Cry of a Prostitute Blu-ray Review

"Cry of a Prostitute" on Blu-ray showcases a commendable video presentation, maintaining an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer. This edition, remastered from the 2017 master, is now widely available, including at major online retailers. The master presents genuine and strong organic qualities, although minor surface wear or damage is visible in some spots. These imperfections are subtle and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

The video quality boasts impressive delineation, clarity, and depth, ranging from good to very good across various scenes. The color grading is handled expertly, presenting a well-balanced color spectrum. However, there's a noted opportunity for minor enhancements in saturation and subtle nuances which could amplify the overall visual appeal. There's stability in the image which ensures a smooth viewing experience without evidence of intrusive digital corrections.

The technical mastery behind this transfer does leave room for some encoding optimizations, which could elevate the visuals to even greater heights. It's crucial to note that while my copy was Region-Free, potential discrepancies in region codes might exist, so verification is necessary if importing this disc to ensure compatibility outside of Region-A locations.

The Blu-ray release of "Cry of a Prostitute" offers a single audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This configuration, while satisfactory, is characterized by the common challenges of overdubbing found in Italian films from the '70s. Though dialogue is generally distinct and easy to follow, occasional inconsistencies emerge, particularly with dynamic unevenness inherited from the original audio production. These issues can somewhat detract from the upper register's clarity, although the overall dynamic intensity is respectable.

The quality of voice dubbing varies significantly across characters, ranging from very good to fair. Voice performances for Don Cantimo and Don Cosemi effectively match their character personas, adding depth to their roles. In contrast, Silva’s use of his own voice provides a fittingly cold and emotionless tone to his character. However, Bouchet’s dubbing is notably inconsistent, with scenes swinging between poorly executed tones that disrupt character cohesion. Ambient sounds during action sequences—like fights, car crashes, and high-speed chases—present typical genre elements but lack the realism needed to fully engage.

Optional English SDH subtitles are absent in the first review but present in the second, providing an unclear stance on availability. Nevertheless, the audio presentation carries a nostalgic charm worth appreciating, despite these technical limitations. The lack of subtitles might pose an accessibility barrier for some viewers, depending on what is actually available with the disc.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cry of a Prostitute" offer a compelling glimpse into the film's original presentation elements and promotional materials, providing a suitable enhancement for film aficionados. The U.S. Opening Credits display the film's initial presentation aspect, albeit with a music-only audio track, preserving its vintage charm in a 1.33:1 ratio. Complementing this, the original U.S. trailer sourced from a VHS tape provides an authentic retro feel, presented in the same ratio, though it lacks subtitles. This fidelity to the source material underscores an emphasis on authenticity, appealing to those who appreciate historical film context. Additionally, a selection of trailers from Code Red's Blu-ray catalog broadens the scope for viewers, offering insights into similar thematic or stylistic entries available.

Extras included in this disc:

• U.S. Opening Credits: Original opening credits in 1.33:1 ratio, music only.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer from VHS, in English.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for other titles from Code Red's Blu-ray catalog.

Andrea Bianchi's "Cry of a Prostitute" emerges as a quintessential example of 1970s Italian crime cinema, arriving on Blu-ray courtesy of Code Red. This release, presented in English without optional subtitles and supporting Region-Free viewing, accommodates the purist's library with original credits and a vintage U.S. trailer. The film stars Henry Silva as Tony Aniante, a veteran hitman deployed to Sicily to mediate between warring mafia clans—a task he subverts, manipulating the violence to reveal a decisive victor. His character parallels the iconic gunslinger but evolves with an exaggerated machismo and urban ferocity, emblematic of the film's appeal.

Silva's performance anchors "Cry of a Prostitute," merging genre archetypes with a menacing gravitas that escalates the narrative insanity. However, the plot remains secondary, serving primarily as a vessel for gore-laden action sequences. The film's atmosphere, sculpted by cinematographer Carlo Carlini (notable for collaborations with cultural titans such as Fellini and Rossellini), lends a distinct visual flair even when character complexity is sacrificed for sheer spectacle. Andrea Bianchi’s direction bathes the narrative in sleaze and relentless violence, epitomized from the onset by shocking imagery like explicit car crashes.

While the action satisfies target audience expectations with unrestrained brutality—favoring violence over intricate choreography—its simplicity repels those who yearn for narrative substance. "Cry of a Prostitute" functions within clear genre confines, appealing to those appreciating its specific brand of ultra-violent thrills. The film acknowledges its limitations by delivering raw intensity through Silva's transformation from classic genre silhouette to chaotic antihero—a dynamic that exceeds expectations, albeit within its brutal scope. For those seeking visceral imagery and high-stakes confrontation rather than layered storytelling, "Cry of a Prostitute" delivers its promise without pretense.

"Cry of a Prostitute" emerges as a vivid cinematic exploration of the gritty world of organized crime, made notable by its bold narrative and strikingly intense performances. The film, directed by Andrea Bianchi, captures the chaotic essence of the criminal underworld with a raw, unfiltered lens. It showcases a realm where violence erupts unexpectedly and moral ambiguity prevails. The storyline unfolds in the South of Italy, near Palermo, offering a potent setting that enhances its brutal and authentic charm.

Henry Silva delivers a visceral portrayal of a mafia hitman engulfed in a perilous job that delves deep into themes of transformation and monstrosity. His portrayal is unrestrained and riveting, marking one of the most compelling performances of his career. The film's lack of subtlety and its embrace of unlikable characters underscore its unapologetically aggressive stance on narrative delivery. It steps away from mainstream paths, making it an acquired taste for viewers appreciative of intricate and bold crime thrillers.

In conclusion, "Cry of a Prostitute" is not merely an action thriller but a daunting plunge into treacherous depths of crime and morality. It stands as a testament to Silva's immense talent and is a unique visual treat for those in pursuit of something beyond conventional cinema. The film's explicit nature and intense thematic content might not cater to all audiences but precisely define its distinctive allure. Strongly recommended for aficionados of genre cinema, this can be considered a must-watch for its daring narrative and unforgettable central performance.