Mario Bava

[Justin101]

Can anyone recommend some good Region Free (or R2) DVDs of the 60's films, Blood & Black Lace, Hatchet for a Honeymoon, etc etc.

Is the ABUK Box Set worth grabbing (print quality etc..)

cheers

[Gojirosan]

Originally Posted by Justin101

Is the ABUK Box Set worth grabbing (print quality etc..)

Yes, very much so. Excellent quality.

[Splatterdragon73]

Imo Odeon's recent DVD release of AHFAH boasts a superior cover to the old ABUK edition. But the latter has a slightly better selection of extras if i'm not mistaken. However, some early copies apparently suffered from an audio glitch so be careful if you're buying one.

There's also a reputedly impressive German edition of Planet Of The Vampires. Italian DVD label Raro have dabbled in some Bava magic too with DVD versions of Bay Of Blood, Baron Blood and a two disc set of Lisa And the Devil coupled with The House Of Exorcism.

[bdc]

Is that UK boxset really good?
I seem to remember complaints about motion blurring or am I confusing it with another UK box?

[Gojirosan]

I've not noticed any issues with mine.

That's not to say they aren't there, but I can't recall anything.

[bdc]

I could also be mistaken,I'm not certain I remember correctly...

[Pete]

Originally Posted by bdc

Is that UK boxset really good?
I seem to remember complaints about motion blurring or am I confusing it with another UK box?

I thought it was fine, but then again i'm not as fussy as some people when it comes to pq.

You should buy it B.

[Splatterdragon73]

I forgot to mention the Italian double disc set of gothic great The Mask Of Satan. Such a mighty monochrome masterpiece this film.

[g053584398]

The Italian DVD of Planet of the Vampires is the version to go for featuring, as it does, the full length Italian version of the film, with optional English subtitles and an anamorphic transfer. The DVD features the original Italian title Terrore Nello Spazio.

The best version of Blood and Black Lace is the limited edition and now OOP German DVD, although it is quite difficult to get hold of and costs a mint. The German rerelease isn't worth touching as it isn't English friendly.

It is a shame that Anchor Bay didn't release the second Bava box set in the UK, although it can be picked up from the States and is highly recommended.

[bdc]

I have both US Bava boxes.