The month of May is shaping up to be an exciting time for fans of cult classics and art-house cinema, thanks to the latest slate of releases from Arrow Video. This renowned distribution company has built a reputation for unearthing hidden gems and giving them the deluxe treatment, complete with restored transfers, extensive bonus features, and meticulously designed packaging.
One of the most highly anticipated releases of the month is a new 4K restoration of The Fifth Cord, a 1971 Italian giallo thriller directed by Luigi Bazzoni. This stylish and suspenseful film tells the story of a journalist who becomes embroiled in a complex web of murder and deception, and features a memorable score by Ennio Morricone. Arrow’s release will include a brand-new commentary track by critics Adrian Luther Smith and David Flint, as well as a feature-length documentary exploring the history of the giallo genre.
Another highlight of the month is Malicious, a 1973 Italian drama directed by Salvatore Samperi. This critically acclaimed film tells the story of a young man who becomes obsessed with a beautiful and mysterious woman, and features a powerful performance from lead actor Laura Antonelli. Arrow’s release will include a new introduction by film critic and historian Pasquale Iannone, as well as a selection of rare and previously unseen archival materials.
Fans of Japanese cinema will be thrilled to learn that Arrow is releasing a new restoration of The Demon, a 1972 horror film directed by Yoshitaro Nomura. This haunting and atmospheric film tells the story of a woman who is haunted by a malevolent spirit, and features a stunning performance from lead actress Yuko Hamada. Arrow’s release will include a new commentary track by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp, as well as a feature-length documentary exploring the history of Japanese horror cinema.
In addition to these new releases, Arrow is also reissuing several classic titles as part of their ongoing ArrowDrome series. These releases will feature restored transfers, new bonus features, and collectible packaging, making them a must-have for fans of cult cinema. Highlights of the ArrowDrome series include The Goblin, a 1984 Italian horror film directed by Lamberto Bava, and Death Walks in High Heels, a 1971 Italian giallo thriller directed by Luciano Ercoli.
As with all Arrow releases, the May slate is filled with a wide range of exciting and eclectic titles that are sure to appeal to fans of cult cinema. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking to discover something new, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of Arrow Video.
For example, the new 4K restoration of The Fifth Cord was created from the original 35mm camera negative, which was carefully scanned and restored frame by frame to remove dirt, scratch, and other damage. The result is a transfer that is truly breathtaking, with vibrant colors, stunning detail, and a level of clarity that is simply astonishing.
- Source material selection: Arrow's team of film historians and technicians carefully selects the best possible source materials for each film, whether it's the original camera negative, a fine grain print, or a digital intermediate.
- Scanning and digitization: The selected source material is then scanned and digitized using state-of-the-art equipment, capturing every detail and nuance of the original image.
- Restoration: The digitized image is then carefully restored, frame by frame, to remove dirt, scratch, and other damage. This process can be incredibly time-consuming, but the results are well worth it.
- Color grading: Once the image has been restored, the color is carefully graded to ensure that it matches the original intent of the filmmakers. This involves adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color balance to create a natural and cinematic look.
- Sound restoration: The audio is also carefully restored, using a combination of digital tools and traditional techniques to remove hiss, hum, and other forms of distortion. The result is a soundtrack that is crystal clear and immersive.
- Pros:
- Stunning picture and sound quality
- Extensive bonus features and archival materials
- Collectible packaging and design
- Cons:
- High cost: Arrow's releases can be expensive, especially for fans who are on a budget.
- Limited availability: Some of Arrow's releases may be limited to certain regions or territories, making them difficult to obtain for fans in other parts of the world.
In conclusion, the May slate from Arrow Video is an exciting and eclectic mix of cult classics, art-house cinema, and horror films. With their commitment to restoration and preservation, Arrow is helping to ensure that these beloved films will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.
What is the ArrowDrome series?
+The ArrowDrome series is a line of re-releases from Arrow Video, featuring restored transfers, new bonus features, and collectible packaging. These releases are designed to make cult classics more accessible and affordable for fans, while still maintaining the high level of quality and attention to detail that Arrow is known for.
How does Arrow Video select the films they release?
+Arrow Video selects films based on a combination of factors, including their cult following, historical significance, and overall quality. The company works with a team of film historians, critics, and collectors to identify titles that are worthy of restoration and release, and to ensure that each film is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
What kind of bonus features can I expect from Arrow Video releases?
+Arrow Video releases often include a wide range of bonus features, such as commentary tracks, documentaries, interviews, and archival materials. These features are designed to provide context and insight into the film, as well as to give fans a deeper appreciation for the craft and artistry that went into creating it.
