Arrow Video has now chosen to release 1977's Shock. Interestingly enough the film was released in the United States as a sequel to Ovidio G. Assonitis's Beyond the Door as Beyond the Door II, though it is a better stand alone film in my humble opinion.
Dora (Daria Nicolodi) moves back into her old family home with her husband, Bruno (John Steiner), and Marco (David Colin Jr.), her young son from her previous marriage. But happiness in this in her childhood home with her new family is not going to happen as strange and even disturbing occurrences begin to take place. As Dora begins to be haunted by nightmares and hallucinations, many of them involving her dead husband. She begins to wonder if her son or the house itself possessed?
Shock has all the style fans come to know and love from Mario Bava even though this was his final feature film and was partially directed by his son. The acting is maybe not as strong as other Bava films but it is believable. Shock is a good horror film even if it is not Bava's best.
The film has been transferred in 1080p in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio from a brand new 2K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative by Arrow Films. There is options for a restored lossless mono audio of both the Italian and English soundtracks. There is also newly translated English subtitles.
This new 2K restoration is a true thing of beauty. I can't imagine it ever looked as good as it does now! The picture is crisp as a new 100 dollar bill and the audio is as clear as a bell. There is no signs of damage to this print as far as I could see.
Now Arrow Video always goes above and beyond as adds great bonus features to their releases and this one is no different. Take a look at all these amazing bonuses included in this Blu-ray release.
* Original Italian and English front and end titles and insert shots
* Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
* New audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark
* A Ghost in the House, a new video interview with co-director and co-writer Lamberto Bava
* Via Dell’Orologio 33, a new video interview with co-writer Dardano Sacchetti
* The Devil Pulls the Strings, a new video essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
* Shock! Horror! – The Stylistic Diversity of Mario Bava, a new video appreciation by author and critic Stephen Thrower
* The Most Atrocious Tortur(e), a new interview with critic Alberto Farina
* Italian theatrical trailer
* 4 US “Beyond the Door II” TV spots
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Christopher Shy
Watch The Trailer Below:
Arrow Video put a lot of great featurettes on this Blu-ray. So not only will giallo fans enjoy the newly restored 2k version of Shock, but will be entertained for hours with the featurettes and interviews about this final Bava feature.
If you are a fan of Italian horror films this brand new Arrow Video Blu-ray of Shock is a must own. Head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video Blu-ray Shock receives...
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2 Comments
Dario Argento directed Deep Red - nor Bava. You may be thinking of Blood & Black Lace which (along with Black Sabbath and Black Sunday) is among Bava's best, and was released by Arrow in a stellar presentation as well.
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