A series of sex murders shock a college campus, and four beautiful young girlfriends head for the safety of an isolated country villa. But as they succumb to their own erotic desires, their weekend of pleasure becomes a vacation of dismemberment at the hands – and blade – of a lecherous maniac.
Arrow | 1973 | 94 min | Not rated | Sep 17, 2024
Video
Codec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Audio
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles
English SDH
$29.99
In stock
A series of sex murders shock a college campus, and four beautiful young girlfriends head for the safety of an isolated country villa. But as they succumb to their own erotic desires, their weekend of pleasure becomes a vacation of dismemberment at the hands – and blade – of a lecherous maniac.
Arrow | 1973 | 94 min | Not rated | Sep 17, 2024
Video
Codec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Audio
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles
English SDH
John Anderson –
**Torso 4K Blu-ray Review – A Giallo Classic Gets a Stunning 4K Upgrade**
**Film Overview**
Originally released in 1973 under the Italian title *I corpi presentano tracce di violenza carnale* (translated as *Bodies Bear Traces of Carnal Violence*), *Torso* remains one of the iconic entries in the Giallo genre, combining elements of horror, mystery, and crime with a dash of lurid suspense. Directed by Sergio Martino, this film stands out for its suspenseful storytelling, unsettling atmosphere, and visually striking scenes that have made it a cult favorite.
**Technical Features**
Arrow Video’s 4K Ultra HD release of *Torso* is a remarkable restoration, scanning the original 35mm negative in stunning 4K resolution with HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading. This new 4K release offers a significant upgrade in picture quality, with the 1.66:1 aspect ratio providing a fuller image compared to standard widescreen. Grain is present but adds a rich, organic texture to the film, enhancing the vintage aesthetic while delivering impressive detail in costumes, props, and set designs. The color grading, which previously felt cold in the 1080p version, benefits from a slightly warmer tone thanks to HDR and Dolby Vision.
**Audio**
The audio features DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks in both Italian and English, providing a faithful representation of the film’s sound. While not the most immersive audio mix, it stays true to the original, delivering clear dialogue and a haunting score. Both soundtracks are looped, with the English dub often aligning closely to the actors’ lip movements, giving viewers the option to choose between an authentic Italian experience or a more familiar English soundtrack.
**Special Features**
As with most Arrow releases, *Torso* comes packed with extras. Some standout features include:
– Audio commentary by Kat Ellinger, an insightful exploration of the film’s themes.
– Interviews with co-writer/director Sergio Martino, actor Luc Merenda, and co-writer Ernesto Gastaldi, offering behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflections on the film’s enduring legacy.
– A 2017 Q&A session with Martino, live from the Abertoir International Horror Festival.
– The original Italian and English trailers are also included, along with the alternate *Carnal Violence* titles sourced from VHS, giving viewers a peek into the film’s promotional history.
**Conclusion**
Arrow Video’s 4K Ultra HD release of *Torso* is a treat for fans of Italian horror and mystery. The improved video and audio quality, coupled with an impressive selection of special features, make this edition the definitive release of the film. Whether you’re new to Giallo or a seasoned fan, *Torso* in 4K offers a thrilling and visually stunning experience, breathing new life into this classic. Highly recommended!