Arrow Video Unearths Three Films from the 70's for their
"American Horror Project Volume 1"
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: February 22, 2016 (UK) / February 23, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1973
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:14:16
Audio: English LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
THE FILM - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:
Everyone knows the classic American horror titles: "Night of the Living Dead," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street," to name but a few. But we want to tell you a different story - a story of the unsung heroes of American terror... Whether it's a film that has languished in obscurity, or a movie that's at risk of being lost due to lack of source materials, American Horror Project is here to ensure that these unique slices of the American Nightmare are brought back into the public consciousness and preserved for all to enjoy. Volume I of this series presents three tales of violence and madness from the 1970s.
This review pertains to "Malatesta's Carnival of Blood" (Christopher Speeth, 1973) in which we see a family arrive at a creepy, dilapidated fairground in search of their missing son, only to find themselves at the mercy of cannibalistic ghouls lurking beneath the park.
I was not particularly fond of the film overall. The story was a bit lacking but what I did enjoy was the look of the film. I am a sucker for creepy amusement park type horror films. Amusement parks are a place where we are supposed to experience happiness and just have fun. So to me, the idea that that setting can be perverted in to something macabre and scary, interests me a great deal. Whether it is the possibly sinister workers, performers or something else altogether, I find it intriguing. While this film may not be on the level of Tod Browning's "Freaks" or Tobe Hooper's "The Funhouse," this film still has something to offer in its interesting sets as well as some trippy, surreal dreamlike sequences.
"Malatesta's Carnival of Blood" features some oddball characters as well it should. We even have a recognizable face and name with the late Herve Villechaize ("Forbidden Zone," "Fantasy Island"). As learned from the extras, the film was a low budget production and most of that was spent for the 35mm film. The lack of budget is evident in things like special effects that does not always feature realistically looking blood, sometimes looking like cheap paint. The film really was a mixed bag for me. There are times where I could feel bad for some of the characters but then in the next scene I might be laughing at their predicament.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
There is one audio option which is an English LPCM Mono track. English SDH subtitles are also included. The dialogue, score and sound effects on the Blu-ray sounded very good and well balanced. The films eerie music helps set the mood and make you feel like you too are sneaking about the sinister carnival, not knowing what might be lurking around the next turn. I did not experience any issues with the audio such as hissing or drop outs.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"Malatesta's Carnival of Blood" comes to Blu-ray as part of the "American Horror Project Volume 1" from Arrow Video. The film makes it Blu-ray debut in 1080p with a 1.85 Aspect Ratio via a new 2k restoration. The film overall looks quite good. This was my first time viewing the movie so I could not say how the film looked previously. There are some specks and scratches that appear and some instances of apparent fading. However there is a pleasing amount of detail present. Colors look good yet subdued. Skin tones and black levels look good also. For a relatively obscure film with a low budget, "Malatesta's Carnival of Blood" looks good considering that was shot over forty years ago.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4 / 5 ]:
Play with Introduction (3:41) - Author and Co-curator for American Horror Project, Stephen Thrower gives a brief introduction of the film. He talks about the films lack of home video releases as well as the relative obscurity of the film. Mr. Thrower even provides tips that could allow you to enjoy the film more than you otherwise might. I would have to agree with his suggestions since they would apply to myself while watching the film.
Audio Commentary with Richard Harland Smith - Straight away I will say that I believe I enjoyed this commentary track more than the film itself. It was highly informative in regards to members of the cast and crew as far as their careers and lives as well as the production of the film. For me it was it was interesting to learn that the film was shot at some locations about two hours from where I live.
The Secrets of Malatesta (14:06) - An interview with director Christopher Speeth. A number of the cast and crew members from the film in addition to some of the shooting locations are discussed. Mr. Speeth also briefly talks about the films production and his career following the film.
Crimson Speak (11:49) - An interview with writer Werner Liepolt. Mr. Liepolt talks about his vision for the film via his script and the early stages of the films production including how some of the actors were brought in to work on the film. He also talks about the audience reaction at a screening for the film.
Malatesta's Underground (10:10) - Art directors Richard Stange and Alan Johnson discuss the weird world of Malatesta's underground. The sets and materials used to help bring the film to life are discussed. The lack of budget for the film and how it factored in to the making of the movie is also mentioned.
Outtakes (2:59)
Still Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil.
DVD - A DVD is also included
American Horror Project Journal Volume 1 - As part of the limited edition set, a 60-page booklet featuring new articles on the film from Kim Newman (Nightmare Movies), Kier-La Janisse (House of Psychotic Women) and Brian Albright (Regional Horror Films, 1958-1990).
Draft Script (BD/DVD-ROM content)
OVERALL RATING - [ 3.5 / 5 ]
