Death Smiles on a Murderer Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Death Smiles on a Murderer" showcases a meticulously restored 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Using a 2K scan from the original 35mm camera negative, the restoration was executed by R3store Studios with EuroLab and Digital Vision's Nucoda Film Master, ensuring a high-caliber output that preserves the film’s stylistic integrity.

The video presentation impressively balances clarity and texture. Close-ups reveal intricate details such as fine lines, creases, and hair, while still retaining a dreamlike softness intrinsic to the film’s style. Natural filmic grain permeates the movie consistently, although minor imperfections like slight color temperature fluctuations and occasional visible grains are present. The palette offers considerable warmth, with skin tones appearing healthy and outdoor scenes particularly vibrant.

Color rendering is particularly noteworthy, with primary hues enhancing the period decor and lush green landscapes. Black levels are robust with minimal signs of crush. While some minor restoration artifacts remain, including infrequent chunky grain and minute blemishes, the overall quality achieved is commendable. This restoration highlights D’Amato’s visual flair, making this Blu-ray an impressive technical achievement for the film’s 45th anniversary.

Arrow's audio presentation for "Death Smiles on a Murderer" offers two uncompressed LPCM 1.0 Mono tracks, available in both the original Italian and English-dubbed versions. Each track is afforded newly translated English subtitles for added clarity. Although there are minimal differences in amplitude and mix between the tracks, both maintain a reasonably consistent delivery of dialogue and sound effects. The synchronization, however, can feel somewhat loose, particularly in the English dub. The Italian track tends to be less distracting in terms of lip movements aligning with the audio.

Despite being somewhat restrained by its mono presentation, this release still provides the best audio experience the film has seen. The true standout in the audio presentation is Berto Pisano’s score, which features a rich blend of influences akin to Burt Bacharach and Paul Mauriat. This moody score is rendered excellently, despite the narrower soundstage inherent to a mono track. While the audio can occasionally seem boxy, the fidelity remains intact with no notable damage. Overall, this Blu-ray delivers a solid and faithful auditory accompaniment, elevating the film's atmospheric elements.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Death Smiles on a Murderer" boasts an engaging and comprehensive suite of supplemental features. Tim Lucas's insightful audio commentary provides deep contextual understanding of the film, while archival interviews, such as the one with Director D'Amato, add valuable historical perspectives. Ewa Aulin's newly-filmed interview offers extensive biographical insight and her reflections on the impact of the film on her career are particularly noteworthy. Kat Ellinger's compelling video essay, "Taboo: Sex, Death and Transgression," explores the provocative themes within D'Amato's horror films, contributing significantly to an academic perspective. Comprehensive trailers and still galleries round out the offerings, ensuring that there is something for every enthusiast from casual viewers to dedicated cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: In-depth analysis of the film.
• D'Amato Smiles on Death: Archival interview with Director D'Amato.
• All About Ewa: Career-spanning interview with Ewa Aulin.
• Smiling on the Taboo: Video essay by critic Kat Ellinger.
• Original Trailers: English and Italian trailers.
• Stills and Collections Gallery: A visual archive of production images.

Joe D'Amato's "Death Smiles on a Murderer" epitomizes the gothic giallo genre, weaving elements of fantasy, Frankenstein lore, and a controversial rape/revenge narrative. The non-linear storytelling makes it challenging to piece together the already perplexing plot, contributing to a nightmarish and hallucinatory viewing experience. We are introduced to Greta von Holstein (Ewa Aulin), a mysterious woman who defies death. Her journey, marred by the abuse inflicted by her brother Franz (Luciano Rossi) and a sinister accident, leads her to the enigmatic Dr. Sturges (Klaus Kinski). Scenes of graphic gore juxtapose with dreamlike moments, painting a surreal tableau lacking coherent logic but rich in atmospheric dread.

The film's editing feels disjointed, with a series of seemingly random scenes strung together, creating an impression of a patchwork horror opus. Dr. Sturges’s irrational fear of losing his newly discovered reincarnation formula only adds layers to the narrative fog. D'Amato prioritizes mood over coherence, gradually transforming Aulin into an avenging angel amidst a wistful score and heavily stylized cinematography. Despite the chaotic storyline and occasional lapses in logic, D’Amato manages to craft memorable scenes of grotesque violence and eerie beauty.

"Death Smiles on a Murderer," retitled for its English release as "Death Smiles on Murder," leverages Gothic aesthetics and D'Amato's knack for sleaze. The attempts at reconstructing the early 20th century atmosphere are commendable, though the overall sense of period ambiance is subverted by inconsistent performances and unconvincing production value. While it may not strike fear consistently nor stand as a pinnacle of Italian horror, it remains intriguing due to its bizarre narrative structure and imaginative visuals, appealing mainly to D'Amato enthusiasts seeking insight into his formative directorial years.

Joe D'Amato's low-budget 1973 Italian horror, "Death Smiles on a Murderer," epitomizes the gothic giallo style through its imaginative shots and compelling visuals, even though its storyline is convoluted and overly complex. The film stands out among D'Amato's oeuvre, especially if juxtaposed with his works like "Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals," representing a curious attempt to elevate European horror. While it remains a relatively straightforward Gothic thriller, it grapples with narrative complexities that could have benefited from more coherent screenwriting.

Arrow Video’s Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release provides fans with an exceptional package. The 2K-restored video quality is impressive, offering crisp and vibrant visuals that enhance the film’s moody aesthetic. The audio track is solid, effectively conveying the atmospheric soundscapes integral to the gothic horror experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray is enriched with a robust selection of supplementary features, making it a comprehensive edition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "Death Smiles on a Murderer" shines in its technical execution despite its narrative flaws. It may not be on the radar of most genre aficionados but represents one of D'Amato's more intriguing creations. Arrow Video’s Blu-ray significantly elevates the viewing experience, making it a worthwhile acquisition for dedicated fans and those seeking to explore the depths of Italian horror cinema.