Bava Box Set, Vol. 2 DVD Credits:

Region: 1

Bava Box Set, Vol. 2 DVD Release Date: 22nd October 2007

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Bava Box Set, Vol. 2 DVD Review:

The release of the first “Bava Box” focused primarily on the early film career of the masterful and legendary Italian horror film director, Mario Bava, and this second collection makes a great choice in focusing on the twilight of his career. It was a time when Bava made some interesting choices, never quite losing the suspense element that made his early horror films so unforgettable, but often working in unique genres such as spaghetti western (Roy Colt and Winchester Jack), a mod murder mystery (5 Dolls for An August Moon), and even a sex comedy set in the tradition of Rashomon (Four Times That Night). Another element never lost in Bava’s incredible career is his rich and exuberant visuals, regardless of what genre or period in his career he happened to be in. Bava films are unforgettable and unmistakable, and this set is a perfect follow up to the first collection. Now all we need is a set that has all of the films in-between.

Part of the appeal of the set is the fact that many of these films have not been released in their original international versions on DVD in the United States. In fact, some of these films have been changed so much for international distribution that they hardly resemble the same film, and by way of comparison some of the DVDs in this set hold both versions of the film. In the case of Lisa and the Devil, although it is now considered to be one of the director’s final masterpieces, it was brutally re-edited and released only years after the initial premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. In an attempt to cash in on the success of The Exorcist, additional scenes of exorcism terror were added into the film and it was released as The House of Exorcism with great international success. This wonderful set includes both, as it does with Rabid Dogs, an unfinished film which was taken over by Bava’s son Lamberto Bava (Demons, Demons 2) and producer Alfredo Leone years later and completed as Kidnapped. Rabid Dogs was never finished when the financier died during production, but luckily now we have an idea of both versions, including Bava’s unfinished version.

Some of the films, such as Baron Blood, are presented in unrated European cuts that haven’t been released in the United States, and although the differences may seem minor it goes a long way in respecting the integrity of the director. The entire set is quite impressive in showing the breadth of the director’s career and the films themselves are a treasure for anyone who appreciates the incredible historical value of Bava’s work. Bay of Blood is one film in the set that cannot be ignored. Bava was at the helm of creating slasher films and this film is greatly responsible for that. Many of these films also have commentary tracks on them as well. Mario Bava biographer Tim Lucas has commentary tracks on Lisa and the Devil, Kidnapped, Bay of Blood, and Baron Blood, while producer Alfredo Leone and star Elke Sommer give a commentary on The House of Exorcism. Rabid Dogs also comes with a featurette about the making of the film, or lack thereof.

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Bava Box Set, Vol. 2 DVD review written by: Ryan Izay