I have to say I love watching the classic movies that Arrow Video are releasing, one of their latest releases is a remastered Blu-Ray release of The Bloodstained Butterfly an Italian movie directed by Duccio Tessari (Death Occurred Last Night, A Pistol for Ringo) released back in 1971.
Tessari is widely considered one of the fathers of the Spaghetti Westerns, The Bloodstained Butterfly is a story of murder, that takes the viewer through the terrible crimes as well as into the courtroom and into the world of crime forensics.
The Bloodstained Butterfly a 70s Murder Mystery
The film starts with the introduction of some of the key characters, then moves quickly on to the savage murder of a young female student in a park during a thunderstorm. At first, it seems obvious who has killed her.
Her lover, TV sports personality Alessandro Marchi (played by Giancarlo Sbragia) is seen running away from the scene of the shocking murder by several eyewitnesses and the evidence is all against him. But during the time he is in custody another murder is committed and it now seems that there is more to this murder than first believed.
The Bloodstained Butterfly also stars Helmut Berger (The Godfather: Part III), a bit of a 70s heartthrob, along with Evelyn Stewart (The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail) and Carol Andre (Colt 38 Special Squad). The film also features a perfectly set musical score from Gianni Ferrio.
70s Murder Mystery Uncut and in 4K
The Blu-ray release of the movie is a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, which gives the film that fresh newly released feel.
It also features the original Italian and English dubbed soundtracks in DTS-HD, so if you aren’t sure of dubbed movies you can watch the film in Italian with newly translated English subtitles, but I have to say that the English dub is pretty good and the lip sync matches up quite well.
Personally, for me, I always like to watch a movie in its original language and Italian is a rather lovely language to listen to.
The Bloodstained Butterfly is a film that will have you thinking about who the black-gloved murder is, Duccio Tessari has directed a somewhat complex movie that not only has some vivid images but also has some nice set pieces in the courtroom and as the forensics go through the evidence.
The movie kept me guessing from start to finish and is a movie that I found interesting to watch, the restoration looks good in its 2.35:1 ratio and the mono sounds sound sharp.
The Bloodstained Butterfly is Flowing with Special Features
The newly restored release of the movie certainly has a great collection of extras, so many that it may take you a while to watch them all, but it’s well worth taking the time to watch them.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
- Original Italian and English soundtracks in DTS-HD MA mono 1.0
- Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
- New audio commentary with critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman
- Murder in B-Flat Minor, a new visual essay on the film, its cast and crew by author Troy Howarth
- Mad Dog Helmut, a new interview with actor Helmut Berger
- Exclusive introduction by Helmut Berger
- A Butterfly Named Evelyn, a new interview with actress Evelyn Stewart/Ida Galli
- Me and Duccio, an interview with Lorella De Luca, actress and wife of director Duccio Tessari
- Original Italian and English theatrical trailers
- Gallery of original promotional images
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin
The Bloodstained Butterfly is released by Arrow Video on the 22nd August.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
