Death Walks Twice: Two Films by Luciano Ercoli (4-Disc
Limited Edition Boxset) [Blu-ray + DVD]
Starring: Frank Wolff, Nieves Navarro, Simón Andreu
Company: Arrow Video
My Review and Thoughts:
Death Walks on High Heels is a 1971 Giallo style murder
mystery thriller. It has all the trademarks of an Italian crime story. Starring
the wonderful, beautiful, sexy Nieves Navarro. Navarro was a total eye catch
throughout her career. She was a passionate goddess of Cult, Drive-In,
Grindhouse style of entertainment. I personally remember her in the classic Spaghetti
Westerns. From the must see The Big Gun, to 1971’s Adios Sabata. She was a
golden ticket of Drive-in Perfection. Her beauty, her powerful attitude, both
sexy and intense showcased in everything she ever did. A prime example of her
passion is this set of 2 films. Arrow Video has yet again honored one of the
forgotten Grindhouse style pieces of entertainment.
Another lovely transfer to Blu-ray. The plot is that a
famous Jewel Thief is killed on a train. You then are introduced to his
daughter Nicole who just happens to be a stripper. Soon the police question her
about the diamonds her dad had stolen before his death. The police think she
has them, and also the killer thinks she has them. Soon a cat and mouse game
takes place as the masked killer haunts, hunts her down wanting those diamonds.
Also starring another great from this style of crime or
Italian entertainment. Simon Andreu. Andreu is another prime example of an
actor I feel shines in all his roles, no matter how small or big they are.
Acting in well over 130 films, still acting today. He alongside Nieves Navarro equals
pure entertainment.
Directed by producer, writer, Luciano Ercoli. Ercoli in the
70’s crafted many Giallo style crime thrillers. Murder mysteries. From the cult
classic Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion to his last picture 77’s The
Rip-Off, he had away with creating interesting characters and plots unfolding
on screen. I think what is interesting to note about Luciano Ercoli is that
after 1977, he dropped off the radar never to direct or produce again. Now what
is interesting is he was married to the star of Death Walks on High Heels,
Nieves Navarro.
Death Walks on High Heels is another prime example of those
classic murder mysteries.
The second film in this set is 1972’s Death Walks at
Midnight. Again directed by Luciano Ercoli and starring the same two
performers, his wife, Nieves Navarro and Simon Andreu. This time around Nieves
plays Valentina, a fashion model who ends up taking an experimental drug. While
on this drug she has a vision of a woman being murdered by an interesting
weapon, a spiked glove. Soon she realizes another woman has been murdered by
the same means. Now as you would guess, she to is being stalked and sought out
by the spiked glove killer.
Another prime example of Italian murder mysteries, a.k.a
Giallo style films. Both films are worthy to own, appreciate and express to
film lovers. I personally like Death Walks at Midnight the best, but enjoyed
both of them. Seeing them on Special Edition, high quality, high class
Blu-ray’s is what it’s all about.
Both films have a classic stamp of Late Night Drive-In,
Grindhouse style of pure over the top entertainment. Sex, murder, killers,
blood, more sex. The Italian films of this style always had away with capturing
the viewer, and sending them on a weird, interesting, and often wild storyline.
Both films in this set accomplish this reality. Both films are worthy to experience.
Each one has an interesting concept, killer, plot, and conclusion.
Audio/Video:
The imagery is vibrant, wonderful colors. There are some
small spots, but nothing worth mentioning in my viewpoint. The audio is
amazing, crystal clear. Both films are jam packed with music, just adding that
classic style of murder mysteries.
A huge plus to this release is you get to watch it in the
original dialogue which in my viewpoint is a must. Always watch a film in the
original language, it adds so much more to the quality of the picture. Arrow
Video gives this option to watch it through original Italian or in English Dub.
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
Subtitles: English SDH
Extras:
Like always this Arrow Video release is jam packed with
special features. I love watching Arrow Video releases for the simple fact is
they honor the fan by giving amazing special features which is always worth the
buy, just for them.
For Death Walks on High Heels:
Introduction by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
Audio Commentary by Video Watchdog's Tim Lucas.
From Spain with Love:
Luciano Ercoli and Nieves Navarro interview from 2012.
Master of Giallo 2015 interview with Ernesto Gastaldi.
Death Walks to the Beat 2015 interview by composer Stelvio
Cipriani,
Trailers
For Death Walks at Midnight:
Introduction by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi.
Audio Commentary with Video Watchdog's Tim Lucas.
Death Walks at Midnight: TV Version with different scenes
not in the original Theater run of the film. Some of the imagery is flawed.
Crime Does Pay 2015 interview with Ernesto Gastaldi.
Desperately Seeking Susan by Michael Mackenzie
Limited Edition 60-page booklet containing new writing from
authors Danny Shipka (Perverse Titillation: The Exploitation Cinema of Italy,
Spain and France), Troy Howarth (So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian
Giallo Films) and writer Leonard Jacobs, illustrated with original archive
stills and posters.
Overall:
This is a must own set for any true Cult film lover. These
two are classic’s in the Giallo reality of entertainment. Some times over the
top, but always entertaining. Both pictures have never looked any better. Arrow
Video has created two new outlets for these older films, and each one stands out
in a whole new setting. Packed with awesome special features. Arrow Video
always brings out the quality in pure entertainment. Another highly recommended
set by Arrow Video.
INFO: