Ruggero Deodato is having a post life renaissance, thanks in part to 88 Films and thanks also to the BBFC. One is granting the certification, 18 in this case, to the uncut version of his film THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK. The other is dispatching it onto the world. Deodato might be tickled by the adulation among some corners for his film inspired by THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (and is itself a far better film than that magnum opus of grizzled awfulness). But I am no fan of this scuzzy little gem from the vaults of a film maker who knew the buttons to press and the mines to dig, in terms of human awfulness and exploitative fun. CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, almost uncensored (and the best version of the film you can get which avoids some of the frankly terrible animal slaughter), has found its way to the UK thanks 88 films in a delicious release, but what of the king of grim other masterwork?

So the story. David Hess is Alex one half of a punk duo. His side kick is called Ricky and played by lovely human being Giovanni Lombardo Radice (who also gets to be asked questions on the film with the director in an above par interview). They like girls, money and…it seems murder. When two posh types turn up in their garage late, asking for a little help, well they give it but only if they can invite themselves to a party at a posh villa. Things start to go south quickly, when the posh guys milk the hapless Ricky out of cash in a bent game of cards. Alex doesn’t like this, nor the laughing woman, who mock his sexual advances, so he attacks. They decide to hold everyone hostage and subject them to various forms of torture and mayhem. Which escalates to a terrible crashendo of glass, guts and water…

88 Films need to give others a chance. I mean they have proven that a small label can stand up and be counted (Signal One take note.) It is an expensive game and they play it really well. Here we have a optimised UHD, which has broken the curse of average 4K remasters of late from others. Its not the best of the year so far but its close. Looking lush in colour tones. the flat lighting curse dispensed with. They have also got talent onto talk about the and in more interesting ways then expected. Yes we have the cuts history (11 mins which I saw, then some 2 mins later on, now uncut) but its also the age of post disco savageness, cinema of Italian horror and the fear of the outside world.  All this played into conservatives hands and as David Flint and Adrian Smith extract, makes the film all the more fun as it became a nasty. I was indifferent to the interviews because, I am like that. Deodato can talk a storm up but he comes across as a man with a plan on what to say. The duo interview sees him open up because Radice is so lovely that you cant help but. However it is Zoe Smith and Rebecca McCallum commentary, which is all manner of brilliant, that you will find the long journey guide of the film. This is the work that will leave long in the mind, the films power.

Limited Edition contents

• Limited Edition Slipcase with artwork by Graham Humphreys
• A3 fold-out poster with artwork by Graham Humphreys and Original Italian Poster Artwork
• Booklet notes with new writing on the film by Sean Hogan
• 2 Disc Set

UHD contents

• Brand new 4K Remaster from the Original Negatives presented in High Definition (2160p) in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
• Dolby Vision Grade (HDR10+ Compatible)
• LPCM 2.0 English Mono
• LPCM 2.0 Italian Mono with newly translated English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary with David Flint and Adrian Smith
• Audio Commentary with Zoe Smith and Rebecca McCallum
• Original Trailer

Blu-ray contents


•  Brand new 4K Remaster from the Original Negatives presented in High Definition (1080p) in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
• LPCM 2.0 English Mono
• LPCM 2.0 Italian Mono with newly translated English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary with David Flint and Adrian Smith
• Audio Commentary with Zoe Smith and Rebecca McCallum
• On the Edge – An Interview with the late Ruggero Deodato
• A True Professional – An Interview with Sergio D’Offizi
• Geleng’s Park – An Interview with Massimo Antonello Geleng
• The Last House on the Edge of the Park – An Interview with Ruggero Deodato and Giovanni Lombardo Radice
• Geleng’s House of Horrors
• Original Trailer
• Reversible sleeve with newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys and original Italian poster

https://88-films.myshopify.com/products/house-on-the-edge-of-the-park-the-italian-collection-78