The Case of the Bloody Iris 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu Ray presentation of "The Case of the Bloody Iris" is remarkably impressive, thanks to the meticulous restoration by Celluloid Dreams. The restoration process has resulted in vibrant primary colors, notably red and green, which are both clear and well-delineated. Flesh tones are authentic and consistent with the film’s original aesthetics. The HDR application enhances the thematic tone, delivering deep, inky blacks without any crushing and highlighting details in both bright and dark scenes. The film maintains a visible grain structure, providing a filmic texture that enhances its authenticity without becoming intrusive.

This 2160p transfer boasts impeccable sharpness and depth, particularly evident in the intricate details and textures, such as the finish of a pay phone or the detailed 1970s fashion. The HDR10 grading significantly boosts the color palette, delivering luscious blues and reds that pop off the screen. The video’s dynamic range and bitrates, primarily ranging between 80 to 100Mbps, contribute to an organic and well-encoded presentation. Subtle nuances in skin tones and wardrobe details are impeccably rendered, barring minor instances where faces might appear slightly orange.

Despite minor imperfections like occasional blotchy grain or subtle traces of damage, these issues are fleeting and do not detract from the overall experience. The meticulous care in this restoration allows viewers to appreciate environmental particulars and character details with clarity unseen in previous releases. Overall, this stunning presentation ensures "The Case of the Bloody Iris" looks better than ever on 4K UHD Blu Ray, truly honoring the original 35mm Techniscope source material.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Case of the Bloody Iris" offers satisfactory but limited auditory options. Presented in 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, viewers can select between the original Italian or English dubbed versions. The original Italian provides a cleaner, more natural experience with minimal distortion and less prominent hiss compared to the English dub. It features crisp, clear dialogue and well-supported score and sound effects that enhance the overall viewing, preserving the integrity of Bruno Nicolai's precise and elegant musical score. However, some viewers may find the English subtitles on the Italian track somewhat invasive, even for those fluent in Italian.

The English dub is handled competently via the 1.0 DTS-HD Mono track but carries a noticeable hiss and uneven mix quality that detract from the overall sound experience. Substantial differences between the dubbing and subtitles reveal a greater depth and accuracy in the Italian track, making it the preferable choice. Noteworthy is that both tracks exclude any significant anomalies or defects, ensuring dialogue remains comprehensible. The high resolution afforded by the lossless sound format provides a refined, dynamically supported audio experience despite its inherent limitations in one-dimensional original recording elements. Given the options, the Italian track is recommended for purists while the English dub stands as a viable alternative for broader accessibility.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Case of the Bloody Iris" offers a robust collection of extras, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of this classic giallo film. The commentary track by Guido Henkel is rich in detail, addressing cast and crew insights, shooting locations, cinematography, and the impact of open sets, adding depth to the viewing experience. The "Drops of Giallo" featurette with Ernesto Gastaldo and Giuliano Carnimeo presents a detailed exploration of their careers and specific contributions to the film, supplemented by Hilton's engaging anecdotes in the "Flowers of Blood" interview. Paola Quattrini's "Marylin" interview provides personal recollections of challenging scenes and fond memories of fellow cast members. The inclusion of an outtake reel, a diverse image gallery, and both the Italian and English trailers round out this comprehensive suite of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Flowers of Blood: Interview with George Hilton.
• Marylin: Interview with Paola Quattrini.
• Drops of Giallo: Interview with Ernesto Gastaldo and Giuliano Carnimeo.
• Commentary Track: Detailed commentary by Guido Henkel.
• Outtake Reel: Short trims and cuts with the film's theme song.
• Image Gallery: Behind-the-scenes pictures, advertisements, and lobby cards.
• Italian Trailer: Original theatrical trailer with English subtitles.
• English Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"The Case of the Bloody Iris" (1972) emerges as a quintessential giallo, directed by Giuliano Carnimeo and masterfully scripted by Ernesto Gastaldi. The movie unfolds with disjointed yet gripping sequences that quickly converge into a chilling narrative. Edwige Fenech stars alongside George Hilton, delivering a nuanced performance that balances seduction, vulnerability, and fear. Fenech's extensive range is showcased as her character Jennifer navigates a maze of paranoia, suspicion, and terror following a series of grisly murders. The film is lauded for its atmospheric tension and ability to keep viewers on edge with cleverly placed red herrings and an ensemble of potential suspects.

Carnimeo, known primarily for his Italian Westerns, adeptly shifts gears to craft a stylish and well-proportioned giallo. Unlike other films in the genre that may succumb to excesses, "The Case of the Bloody Iris" maintains strategic balance across all critical elements. The sex cult backstory enriches the plot without overshadowing the primary narrative. The murders are depicted with sufficient variety to maintain suspense without delving into gratuitous sadism. Supporting characters, including law enforcement figures, are utilized effectively to inject moments of comic relief amidst the tension.

The exceptional 4K restoration by Celluloid Dreams elevates the visual experience, preserving the film's aesthetic allure and moody ambiance. The original negative's 4K scan breathes new life into the intricate details and vibrant color palette that define the film. Sound quality is top-notch, with a choice between an Italian DTS-HD Mono track with English subtitles and an English DTS-HD Mono track, ensuring an engaging auditory experience. This release, paired with exclusive memorabilia for collectors, solidifies "The Case of the Bloody Iris" as a must-have for both giallo enthusiasts and new audiences discovering this iconic genre gem.

"The Case of the Bloody Iris" 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an exceptional viewing experience, showcasing top-tier restoration work that elevates this Giallo classic to new heights. The film, directed by Giuliano Carnimeo and scripted by Ernesto Gastaldi, mesmerizes with its compelling narrative, unique murder sequences, and the atmospheric backdrop of Genoa. While George Hilton delivers a noteworthy performance, it is Edwige Fenech who truly shines, portraying a model entangled in a harrowing escape from her past with palpable intensity. The enhanced resolution accentuates the film’s aesthetic, delighting both long-time fans and newcomers.

Technically, the 4K transfer boasts remarkable clarity and color fidelity, a testament to the meticulous restoration efforts. Black levels are deep and consistent, while details are sharp, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. The accompanying audio track ensures a robust and immersive sonic experience, further adding to its appeal. Supplementary features, though not extensive, are insightful, particularly the interviews and commentary which delve deep into the film’s legacy and production nuances. It’s important to note some minor exclusions, such as additional content from earlier Limited Edition releases which featured interviews with key contributors like Edwige Fenech and scholars.

Overall, "The Case of the Bloody Iris" 4K UHD Blu-ray is a standout release. Its pristine presentation and engaging extras make this a must-have for genre aficionados and film enthusiasts alike. The high-quality transfer and enriching supplementary materials ensure that this release stands as the definitive edition of this cult classic. Highly recommended for its technical excellence and preservation of a landmark in Giallo cinema.