dvd release in Germany!!! Soon by trhe looks of it - 4 mosche di velluto grigio (1972) Discussion

[–] rjobrien_1943 17 years ago

The new German DVD seems to have an English soundtrack and a good selection of extras but there are rumours that this release is a bootleg. Argento was recently quoted as saying that 'Four Flies' wouldn't come out on DVD any time in the near future, as one of the rights owners was demanding too much money. Maybe Argento was just referring to the Italian market, but I doubt it.

I've seen the Italian version of 'Four Flies' - without subtitles - and it held my interest but I don't think it's classic Argento.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] rjobrien_1943 17 years ago

The Dark Dreams link is to a German DVD review site, not a company that actually sells the DVD. Maybe this release is legit but I would welcome some more information. When something looks too good to be true - especially a region 0 DVD of a much-requested film with rights issues - it probably is.

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[–] fulcifan2004-1 17 years ago

"Yeah, they're dead, they're all messed up."

I dared to pick up a German copy of Four Flies On Grey Velvet from Xploited, and I sorta fast scanned thru the movie to get an idea of picture quality. And, while not "perfect", the image quality is a DEFINITE improvement! Before, purchased this film on video cassette, the picture is kinda bad, is wihout color, and horrible tinny sound. The DVD however, an anamorphic release, aspect ratio of around 2.35:1 English, Italian and German language options, and a really nice dvd case come with this release.

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[–] jbernhard 17 years ago

It is indeed a bootleg but by far the best way to see the film to date. Several minutes have been sourced from a second source and these scenes look inferior, but 95 % of the film is from a nice looking, if a bit worn, German theatrical print.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] a-bark 17 years ago

hi. where did you get a copy from?

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] AndreaZen 17 years ago

bootleg. And really terrible quality one.

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[–] teadm 17 years ago

I wouldn't say it's terrible quality. It's transferred from a scratchy, faded print, and some short sequences are sourced from what looks like a VHS tape, but considering this is not an official release, it looks quite clear and it's the best we're going to get for the foreseeable future. I'm just glad it's available at all.

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[–] deathdude40 17 years ago

yes, this is a bootleg copy, but i have to say that the quality is EXCELLENT.

bought mine from Ebay.

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[–] DrLenera 17 years ago

I've got this. The quality is reasonable except for five or six brief bits which are awful. I reckon those were bits which were cut out of some versions and the print they ahd was missing those bits,therefore thay had to source them from a far inferior print. Stil,considering that a legit DVD release doesn't seem to be on the cards anytime soon,I'd say it's worth getting. It's not an Argento masterpiece,but is still interesting and has some great scenes.

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[–] grantch 17 years ago

Ok, it's overpriced (I paid $45 including shipping) but if you're an Argento fan it's well worth it. I saw the movie once in its original release and remember it fondly. I've since purchased some pirated copies which had either poor video, lousy audio, or an unhappy combination of both. Now this new DVD has a clear (albeit used) print in which the night and dark scenes are clearly defined. The mask in the ballcony, the garroting, the slow ominous darkening in the park and other scenes which had been obscured are now as clear to view as they were in the movie house. And the revelation of the killer is just as I remembered with the magnificent confession which left the audience (when I saw it) stunned. Now, I had to watch 4 Flies on my computer as it is in PAL format but that should be no deterrent for anyone who wants to enjoy one of Dario's coolest films. It's pretty clear Paramount will never officially release 4 Flies on Grey Velvet in my lifetime, so I urge you to snap up this German offering while it's available.

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[–] suspiria56 16 years ago

So I got home from work last Friday and my partner and I are going through me Italian section of my DVDs. Here's me going through Argento's stuff and my girl says "hey, i was gonna leave it until your birthday (Nov), but I can't...."

So she goes upstairs and comes down with Four Flies on bloody grey Velvet....for the love of god, the little beauty!!!

Having read a few posts, my version is German R2 release by Retro Video...not checked quality though.

anyways, she's looking at me saying "do you like? I can exchange for something else"

"Gran'pa was always tha best...."

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