Forgotten Gialli: Vol. 7 - Standard Edition Vinegar Syndrome - Blu-ray Region Free

As gialli declined in popularity throughout the 1980s, filmmakers interested in the genre began experimenting with new ways to incorporate black-gloved killers and complex mysteries into other types of films, blending elements of science fiction, stylish new-wave aesthetics, high-concept thrillers, and commentary on social change. Presented here is a trio of unconventional giallo films that both celebrate and challenge the traditions of the genre.

MYSTÈRE

Mystère is one of Rome’s most sought-after companions, whose clientele includes influential figures and powerful executives. When her friend Pamela takes an expensive lighter from a recent client, both Pamela and the man are soon found dead under mysterious circumstances. Realizing she may also be in danger, Mystère begins searching for answers after narrowly surviving an attempt on her life. She finds an ally in Inspector Colt, who has been assigned to investigate the case. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that the seemingly ordinary lighter holds a dangerous secret.

Political intrigue, covert operations, and espionage are not typical ingredients in a giallo, but veteran director Carlo Vanzina (Nothing Underneath) delivers a distinctive mystery with MYSTÈRE (aka Dagger Eyes). With constant twists and a stylish presentation, this pulpy thriller stars Bond-girl Carole Bouquet (For Your Eyes Only) alongside familiar genre faces including John Steiner (Tenebre) and Gabriele Tinti (Love Camp). Featuring colorful cinematography by longtime Fellini collaborator Giuseppe Maccari and a vibrant score by Armando Trovajoli (Strange Shadows in an Empty Room), Vinegar Syndrome presents MYSTÈRE on Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative and accompanied by a variety of new interviews.

directed by: Carlo Vanzina
starring: Carole Bouquet, Phil Coccioletti, Duilio Del Prete, John Steiner, Gabriele Tinti, Peter Berling, Samuele Goldzader, Janet Agren
1983 / 88 min / 1.85:1 / English & Italian

Additional info:

Region Free Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative

Presented in its original English language soundtrack as well as its Italian language dub soundtrack

Commentary track with film historians Eugenio Ercolani, Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth

“Two Brothers for a Mystère” (25 min) – interview with writer Enrico Vanzina
“An American in Rome” (20 min) – interview with actor Greg Snegoff
“The House of Mystère” (20 min) – interview with production designer Paola Comencini

Alternate Italian titles and credits
Inside sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles

OBSESSION: A TASTE FOR FEAR

Set in a semi-futuristic, technology-driven world, Diane is a photographer working in fashion and glamour publications. When one of her newest models, Teagan, is discovered dead on set, suspicion spreads among Diane’s crew and collaborators. While Inspector Arnold initially suspects a technician, another killing—captured on video—reveals that the attacker may actually be a mysterious woman.

As the influence of music video aesthetics grew across Italy’s genre cinema, its visual impact was rarely used as effectively as in Piccio Raffanini’s hypnotic OBSESSION: A TASTE FOR FEAR (aka Pathos). Starring Australian model Virginia Hey (Mad Max: The Road Warrior) and featuring a cameo from musician Kid Creole, the film delivers striking scope photography by Romano Albani (Phenomena) and a soundtrack filled with international pop music. Long unavailable on disc and previously seen only in poorly cropped video versions, Vinegar Syndrome now presents this visually distinctive 80s giallo on Blu-ray, newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative and accompanied by numerous new bonus features.

directed by: Piccio Raffanini
starring: Virginia Hey, Gérard Darmon, Gioia Scola, Carlo Mucari, Dario Parisini, Carin McDonald, Teagan Clive, Eva Grimaldi, Kid Creole
1987 / 92 min / 2.35:1 / English & Italian

Additional info:

Region Free Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative

Presented in its original English language soundtrack as well as its Italian language dub soundtrack

Commentary track with film historians Eugenio Ercolani and Nathaniel Thompson

“This Used to Be the Future” (29 min) – interview with writer/director Piccio Raffanini
“Supervising the Obsession” (16 min) – interview with production supervisor Luciano Lucchi
“A Taste for Synths” (14 min) – interview with composer Gabriele Ducros
“Cinema Killed the Video Star” (19 min) – video essay by Rachael Nisbet

Alternate Italian titles and credits
Inside sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles

SWEETS FROM A STRANGER

A razor-wielding killer is targeting women working the streets of Rome. Stella, who now works as a high-end escort, is devastated when she learns that a close friend has become the killer’s latest victim. Frustrated by the police’s inability to stop the attacks, she decides to take action by helping other women organize and learn self-defense in hopes that their efforts will help identify the killer.

A socially aware giallo that reflects on the realities of life on the streets in Italy, prolific writer Franco Ferrini’s (Nothing Underneath, Rings of Fear) only directorial effort offers a distinctive mix of suspenseful mystery and character-driven drama. Featuring a memorable score and title song by Umberto Smaila and a supporting performance from Italian genre legend Laura Betti (A Bay of Blood, Salò), this unique giallo makes its worldwide disc debut, newly restored in 2K from its original negative and accompanied by several new interviews about the production.

directed by: Franco Ferrini
starring: Barbara De Rossi, Marina Suma, Athina Cenci, Mara Venier, Laura Betti, Anny Papa, Gerardo Amato, Sabrina Ferilli, Maurizio Donadoni, Anna Galiena
1987 / 95 min / 1.85:1 / Italian

Additional info:

Region Free Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative

Presented in its original Italian language soundtrack with newly translated English subtitles

Commentary track with film historians Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth

“Cruising for Sweets” (13 min) – interview with writer/director Franco Ferrini
“Sweets Maker” (18 min) – interview with producer Claudio Bonivento
“Kill Me with Your Smaila” (35 min) – interview with composer Umberto Smaila

Inside sleeve artwork
Newly translated English subtitles