All The COlors of the Dark Blu-ray Review

All the Colors of the Dark is considered a classic Giallo film.  It takes the standard formula and adds in a satanic, almost supernatural element to the plot.  Made back in 1972 and directed by Sergio Martino it is one of the most original Giallo film to this day. I first saw this film back in the early 90’s when the horror tape trading boom was in full effect, and I like most were trying to find any Italian horror films we could thanks to Fangoria’s coverage of Dario Argento films.  Although I am not a fan of every Giallo film out there I always had a soft spot for this one.

The film is the story of Jane. She’s just been in a horrific car accident causing her to miscarry her unborn child. She starts having weird almost hallucinogenic dreams about a blue eyed killer who uses a knife to murder naked women.  Now if these dreams aren’t bad enough for her mental state she goes to see a shrink who prescribes her some anti psychosis meds that actually make things worse. She starts seeing this blue eyed killer in the real world.  He begins following her everywhere driving her further insane.

Her neighbor, a woman named Mary tells her she can help.  See Mary is a member of a satanic cult and she promises Jane that if she comes to their ritual and participates that they can cure her of these dreams and hallucinations.  It’s a simple ritual you know dog sacrifice gang rape, the usual stuff. Sadly this does not help Jane, it just makes her that much worse. You throw in a twist ending and you have a great film here.

Now I know with the added black magic element you think this makes it strange to be a Giallo film, but it’s not.  The razor tight editing and pacing of this film builds the suspense and intrigue better than any Giallo I have ever seen.  It runs a tight 94min and moves along at a fever pace.  The score that accompanies the picture adds to the almost cat and mouse like feel that the film brings to the table.  The acting is very well done and the cast has great chemistry together. The addition of the black magic element in my opinion makes the film better.  It bring a new twist to the standard style of these films, and it’s done in such a good way that it really helps to separate it from the rest of the Giallo’s from this era.

This film it not for everyone, and by everyone I mean younger audiences.  Giallo always have blood and nudity but this one really take sit to another level. There is a lot of nudity, sexual situations, and a great amount of blood and gore in this one.  It’s one of the goriest Giallo I have seen.  It ranks right up there with Torso. Severin Films one again has outdone themselves with this transfer as it looks and sounds great.  Its one of the best looking Giallo out there in terms of atmosphere and this scan really makes it pop out.  The score is so crisp it makes the suspense scenes seem real.  Plus it’s loaded with special features.

• They’re Coming To Get You: Alternate US Cut (88 mins.)
• Color My Nightmare: Interview with Director Sergio Martino
• Last Of The Mohicans: Interview with Screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
• Giallo is the Color: Interviews with Actor George Hilton & Italian Horror Expert Antonio Tentori
• Audio Commentary with Kat Ellinger, Author of All The Colors of Sergio Martino
• Trailers
• BONUS Disc: CD Soundtrack

If you’re a fan of mystery, horror, suspense, and the supernatural do yourself a favor and pick up All the Colors of the Dark.  It’s all of those things rolled into one.  It’s a great film and a must for any fan of the genre.  Highly recommended.
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Overall 4 out of 5 Stars!