Madness Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Madness" by Raro Video presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and featuring a 1080p transfer. Sourced from an older master, likely used since the initial 2012 DVD release, this version retains a convincing period aesthetic, aligning well with the film's vintage 1970s charm. Unlike recent 4K restorations, which can sometimes distort colors, this Blu-ray maintains stable primary colors without introducing digital anomalies. However, minor enhancements in areas like delineation and clarity would elevate the viewing experience. Notably, the skies expose occasional light blooming and could benefit from a blue color balance adjustment. Despite these concerns, the image stability remains impressive throughout.

While the encoding might have been further optimized for precise grain exposure, it does not detract notably from the film's visual integrity. There are commendably no noticeable signs of artificial digital corrections. Specified as a Region-Free release, this Blu-ray provides cross-geographical accessibility, making it friendly to global audiences seeking genuine Italian cinema from Fernando Di Leo. The age-related imperfections inherent to the film do subtly appear but are not overly distracting, aligning with its low-budget origins and rushed production schedule—shot in just 12 days. This technical release encapsulates the essence of Di Leo’s diverse work, though he considered "Madness" a minor entry within his expansive genre repertoire. While not reaching the technical heights of modern masters, this presentation honors the gritty charm of its noir roots.

The Blu-ray release of "Madness" by Raro Video features a primary Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, mirroring the audio found in their previous DVD releases. The audio is of satisfactory quality, maintaining clarity across its soundscape. It delivers a reliable audio experience, capturing the original intent of the film despite its inherent limitations in expressiveness due to the nature of the overdubbing. This can notably affect the engagement since Joe Dallesandro's performance is a key component, and his original English lines are lost in translation.

While the inclusion of English subtitles assists non-Italian speakers, the absence of an English audio track potentially detracts from the overall experience for English-speaking audiences, especially those interested in capturing the nuances of Dallesandro's performance in his native language. The Italian track fulfills its functional purpose with competence but lacks the vibrant pull some audiences might hope for an immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Madness" offer an insightful exploration into the film's production and its director, Fernando Di Leo. The collection is anchored by a compelling new audio commentary from critic Troy Howarth. Through Howarth’s informed perspective, viewers gain valuable context regarding Di Leo’s career, the distinctive stylistic elements within "Madness", and its significance in his oeuvre. Additionally, the vintage trailer provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original presentation, enhancing the understanding of its historical and cultural impact. Each component offers depth and enriches appreciation for both dedicated fans and newcomers to Di Leo’s work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Madness" in Italian with English subtitles.
• Commentary: New audio commentary by critic Troy Howarth focusing on Fernando Di Leo's career and the stylistic nuances of "Madness".

"Madness," directed by Fernando Di Leo in 1980, marks an intriguing departure from his hallmark Italian crime films. This Blu-ray release showcases a film teetering on the edge of genre classification, presenting a unique blend of psychological intensity and raw narrative. Set against the backdrop of a mountain villa, the plot follows a professional thief, portrayed by Joe Dallesandro, as he escapes prison and seeks hidden loot. His plans unravel when confronted with unexpected visitors, leading to a chilling hostage scenario that unravels buried secrets and unleashes chaos.

The film’s fluid narrative and visceral energy suggest the influence of a director venturing beyond conventional boundaries. Luis Bacalov's moody soundtrack underpins the film's noir atmosphere, contributing to its borderline surrealistic quality. The creative choices imbued within "Madness" indicate Di Leo's exploration of darker psychological themes, showcasing a vivid expression of a mind potentially dealing with emotional turmoil or artistic evolution.

Though approached with a constrained budget and a mere 12-day shooting schedule, "Madness" stands as a testament to Di Leo’s capacity to infuse depth and intensity into a film, albeit one he considered incomplete. Dallesandro’s performance further underscores this unique production, framing the narrative through an informed perspective that challenges traditional genre storytelling. Despite its low-budget constraints, "Madness" captivates with its enigmatic energy and serves as an engaging example of Di Leo’s expansive foray into varying cinematic landscapes beyond his celebrated crime oeuvre.

Raro Video’s Blu-ray release of "Madness" presents this cult film in a largely commendable format, garnering attention for its thorough video and audio mastering. Despite its origins as a lower-budget production, the transfer's quality is surprisingly robust. The 1920 x 1080p video resolution retains the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcasing unexpectedly vibrant colors and sharp details, which substantially elevate the viewing experience beyond initial expectations for such a niche title. The release effectively captures the essence of 1970s cinematic grit, transporting viewers to its distinct era.

Accompanying the visual presentation, the DTS-HD Master Audio (2.0 mono) remains true to the film’s original Italian dialogue, complemented by optional English subtitles. Though restrained by its mono limitations, the audio track delivers clarity and fidelity that suit the film’s tone and period appropriately. Both die-hard fans and newcomers will appreciate these technical enhancements, finding value in experiencing the film as close to its intended form as possible.

Conclusively, while "Madness" may not rival Fernando Di Leo’s renowned poliziotteschi in scope or style, it captivates through its unique narrative purpose and visceral energy. Raro Video's Region-Free release elucidates this underappreciated gem by providing attentive mastering of both video and audio elements. Ultimately, it deserves recognition as an intriguing addition to Italian B-cinema, appealing to dedicated collectors and casual viewers alike. The effort to preserve and present "Madness" through this meticulous release is genuinely commendable. Recommended for those seeking something distinct within the genre.