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

Vinegar Syndrome transfer Juan Antonio Bardem's 1973 Giallo "The Corruption of Chris Miller" on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc with an accompanying DVD. The 2.37:1 HD image is given a nicely maxed-out bitrate. Vinegar Syndrome have newly scanned & restored the film in 4k from its 35mm original negative, and the results are pretty sumptuous. The texture of the image has a very film-like grain, with only the occasional tiny scratch, speckle or frame-specific cue blip. These instances of damage are few and far between and should not deter anyone from watching the film. "The Corruption of Chris Miller" features a faithful color representation of lush green landscapes, with the occasional burst of appropriately bloody red blood. There are scenes taking place in the dark, with a healthy contrast showing just the right amount of blacks lurking in the shadows, without a uniform crushing black. A splendid 1080P transfer for a truly outrageous Giallo from the folks at Vinegar Syndrome.

Vinegar Syndrome offer up two options for the audio, with either the original English language soundtrack or Spanish dubbed soundtrack (both with optional and slightly different English translation subtitles - see samples below). Though it sounds a little flat at times, dialogue is clear without audible hissing. The creepy score is thanks to Waldo de los Ríos (The House that Screamed, Bad Man's River, A Town Called Hell) This is a Region Free Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome.

There is an hour-long in-depth archival career retrospective interview with director Juan Antonio Bardem, with optional English subtitles. On top of that is a fascinating 12-minute short film exploring the tragic life of Jean Seberg, "Jean Seberg: Movie Star". Also here are the alternate Spanish ending, title sequence and insert shot (see capture of newspaper). The film's original theatrical trailer also appears, and as always with Vinegar Syndrome there is some beautiful reversible cover artwork.

"The Corruption of Chris Miller" is arguably one of the finest releases that I have seen from Vinegar Syndrome. Strange that this film had escaped me up to this point. There is a certain sense of humor to the film, amidst legitimately terrifying sequences (one section in particular reminding me of the out-of-left-field home invasion sequence in M. Night Shyamalan's terrific "Unbreakable", raincoat and all). This film would make a terrific double bill with José Larraz's "The Coming of Sin", with certain themes echoing throughout the two features. I would urge that any fans of Giallo rush out to get this Blu-ray package from Vinegar Syndrome. My highest recommendation.

Colin Zavitz