I love a good giallo especially ones by Dario Argento. However Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972) is a film by directed Umberto Lenzi and has all the ingredients to rank alongside a classic Argento giallo. The question is does it pull it off? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my Seven Blood-Stained Orchids blu-ray review.
- Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972)
- Genre: Giallo / Horror
- Directed by Umberto Lenzi
- UK Rating 18
- Discs: 1
- Released By 88 Films
- Blu-ray Released: 13 April 2020
Plot
When several women are murdered the police realise they have a serial killer on the loose. Mario (Antonio Sabato) is on a train enjoying his honeymoon when he witnesses his wife brutally attacked. The killer manages to slip away leaving police no closer to catching the murder. Furthermore the killer seems to be leaving Silver Half Moons on their victims. Could solving this puzzle lead Mario and the police to the killer’s door?
Style / Direction
The films directed by Umberto Lenzi whilst Angelo Lotti is responsible for the cinematography. Lenzi really does produce an extremely stylishly shot giallo that looks magnificent. He may not like the comparison but it shares a lot in common with those earlier Argento giallos such as The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970) and The Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971).
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Riz Ortolan.
Acting / Characters
The actors are clearly dubbed yet this has no effect on the quality of the acting. I found the overall standard of acting to be decent.
Cast
- Antonio Sabàto as Mario Gerosa
- Marisa Mell as Anna Sartori / Maria Sartori
- Uschi Glas as Giulia Torresi
- Pier Paolo Capponi as Inspector Vismara
- Petra Schürmann as Concetta Di Rosa
- Gabriella Giorgelli as Ines Tamborini aka Toscana
- Renato Romano as The Priest
- Claudio Gora as Raffaele Ferri
- Rossella Falk as Elena Marchi
- Marina Malfatti as Kathy Adams
- Bruno Corazzari as Barrett
- Linda Sini as Wanda
- Aldo Barberito as Lt. Palumbo
- Franco Fantasia as Lt. Renzi
- Nello Pazzafini as Giovanni Rau
- Ivano Davoli as Dr. Palmieri
Conclusion: Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972) Film Review
I really enjoyed Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972) and think anyone that loves the giallo genre will too. If you love those early Argento giallo films then this Umberto Lenzi film follows a similar formula and pattern. It works really well and I found it to be an incredibly enjoyable thriller. I certainly recommend giving it a look.
If you enjoyed my Seven Blood-Stained Orchids blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
This is another fabulous blu-ray release from 88 Films and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
– Popcorn Cinema Show
Conclusion: Seven Blood-Stained Orchids Blu-ray Review
The film has undergone a 2K remaster from the original negative and now looks flawless. This is another fabulous blu-ray release from 88 Films and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
On the extras front there’s a interview with director Umberto Lenzi which is a little hard going purely because of the subtitles. That said there are some interesting facts about the film for those willing to stick with it to the end. Other than that there’s an interview with actress Gabriella Giorgelli which also has subtitles.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- Director Umberto Lenzi interview (24 mins)
- Gabriella Giorgelli interview (19 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
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Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Seven Blood-Stained Orchids blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more Italian giallo movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972)
Duration: 92 mins
Director(s): Umberto Lenzi
Actor(s): Antonio Sabàto, Uschi Glas, Pier Paolo Capponi, Petra Schürmann, Marisa Mell, Gabriella Giorgelli, Renato Romano
Genre: Giallo, Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A stylish and enjoyable giallo from director Umberto Lenzi.
Pros
- Stylish Giallo
- 2K remaster from the original negative
- Fabulous set of blu-ray extras
Cons
- None
