All Ladies Do It 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" by Cult Epics is a significant upgrade over previous editions, thanks to its meticulous 4K restoration completed in Italy. Presented in native 4K with HDR10 and encoded on a triple-layered BD-100 disc, the film showcases remarkable clarity and detail. The native 4K visuals possess strong organic qualities with minimal digital corrections, thereby preserving the film's authentic look. The HDR grade is gentle, subtly enhancing the dynamic range without causing dramatic shifts in color or brightness. Color balance is well-executed throughout, yielding vibrant yet natural hues that elevate the visual experience. The aspect ratio remains true to its original 1.85:1 presentation, with the overall quality being especially impressive in stable and clean image delivery—despite the occasional nicks and faint scratches.

The UHD presentation demonstrates outstanding bitrates between 80 to 100Mbps, solidifying its visual fidelity. Medium-grain structure is consistently refined throughout most of the film, although viewers might notice fluctuations during the opening and closing titles, attributed to the post-negative elements. The clarity in imagery adds depth and texture without any problematic digital interference. The dynamic HDR grade enriches colors significantly, providing excellent contrast and deep blacks that enhance overall visual engagement. The update makes the film look as it ostensibly should, reminiscent of a Federico Fellini film in its aesthetic richness.

The Blu-ray disc, however, exhibits some encoding weaknesses, particularly noticeable in darker scenes where minor flaws become apparent. Specific lensing choices cause occasional spikes and drops in grain exposure, which even optimal encoding cannot entirely eliminate. Nevertheless, the UHD Blu-ray stands out as an exemplary presentation of "All Ladies Do It," ensuring enthusiasts can enjoy the film at an unprecedented level of quality. This release is an essential upgrade for collectors seeking to experience the film in a pristine visual form.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" offers four primary audio tracks: 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). English subtitles are provided for the Italian tracks. The English Stereo track features substantial musical content which sounds vibrant and healthy. However, it's important to note that both English tracks suffer from less impressive overdubbing, especially noticeable during dialogue-heavy scenes. The audio presentation remains clean without any noticeable anomalies across the discs.

Analysis indicates that while the English tracks are adequate, they display a certain thinness, and the dubbing quality is subpar. The Italian stereo track showcases Pino Donaggio’s score robustly but can be overpowering and reveals the mono’s deficiencies, such as mild hiss. Nonetheless, the Italian mono track is commendable for its balance and natural sound, offering the best performances and making it the most authentic listening experience. This preferable audio option suggests a more organic immersion into the film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" offers a robust selection of extras, catering to both new viewers and longtime fans of Tinto Brass. The standout feature is the exclusive audio commentary by film critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth, who delve into Brass' career, discussing his transition from westerns to erotic cinema, his unique humor, and his meticulous casting choices, particularly with Stefania Sandrelli. The 2001 interview with Tinto Brass is an archival gem where he candidly explores themes like eroticism versus pornography and addresses his views on cultural impositions like chastity. Extras also include uncensored outtakes, a photo gallery with 26 behind-the-scenes shots, and a set of trailers from other Cult Epics releases. Overall, these extras provide an enriching, comprehensive look into the film's production and its creator's artistic vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful discussion by Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth on Tinto Brass's films.
• Interview with Tinto Brass (2001): Archival interview covering erotica, culture, and the making of the film.
• Outtakes: Uncensored scenes with a mix of on-set audio and silent footage.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of 26 behind-the-scenes and promotional images.
• Trailer: Remastered trailer for "All Ladies Do It."
• Trailer Reel: Trailers for "Frivolous Lola," "Paprika," "P.O. Box Tinto Brass," and "Istintobrass."
• Booklet: 20-page essay by Eugenio Ercolani and Domenico Monetti.
• Cover: Reversible cover featuring original Italian poster art.
• Cards: Four collectible lobby cards.

Tinto Brass' "All Ladies Do It" (1992), now available on 4K UHD Blu-ray via Cult Epics, continues to showcase the director's mastery in erotic cinema. This edition includes valuable supplemental features, such as new audio commentary by critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth, rare outtakes, and an archival program featuring Brass himself. The film can be experienced in its original Italian or dubbed in English, with optional English subtitles for accessibility.

The narrative centers around Diana (Claudia Koll), whose vivid fantasies captivate her husband Paolo (Paolo Lanza). While Diana's detailed accounts of her erotic dreams raise suspicions in Paolo, they also propel her to commence a journey of self-discovery and indulgence in Venice. Brass executes the storytelling through an episodic structure, with each segment often leading to scenes of seduction and lavish parties reminiscent of his other works. Though the plot may seem secondary compared to similar films like "Dangerous Beauty," it functions primarily as a vehicle to showcase sumptuous visuals and eroticism.

Visually, "All Ladies Do It" benefits greatly from the talents of cinematographers Silvano Ippoliti and Massimo Di Venanzo, who capture the lush aesthetics characteristic of Brass’ oeuvre. Koll delivers an impressive performance as Diana, bringing a relaxed and confident presence to her role, especially during the Venice sequences. In contrast, Lanza's portrayal of Paolo appears rigid and occasionally awkward. The film's atmosphere is enriched by Pino Donaggio's selection of light, playful tunes, adding to its elegant charm. The film’s clever Italian title, inspired by Mozart’s "Così fan tutte," humorously critiques conservative Italian values rather than paying homage to the opera.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Ladies Do It" directed by Tinto Brass offers a significantly enhanced visual experience that highlights the film’s aesthetic strengths. The stunning 4K restoration breaths new life into the visuals, ensuring that the rich colors and intricate details are impeccably preserved. The presentation impeccably captures the lush, vibrant cinematography originally intended by Brass, making it an essential viewing for fans of erotic cinema. Clauda Koll shines in her role, and the enhanced picture quality showcases her beauty and performance with remarkable clarity.

Technically, the 4K UHD format delivers a marked improvement over previous versions. The high dynamic range (HDR) technology significantly enhances the contrast and color spectrum, creating more realistic and captivating imagery. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a balanced sound mix that accentuates the film's emotive score and dialogue. For those with a penchant for high-fidelity visual and auditory experiences, this release will not disappoint. Additionally, the bonus materials included are comprehensive and provide valuable insights into the film’s production and Tinto Brass's directorial approach, enriching the overall viewing experience.

All in all, "All Ladies Do It" is a challenging piece of cinema that uniquely blends humor, eroticism, and deeper thematic elements. This 4K release revitalizes Tinto Brass's work in a way that both new viewers and longtime fans will appreciate. The restoration's artistic fidelity makes it highly recommended, especially for those with a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of erotic art within cinema.

Tinto Brass and Federico Fellini shared an identical appreciation of female beauty, which is why both were very fond of each other. (Did you know this?) But Brass showed a lot more in his films than what Fellini loved to only suggest in his films, and this is why for a long time the former was dismissed as a pornographer. Brass was never as good as Fellini. However, for several decades he shot the most stylish and witty erotic films on both sides of the Atlantic. Cult Epics introduces a new 4K restoration of All Ladies Do It with Claudia Koll, one of the most beautiful female stars that Brass worked with. I think that the 4K makeover is gorgeous, so hopefully it will not be too long before Paprika is revisited and given a similar treatment as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.