Rabid Dogs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Rabid Dogs" impresses with a shockingly good 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, offering a remarkable viewing experience. Kino-Lorber, known for their "as-is" high definition transfers without intensive digital restoration, benefits considerably from the excellent condition of the 35mm camera negative utilized. This source material provides great clarity and fine detail in textures, such as actors' faces and clothing, which is a significant improvement over previous standard definition releases. Minor issues like white specks, light color fluttering, and occasional discoloration are present but do not detract from the overall high visual quality.

The video presentation features balanced contrast and good color saturation, maintaining a warm, organically filmic look without digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. Presented in a 1.85:1 window frame (with OAR possibly being 1.66:1), the image boasts clean, crisp whites and strong, deep blacks, adding depth to shadowy scenes. The thin layer of grain enhances the cinematic feel, while bold primaries and warm secondary hues contribute to the visual appeal. Despite some minor age-related issues in a few sequences, "Rabid Dogs" looks excellent on Blu-ray and stands as a definitive home video version.

In conclusion, even with some minor quirks and imperfections, this high-definition release of "Rabid Dogs" is an outstanding transfer that offers considerable improvements in clarity, color, and overall picture quality.

Kino has delivered a commendable uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 track for "Rabid Dogs." The audio presentation remains stable, listenable, and devoid of significant issues such as pops, crackles, and hisses. The sound mix maintains a consistent clarity and presence, ensuring clear dialogue and sound effects. While the track doesn’t boast groundbreaking audio quality—a characteristic expected from a low-budget Italian thriller from the '70s, notorious for its noticeable dubbing—it represents the best auditory experience "Rabid Dogs" has likely ever achieved. It's also worth noting the remade score by Stelvio Cipriani, which unfortunately replaces the atmospheric original with dated synth sounds reminiscent of 1980s action TV series.

The uncompressed PCM stereo soundtrack is impressively clean and engaging. From the moment the music starts during the opening credits, it brings the soundstage to life with exceptional fidelity and warmth, filling the speakers with a swinging 70s soundtrack that balances a groovy beat with a slightly chilling undertone. Background activities like crowd chatter and wildlife noises are well-detailed in the mid-range, contributing to a broad and expansive imaging feel. Although the ADR work is subpar, dialogue remains clear and centralized in the mix, enhancing overall listening quality. Low bass is solid and appropriate for a film of this vintage, giving the lossless mix a weighty presence that underscores the high resolution of this largely-forgotten Bava classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Rabid Dogs" offers a limited selection of extras, primarily consisting of trailers for other Mario Bava films within the Kino collection. This may be disappointing for enthusiasts expecting additional features such as behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or audio commentaries. The trailers included, though appreciated for providing a glimpse into Bava's broader body of work, fail to elevate this release beyond a bare-bones presentation. This minimal approach to supplementary material does not match the production quality and cult significance of "Rabid Dogs," leaving viewers yearning for more comprehensive content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers for Mario Bava Films: Includes previews for "Black Sunday," "Hatchet for the Honeymoon," "Baron Blood," "Lisa and the Devil," and "The House of Exorcism."

Mario Bava's "Rabid Dogs," a tense crime thriller originally shot in 1974 and shrouded in misfortune, finally graces Blu-ray with impeccable picture quality. This film, also known by its alternate title "Kidnapped," emerges from a tumultuous history marked by bankruptcy and legal seizures following the tragic death of its producer. Initially shelved and unseen, it underwent a patchy resurrection in 1998 thanks to lead actress Lea Lander before a more thorough restoration led by Alfredo Leone and Bava's son Lamberto in the early 2000s. Despite these challenges, "Rabid Dogs" remains one of Bava's most realistic and suspense-laden films, diverging from his gothic horror roots to embrace the gritty ambiance of poliziotteschi—a genre defined by brutal action and criminal exploits.

The narrative thrusts viewers into a harrowing situation where four armed robbers find themselves embroiled in an escalating confrontation with the police after a botched heist. They take hostages, including the desperate Ricardo and his ill son, in a grueling, relentless road escape. The film is laden with palpable tension as characters are forced into claustrophobic proximity in a sweltering European car without air conditioning. Bava skillfully weaves moments of abrupt violence and psychological peril, driving a relentless, almost nihilistic tone throughout. Performances, particularly those of Maurice Poli, Don Backy, and George Eastman, bring a raw, unsettling energy, though they occasionally veer into camp territory. Blade's accidental stabbing of a hostage compounds the criminals’ dread, foreshadowing their descent into deeper chaos.

While the simplicity of the plot serves to heighten suspense, the film's psychological complexities unfold against a backdrop of intense summer heat and seething animosities. The character dynamics shift amid roadblocks and a fatal urgency to reach safety. Bava’s direction is top-notch; his deft use of confined space amplifies the stifling atmosphere. The updated score by Stelvio Cipriani remains controversial among purists who favor the original soundtrack's authenticity over its modern counterpart's action TV series-like motifs. Despite minor flaws, "Rabid Dogs" stands out as a gripping, morbidly fascinating piece in Bava's oeuvre—a mysterious gift from the exploitation movie gods that combines high-stakes tension with dark ironic twists.

"Rabid Dogs," originally titled "Kidnapped," represents a relatively straightforward and realistic entry in Mario Bava's diverse oeuvre, contrasting his more famous gialli and Gothic horrors. A taut, nail-biting thriller suffused with the nihilism characteristic of 1970s cinema, this film stands out as a gnarly suspense piece replete with psychological terror. The resurrection of "Rabid Dogs" from obscurity—thanks to the efforts of actress Lea Lander and later producers—marks a significant reclamation in cinematic history.

Kino Lorber’s new Blu-ray edition adds a notable chapter to the film's home video legacy. In comparison to Anchor Bay's comprehensive 2007 DVD set, which boasted multiple cuts and extensive supplements, Kino Lorber's offering is less exhaustive in features. However, it excels where it counts: in the outstanding quality of its high-definition transfer. The impeccable clarity and detail breathe new life into Bava's darkly atmospheric visuals, making this version the best-looking release yet. Its excellent audio and video presentation will undoubtedly satisfy both cinephiles and Euro-thriller enthusiasts.

While it is regrettable that this release lacks additional supplementary materials that could have enriched the viewing experience, "Rabid Dogs" on Blu-ray remains an essential acquisition. It not only brings forward a lesser-known Bava classic but does so with a stunning audiovisual fidelity that ensures its place as a treasured part of any serious film collection. Recommended for all aficionados of European thrillers and classic cinema."