Whip and the Body

Originally shorn of key sadomasochistic scenes upon its U.S. release, Italian horrormeister Mario Bava's 1963 Gothic romance-mystery-chiller, starring Christopher Lee and Daliah Lavi, is here presented in its original "uncut" state. The objectionable material: Lee, bullwhip in hand, applying numerous lashes to Lavi's back, who seems (this is the really objectionable part) rather aroused by the proceedings. Frankly, aside from Bava's notable use of color and inventive composition, there is little to recommend this tale of a handsome dark woman beater (Lee) whose hash is settled by a rather lethal knife to the throat (assailant unknown), but who Comes Back From the Dead, to wreak havoc on friends and family while continuing his lascivious attention to Lavi beyond the grave, so to speak. While the widescreen color transfer is easy on the eyes, the real treat here is the extraordinarily detailed commentary by Video Watchdog editor and B-movie expert Tim Lucas. Optional for most. (R. Pitman)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Dec. 31, 2013—Kino Lorber, 87 min., in Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $24.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and first on Blu-ray, 1963's The Whip and the Body features a nice transfer and PCM mono sound. Extras include audio commentary by author Tim Lucas (Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark), and trailers. Bottom line: Bava fans will appreciate the Blu-ray debut of this gothic chiller.]