Search - The Cat O' Nine Tails [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children Movie Release: 1971 DVD Release: 07/10/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Restored/Remastered Audio Tracks: English, French, Italian SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 52 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 3 Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Giallo, Whodunit See Also: The Cat O' Nine Tails, Cat O' Nine Tails, Cat O'Nine Tails, Cat O' Nine Tails, The Cat O' Nine Tails

In this flawed mystery-thriller from flamboyant horror director Dario Argento, Karl Malden portrays a blind man who joins forces with a reporter (James Franciscus) to catch a killer with an extra chromosome. Much of the action occurs at a research hospital, where the killer seeks to conceal the original crime with still more murders. Easily the least interesting of Argento's early thrillers (which include the superior L'Uccello dalle Piume di Cristallo and Quattro Mosche di Velluto Grigio), this film seems almost a parody of the genre at times, with preposterous coincidences and bogus Freudian analysis substituting for genuine mystery. Those familiar with the director's work may find it difficult to believe that Argento was responsible, but some undeniable stylistic touches -- such as one victim's wallpaper resembling a blood-splattered wall -- reveal that even a genius can make bad films. Ennio Morricone's soundtrack and a cast including Catherine Spaak and Pier Paolo Capponi offer little relief. The American version is missing approximately twenty minutes. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide

Vittorio Congia - Righetto
Emilio Marchesini - Dr. Mombelli

Though not considered one of director Dario Argento's best efforts (Argento has stated that the film is his least favorite), there is still plenty in The Cat O' Nine Tales to recommend, including the fact that it is now available complete and uncut in the U.S. Now that Anchor Bay Entertainment has released the film on DVD as part of their Dario Argento Collection, the film's technical expertise and baroque stylistic flourishes can be seen and enjoyed like never before. The widescreen transfer (2.35:1) is beautiful and really gives the film a polish it lacked in its previous pan-and-scanned, Simitar VHS video incarnation or in the many "gray market" tapes that rabid fans have had to put up with for years. The picture's image is consistently sharp and the colors are balanced and do not bleed. The film's Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 soundtrack is excellent, with much channel separation. Italian and French language soundtracks are also available.
The disc also contains a great 14-minute video interview with Argento, screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti, and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone, who scored Argento's first three films. Argento's comments are honest and forthright as he expounds on the Italian giallo aesthetic and its influence on his films, his initial interest in the film and his eventual dislike of it, and how Cat O' Nine Tails is actually more like a Western than a thriller. Morricone, in a rare interview, chats about his early working relationship with the director and also gives an impromptu music theory lesson. The disc also contains two eight-minute radio interviews with stars Karl Malden and James Franciscus. Both tracks are amusing and an excellent addition for the Argento-phile. Theatrical trailers and TV and radio spots are also included, as well as a cool poster and still gallery. A fabulous release and a worthy addition to the DVD collection. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide