Torso Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's release of "Torso" on Blu-ray offers a meticulously crafted AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. This restoration effort was spearheaded by L'Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna, where the original 35mm camera negative underwent a 2K scan via pin-registered Arriscan. The transfer highlights an extensive digital restoration process that corrected thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and picture instability, ensuring a pristine viewing experience without sacrificing the film's nostalgic character.

However, some personal preferences may find the overall palette slightly cool. Despite this, the presentation is a significant upgrade over the previous Blue Underground release, showcasing natural grain and excellent density throughout. Close-up shots, especially those depicting detailed textures, benefit from heightened detail levels. The film's quality does experience minor fluctuations, likely due to original optical effects, with certain sequences, including the climax, appearing somewhat rough. Notably, the brief flashback segment features some of the warmest and most vividly suffused visuals. This Blu-ray release ensures that "Torso’s" meticulous restoration keeps true to the original aesthetics while exploiting modern enhancements effectively.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Torso" features LPCM Mono tracks in both Italian and English, providing listeners with a decent yet unremarkable auditory experience. While the sound quality may not be groundbreaking, it competently handles the film's needs. The audio tracks exhibit a boxy and occasionally reverberant quality that might not excite audiophiles, but they nonetheless deliver the essential elements of the dialogue and score. Notably, since the film was post-looped, there is a perceptible disconnect between lip movements and spoken words, especially in the English track where some actors were clearly speaking English during the shoot.

The prioritization of dialogue and score over ambient environmental effects is evident in the mix. This approach often pushes crucial audio details, such as the click of a camera shutter in the opening sequence, into the background, making them sound somewhat anemic. Despite this, both soundtracks are serviceable, with viewers having the option to select between the Italian and English tracks based on personal preference for linguistic synchronization. The overall audio presentation manages to establish a functional auditory environment that aligns with the film’s narrative, even if it sacrifices some subtle nuances in ambient sound.

This Blu-ray edition of "Torso" boasts an impressive array of extras that delve into the film's creation, offering a thorough exploration for enthusiasts. The audio commentary by Kat Ellinger is insightful, shedding light on the film’s subtext and cultural impact. The interviews with key figures such as co-writer/director Sergio Martino, actor Luc Merenda, and co-writer Ernesto Gastaldi provide valuable perspectives and anecdotes from the production. Additionally, Michael J. Koven's discussion and Federico Martino's insights into her father's work as a filmmaker enrich the package. The inclusion of a Q&A session from the 2017 Abertoir International Horror Festival adds a layer of contemporary reflection. Rounding out the extras are both Italian and English theatrical trailers, alongside an insert booklet, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger: In-depth analysis and insights.
• All Colors of Terror: Interview with co-writer/director Sergio Martino.
• The Discreet Charm of the Genre: Interview with actor Luc Merenda.
• Dial S for Suspense: Interview with co-writer Ernesto Gastaldi.
• Women in Blood: Interview with filmmaker Federico Martino.
• Saturating the Screen: Interview with author Michael J. Koven.
• Sergio Martino Live: Q&A session from the 2017 Abertoir International Horror Festival.
• Italian Theatrical Trailer
• English Theatrical Trailer

Sergio Martino’s Torso (also known as Carnal Violence and I corpi presentano tracce di violenza carnale) occupies a unique space within the giallo genre, often regarded as a transitional piece that interconnects traditional giallo motifs with emerging slasher film tendencies. As Michael J. Koven highlights in a supplemental feature included on this Blu-ray, Torso can be perceived as a "missing link" between well-established giallo tropes—such as a masked, gloved killer—and nascent slasher elements. This intricate interweaving of form takes Torso beyond mere genre constraints, crafting a layered narrative that features Suzy Kendall as Jane, a student whose college life is abruptly entangled with a series of gruesome murders.

The film structurally deviates from typical giallo by incorporating an array of red herrings and opting for a more discursive presentation of its murders, often eschewing the graphic violence that is commonly associated with its ilk. However, despite this reticence in displaying gore at the moment of the murders, Torso compensates with an abundance of full frontal nudity that reinforces its psychosexual themes. It transitions into a slasher film in its final half hour, adopting a more visceral approach that proves effective in sustaining suspense and terror.

For viewers familiar with Blue Underground's previous Blu-ray release, it is worth noting the underlying psychosexual complexity that drives much of Torso's plot. This thematic richness coupled with Martino’s adept direction makes the film a compelling watch, even as it deliberately sidesteps some of the most explicit violent imagery typical of the genre. In essence, Torso emerges not only as a standout example within the giallo canon but also as an influential precursor to the slasher films that would dominate subsequent decades.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Torso" is a commendable compilation that stands out both for its technical prowess and its extensive supplemental features. The film itself offers an intriguing take on the giallo genre, blending mystery with a slightly subversive edge to typical genre conventions. The high-definition transfer is impressive, providing viewers with superior visual and audio quality that accentuates the film's vibrant color palette and effectively enhances its suspenseful atmosphere.

One of the most notable aspects of this release is the inclusion of all various versions of "Torso," marking a first for home media. While a 2-Disc edition with additional extras would have been ideal, the current package still overdelivers with its A/V upgrade. Arrow's effort in restoring and compiling the material speaks to their commitment to film preservation and appreciation. The assortment of supplements, ranging from insightful commentaries to behind-the-scenes footage, significantly enriches the viewing experience and provides valuable context for fans and scholars alike.

In conclusion, Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Torso" is an essential addition to any giallo or slasher collection. The combination of a pristine transfer and a robust selection of extras makes this package a clear winner in terms of both technical merit and content. This release is highly recommended for its exceptional quality and depth, offering a definitive look at a classic film that continues to thrill and intrigue.