A Blade in the Dark

Special Features (Blu-ray)

• Booklet (42 pages) features essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Dana Reinoos, and Caroline Kopko.
• Commentary #1 features The Hysteria Continues.
• Commentary #2 features film historian Kat Ellinger.
• "House" (20:54, HD) is an interview with screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti. His story begins with real estate, with producer Luciano Martino instructing the writer to create a movie that could be shot at one of his properties. This was the right order for Sacchetti, who was interested in the creative challenge, working from his own experiences. The interviewee is generally honest about his time on "A Blade in the Dark," pointing out its flaws, lightly criticizing Lamberto Bava's direction, especially with the opening scene.
• "Lights in an Empty House" (16:41, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Gianlorenzo Battaglia, who originally worked for director Mario Bava, leaning how to deal with the father before being hired by the son. Time at the villa is recalled, with Battaglia working to give the single location a defined look, contributing to the uneasy atmosphere of the feature. Technical achievements are highlighted, including hand-held camerawork and gore set pieces. Cast and crew are assessed.
• "Don't Go Down the Stairs" (16:34, HD) is an interview with director Lamberto Bava, who details the formation of the project and his task to transform a villa into a frightening space. Casting achievements are explored, with some specific types required to fill certain parts, and the endeavor's ultimate release is celebrated, as Bava is pretty quick to produce box office numbers. The interviewee goes on to praise his collaborators, generally happy with the look and sound of "A Blade in the Dark."
• "The Gothic Slashers of Lamberto Bava" (17:25, HD) is a visual essay by Samm Deighan.
• And Trailer #1 (3:18, HD) and Trailer #2 (3:20, HD) are included.
• "All the Colors of Giallo" (89:01, HD) is an in-depth look at the subgenre, featuring interviews with a film historian and many filmmakers who took part in the movement. The documentary is directed by Federico Caddeo.
• "Behind the Blade" (9:27, SD) is a 2001 documentary on "A Blade in the Dark," featuring interviews with director Lamberto Bava and screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti.

Blu-ray Screenshots