The Whip and The Body (1963) (Kino Classics Remastered Edition) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Mario Bava
Starring: Christopher Lee
Rated: UR/Region A/1:77/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Kino Classics
Marred by controversy at the time of its release, this horror fantasy from Italy’s legendary horror director Mario Bava centers on the twisted desires of a nobleman’s son (Christopher Lee). Lee is ostracized by his father for his dalliances with a servant girl (who later commits suicide), but is allowed to return to the fold by his brother, whose lovely wife (Dahlia Lavi) immediately becomes the object of Lee’s mad lust. Lee is later found murdered, along with several other victims from the surrounding village, leading superstitious locals to believe that Lee’s evil spirit has returned to destroy them; the twist ending reveals the real evil at work. Uncut, Unrated European Version!
I had heard that this movie was a very controversial film, but after seeing it for myself I’m not sure why. Maybe today’s standards of what is shocking as just numbed us? Regardless, it is certainly a kinky little tail. It also seems to be as if someone mixed Roger Corman’s Poe films in a blender with some Hammer films. I mean that in the best way possible as Christopher Lee hands in a very memorable performance and might be what carries this film to the next level. Yes, it had a good plot, good story, packs an atmosphere, but Lee might be what we really take away from it. You also know when Mario Bava is behind the camera that nine times out of ten you will enjoy what you see.
The movie is also helped by the fact that it comes across as legit creepy. It is rare for something to really comes across as legit scary and this movie has those moments. The Whip and the Body is both a beautiful and a haunting film that is a must see for all Bava fans. However, I’m slightly torn on the transfer. The movie looks good and has nice details, but when compared to other releases is it too dark? It looks just very different to the other releases and I’m not sure if I liked that or not. It isn’t as bad as the Twilight Time Night of the Living Dead color mess, but it is very noticeable.
– Audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark
– Theatrical trailer
– Original trailers of other Bava films
