Double Face Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of "Double Face" on Blu-ray offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, providing an exceptional viewing experience. This transfer, derived from a 2K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, was meticulously executed by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, and perfected at R3Store Studios using the Digital Vision Nucoda Film Master. The restoration process addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other film wear, yielding a virtually pristine final product. Close-ups are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting excellent fine detail, though occasional challenges with graininess and slightly pink flesh tones were observed.

The overall aesthetic is robust and pleasing to fans, especially those familiar with poorly maintained bootleg or inconsistent official releases. Notably, the vibrant and lush lighting, sometimes reminiscent of Bava’s style, enriches the visual experience. However, inherent issues like the shoddy green screen towards the beginning remain evident but do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Arrow Video’s efforts have resulted in a beautifully restored version of "Double Face" that captures the film's unique palette and intricate details. This Blu-ray presentation is bound to satisfy discerning viewers, offering a high-quality visual experience that pays homage to the original work while leveraging modern restoration techniques.

The audio presentation for the Blu Ray edition of "Double Face" is exemplary, offering LPCM mono tracks for both the English and Italian language versions. The fidelity remains impeccable across both tracks, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. The dialogue remains crisp and clear, effectively distinguishing between the different voice works in each language. Particularly commendable is the meticulous preservation of Nora Orlandi's exceptional score, which provides an immersive and invigorating listening atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's narrative.

The robustness of the mono tracks delivers consistent sound quality without distortion, a testament to the precision applied in the audio mastering process. This dedication to detail ensures that every auditory element, from subtle background nuances to the more prominent orchestral arrangements, is finely tuned. Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu Ray release significantly enhances the viewing experience, offering fans and audiophiles alike a technically superior reproduction that honors both the multilingual narratives and the musical composition integral to "Double Face".

The Blu Ray extras for "Double Face" are a rich blend of insightful commentary and in-depth exploration of the film's context and creators. Tim Lucas’s unscripted audio commentary, framed as a sonic essay, dives into the broader landscape of the genre, despite occasional temporal mismatches with on-screen events. It offers a comprehensive analysis of giallo and krimi films. The inclusion of DJ Lovely Jon’s thorough overview of composer Nora Orlandi's career and life, along with Orlandi’s self-reflective interview, provides a deep dive into the film’s soundscape. Amy Simmons’ video essay on the director highlights his significant yet often overlooked contributions to the genre. These elements are complemented by a variety of engaging image galleries featuring German and Italian promotional materials. The package is rounded off with both English and Italian theatrical trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: Sonic essay on giallo and krimi films.
• The Many Faces of Nora Orlandi: Overview of Orlandi's career by DJ Lovely Jon.
• 7 Notes for a Murder: Interview with composer Nora Orlandi.
• The Terrifying Dr. Freda: Video essay on the director’s career by Amy Simmons.
• Image Galleries: German Pressbook, German Promotional Materials, Italian Cinemaromanzo.
• English Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer in English.
• Italian Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer in Italian.

These well-curated extras enhance the viewing experience, offering both historical context and personal insights directly from those intimately involved in the film’s creation.

"Double Face" (1969), also known as "A doppia faccia," represents an intriguing blend of the giallo and krimi subgenres that were iconic in Europe during the 60s and 70s. The film is directed by Riccardo Freda, featuring a subdued yet compelling performance by Klaus Kinski as John Alexander, a man caught in a bewildering web of deceit. Embracing the essence of both genres, "Double Face" starts with a shocking revelation of an extramarital affair between John's wife, Helen (Margaret Lee), and another woman, Liz (Annabella Incontrera). After a car accident, believed to be caused by a black-gloved character, Helen is presumed dead. The narrative then takes a dive into a drug-fueled, hedonistic underworld presided over by a mysterious woman named Christine (Christiane Krüger), adding layers of intrigue and suspense.

The film's technical aspects, such as special effects, fail to impress, particularly in the establishing and bookending sequences, which Tim Lucas points out in his commentary as potentially laughable. Nonetheless, the dark spiral into which John is pulled keeps viewers engaged. Reviewer observations highlight the striking parallels to Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut," particularly in the debauched party scenes that Christine introduces to John, culminating in John's discovery of Helen—or someone strikingly similar to her—in an illicit porn film. This revelation sets John on a determined quest to uncover the truth behind his wife's death and apparent resurrection.

"Double Face" may not strictly adhere to the conventions of either the giallo or krimi genres but still presents itself as an innovative curio within its cinematic landscape. Despite some ludicrous twists towards its climax, the film's unique style and enigmatic plot elements ensure it remains an engaging watch. Critics note its appeal, particularly for aficionados of Klaus Kinski and those interested in mid-century European genre cinema.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Double Face" presents an engaging slice of Italian cinema that's more than just a typical giallo or krimi. Utilizing director Riccardo Freda's nuanced approach to storytelling, it offers a twisty murder mystery experience that stands out in its genre. The film's plot hinges on moral turpitude and features Klaus Kinski in a rare, somewhat restrained performance that departs from his more frenetic roles with Herzog. This restrained performance by Kinski adds a layer of naturalism that enriches the overall narrative.

Visually, the Blu-ray transfer is impeccable, maintaining the rich textures and palette of the original film while offering clarity and fidelity that enhance the viewing experience. Arrow Video's technical proficiency ensures that the movie's stylistic elements are preserved in stunning detail. The disc also scores high on audio quality, providing a clear and balanced soundscape that complements the tense, atmospheric score. The inclusion of Tim Lucas's insightful audio commentary adds an indispensable layer of context and analysis, making this release a treasure trove for fans and scholars of Italian cinema.

Overall, "Double Face" may not be a towering masterpiece, but it is a fascinating and well-constructed film with enough cinematic value to warrant attention. Genre enthusiasts could benefit from not pigeonholing it strictly as a giallo or krimi but instead enjoying its multifaceted storytelling. Arrow's solid technical execution and impressive array of supplements make this a worthwhile addition to any collection. Recommended.