Who Saw Her Die? Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Who Saw Her Die?" presents an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The restoration was meticulously completed by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, where the original 2-perf Techniscope 35mm camera negative was scanned in 2K resolution using a pin-registered Arriscan. Digital restoration tools effectively removed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and picture instability, significantly enhancing the visual quality. The grading process was executed on Digital Vision's Nucoda Film Master at R3store Studios in London, ensuring a balanced and vivid color palette.

The improvement in visuals is immediately noticeable, with a vibrancy and energy that distinguishes this release from previous, less refined home video versions of the film. The precision in color grading allows elements such as the reds in the credits to stand out with exceptional clarity. Detail and fine detail levels are exemplary; for instance, the plush blue fabric on a blanket and the intricate threads on a scarf showcase bespoke restoration and scanning processes. However, a few moments exhibit slight roughness and reduced detail, an understandable compromise given the film's age and original material conditions.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer from Arrow Video is a technical achievement that elevates "Who Saw Her Die?" to new visual heights. Although minor imperfections persist, the restored presentation offers significantly upgraded clarity and color, making it indispensable for dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

The audio presentation of "Who Saw Her Die?" on Blu-Ray offers Italian and English language tracks delivered via LPCM Mono. Notably, there is a considerable difference between the two tracks, extending beyond just the variations in voice work. Differences in amplitude and general mix levels are noticeable, making it advisable for avid listeners to toggle between the two for a richer auditory experience. Both tracks deliver excellent fidelity, ensuring that Ennio Morricone's unique score is faithfully reproduced and resonates with clarity and depth.

While the LPCM Mono format may initially seem limiting, it effectively captures the film's atmospheric nuances. Morricone’s haunting compositions play with remarkable precision, enhancing the eerie ambiance integral to the film’s narrative. The discrepancies between the Italian and English tracks provide an intriguing listening experience; the Italian track often presents a more balanced mix, whereas the English track demonstrates slight variances in amplitude that may appeal more to purists desiring a closer match to the original audio textures. Significant effort has clearly been invested in preserving the authenticity of the film's soundscape, culminating in a highly immersive audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Who Saw Her Die?" offers an extensive and engaging collection of extras, which provide valuable context and deeper appreciation for this giallo classic. These extras include a variety of interviews and features that explore the Italian cinema landscape, the director's artistic vision, cast experiences, and critical analysis. Commentary by Troy Howarth gives an insightful look at broader Italian cinema trends rather than a scene-specific breakdown. The interviews are particularly illuminating, with contributions from the director Aldo Lada, actress Nicoletta Elmi, and co-writer Francesco Barilli. Together, these extras deliver a rich tapestry of behind-the-scenes insights, making this release indispensable for fans of the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Troy Howarth: Overview of Italian cinema trends during this era.
• I Saw Her Die: Interview with director Aldo Lada.
• Nicoletta, Child of Darkness: Interview with Nicoletta Elmi.
• Once Upon a Time, In Venice: Interview with co-writer Francesco Barilli.
• Giallo in Venice: Interview with author and critic Michael Mackenzie.
• Image Gallery: Features images courtesy of Peter Jilmstad.
• Italian Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• English Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Aldo Lado's 1972 thriller, Who Saw Her Die?, diverges subtly but significantly from the conventions of the giallo genre, most notably with its restrained graphical content and emotionally charged narrative. George Lazenby stars as Franco Serpieri, a divorced father whose daughter's untimely demise thrusts him into a world brimming with shadowy suspense and melancholic foreboding. Lazenby's performance enhances the film’s intrigue for those familiar with his single appearance as James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. His role, although arguably more subdued than his famed 007 character, carries a palpable emotional weight that fuels the film’s central tension.

Set against the evocative backdrop of Venice, Who Saw Her Die? shares unsettling thematic parallels with Don't Look Now, despite Lado's departure from the more stylistic approaches seen in Nicolas Roeg's later work. This film tows the line between giallo and psychological drama by showcasing creatively veiled killers and menacing atmospheres while eschewing the overtly graphic tendencies typical of its contemporaries. The early scenes meticulously establish Franco's relationship with his daughter Roberta, played by Nicoletta Elmi, imbuing the narrative with genuine emotional stakes before the darker elements unfold. This emotional foundation sets it apart from other gialli, infusing it with a poignant narrative core amidst the genre's standard lurid undertones.

Who Saw Her Die? begins with the surreal murder of a child and transpires into a gripping investigation entangled in parental grief and veiled threats. The motifs of scrim-like veils and frilly sleeves as substitutes for more traditional giallo iconography offer an intriguing visual tether for fans. However, while the film incorporates an obligatory dark veil narrative and a few sexually charged scenes, it remains relatively unconcerned with more gratuitous exploitation. Indeed, its melancholic landscape imbued with parental angst might surprise viewers expecting more visceral thrills. Though the forced conclusion may dip into predictability, Lado orchestrates a haunting exploration of loss set within a subtly perverse and yet resonant world.

"Who Saw Her Die?" may not precisely align with the archetypal boundaries of the giallo genre, akin to Aldo Lado's "Short Night of Glass Dolls," but it stands out on its own terms as a unique and poignant examination of parental desperation. The film navigates through more dramatic and somber territories, offering a rich and atmospheric journey that murder mystery aficionados will appreciate. Despite some hyperbolic moments and a less than satisfactory conclusion, the film's moody and evocative nature distinguishes it within its niche.

Arrow's Blu-ray release complements the film with a robust array of supplementary materials. Among these are a new audio commentary by Troy Howarth, which, though less screen-specific, provides insightful context about the film's significance in giallo history and details on its cast and crew. Additionally, in-depth interviews include a 57-minute session with director Aldo Lado in "I Saw Her Die," a 28-minute interview with actress Nicoletta Elmi titled "Nicoletta, Child of Darkness," and a 32-minute conversation with co-writer Francesco Barilli in "Once Upon a Time, in Venice...". Critic Michael Mackenzie's "Giallo in Venice," a 26-minute piece, offers a critical look at the film. This release also includes an image gallery with 10 stills, Italian and English HD trailers, and a comprehensive 36-page booklet featuring essays by Rachel Nisbet and Troy Howarth, along with restoration details.

In conclusion, "Who Saw Her Die?" offers a stimulating experience for those drawn to darker, more introspective narratives within the genre. The film's melancholic tone coupled with Arrow's exceptional presentation and extensive bonus content makes this Blu-ray edition highly recommended for both novice and seasoned enthusiasts of giallo cinema.