blonde Salamander with Erna Schurer and The Art of Helping with assistant director Daniele Sangiorgi, providing unique behind-the-scenes content. Furthermore, the disc features both Italian and English trailers, as well as an image gallery curated by Peter Jilmstad.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Adrian J. Smith and David Flint: Wide array of production and biographical data.
• Sex and Death With a Smile: Video essay by Kat Ellinger on Edwige Fenech.
• A Good Man for the Murders: Archival interview with Nino Castelnuovo.
• The Blonde Salamander: Interview with Erna Schurer.
• The Art of Helping: Interview with assistant director Daniele Sangiorgi.
• Jack of All Trades: Interview with actor and production manager Tino Polenghi.
• Italian Theatrical Trailer
• English Theatrical Trailer
• Image Gallery: Curated by Peter Jilmstad.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Strip Nude for Your Killer" delves into the unapologetically provocative world of giallo cinema. This film aligns with previous Arrow giallo titles such as "The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion" and "The Fifth Cord," offering its own unique mix of sensationalism and genre-specific thrills. The movie begins startlingly with a young woman's death during a botched abortion, captured from a provocative, almost clinical perspective, setting a contentious tone for the unfolding narrative. Centering around a masked killer targeting individuals tied to a fashion house, this element inevitably evokes comparisons to other iconic giallo classics like "Blood and Black Lace."

In terms of its niche within the giallo genre, "Strip Nude for Your Killer" comfortably resides on the more sensationalist end of the spectrum. Director Andrea Bianchi, known for his work in "Burial Ground," crafts an audaciously lurid tale. Despite the film's sleaze-forward approach, with copious displays of nudity and explicit scenes, it remains a compelling watch for fans of the genre. It’s notable that this Arrow release follows an earlier domestic Blu-ray release, providing an opportunity for comparison—both in terms of plot analysis and technical enhancements. Critics have varied in their assessments; some elevate the film slightly more than others based on its shock value and genre execution.

Overall, while it might not reinvent the giallo wheel, "Strip Nude for Your Killer" makes an undeniably bold statement. It combines controversial themes with the traditional giallo mix of mystery and stylistic killings. This Arrow release is a noteworthy addition for fans and collectors of the genre, balancing sleazy entertainment with technical prowess.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Strip Nude for Your Killer" offers an intriguing blend of technical excellence and comprehensive extras. The film itself, directed by Andrea Bianchi, toes a curious line between traditional giallo and the erotic antics that characterized much of Italian cinema of the era. Edwige Fenech’s role intensifies this provocative blend, with an overtly sexual theme that some viewers may find borderline sleazy. However, the narrative remains somewhat predictable, despite some stylistic lighting and grading choices that provide visual flourish. Arrow's release, nonetheless, significantly enhances the viewing experience with improved video quality and a robust package of enjoyable supplements.

The extras on this release are of exceptional quality and considerably add to the understanding and appreciation of the film. Highlights include a new audio commentary by authors David Flint and Adrian J. Smith, which is both entertaining and reverent. Furthermore, Kat Ellinger’s 23-minute video essay, "Sex & Death with a Smile," delves into the intricacies of the giallo genre and Fenech’s career. Other noteworthy inclusions are archival interviews with actor Nino Castelnuovo and a suite of new interviews with Erna Schurer, Daniele Sangiorgi, and Tino Polenghi. The set is rounded out with HD trailers in both Italian and English, an image gallery, and a 24-page booklet featuring Rachael Nisbet’s essay and detailed cast and crew information.

As addressed in the commentary on this disc and hinted at in Kat Ellinger's essay, "Strip Nude for Your Killer" juxtaposes traditional giallo elements with the sexualized themes popular in comedic Italian films of the period. Fenech’s presence underscores this intersection, making the film provocatively unique yet familiar within the genre. Though its narrative may feel rote at times, the improved video quality and enjoyable supplements provided by Arrow’s release render it a robust edition worth adding to any cult film enthusiast's collection. Recommended.