What Have They Done to Your Daughters? Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video presents "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a restored HD master provided by Camera Obscura. The transfer maintains a healthy palette, capturing the essence of the film's visual style. The grain, while occasionally coarse, adds an authentic texture to the viewing experience. Detail levels are generally high, even amidst the film’s unique framing choices, contributing to a clean and organic visual quality. Importantly, the restoration process has effectively eliminated nearly all age-related wear and tear, ensuring a smooth and immersive presentation.

In comparison to other releases, such as Camera Obscura’s previous German market Blu-ray, there appears to be no significant difference in quality, reinforcing the consistency of this edition. Unlike Arrow's release of "What Have You Done to Solange?" which had to utilize secondary elements, leading to some inconsistencies in clarity and color reproduction, "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" exhibits a commendable uniformity throughout. This homogeneous appearance ensures that viewers receive an uninterrupted and consistent viewing experience, making Arrow Video’s presentation a reliable choice for aficionados and new viewers alike.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" offers a commendable audio presentation, featuring both English and Italian audio tracks in LPCM Mono. Both audio tracks present no significant differences in overall amplitude or mix. The film’s score by Stelvio Cipriani is delivered energetically and remains free from distortion throughout, adding to the immersive experience. Both soundtracks exhibit fine fidelity, with clear, discernible dialogue, even though sync occasionally exhibits minor looseness. Importantly, the audio tracks are devoid of any dropouts or damage, ensuring a consistent auditory experience.

The release includes optional English subtitles for the Italian track and English SDH subtitles for the English track, catering to a variety of viewer preferences. Both tracks maintain a high level of clarity and cleanliness, with the English track being marginally louder. The film’s notable score—including its memorable opening number—benefits substantially from this clarity boost, enhancing overall viewer engagement. Overall, Arrow's audio presentation ensures that dialogue, music, and ambient sounds are effectively balanced and clear, making for an elevated viewing experience on this Blu-ray release.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray of "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" delivers an impressive array of extras, catering to enthusiasts of Massimo Dallamano's work. The disc includes a range of video essays and interviews, delivering comprehensive insights into the thematic and technical aspects of the director's films. Particularly notable is Kat Ellinger’s video essay, offering an in-depth analysis of Dallamano's thematic exploration, and the extended interview with composer Stelvio Cipriani that delves into his contributions to the film's haunting score. Another highlight is the silent, uncut hardcore footage which provides a rare glimpse into unedited scenes. The inclusion of an image gallery and theatrical trailer round out this robust package, showcasing Arrow's commitment to preserving cult cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth: In-depth commentary by film historian.
• Masters and Slaves: Video essay by Kat Ellinger on Dallamano's themes.
• Eternal Melody: Interview with composer Stelvio Cipriani.
• Dallamano's Touch: Interview with editor Antonio Siciliano.
• Hardcore Footage: Uncut, silent scenes.
• English Titles: Alternative opening titles.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Image Gallery: Collection of still images from the film.

Also includes a nicely appointed insert booklet.

Massimo Dallamano's "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" straddles the giallo and poliziotteschi genres, offering a compelling mix of gritty procedural and deeply unsettling themes. The film kicks off with a teenage girl's apparent suicide, unraveling into a complex web of sexual exploitation, institutional corruption, and societal decay. Central to the narrative is Assistant District Attorney Vittoria Stori (Giovanna Ralli), whose role introduces a nuanced layer of gender politics; her interactions subtly question the pervasive male gaze typical of the genre. The film’s prurient elements are indeed discomforting but serve to underline its grim realism rather than mere titillation.

Technically, Dallamano's cinematographic expertise shines through, transforming potentially lurid material into visually sophisticated sequences. "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" distinguishes itself not just through its scandalous content, but through stylish framing and inventive use of visual storytelling, reminiscent of Dallamano’s earlier work on "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More." A notable point of comparison within the schoolgirls-in-peril trilogy is the thematic and structural kinship with "What Have You Done to Solange?" and "Enigma Rosso," although each film offers a unique take on the central premise.

The film's unsettling subtext analogizes the misconduct among adolescents with broader governmental malpractice, delivering potent, albeit grim, socio-political commentary. The untimely deaths of both Dallamano and actor Claudio Cassinelli post-release add an eerie layer to the film's historical context. This Blu-ray release benefits from Arrow’s characteristic dedication to quality, ensuring that this significant, if disturbing, entry in Italian genre cinema can be appreciated in its full restored glory.

Arrow Video's Blu Ray release of "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" offers a compelling blend of suspense, solid cinematography, and unique narrative elements. Directed by Massimo Dallamano, this film manages to stand out from its better-known predecessor, "What Have You Done to Solange?", and the subsequent "Enigma Rosso" due to its intriguing content and execution. The Blu Ray presentation showcases the film's atmospheric visuals, effectively utilizing lighting and composition to maintain the tension that is so integral to the narrative.

The technical merits of the Arrow release are commendable. The image quality is both clear and consistent, allowing Dallamano’s directorial nuances to shine through. Notable too are the supplements included, which add significant value to the package with insightful behind-the-scenes content and interviews that contextually enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film. While some may find the press briefing sequences somewhat drawn out, they serve a purpose in developing the intricate plot and building suspense.

In conclusion, while "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" may not reach the same dramatic peaks as "What Have You Done to Solange?", it stands firm with its own distinct charm and narrative strength. Arrow Video delivers a finely crafted release that balances technical excellence with enjoyable bonus features, making this an essential addition for fans of Italian cinema and suspense thrillers alike. Recommended.