BY DARREN ALLISON
Day of Anger is an enjoyable spaghetti western that top-lines a legend of the genre, Lee Van Cleef, as aging
gunfighter Frank Talby. In an attempt to regain his fearsom reputation, Talby shoots
and kills a local Sheriff. He then finds he must contend with his own young protégé, a street cleaner
Scott Mary (Giuliano Gemma), who happened to be the sheriff's close friend. The
climactic showdown finds Talby in a classic face off with his former pupil,
with each man knowing the other's every move and thought.
This
lively, intelligent western, notable for the chemistry between its charismatic
leads, some memorable action set-pieces (including a rifle duel on horseback
that has to be seen to be believed) and a jazzy Riz Ortolani score, is
presented here in an exclusive high-definition restoration from the original
Techniscope negative. Day of Anger remains a superior and much-loved Italian
western and was directed Sergio Leone’s original assistant, Tonino Valerii.
Arrow Video’s
dual format release comes in both a High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and
Standard Definition DVD presentation. The set also contains two versions of the
film, the original Italian theatrical release and the shortened version that
was screened internationally. Day of Anger boasts visuals that are both impressive and detailed,
especially in close-up shots of Van Cleef’s
chiselled facial features. As you would
expect from this particular genre of film, colours are bright and vivid with
true, tanned skin tones. Director Valerii makes excellent use of the 2.35:1
Techniscope frame, without ever feeling the need to use extreme close ups -
unlike his original influence, Sergio Leone. The film has a minimal amount of
grain. Audio is presented in the
form of a clear, uncompressed mono track, with English or Italian soundtracks
on the longer cut and an English soundtrack on the shorter version. There are
also newly translated English subtitles for Italian audio track. The film
really benefits from the brand new restoration struck from the original 35mm
Techniscope camera negative. It is both clean and free of any major defects.
The
disc's extras are also enjoyable. They include a deleted scene, which in honesty,
is nothing more than an extension of an existing scene. There is a selection of
trailers (all in varying quality) which serve their purpose well. Then we get
to the really good stuff. There is a brand new interview with screenwriter
Ernesto Gastaldi, who reveals many interesting stories. Gastaldi speaks in his
native tongue (enthusiastically) with his responses presented in the form of
English subtitles. There is a previously unreleased 2008 interview with director
Tonino Valerii – a little less enthusiastic then Gastaldi – but it is
interesting nevertheless. The interview which is arguably the most engrossing
is that of Tonino Valerii’s biographer Roberto Curti – which is conducted in
English. Curti provides a fascinating insight into the director and provides
detailed analysis on films, the genre and Sergio Leone –all of which proves
very enlightening.
Arrow’s superb packaging
again includes a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned
artwork by Reinhard Kleist and a detailed booklet featuring new writing on the
film by Howard Hughes (author of Spaghetti Westerns) and illustrated with
original poster designs. Fans of the genre will love it.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM THE ARROW VIDEO WEB SITE (UK-BASED)
USA CUSTOMERS: CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON