5 Films yet to have a proper DVD release

With the advent of cult films being released in high definition, and also with the long (long) awaited release (official or not?) of Argento's Four Flies On Grey Velvet (1971), it might come as some surprise to some that many cult classics have yet to see an official DVD release. Some of the great cult films of all time sit languishing in vaults, with only VHS versions of varying quality (usually bad!) existing for people to enjoy them.

So I decided to create a list of five cult classic films that are in desperate need of a proper definitive release either on DVD or (even better) on Blu-ray. So hopefully some upstanding owner of a fine cult film company will see this and give the films the restoration and loving release they so thoroughly deserve! So on with the list:

1. Spider Labyrinth (1988) aka Il Nido del Ragno - A truly disturbing supernatural giallo from the late 80s, this forgotten gem clearly needs a restored uncut version released. Clearly some money was spent on this film as it has superior cinematography and some great special effects for the time. It also triumphantly succeeds in creating a very creepy, eerie atmosphere. It has some vhillingly effective murder scenes, and the final scene is pure Grand Guignol exuberance. The story sees Roland Wybenga playing Professor Alan Whitmore who is sent to investigate strange goings on in a small town. What he finds there is a horror beyond what he could have imagined and where nothing is what it seems.
   
   Unfortunately I've only ever seen a VHS rip with hardcoded Japanese subtitles on it, and it was fullscreen. It really takes away from what you can tell is some fantastic camera work. It might have that familiar 80s tinge to the picture, but it still should be incredible if a restored widescreen version could be sourced.
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Amuck! (1972) - A giallo masterpiece that mysteriously has never received a DVD release. Directed by Silvio Amadio, this is a beautiful shot and fantastically scripted piece of film. Not only does it feature some ultra stylish setpieces so familiar with classic giallo, but it also features a truly electrifying sex scene between Barbara Bouchet and Rosalba Neri... two of the genre's finest. The way Amadio shoots the scene is brilliantly done, and it literally sizzles off the screen.
   
   Couple all that with one of the best soundtracks to ever grace a giallo, and you've got yourself a truly fantastic cult film.
   
   So why no DVD release?
   
   That is a complete mystery as there are only bootleg DVDs around. These appear to be VHS rips and are unfortunately fullframe versions rather than the original 2.35:1 Cromoscope composition it was originally filmed in. It's a shame as this is bound to look glorious.
   
   So please... someone bring out a great looking version of one of the first films that made giallo sexy!
   
   


3. Thrilling In Venice (1979) aka Giallo a Venezia - Described by even hardened giallo fans as vile, repulsive, disgusting, and utter trash... this film represents the pinnicle in how depraved and sleazy you could make a giallo. Not even New York Ripper or Torso could match this film for sheer depravity.
   
   There's plenty of gore, softcore sex, nudity, and funny late 70s hair cuts on show. It has something for everyone... except those with no stomach for the depraved!
   
   I don't think there's much chance of this being released in the UK anytime soon, but it is strange that this infamous giallo has never received much attention from any of the major DVD labels. Anything that is so infamously trashy is bound to be a big seller. It ticks all the boxes for gorehounds, sleazeters, and grindhouse fans. I would have thought this was a perfect release for Grindhouse Releasing.
   
   Let's hope a decent copy surfaces soon, as the only half decent uncut rip that seems to be out there is a brazillian VHS! Surely there has to be a better source than that?
   
   
   
   


4. Night Of The Demon (1980) - Talking of grindhouse classics... this has to rank as one of the stars of that genre. The infamous Bigfoot video nasty from 1980. This film takes the well established Bigfoot genre, and turns it on its head by introducing ghaslty deaths, horrific scenes of penis removal by Bigfoot claw, and one of the craziest final 10 minutes of any film... ever! It's just pure fantastic joyous trash in cult film form. The acting is dire, and dare I say this film is never going to get a pin sharp high definition makeover... but it still deserves far more than it's got so far from distributors.
   
   In fact the only uncut version that seems to be doing the rounds is a copy of when Zone Horror showed it on that channel. It looks very rough though, so this film really needs some much needed attention.
   
   
   
   
   


5. Libido (1965) - Perhaps most perplexing of all is how this Ernesto Gastaldi written and directed giallo has not had a proper DVD release! This is one of the very first giallo, and it's also one of the most accomplished. Shot in black and white, it has a fantastic plot (as you'd expect from the master writer of the genre), and some great acting. It's very well made and really makes you wish Gastaldi had directed a few more films.
   
   Again the only version of this in wide circulation are VHS sourced. There is clearly a great looking film here, shot originally on 35mm, just waiting to burst out onto our home screens. Why hasn't anyone done this yet? This is a classic by every definition of the word!
   
   Get to it please!