Lisa and the Devil

Mario Bava's "Lisa and the Devil" graces the Blu-ray format, courtesy of British distributor Arrow Video, paired intriguingly with “The House of Exorcism.” Both presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offering 1080p transfers, they distinctly remind us of their origins from a bygone era of cinema. Dated masters, likely repurposed from previous DVD releases, contribute to a visual experience that, while impressively preserved, subtly beckons for refinement. Variabilities in sharpness—particularly notable in dim lighting conditions—and sporadic fluctuations in contrast levels mark the aging process of these films. Yet, amidst these reminders of their vintage, the consistent clarity and the films' capacity to retain an organic texture, free from overzealous digital restoration efforts, speak to a level of care in their transfer.

For "Lisa and the Devil," the visual presentation balances imperfections with merits. The occasional presence of minor scratches and flecks does little to detract from the film's overall impressive adaptation to high definition and could even be said to enhance its historical ambiance. The color palette, while stable, hints at untapped potential for vibrancy and saturation, leaving room for speculation on what a more intensive restoration might yield. However, the organic grain and absence of digital manipulation honor the original atmospheric intention.

Conversely, "The House of Exorcism" slightly lags in its visual fidelity, plagued more pointedly by physical blemishes and scenes marred by discoloration and underwhelming resolution. Though both films suffer from similar age-related ailments—dirt, white specks, and visible wear—there’s an unshakeable sense that “The House of Exorcism” could have benefitted from additional attention to mitigate these distractions. Nonetheless, these issues aside, both films deliver a commendable level of clarity and depth, with rich blacks and a dynamic range that breathes life into Bava’s eerie visuals. This Blu-ray presentation navigates the delicate balance between preserving historical authenticity and adapting to contemporary expectations of visual quality.

Lisa and the Devil" presents its auditory experience via English and Italian LPCM 2.0 audio tracks, supporting its atmospheric storytelling with clear, consistent sound quality, barring minor dynamic shifts upon the narrative's progression to the villa setting. Offering optional English SDH subtitles for the English track and English subtitles for the Italian track enhances accessibility. While the lossless English track maintains a dependable clarity, occasionally marred by slight background hiss and negligible dynamic fluctuations, it remains free from disruptive dropouts, pops, or distortions, affirming a stable auditory delivery that respects the original soundscape.

The audio presentation operates within the constraints of its uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack, revealing slight imperfections such as minor ADR misalignments, background pops, and hissing. These issues slightly detract from an otherwise balanced mid-range and adequate, though limited, bass response. Despite these minor inconveniences, vocals remain sharply prioritized, offering a clean and focused center in the absence of a broad soundstage. However, limitations in higher frequency handling and lackluster bass presence are notable yet do not significantly impair the overall auditory experience, maintaining a level of enjoyment commensurate with the film’s visual narrative.

In contrast, "The House of Exorcism", while carrying similar ADR challenges, showcases remarkable dynamics and acoustic range, particularly accentuating the high to mid frequencies without succumbing to distortion, thereby achieving a more spacious soundstage characterized by impressive clarity and detail. The dialogue reproduction strength and enhanced dynamics over its counterpart demonstrate a slight auditory edge. This attention to acoustic detail and the effort to mitigate limitations elsewhere contributes to an auditory experience that, while occasionally flawed, still delivers a commendably immersive backdrop to the visual storytelling of both films.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lisa and the Devil" offers a compelling array of extras that enrich the viewing experience, presenting a deep dive into the film's unique history, production intricacies, and its impact within the genre of Italian horror. The meticulous attention to detail is evident through the inclusion of an insightful introduction by Alan Jones, a comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with key figures like Lamberto Bava and Roberto Natale, and a rare glimpse at deleted content alongside unfinished promotional material. Additionally, both films benefit from profound audio commentaries that unveil the creative vision behind the scenes, supplemented by a thoughtful coverage on their transformation and reception. This edition not only serves as a testament to Mario Bava's legacy but also as a treasure trove for cinephiles, enhanced by exclusive interviews, rare archival materials, and expertly curated supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: A brief overview by Alan Jones.
• The Exorcism of Lisa: A documentary exploring the film's construction and versions.
• Lisa and the Devil Unfinished Trailer: The unfinished official trailer of the film.
• Deleted Scene: An extended version of a specific love scene.
• Audio Commentary: Commentary tracks with insights into both featured films.
• Trailer: Original trailers for The House of Exorcism.
• Radio Spot: A promotional radio spot.
• Coverwork: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork.
• Booklet: Collector’s booklet with new writing on the film by Stephen Thrower.
• Bava on Bava: An interview with Lamberto Bava sharing memories of working with Mario Bava.

Mario Bava's Lisa e il diavolo (Lisa and the Devil) received a notable Blu-ray release, highlighting its distinctive place in the Italian horror genre's evolution. This film, presented alongside its reimagined counterpart The House of Exorcism, offers a glimpse into the transitional phase of Italian cinema from gothic aesthetics to the emerging giallo features that would define the era. Bava's adaptation, although somewhat perplexing with its intertwining of surreal imagery and a narrative that straddles the line between reality and nightmare, remains a testament to his directorial prowess and creative vision. Coupled with Cecilio Paniagua's mesmerizing cinematography and Telly Savalas' memorable portrayal of the devil-cum-butler, the film exudes a baroque beauty that captivates the audience despite its narrative ambiguities.

The original version of the movie, preferred for its artistic intent, contrasts sharply with The House of Exorcism, a reworked version aiming to capitalize on the then-popular exorcism trope. This latter version introduces additional scenes and a new narrative twist in an attempt to align more closely with contemporary horror trends, notably William Friedkin's The Exorcist. While intriguing as a concept, the execution resulted in a disjointed experience that detracted from Bava's original vision. Critics and audiences alike found this iteration to be a curiosity at best, lacking the cohesive allure of the initial release.

Arrow Video's distribution ensures both films are preserved for aficionados and new viewers, providing an insightful look into the complex production history and the cinematic shifts during the 1970s. Despite The House of Exorcism's lackluster reception, Lisa and the Devil stands as an engaging exploration of themes surrounding illusion, desire, and the supernatural. This Blu-ray release not only offers high-quality visual and audio experiences but also enriches viewers' understanding through extensive special features, making it a valuable addition to any horror or film enthusiast's collection.

In the realm of cult classics, Mario Bava's "Lisa and the Devil" stands out as a peculiar cinematic gem that has captivated audiences with its eerie narrative and compelling visuals. The release of this film on Blu-ray by Arrow Video, while not without its flaws, marks a commendable effort to preserve and present Bava's work to contemporary audiences. While some may lament the relative scarcity of boutique labels dedicated to such projects, this release is illustrative of the care and attention that can still be found for niche films. The Blu-ray edition delivers a noticeable improvement in visual quality over previous iterations, accompanied by a collection of excellent supplemental features that enrich the viewing experience.

Despite the film's contentious history—stemming from producer Alfredo Leone's decision to significantly edit and retitle Bava's original work for broader audience appeal—the Blu-ray presentation attempts to do justice to Bava's gothic vision. "Lisa and the Devil" is remembered for its unique take on the horror genre, with Telly Savalas delivering a haunting performance as the devil. The Blu-ray edition offers adequate picture quality and an enhanced audio experience, though it falls short in terms of supplemental material, which might disappoint some purists hoping for a deeper dive into the film's storied background and Bava's directorial nuances.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Lisa and the Devil" is a testament to the enduring allure of Mario Bava's filmmaking. While it may not achieve perfection in every technical aspect, the improved visual and audio quality, alongside a selection of engaging extras, make it a valuable addition to the collections of cinephiles who cherish the artistry of classic horror. This edition serves not only as a tribute to Bava's original vision but also as a bridge connecting new generations of viewers with the intriguing complexities of this cult favorite.