THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW

(A.k.a. SOLAMENTE NERO)

A young girl is throttled in broad daylight, her body falling lifelessly to the ground while still clutching a crumpled piece of paper.

Several years later, professor Stefano (Lino Capolicchio) travels by boat back to the island where he grew up. He's greeted by his brother, local priest Paolo (Craig Hill). Stefano's been gone for a fair few years but is quickly welcomed back by the islanders.

While feeding at a nearby eatery, Paolo points out a few of the locals to Stefano. Between gambling Dr Aloisi (Sergio Mioni), a middle-aged medium (Alina De Simone), midwife Nardi (Juliette Mayniel) who not only perform illegal abortions but is said to be keeping a deranged son hidden from public view, and Count Pedrazzi (Massimo Serato) - "a most despicable individual" - he doesn't have a kind word to say about any of them. Coincidentally, all are prone to meeting regularly at the medium's house for séance sessions.

When one of this group - the medium - is strangled later than night during a torrential downpour, you'd be forgiven for thinking Paolo is venting his anger out against them. Only, he happens to be the only witness to the killing. Stefano, however, is not in his bed when Paolo races to his room for help...

Shortly afterwards, Paolo receives a letter warning him that he will die next if he goes to the police. Perhaps even more disconcertingly, an old photograph of him and his family is attached.

While he begins challenging suspects locally, Stefano enters into a friendship with fellow islander Sandra (Stefania Casini). It soon transpires through her that the medium was prone to blackmailing people over facts she'd gleamed from beyond the grave. As her latest séances were based around trying to contact the girl seen being murdered in the pre-credits sequence, it's safe to assume her death is connected to some inside knowledge into the crime.

But ... how does it tie-in with Paolo's family? What do the childhood flashbacks that Stefano starts to suffer from have to do with everything that's going on? Who's the mysterious Andreani (Luigi Casellato) who's also returned to the island, and who seems extremely keen on spying on our protagonists? And why does Sandra make frequent visits to the mainland?

Director Antonio Bido made two mighty fine entries to the giallo genre during the late 1970s: 1977's WATCH ME WHEN I KILL, and this 1978 pearl.

Carefully paced, intricately plotted and distinguished by a fine array of quirky, involving characters, THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW also benefits from a sharp script and beautiful evocative score from the always-wonderful Stelvio Cipriani.

The latter really aides the already stylish set-piece scenes. While these may not be as graphic as those proffered by, say, Dario Argento in the likes of DEEP RED or TENEBRAE, they are filmed with oodles of visual flair and adroit editing that arranges everything for maximum impact.

Elsewhere we get an immensely enjoyable succession of popular giallo motifs which are served with both style and panache: critical commentary on the Catholic church; insinuations of child abuse; fragmented traumatic memories; a group of furtive-looking suspects; lovely footage capturing Italy's archaic rural architecture; an entertainingly overwrought denouement.

Perhaps a little anaemic for some tastes, to dismiss THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW for its lack of gore would however be doing a good thriller a disservice. It's a quietly absorbing, keenly crafted piece which deserves its recognition as one of the best gialli of the late 70s. 88 Films' blu-ray disc presents THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW uncut and in its original 1.85:1 ratio. Enhanced for 16x9 televisions, the 1080p HD transfer stems from an impressively clean print and looks great throughout. Flesh tones are natural, colours are true without ever being overly pronounced, blacks are deep and stable, fine grain adds to the filmic depth felt in many of the impressive wider shots. This MPEG4-AVC file really does offer the best presentation of Bido's enjoyable film yet.

Audio is presented in options of English dubbed (not too badly) and the original Italian soundtrack. Both affairs are lossless mono mixes, and both are highly satisfactory, clean and clear propositions. Easily readable English subtitles are defaulted to play alongside the Italian track.

As is the norm with titles forming a part of 88 Films' Italian Collection, this disc opens up to a static main menu page. From there, a scene selection menu allows access to the film via 8 chapters.

Bonus features are limited. We get the film's original theatrical trailer though, which is a minor joy in itself. Clocking in at over 3 minutes in length, it is perhaps somewhat spoilerific but is never less than entertaining. It conveys the film's mix of finesse and exploitative thrills perfectly. Do note though, the trailer is in Italian without subtitles.

We're also treated to the original Italian opening and closing titles sequences.

It's worth noting that this release also comes with reversible cover art.

THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW is a good film ripe for rediscovery by fans of Martino and Argento's giallo heydays. 88 Films have done a sterling job of bringing it to blu-ray.

Review by Stuart Willis