Contraband (1980) (BLU-RAY REVIEW)
Director: Lucio Fulci
Starring: Fabio Testi, Ivana Monti, Marcel Bozzuffi
RATED: UR/REGION 0/1:85/1080P/NUMBER OF DISCS 2
AVAILABLE FROM Cauldron Films
Naples, Italy: An idealistic cigarette smuggler, Luca, runs into problems when a sadistic drug dealing gangster from France decides to muscle his way into operations. As he tries to wipe out the competition, all hell breaks loose and the bodies start piling up! Luca joins forces with rival smugglers and the local mafia to counteract the power play, which only increases the body count until the explosive gun powder and gut bursting conclusion!
I recently had the opportunity to watch Contraband, the 1980 film from Lucio Fulci, and it was an incredible experience. From the unique direction of Fulci to the stellar acting performances, this movie was definitely a hit in its time. The story follows a group of Italian men who smuggle cigarettes and whiskey from Croatia. What starts as a fun adventure for the group quickly turns into a thrilling drama with action and suspense throughout. And this release not only brings you the film, but lots of new extras, but more on that in a bit. Let’s dive into the actual movie just a bit more before we get to that.
The acting performances from the entire cast are great, especially from the lead characters of Reneé Senz and Valeria Contini. The cinematography is stunning as well and really brings to life the amazing locales that were used. This is a movie that has been needing the Blu-ray treatment for a long time and I think Cauldron Films is the perfect label for it. This release has some cool extras and looks nice enough that you’ll either be trading in your old Blue Underground DVDs or you’ll retire it to the the shelf. Unless Cauldron Films releases a 4K later on, this will be the version of Contraband you’ll be reaching for when you are on a Fulci kick. Overall, I’d highly recommend Contraband to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging drama. Lucio Fulci did a wonderful job of taking a simple smuggling mission and turning it into an intense story that at time doesn’t shy away from tossing some blood at us, even if that doesn’t take the lead here like it does in more popular Fulci movies.
Extras
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- BLU-RAY/CD COMBO PACK
- NEW Interview with writer Giorgio Mariuzzo
- NEW Interview with actress Ivana Monti
- NEW Interview with actor Saverio Marconi
- NEW Audio commentary by critics Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson and Bruce Holecheck
- Archival Interview with actor Fabrizio Jovine
- Archival Interview with actor Venantino Venantini
- Archival Interview with cinematographer Sergio Salvati
- Archival Interview with composer Fabio Frizzi
- Image Gallery
- Trailers
- Audio:
English language audio
Italian language audio with English subtitles - Optional English SDH subtitles
- Reversible Blu-ray wrap with alternate artwork
- CD soundtrack – Music by Fabio Frizzi – limited edition only
- Mini lobby card reproduction postcard inserts – limited edition only
- High quality side loaded slipcase featuring original poster art – limited edition only
