What Have You Done to Solange? Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of "What Have You Done to Solange?" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive visual experience, maintaining a balance between authenticity and restoration quality. The film is showcased with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, benefiting from a 2K restoration by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna. Utilizing the original 35mm 2-perf Techniscope camera negative scanned on a pin-registered Arriscan, the transfer offers a stable image with enhanced density fluctuations. While certain segments required sourcing from a 4-perf internegative, resulting in noticeable wear compared to the primary negatives, the overall image remains commendably robust and free from excessive dirt or scratches due to thorough digital restoration efforts.

The color palette and saturation can occasionally appear uneven, attributed to the use of secondary elements that introduce slight variations such as brown and blue tones. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the viewing experience retains a natural, organic visual appeal, characterized by well-resolved grain structure and impressive detail clarity. The transfer deftly balances the film’s vintage aesthetic with modern viewing standards, ensuring a visually satisfying experience for enthusiasts.

Audio preservation appears equally meticulous, with both Italian and English mono soundtracks restored from original 35mm optical sound negatives using Sondor OMA/E with COSP Xi2K technology. The post-production recording of the soundtracks may lead to slight audio synch discrepancies, but this remains faithful to the original theatrical release. Despite these intentions, the sonic presentation maintains clarity and enhances the overall retro cinematic experience desired by fans of classic Italian cinema. Arrow Video's attention to detail emphasizes the film's integrity while elevating it for contemporary audiences.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "What Have You Done to Solange?" is marked by its inclusion of DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks available in both English and Italian. Impressively, there is little discernible difference between these language options, suggesting a consistent quality across both mixes in terms of amplitude and overall auditory experience. This is testament to the meticulous work undertaken in the preservation and presentation of the film’s sound.

Ennio Morricone's compelling score stands out, rendered with remarkable clarity and free from distortion—an auditory delight for enthusiasts of the maestro's work. The audio's precision ensures that every note captures Morricone's signature haunting beauty, enhancing the film's atmospheric grip. However, the dialogue, while clear and comprehensible without any significant issues, occasionally suffers from a somewhat artificial tone. The reverb and ambient sounds sometimes fail to accurately reflect the on-screen environments, potentially distracting discerning listeners from the immersion intended by the original cinematic experience.

Despite minor imperfections in dialogue representation, the overall audio quality remains commendable. The auditory elements are well-balanced and satisfyingly deliver the film’s content in both language tracks, maintaining a faithful rendition of the source material. As such, this Blu-Ray provides a respectable platform for appreciating both the narrative and musical luxuriance that characterize "What Have You Done to Solange?".

The Blu-ray release of "What Have You Done to Solange?" offers a comprehensive suite of supplements for the discerning cinephile. Each featurette is crafted with insightful interviews, offering reflections from significant cast and crew members. The 2015 interview with Karin Baal, as well as the 2006 discussions with Fabio Testi and Fulvio Lucisano, provide valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives, captured in high-definition video. Additionally, Michael Mackenzie's visual essay offers a critical exploration into the intricate "schoolgirls in peril" genre, expanding on thematic elements relevant to the film's cultural context. The audio commentary by Alan Jones and Kim Newman stands out for its informative and engaging breakdown of film details. Coupled with Arrow’s supplementary insert booklet, these extras significantly enhance understanding and appreciation of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• What Have You Done to Decency?: 2015 interview with Karin Baal.
• First Action Hero: Interview with Fabio Testi from 2006.
• Old School Producer: Interview with producer Fulvio Lucisano from 2006.
• Innocence Lost: Visual essay by Michael Mackenzie.
• Trailer: Original trailer.
• Audio Commentary: By Alan Jones and Kim Newman.

Massimo Dallamano's "What Have You Done to Solange?" (1972) is a quintessential example of the Italian giallo genre, blending murder-mystery elements with a distinctive blend of restraint and sensationalism. Unlike the more lurid visuals commonly associated with directors like Dario Argento or Mario Bava, this film opts for a subtler stylistic approach. The narrative unfolds around a series of murders targeting Catholic schoolgirls, weaving a complex web of intrigue that incorporates elements of a police procedural and slasher film. At the heart of the story is a professor, Henry Rosseni (Fabio Testi), embroiled in an affair with a student, casting suspicion and intense scrutiny over his actions.

The film's stylistic choices include elegant widescreen compositions and a fluid sense of point of view, accentuating its suspenseful narrative. It avoids excessive gore, focusing instead on the psychological underpinnings that bind the characters to the unfolding tragedy. Some unsettling scenes draw more from the implications of the characters' actions rather than graphic violence, particularly as it pertains to the implications surrounding Solange, whose connection unfolds late in the story yet proves pivotal in linking the victims and the killer.

Despite initial presentation of tawdry themes, such as early sexual activity and problematic relationships, commentators Alan Jones and Kim Newman note that Dallamano manages to transcend these elements to present a fulfilling mystery. The film is punctuated with stylistic flourishes, including black-and-white sequences amid its color palette, further enhancing its atmospheric tension. While it touches upon sensationalist themes, it remains an unusually stylish entry in the giallo tradition, maintaining tension through its distinct narrative structure and rich character dynamics.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "What Have You Done to Solange?" stands as a high-quality presentation of this classic Italian Giallo film. Under Massimo Dallamano’s direction, the movie offers an engaging narrative with stylistic visuals and an unexpectedly shattering conclusion. The film explores enduring themes of mystery, intrigue, and the dark sides of adolescence. While the content traffics in some controversial areas, it retains its lure for fans of the genre. Arrow Video ensures the viewing experience is not just confined to the film itself but enriched by meticulous technical visual quality and immersive sound design.

The supplementary materials are particularly commendable and add significant value to this release. The highlight is Michael Mackenzie's comprehensive visual essay that delves into the themes, style, and context of "Solange" and its thematic sequels. The lively commentary by renowned film critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman offers a blend of insightful critique alongside an enthusiastic inventory of the movie's strengths and occasional incongruities. Additionally, interviews with stars Fabio Testi and Karin Baal, along with producer Fulvio Lucisano, provide personal anecdotes and professional reflections that enhance one's understanding of the film and its impact on the Italian cinematic landscape of the 1970s.

In summary, "What Have You Done to Solange?" comes highly recommended, not only for Giallo aficionados but also for those interested in classic cinema. Arrow Video's Blu-ray package is a comprehensive offering that amplifies one's appreciation of this pivotal film through its strong technical presentation and robust supplemental insights. Despite its florid narrative and controversial themes, the film holds a significant place in the mystery genre and promises an enriching experience for thoughtful viewers.