Arrow Video Scores Again With Another Giallo in HD
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: December 15, 2015 (US) / December 14, 2015 (UK)
Production Year: 1972
Region Code: A + B
Running Time: 1:46:43
Audio: English DTS-HD MA Mono (English version) / Italian DTS-HD MA Mono (Italian version)
Video: 1080p (2:35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH, English
THE FILM - [ 4 / 5 ]:
From director Massimo Dallamano, cinematographer on both "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More," comes giallo classic "What Have You Done to Solange?," which features the debut feature of actress Camille Keaton (I Spit on Your Grave).
A sexually sadistic killer is preying on the girls of St. Mary’s school. Student Elizabeth witnessed one of the murders, but her hazy recollections of a knife-wielding figure in black do nothing to further the police’s investigations. Why is the killer choosing these young women? And what does it have to do with a girl named Solange?
Also starring Cristina Galbo (Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue) and Fabio Testi (I Spit On Your Grave), "What Have You Done with Solange?" features all the hallmarks of classic gialli – the amateur detective, the black-gloved killerl – as well as a lush score from Ennio Morricone.
"What Have You Done to Solange?" is a wonderful entry in the catalog of giallo films. The film is likely to evoke a number of emotions from its viewer over the course of the film. Whether it makes you wince in phantom pain thanks to how some of the murders occur, curiosity of the question posed by the title of the film or confusion as to the killers identity. The film is sure to keep you guessing, which is part of the fun after all. You may find a sense of relief at the end of the film and experience a few "ah hah" moments. Solange does a terrific job of keeping you guessing and throwing several red herrings at its audience to further complicate matters.
The actors do a nice job of conveying emotions with their characters despite the dubbing process throwing things off a bit. Ennio Morricone's magical score further adds to the mood of the film in a number of ways. Solange features great cinematography with some really gorgeous shots. Combine that with this impressive Blu-ray from Arrow Video and you have yourself a winner.
AUDIO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
"What Have You Done to Solange?" comes with both English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks for their respective "versions." Each also includes English subtitles. If you are new to this film and wonder if the film is out of sync, it is not. Often the case of Italian films during this time, the audio was added later and dubbed. Sometimes the films feature the actual actors voices, still dubbed. Sometimes they don't. The audio tracks for the film sounded great. The dialogue was quite clear and the sound effects sounded crisp and precise. The music in the film masterly handled by Ennio Morricone, did as usual, a superb job at creating and helping elevate the mood of the scenes whether they they are playful and light, tense or melodic and haunting. The track maintained a good balance throughout the film and the volume level seemed very consistent. I noticed no issues with the audio while watching the film in either language.
VIDEO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
"What Have You Done to Solange?" arrives on Blu-ray thanks to the folks at Arrow Video via a new 2K restoration from the original camera negative. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio. Arrow Video has again done a great job, this time with a brand new master and the results certainly appear to be well worth it. The picture quality is excellent with a generous amount of detail present throughout and an increased amount of fine detail in close up shots. Colors looked fairly strong and bold despite the slightly subdued look that often accompanies films of that era. Contrast levels appear to be very good. Skin tones have a natural appearance and black levels looked good as well. Film grain seems to have been handled very well and never appears to be overly heavy or blocky. The film looks beautiful and everyone who purchases the Arrow Video release should be pleasantly pleased and perhaps surprised by how well the film looks thanks to the new high definition master.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary - This commentary features Alan Jones, film critic, broadcaster and author of the book "Dario Argento: The Man, the Myths & the Magic" and film critic Kim Newman. The duo do a fantastic job dissecting the film and it is mentioned how this may be more of an anti-giallo which an interesting take on the film. They give some insightful information about the cast, crew and the film. The pair discuss similarities between "What Have You Done to Solange?" and other giallo films such as "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" and "Blood and Black Lace." Casual viewers may not get much out of this commentary but if you are a fan of the genre, I think you will thoroughly enjoy listening to this track.
What Have You Done to Decency? (13:38) - An interview with actress Karin Baal (Herta), filmed in Berlin October 2015. Ms. Baal is very honest as she discusses the film and gives her thoughts on it which seems pretty clear she wasn't very fond of some of the scenes in the film. She shares an interesting story about how Fabio Testi sometimes didn't know his lines and would just move his lips since the film was being dubbed, which was occurred frequently at the time. (with English subtitles)
First Action Hero (21:17) - An interview with actor Fabio Testi (Enrico), filmed in Rome in 2006. He talks about the cast and crew of the film including director Massamo Dallamano. Fabio speaks briefly about the dubbing process of the film. He speaks fondly of his time while making the movie and also talks about some other films he has worked on, as well as how he liked to drastically vary the type of roles he would play in order to keep things exciting and new. (with English subtitles)
Old-School Producer (11:02) - An interview with producer Fulvio Lucisano, filmed in Rome in 2006. He talks about working with Massamo Dallamano, and other members of the cast and crew including Ennio Morricone. Fulvio touches on the films production and its box office performance. A few pictures from the films premiere are shown during the interview which was a nice little bonus. (with English subtitles)
Innocence Lost (29:00) - A brand new visual essay by Michael Mackenzie who explores the themes of Solange and its two semi-sequels in the "Schoolgirls in Peril' trilogy. A note appears that warns viewers that the featurette contains spoilers for several films. The bulk of the time is spent discussing and dissecting the film. Mr. Mackenzie does also of course talk about several other giallo films. Watching and listening to this essay was a real treat and it left me wanting more. It wasn't long before I wished it was a much longer documentary on the genre. Very informative with loads of information, giallo fans will want to fully dive in to this excellent extra.
Trailer (3:05)
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by MALLEUS.
Booklet featuring brand new writing on the film, illustrated with original stills.
DVD
IN CONCLUSION:
Once again Arrow Video puts on a show as to how to properly bring a film to high definition with a beautiful looking Blu-ray that sounds great as well. Add in some very high quality special features and Arrow Video scores again with this wonderful Blu-ray and DVD combo pack release. Fans of the film will not want to hesitate adding this to their collection and I would suggest that those unfamiliar with the film, acquaint themselves with this giallo as I wholeheartedly recommend it.
OVERALL RATING: [ 4.5 / 5 ]
AUDIO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
"What Have You Done to Solange?" comes with both English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks for their respective "versions." Each also includes English subtitles. If you are new to this film and wonder if the film is out of sync, it is not. Often the case of Italian films during this time, the audio was added later and dubbed. Sometimes the films feature the actual actors voices, still dubbed. Sometimes they don't. The audio tracks for the film sounded great. The dialogue was quite clear and the sound effects sounded crisp and precise. The music in the film masterly handled by Ennio Morricone, did as usual, a superb job at creating and helping elevate the mood of the scenes whether they they are playful and light, tense or melodic and haunting. The track maintained a good balance throughout the film and the volume level seemed very consistent. I noticed no issues with the audio while watching the film in either language.
VIDEO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
"What Have You Done to Solange?" arrives on Blu-ray thanks to the folks at Arrow Video via a new 2K restoration from the original camera negative. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio. Arrow Video has again done a great job, this time with a brand new master and the results certainly appear to be well worth it. The picture quality is excellent with a generous amount of detail present throughout and an increased amount of fine detail in close up shots. Colors looked fairly strong and bold despite the slightly subdued look that often accompanies films of that era. Contrast levels appear to be very good. Skin tones have a natural appearance and black levels looked good as well. Film grain seems to have been handled very well and never appears to be overly heavy or blocky. The film looks beautiful and everyone who purchases the Arrow Video release should be pleasantly pleased and perhaps surprised by how well the film looks thanks to the new high definition master.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary - This commentary features Alan Jones, film critic, broadcaster and author of the book "Dario Argento: The Man, the Myths & the Magic" and film critic Kim Newman. The duo do a fantastic job dissecting the film and it is mentioned how this may be more of an anti-giallo which an interesting take on the film. They give some insightful information about the cast, crew and the film. The pair discuss similarities between "What Have You Done to Solange?" and other giallo films such as "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" and "Blood and Black Lace." Casual viewers may not get much out of this commentary but if you are a fan of the genre, I think you will thoroughly enjoy listening to this track.
What Have You Done to Decency? (13:38) - An interview with actress Karin Baal (Herta), filmed in Berlin October 2015. Ms. Baal is very honest as she discusses the film and gives her thoughts on it which seems pretty clear she wasn't very fond of some of the scenes in the film. She shares an interesting story about how Fabio Testi sometimes didn't know his lines and would just move his lips since the film was being dubbed, which was occurred frequently at the time. (with English subtitles)
First Action Hero (21:17) - An interview with actor Fabio Testi (Enrico), filmed in Rome in 2006. He talks about the cast and crew of the film including director Massamo Dallamano. Fabio speaks briefly about the dubbing process of the film. He speaks fondly of his time while making the movie and also talks about some other films he has worked on, as well as how he liked to drastically vary the type of roles he would play in order to keep things exciting and new. (with English subtitles)
Old-School Producer (11:02) - An interview with producer Fulvio Lucisano, filmed in Rome in 2006. He talks about working with Massamo Dallamano, and other members of the cast and crew including Ennio Morricone. Fulvio touches on the films production and its box office performance. A few pictures from the films premiere are shown during the interview which was a nice little bonus. (with English subtitles)
Innocence Lost (29:00) - A brand new visual essay by Michael Mackenzie who explores the themes of Solange and its two semi-sequels in the "Schoolgirls in Peril' trilogy. A note appears that warns viewers that the featurette contains spoilers for several films. The bulk of the time is spent discussing and dissecting the film. Mr. Mackenzie does also of course talk about several other giallo films. Watching and listening to this essay was a real treat and it left me wanting more. It wasn't long before I wished it was a much longer documentary on the genre. Very informative with loads of information, giallo fans will want to fully dive in to this excellent extra.
Trailer (3:05)
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by MALLEUS.
Booklet featuring brand new writing on the film, illustrated with original stills.
DVD
IN CONCLUSION:
Once again Arrow Video puts on a show as to how to properly bring a film to high definition with a beautiful looking Blu-ray that sounds great as well. Add in some very high quality special features and Arrow Video scores again with this wonderful Blu-ray and DVD combo pack release. Fans of the film will not want to hesitate adding this to their collection and I would suggest that those unfamiliar with the film, acquaint themselves with this giallo as I wholeheartedly recommend it.
OVERALL RATING: [ 4.5 / 5 ]