Out on: | Dual Format 22nd Aug. 2016 |
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Fast sell:
This classic giallo blends lurid murder set pieces with courtroom drama to create a unique thriller, that’s both fascinating and visually stunning.
The Arrow Video edition is presented in a beautiful 4K restoration from the original camera negative ensuring it looks better than ever before!
Key talent:
Director
Duccio Tessari (Death Occurred Last Night, A Pistol for Ringo)
Actors
Helmut Berger (Dorian Gray, The Godfather: Part III)
Giancarlo Sbragia (Death Rage)
Evelyn Stewart (The Psychic, The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail)
Carole André (Colt 38 Special Squad)
Synopsis:
Directed by Duccio Tessari (Death Occurred Last Night, A Pistol for Ringo), The Bloodstained Butterfly melds the lurid giallo traditions popularised by Dario Argento and Mario Bava with courtroom drama, resulting in a film that is as concerned with forensic detail and legal process as it is with grisly murders and audacious set-pieces.
When a young female student is savagely killed in a park during a thunderstorm, the culprit seems obvious: her lover, TV sports personality Alessandro Marchi (Giancarlo Sbragia, Death Rage), seen fleeing the scene of the crime by numerous eyewitnesses. The evidence against him is damning… but is it all too convenient? And when the killer strikes again while Marchi is in custody, it quickly becomes apparent that there’s more to the case than meets the eye…
Starring 70s heartthrob Helmut Berger (Dorian Gray, The Godfather: Part III) alongside genre mainstays Evelyn Stewart (The Psychic, The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail) and Carole André (Colt
38 Special Squad), and featuring a score by Gianni Ferrio (Death Walks at Midnight), The Bloodstained Butterfly is presented uncut and in a sumptuous new 4K restoration that allows this unique and haunting thriller to shine like never before!
We like it because:
In the grand tradition of Argento and Bava, director Duccio Tessari brings a complex murder mystery and interlaces it with shocking murders by a black-gloved killer, linking it all seamlessly with gorgeous cinematography. The Bloodstained Butterfly, just like its namesake insect, is vividly colourful and effervescent, making for dazzling viewing. However, unlike many gialli, The Bloodstained Butterfly largely takes place in the courtroom, as a whodunnit is unravelled -which kept us guessing until the very end.
Everything pulls together beautifully in the film, from Tessari’s effortless direction, to the sumptuous score by Gianni Ferrio and the brilliant performances by the likes of 1970s icon Helmut Berger and cult favourite Evelyn Stewart, all underlining a thrilling plot where everything is not quite as it seems.
Arrow Video’s edition is brilliant for fans and collectors of the genre, with its vibrant 4K restoration, audio commentary from fan favourites Alan Jones and Kim Newman, exclusive interview with star Helmut Berger, visual essay on the film by Troy Howarth, and a limited edition collector’s booklet, illustrated by Tonci Zonjic.
Hot Quotes:
“This rich Giallo immerses itself in a dream like pool of Time and Space. Truth and Non-Truth.” -
Italian Film Review
Editor's Notes:
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
Original Italian and English soundtracks in DTS-HD MA mono 1.0
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
New audio commentary with critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman
Murder in B-Flat Minor, a new visual essay on the film, its cast and crew by author Troy Howarth
Mad Dog Helmut, a new interview with actor Helmut Berger
Exclusive introduction by Helmut Berger
A Butterfly Named Evelyn, a new interview with actress Evelyn Stewart/Ida Galli
Me and Duccio, an interview with Lorella De Luca, actress and wife of director Duccio Tessari
Original Italian and English theatrical trailers
Gallery of original promotional images
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin
DETAILS
Region: A/B + 1/2
Rating: 15
Duration: 99 minutes
Language: Italian / English
Subtitles: English / English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 2
UK Cat Number: FCD1353