Death Has Blue Eyes (1976) {Arrow Video Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

So many films from the 1970s are not Oscar nominated films, but over the years they have gained a cult following from certain film fans. Arrow Video knows these film fans are out there and are looking for those film in physical media format with all the bonus features so they are meeting that need.

The next cult film Arrow Video is supplying cult movie fans with is the 1976 action sci-fi thriller from director Nico Mastorakis Death Has Blue Eyes. This isn't the first Nico film Arrow Video has released on Deluxe Blu-ray. Less than a year ago Arrow Video released his 1988 film Bloodstone you can read that review here.

The film follows Greek local gigolo Chess (Chris Nomikos) and his vacationing friend Bob Kovalski (Peter Winter) as they embark on a string of scams and erotic relationships that eventually lead them into contact with an elegant wealthy woman, Geraldine Steinwetz (Jessica Dublin), and her glamorous daughter Christine (Maria Aliferi). Geraldine blackmails the boys into acting as her daughter's bodyguards. But Christine has telepathic abilities and after escaping a series of assassination attempts, it soon becomes clear that Geraldine herself might not be quite whom she seems.

Death Has Blue Eyes is a unique story to say the least. I think this could have been a very entertaining story if it was crafted a bit differently. But for me it felt a bit confusing at times and the exploitation is just not my bag!





Arrow Films releases Death Has Blue Eyes onto Blu-ray for the first time in North America. The film has been restored from the original 35mm camera negative by director Nico Mastorakis and Angelos Argyroulis at SteFilm, Athens. I have to admit the picture is not a stunning looking one. The colors don't seem to pop as much as some 70s film restorations. The bright spot is there seems to be no scratches, dust particles or deterioration of the picture!

Now as for the audio the mono track has been remastered as well. For the most part it is clear there are some disturbances in the track at time through the film. A very cool bonus Arrow Video added English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing!

Never satisfied with a bare bones Blu-ray release Arrow Video has loaded Death Has Blue Eyes release with a lot of bonuses. Take a look at what is included in this disc.

* Two versions of the film: the widescreen 1.85:1 version and the full-frame 1.33:1 version

* Exclusive new interview featurette with Nico Mastorakis

* Exclusive new interview with actress Maria Aliferi

* Dancing with Death: tracks from the Death Has Blue Eyes original soundtrack

* Original theatrical trailers

* Image gallery

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys

* FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collectors' booklet featuring new writing by Julian Grainger

This is a very niche audience release. With the adult situations, violence and sexual content this is not for the general film fan. Viewer discretion really is advised with this release. It could be deemed extremely offensive, especially in this generation.
 
But if you are a fan of Nico Mastorakis or cult films of the 70s Death Has Blue Eyes may be just up your ally! You can add this Blu0ray to your collection today by ordering a copy at Amazon.com.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Death Has Blue Eyes receives...