Extras include the 50-minute interview with writer Dardano Sacchetti on working with Fulci that is on the Scorpion Blu-ray. Shameless has no commentary but does add three video supplements. 'Touching Fate' is a new 21-minute exclusive interview of Antonella Fulci about ‘The Psychic’ and 'Daddy Dearest' spends another 35-minutes with Antonella about her father Lucio Fulci's methods and idiosyncrasies. It is revealing. There is a short piece on the restoration process for The Psychic – showing different stages and Behind the Wall is a 25-minute interview with Fabio Frizzi on scoring The Psychic (the music later used by Tarantino.) The package has a reversible sleeve (see below) and the limited collector's edition includes an o-card over the Shameless-branded "Yell'O" Blu-ray case.  

Like Hermie, I've always had a huge crush on Jennifer O'Neill and could watch her in anything (always wanted to see more of her in Scanners). Ditto for Fulci's films that have their own style. It is kind of amusing how many extreme close-ups of O'Neill's eyes there are every time she has a psychic impression. Fulci, and Giallo, fans will be enticed by the video upgrade and new extras - plus the attractive case. I was very pleased to watch this again via the Shameless Blu-ray. Absolutely recommended and many may consider a double-dip!

***

ADDITION: Scorpion Releasing - Region 'A' - Blu-ray February 19': Yes, the Scorpion Releasing, with the more robust transfer has a superior image, imo - authentically darker, warmer colors. There are still moments of weakness, occasionally bleamishes, that seem to be reflected in the source. Anyway, I preferred the Scorpion Releasing between the two - not overwhelming visually but best yet for The Psychic.

Scorpion Releasing offer both the Italian-language track and the effective English DUB via DTS-HD Master, 24-bit, tracks.  There are optional subtitles (translated from the Italian - not DUB-titles) and the Blu-ray is Region 'A'-locked.

Extras consistent of an informative audio commentary with film historian Troy Howarth. His relaxed delivery is enjoyable and he fills the time with plenty of details about Fulci and the cast as well as alluding to a 'tunnel analogy' and O'Neill's ineffectiveness at times. He's great. There is also a 50-minute interview entitled Defeating Fate with screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti, including an initial audio excerpt with director Lucio Fulci. Lots to absorb there. Lastly are a stills gallery, poor quality trailer and the package has a reversible cover. This has a limited edition slipcover and 9 x 11 mini poster with artwork by Wes Benscoter while supplies last.

Scorpion Releasing have done this Giallo some justice with the two-language tracks - the better image, commentary ands interview. Genre fans will want this one.

***

ADDITION: Elea Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray September 17': A few pleasant surprises with this Fulci film on Elea Blu-ray. Despite the box stating that it is Region 'B' - it is actually Region FREE... and the menu option requiring either a German DUB or English with German subtitles (inferring they are forced) - they are indeed removable! Bravo!

It's a single-layered transfer - and the image has some definite advantages over the SD. Brighter, detail rises and the bitrate supports the feature exceptionally well. Colors are deeper and richer with flesh tones gaining normalcy from the, dreaded, orange-ness of SD. The layered contrast is a significant step forward and the presentation with notable texture (some see as noise). There is a bit of depth but the attributes are a clean, tighter image that fans will easily see advances over the old DVD transfer. I don't know the source but this starts with the English title Murder to the Tune of the Seven Black Notes title.

The film works well in English. The DTS-HD Master mono track is authentic but not always crisp with effects deep and, obviously, flat but with a few piercing screams.  But sound does settle-in and everything carries the impression of superior lossless. As said earlier - the German subtitle (for the English track) are removable and the Blu-ray disc is Region FREE!

There is a German-language commentary by Marcus Stiglegger and the rest of the supplements consist of a trailer, promo teaser, German trailer - both the Italian opening and closing credits. 

NOTE: Scorpion Releasing will, eventually, be releasing this on Blu-ray and we will compare! 

***

ON THE DVD: Most fans will be pleased with this single-layered transfer from Severin - anamorphic and progressive - it suffers somewhat from a bit of softness and dullish colors but overall the image quality presents itself as quite acceptable. The audio is in original English (with obvious post production DUB'ing of some actors) - it's a bit hushed at times with some minor hiss and optional subtitles would have been appreciated. They only exist for the supplemental featurette and the Italian text in the opening sequence (see below) of the feature.

Severin have added a trailer and a half-hour featurette "Voices From the Black" with input from Dardanno Sachhetti, costume designer Massimo Lentini and editor Bruno Micheli. Those keen will enjoy.

The price might be a bit high for DVD tech value but fans of Giallo and Fulci will certainly find enough to be content. I found the film well crafted and highly intriguing.   

Gary W. Tooze