NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Mondo Macabro Blu-ray (June 2022): Mondo Macabro have transferred Francesco Barilli's Hotel Fear (aka "Pensione paura") to Blu-ray. It is cited as being a "Brand new 2k restoration from original negative." The 1080P image is highly remarkable with excellent contrast - light and shadows, impressive detail in close-ups and true colors. Dark scenes hold up well and the overall HD presentation is a very positive one on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate.

NOTE: We have added 50 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Mondo Macabro offers the choice of DTS-HD Master dual-mono tracks (16-bit) in the option of the Italian or Spanish languages. Hotel Fear has aggressive sequences - gunfire, assault etc. that come through a smattering of depth. The film's music is credited to accomplished Argentinean composer Adolfo Waitzman (Ángel negro, It's Nothing Mama, Just a Game, Triangle of Lust.) To quote the Arrow vinyl description: it is "romantic, sweeping, unnerving and jarring, and which benefits from a mournful central piano motif." It sounds clear and tight, accompanying the strong video well. Mondo Macabro offer optional English subtitles for both Italian and Spanish translations (and they vary quite a bit - see samples below) on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Rachael Nisbet and Peter Jilmstad - the hosts of Fragments of Fear Giallo Podcast. They discuss the production history, various players involved, Barilli's career as a director, as well the dramatic ideas of the film and how they are expressed in certain scenes, Vincenzo Dazzi's production design, Adolfo Waitzman's music, box office success and critical reception. They also talk about Barilli's Perfume of the Lady in Black, comparing it, background on Leonora Fani - and her appearance in PLAYMEN Magazine June 1977 and much more. There is some excellent analysis and plenty of facts revealed. There are also new 1/2 hour interviews with both director Francesco Barilli and actor Luc Merenda ('Rodolfo' in Hotel Fear) recalling the film and contributions. Mondo Macabro also include a 2015 interview with Barilli that runs just shy of 1/2 hour and there are 7-minutes of alternate scenes with the Italian and Spanish versions compared. Lastly is a trailer and, as usual, 14-minutes of Mondo Macabro's cool previews.

Francesco Barilli's Hotel Fear is quite a ride. This particular hotel has more than its share of sexually perverse guests and with the passing of Rosa's mother, and her father off fighting in the war, she is subjected to their deviant proclivities - and eventual murder surfaces. It's a very well-made genre film. "Hotel Fear" was Barilli's last theatrically released film of only two (see the exceptional Perfume of the Lady in Black - he did do some TV, short film and documentary work after), and he eventually dedicated himself to painting. He is 79 today and nice to hear from him in the included new interview. Hotel Fear has a lot going for it - creepy, suspenseful. psychologically draining and, to some degree, Giallo-esque. The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray package is a brilliant one with highly impressive a/v - Italian and Spanish language - and subtitle translation - options, a new commentary and new interviews! Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze