All Screwed Up Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "All Screwed Up" showcases a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, setting it apart from other recent Lina Wertmüller releases by Kino-Lorber. The transfer offers a naturally filmic quality with fewer compression artifacts, providing a more authentic viewing experience. Grain structure is well-preserved, free of excessive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), ensuring that fine textures and hard lines are not obscured. The print itself is in good condition, featuring only sporadic minor blemishes such as white specks and infrequent brightness flickering, indicating minimal age-related damage. The overall clarity marks a notable improvement over standard definition editions, though the image does maintain a soft, hazy aesthetic that aligns with the film's original visual style.

While the presentation avoids many of the artifacting issues seen in Kino's other Wertmüller titles, the image quality is not entirely without its drawbacks. Clarity remains modest, occasionally rendering fine details and textures slightly murky, with the image lacking a profound sense of dimension or "pop." Despite this, close-up shots of characters' faces are particularly striking, capturing subtle nuances in their often exaggerated expressions. The color palette leans towards soft pastels, presenting hues that are neutral and realistic without being overly vibrant. White levels stand out as natural and balanced, while black levels appear decent though slightly elevated and muddy at times.

Overall, despite some limitations, the Blu-ray transfer remains faithful to the source material and represents a significant step up from previous editions. The image presents a satisfying color density and accuracy, contributing to an overall authentic and engaging viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "All Screwed Up" is housed in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono track, revealing its age and source limitations but remaining serviceable overall. While the film's dubbing can be somewhat noticeable and occasionally not perfectly recorded – a common characteristic for Italian films of this era – it does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The dialogue is balanced effectively within the mix and does not exhibit the brashness noted in comparable films from this period.

The soundtrack features Piero Piccioni's notably funky score, which, though somewhat dynamically restrained, comes through with clarity. Any congestion in sound typically happens during scenes with high activity or multiple characters speaking simultaneously, where the single channel can begin to clutter and lose distinction. Despite these limitations, the dialogue maintains audibility, and there are no prominent issues with crackle, hiss, or pops. Optional English subtitles are included and are clear and easy to read, making the experience accessible to a broader audience.

The Blu-ray release of "All Screwed Up" includes a limited but engaging set of extras. The lone offering, a stills gallery, provides a succinct visual summary of the film with ten high-definition photos. While the content may be minimal, it is presented with professional precision and adds to the overall appeal of the release by giving fans a brief yet evocative glimpse behind the scenes. Although additional features such as commentary or making-of documentaries would have enhanced the package, the inclusion of the stills gallery maintains a level of interest and archival value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stills Gallery: A gallery of ten high-definition stills from the film.

Lina Wertmüller's "All Screwed Up" (originally titled "Tutto a posto e niente in ordine") encapsulates the chaotic essence of 1970s urban Milan through a comedic yet poignant lens. The storyline follows two country boys, Gigi (Luigi Diberti) and Carletto (Nino Bignamini), as they navigate the tumultuous cityscape in search of work. Wertmüller touches on a myriad of socio-political themes including labor disputes, gender inequalities, and cultural clashes within Italy. Despite its episodic and sometimes disjointed structure, the film remains engaging due to its eclectic cast and moments of incisive satire that highlight the absurdities of urban life and the struggles of the working class.

The narrative is characterized by a series of vignettes that bring a frenetic energy to the film, mirroring the disorder of cosmopolitan life. Gigi and Carletto's misadventures range from securing a meat-packing job amidst union strikes to attempting crime, all while living in a dilapidated communal flat with a diverse group of characters. The movie excels in its humor, often derived from slapstick scenarios and exaggerated facial expressions, reminiscent of Wertmüller's previous works like "The Seduction of Mimi". However, some scenes, such as a graphic depiction of an abattoir or Gigi's coercive behavior towards Adelina (Sara Rapisarda), traverse into darker territory, delivering sobering moments that contrast starkly with the film's overall comedic tone.

Visually, "All Screwed Up" employs an energetic style with cluttered sequences brimming with activity, effectively enhancing the chaotic ambiance. Cinematic techniques such as close-ups and sustained shots underscore Wertmüller’s adept timing and staging, brilliantly encapsulated in a climax featuring a masterfully executed twirling shot. Despite its inherent unevenness, the film’s charismatic characters and unique satirical edge offer a captivating journey through the madness of urban survival, reflecting both the societal changes of the era and the timeless human quest for stability amidst chaos.

Lina Wertmuller's "All Screwed Up" is a lively and sharply satirical film that targets various social issues prevalent in 1970s Italy. It may not reach the narrative coherence of Wertmuller's better-known works like "The Seduction of Mimi" or "Love & Anarchy," but it remains engaging due to its brazen humor and insightful commentary. The film's blend of drama and comedy is somewhat uneven, yet it possesses a charm that makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of Italian cinema.

The Blu-ray release by Kino-Lorber, while appreciated for bringing this confrontational commedia all'italiana classic to modern audiences, falls short in some technical aspects. The video's transfer is clean without major problems; however, it lacks the customary superior quality expected from Kino. The audio, although functional, is restricted by its original recording limitations. Additionally, with only a stills gallery as a bonus feature, the release is sparse on supplements, which might disappoint collectors expecting more in-depth content.

In conclusion, despite its imperfections, "All Screwed Up" maintains enough substance and entertainment value to be considered for any Italian comedy aficionado’s collection. Its socially observant humor and unusual narrative approach offer enduring appeal. Though the Blu-ray format may not fully realize the film's potential in terms of video and audio quality, having this film in your library remains highly recommended.