THE MASK OF SATAN: Like Father...Not Like Son

THE MASK OF SATAN (Blu-ray)

1990 / 98 min

From Severin Films

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

The son of legendary Italian horror director Mario Bava, Lamberto Bava’s greatest claim to fame on this side of the pond is probably Demons and its sequel, Demons 2. Both are held in pretty high regard among 80s-era gorehounds (though I personally think they’re devoid of any real appeal beyond the special effects).

1990’s The Mask of Satan is Lamberto’s loose remake of Dad’s most famous film, Black Sunday. However, he displays little of Mario’s eye for atmosphere or narrative coherence. In fact, it plays more like a Demons sequel, without the vivid gore that at-least made that film watchable. 

This one features a group of obnoxious skiers who become trapped in an ice cave where a witch was buried centuries earlier. Of course, she’s resurrected, and the remainder of the story is pretty much Demons in the snow…people become possessed and chase around those who aren’t. That’s about it.

"I don't suppose any of you thought to bring cocoa, did you?"

Characterization is minimal, as are the acting abilities of its cast, though Eva Grimaldi, as sexy witch Anibas, is certainly easy on the eyes (too bad we don’t see more of her). And while some of the production design is impressive, Lamberto’s direction reflects little real imagination or panache. Never once approaching scary, isn’t long before the whole thing grows tedious.

The Mask of Satan was originally filmed as an episode of an Italian miniseries called Sabbath, which could partially explain why its cinematically underwhelming. But even with tempered expectations, I think fans of Italian horror will find this one a chore to sit through. Stick with Dad’s original.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews with director Lamberto Bava, actress Mary Sellers and actress Debora Caprioglio.

HIGH CRIME (4K): Superlative Poliziotteschi

HIGH CRIME (4K UHD)

1973 / 103 min

FROM BLUE UNDERGROUND

Review by Mr. Paws😺

When unearthing, restoring and releasing classics (especially cult classics) on physical media, I wish more boutique labels would follow Blue Underground’s lead. For certain films, in addition to the usual 4K & Blu-ray copies, they’ve been throwing in a bonus CD of the music score. More often than not, it’s a rare chance to hear the music outside of the context of the movie.

Let’s see a streaming service offer that.

This time, they pull out all the stops for 1973’s High Crime, a popular, influential Italian thriller and one of the better films in the poliziotteschi genre. Franco Nero stars as Belli, a cop fiercely dedicated to disrupting the heroin trade, which he suspects is overseen by the powerful Griva family. Belli frequently refers to “retired” gangster Cafiero (Fernando Rey) for assistance, though the latter may very well be trying to insinuate himself back on top of the heap. 

However, the Grivas are practically untouchable despite a massive dossier compiled by Belli’s superior, Commissioner Scavino (James Whitmore). After Scavino is murdered, Belli becomes the new commissioner, and his scorched earth approach in nailing Grivas dramatically raises the stakes, both personally and professionally. 

Franco gets near-o.

Like many Italian movies of the era, particularly those directed by Enzo G. Castellari, High Crime is clearly inspired by American cinema, stopping just short completely ripping-off what's currently popular. In this case, it's The French Connection, going so far as to tap Fernando Rey (the antagonist in Friedkin’s film) for a key supporting role. I suppose the biggest difference is that, even though Belli is just as obsessed as Popeye Doyle in pursuing his case, it comes at tremendous personal cost (which I won’t spoil by elaborating here). This element (however briefly) renders the film more emotionally affecting than The French Connection…

…not that this one ever approaches the grit, artistry and tension of Friedkin’s film. Not even close. Still, High Crime is to The French Connection what Grizzly was to Jaws…a knock-off to be sure, but a very enjoyable slab of action in its own right. There are shoot-outs, bombings and one hell of an opening car chase, all directed with efficient aplomb by Castellari, who proudly wears his influences on his sleeve. While Nero’s obviously no Gene Hackman, he delivers a tough, dedicated performance that approaches scenery chewing, but as Belli, he’s an engaging and likable hero. Elsewhere, Rey conveys the same cool menace as he did in The French Connection, while Whitmore is sort of wasted in a comparatively thankless role.

A huge hit in Europe, High Crime is undoubtedly a product of its era and region, but remains a superlative poliziotteschi film. Considering the genre’s somewhat scrappy reputation, that might be considered faint praise, but fans of this stuff are sure to eat it up, especially with a 4K restoration. In addition to an excellent transfer (it looks great and sounds even better), this disc comes with a terrific selection of bonus features. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K & BLU-RAY COPIES (a majority of the supplements are on the Bluray disc).

SOUNDTRACK CD - Following an audio introduction in both Italian & English, the disc features 19 jazzy tracks with occasional Goblin-esque touches. Certainly a product of its time, its nevertheless an enjoyable listen on its own terms, with a couple of catchy recurring themes. Composed by Guido & Maurizio De Angeles (collectively known as Oliver Onions). Track listing and musical credits are on an insert.

ARCHIVAL INTERVIEWS - Several individually filmed interviews, most in Italian with English subtitles. The Genoa Connection features director Enzo G. Castellari and actor Franco Nero; From Dust to Asphalt is another interview with Castellari; Hard Stunts for High Crimes features stuntman Massimo Vanni; Framing Crime features cameraman Roberto Girometti; The Sound of Onions features composers Guido & Maurizio De Angeles.

3 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By director Enzo G. Castellari; 2) By actor Franco Nero and filmmaker Mike Malloy (who once directed a poliziotteschi documentary called Eurocrime!); 3) By historians Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson & Eugenio Ercolani.

THE CONNECTION CONNECTION - Filmmaker Mike Malloy discusses this film and its derivative origins. 

ALTERNATE ENDING - Almost the same, save for a shot that's removed from the final cut, which renders the ending even bleaker.

TRAILER

GALLERY - Features lobby cards, stills, posters, home video cover art, etc.

REVERSIBLE COVER