Francesca
(2015/Unearthed/MVD Visual Blu-ray/DVD/CD Set)
Picture:
B/B-/X Sound: B/B-/B Extras: B CD: B Film: C+
If
you're a fan of Italian giallo films (who isn't?), then you will want
to check out Luciano and Nicolas Onetti's 2015 film Francesca,
a modern throwback to the genre that is shot and produced to look
pretty exactly like a film made in the 1970s. Upon first glance,
it's hard to tell the difference between this and a giallo film by
Mario Bava or Dario Argento - that being said, it has definitely
accomplished its goal. The filmmaking here is top notch with expert
detail in costuming and period production design down to the score
and the opening title sequence. While perfectly executed in these
regards, the story here is nothing new with the focus being more so
on the killer and her crimes than the investigation hatched to find
her. If you like Italian splatters, I would definitely recommend
giving his one a watch even if it is a bit of 'style over substance.'
Its
been fifteen years since young Francesca has been kidnapped in a
horrific incident that left her renowned poet and playwright Father,
Vittorio Visconti, bound to a wheelchair. Presumably raised by the
killer, Francesca has become a precise killer hellbent on making her
crimes precise and artfully Dantesque. Still holding onto her doll
from her youth, the fierce killer baffles police until her master
plan comes to fruition.
The
1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, the
transfer looks far better than the included DVD, but the color
correction job here is pretty murky (on purpose?). Skin textures are
dark and grey, colors pop but due to the style that the film is
trying to achieve it's not necessarily supposed to look good. but
look '70s with pushed contrast throughout that adds to the look. The
DVD is presented in standard definition with a lossy 2.0 Dolby
Digital track that looks and sounds fine for the format.
The
sound mix is appropriately in stereo with a DTS-HD MA (Master Audio)
2.0 lossless track that sounds pretty strong throughout and leaves
little to complain about. Some sequences have a psychedelic touch
when we are sucked into the killer's psyche and the score is great to
listen to outside of the film itself.
Special
Features include...
Behind
the Scenes featurette
Deleted
Scene (Alternate Beginning)
An
Interview with Luciano and Nicolas Onetti
Hidden
Scene
Soundtrack
CD
Gorgeous
packaging and disc presentation
A
bit abstract but entertaining, this is fine filmmaking even if it
doesn't surprise much in regards to story. Unearthed and MVD have
done a thorough job with the release and definitely will tempt horror
memorabilia collectors. I wish more companies took this level of
pride in presenting their new releases.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
