'Death Walks Twice' in the Limited Edition Box Set from Arrow Video
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: March 28, 2016 (UK) / March 29, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1971
Region Code: A / B
Running Time: 1:47:48
Audio: Italian DTS-HD MA Mono, English DTS-HD MA Mono
Video: 1080p (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English, English SDH
THE FILM - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
This film is part of a new, two film Blu-ray and DVD box set limited edition box set (3000 copies), "Death Walks Twice." Emerging at the peak of the giallo boom of the early ‘70s, Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks films are two superlative examples of the genre linked by their shared casting of the stunning Nieves Navarro (billed under her adopted stage name of Susan Scott) as the lead woman in peril.
In "Death Walks on High Heels" (1971), exotic dancer Nicole (Nieves Navarro), the daughter of a murdered jewel thief, finds herself terrorized by a black-clad assailant determined on procuring her father's stolen gems. Fleeing Paris and her knife-wielding pursuer, Nicole arrives in London only to discover that death stalks her at every corner.
The giallo, one of my favorite sub-genre's of horror and the precursor to slashers. With "Death Walks on High Heels" the title immediately plants an image in to our minds as is often the case with this sort of film. The villain of the film is not totally cloaked in darkness nor has an obscured face. In this case we are privy to seeing a portion of the killer's face. But it is the eyes that we are focused on. Perhaps even, fixated. Piercing and blue, they are quite memorable. Our killer also disguises their voice. They are crafty but are they crafty enough to elude the police?
The film does a good job of keeping the viewer on their toes, tossing red herrings at you as well as shaking things up with the characters during the film. I don't want to reveal too much. There are a number of interesting characters that appear during the film and while some may have small roles, they are effective at both furthering the story and helping to raise your heart rate.
Nieves Navarro gives a wonderful performance as Nicole. She goes through a range of emotions during the film and pulls them off quite nicely. She even entertains us with her dancing skills as well. Simon Andreu is also great in his role as Nicole's love interest Michel. "Death Walks on High Heels" features a number of lavish or beautiful locations, from the Kit Kat club to the beachfront property, cinematographer Fernando Arribas did a fine job shooting this film.
AUDIO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
The Blu-ray features both Italian and English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks. There are also English and English SDH subtitles included. The sound quality is excellent and the score by Stelvio Cipriani helps bring the film to life. Dialogue, sound effects and score were fairly well balanced throughout. I did not notice any issues with the audio in the form of hissing, pops, etc.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"Death Walks on High Heels" stalks its way on to Blu-ray by Arrow Video and its U.S. distributor MVD Entertainment Group. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.35 aspect ratio thanks to the new 2k restoration of the film from the original camera negatives by Arrow Video. The film looks gorgeous with its variety of strong colors from Nicoles' red hair to her gold dance costume. The film appears to have a good amount of sharpness to it which looks even better in close up shots. Skin tones look natural in hue. There is a fine layer of grain present which seemed more noticeable at first but seeing as film grain doesn't bother me, it could just be that I wasn't actively looking for it any longer. A very good looking video presentation once again by Arrow Video.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4 / 5 ]:
Play with Introduction (1:48) - You have the option of playing the film with a brief introduction by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi.
From Spain with Love (24:21) - Director Luciano Ercoli and actress Nieves Navarro (Susan Scott) were interviewed on March 2012 at their home in Barcelona. The both discuss their careers including how they got started. Ms. Navarro talks about her previous modeling career and why her name was changed to Susan Scott for a film. The pair discuss a variety of topics from shooting love scenes to the dictatorship of Francisco Franco in Spain. (with English subtitles)
Master of Giallo (32:33) - A brand new interview filmed in Rome in November 2015, screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi discusses "Death Walks on High Heels" and how to write a successful giallo. Mr. Gastaldi talks about the differences between his films and others. He talks about working on "Once Upon a Time in America" with Sergio Leone, the effects of DNA from crime scenes on thrillers today and more. Another great, informative interview with the very talented writer. (with English subtitles)
Death Walks to the Beat (26:28) - This new interview with composer Stelvio Cipriani was filmed October 2015 in Rome. He discusses his career and work on "Death Walks on High Heels." The interview opens with him playing the song that appears in the opening credits of the film, on a piano. Also, throughout the interview are more moments of Mr. Cipriani playing various tunes on the piano. (with English subtitles)
Trailers (5:38) - The Italian and English trailers for the film.
Audio Commentary with Tim Lucas - Film critic Tim Lucas does a nice job of talking about what is happening on the screen and providing additional information on said scenes. I found the commentary to be very analytical and technical. If you enjoyed the film you will probably also find this commentary interesting, as I have.
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx
Limited Edition 60-page booklet - As part of the "Death Walks Twice" Limited Edition box set, it includes a 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 RATING - [ 4 / 5 ]
You can also read our review of the other film from this set, "Death Walks at Midnight."
