The great thing about older European arthouse cinema, other than the transgressive and groundbreaking attempts at deconstructionism, is the never-ending supply of films to search out. Even when it seems as if all of the old masters have had all of their films released to us here in the North American market, there are still several titles that pop up now and then. One such “lost” title would be Michelangelo Antonioni’s (Blow Up, L’Avventura and La Notte) The Vanquished which is now heading to the North American market via the European Raro label who are looking to expand into the R1 territory. The DVD will be released on March 29th and appears to be stacked as far as special features go.As far as the film itself, it looks like it will grab the attention of any genre-fans. The story looks to follow three different instances of murder. The murders take place in three different locales: London, France and of course Antonioni’s Rome. All murders seem to be inexplicably committed by aristocratic young men with varying motivations. The film certainly has my attention, and after reading that brief summary: I know I must track this one down.
Special features for the disc include:
-The first draft of the story/film script for I Vinti by the writers of I Vinti: Michelangelo Antonioni
-Giorgio Bassani and Suso Cecchi d’Amico published by the film magazine “Cinema” 7/25/1954
-A developed and revised final story – the original screenplay of the three episodes obtained from the Bologna Cinemateque
-A Critical Anthology of the film that includes an analysis of the film, and a collection of different critiques of the movie
-The original exclusive, un-cut and elongated version of the Italian Episode from the film that was presented at the Venice Film Festival
-An interview with the producer, Turi Vasile, an interview with one of the protagonist, Franco Interlenghi.
-An exclusive rare short film by Michelangelo Antonioni entitled, Tentato suicidio, 22 Minutes, 1953.
-An 8 page booklet containing critical analysis of the genesis of the film
Also released from Raro’s U.S. line is Francesco Barilli’s The Perfume of the Lady in Black, which looks to further Raro’s coverage of classic European cult cinema. A horror-thriller that shows Mimsy Farmer (Autopsy, Four Flies on Grey Velvet) as a successful chemist who begins to suffer from strange hallucinations. Similar to many giallo films of the time, her character also has a dark past that won’t let her escape easily. Described as surreal and hallucinatory, this obscure title should please the majority of Euro-cult fanboys the world over.Special features for The Perfume of the Lady in Black includes:
-Documentary “Portrait in Black”
-Director’s Biography
-Director’s Filmography
Not exactly a weak lineup! Keep an eye on Varied Celluloid for further coverage whenever it comes in!