Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971) - 4K Ultra HD Review

      **Four Flies On Grey Velvet, 1971.**

      Directed by Dario Argento.

      Starring Michael Brandon, Mimsy Farmer, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Bud Spencer, and Calisto Calisti.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      A man who believes he has inadvertently killed someone he thought was following him tries to uncover a deeper mystery as he realizes there’s more to the situation than he initially thought.

      After a long wait, Shameless Screen Entertainment has finally entered the realm of 4K UHD, and what better filmmaker to feature on their inaugural HDR disc than the Italian master Dario Argento? While it may not be his visual masterpiece, Suspiria, 1971's Four Flies On Grey Velvet is still a commendable choice to highlight Argento’s exceptional use of darkness and shadow.

      This point is established even before the film begins, as we learn before the credits that the director intended for this movie to be enjoyed in a very dark setting. Next, we meet Roberto Tobias (Michael Brandon), the drummer of a progressive rock band, who faces a problem with a pesky mosquito on his high-hat cymbals, which might serve as a metaphor, or perhaps it doesn’t.

      Roberto has noticed a man tailing him throughout the week and follows him to a deserted theater, where the man denies stalking him and brandishes a knife. During their struggle, the assailant is stabbed, and Roberto notices that he is being photographed while holding the murder weapon. After confessing the incident to his girlfriend Nina (Mimsy Farmer), more people around him begin to die. Is Roberto truly guilty of murder, and if not, who is framing him?

      As the third installment in Dario Argento’s ‘animal trilogy,’ following The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and The Cat O’ Nine Tails, Four Flies On Grey Velvet could be argued as the best of the three, especially since the previous film's occasionally stilted execution did not enhance its predecessor's standing. With the traditional giallo format essentially mastered, Argento sought to expand the boundaries. While this film may not achieve the stylistic heights of later works like Deep Red or Tenebrae, it avoids the typical black-gloved killer trope, opting instead for a more intellectual mystery. This approach compels us to not only determine who is behind the events but also understand their motivations, particularly concerning the seemingly naive Roberto, who always seems to be trailing behind everyone, including the viewers.

      The pre-title note regarding viewing conditions is significant, as the 4K UHD image captures every aspect of set design in remarkable detail, even in near-total darkness. Many scenes take place in dim lighting, and the blacks are as rich as the vibrant colors in daylight sequences, showcasing Argento’s sharp visual sensibility alongside his talent for crafting striking violent moments, of which there are several to enjoy here. Although not as graphic as some of his later films, Four Flies On Grey Velvet contains several intense moments expertly framed by Argento, striking a superb balance between thriller and horror.

      It’s reasonable to assume that physical media-collecting Argento enthusiasts already possess Shameless’ earlier Blu-ray version, so in addition to a near-flawless UHD transfer—though there are a couple of minor pops, which are negligible—what else do returning purchasers receive? They get two new interviews: one with Dario Argento and another with Michael Brandon, both of which are highly enjoyable, especially Brandon’s, who shares several entertaining anecdotes. An archived interview with co-writer Luigi Cozzi is also included from the previous release, along with new introductions from Cozzi, Brandon, and Argento. Just when you think there’s nothing more to uncover about this 54-year-old film, a booklet featuring insights from Argento biographer and Italian cinema expert Alan Jones is included, making the double purchase worthwhile for those interested.

      In addition to watching it in the dark, a good sound system or headphones greatly enhances the experience as the DTS-HD audio contributes significantly to the atmosphere, making this edition of Four Flies On Grey Velvet the definitive one to watch. Within the context of Dario Argento’s filmography, Four Flies On Grey Velvet serves as a key transitional piece between the gritty rawness of The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and the more polished Deep Red. However, it may not be the first choice for viewing in an Argento marathon due to its occasional slow pacing and the need for full attention to appreciate it fully. Nevertheless, this outstanding release allows the film to look and sound better than ever, showcasing all of Argento’s stylish flourishes and intricacies as it was meant to be seen.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward