The Cursed Medallion (Massimo Dallamano, 1974)

[Max Page]

Is the japanese R2 disc the longer Italian cut?

[Nigel B]

Yes, the Japanese disc is the Italian language 'horror' edit. No English subs option and non-anamorphic ltbx at about 1.78:1. Incidentally, I think it highly unlikely that this film was ever intended to be framed at 2.35:1 as some posters have suggested.

[Ian Z.]

I saw the English cut from an old Canadian tape on the Cocktail Home Video label. I was bored silly and terribly put off by a film that not even Richard Johnson could save. Hearing that the original Italian cut was much different makes me curious to know if that would allow me to appreciate the film more.

[Troy Howarth]

I dunno... it still has a Cipriani score, and I know we differ vastly on the merits of Maestro Cipriani's music.

[Michael Mackenzie]

I finally watched this today, and enjoyed it emensely. Unlike most of the Exorcist clones made in the 1970s, this one is actually genuinely unnerving, and is beautifully photographed throughout. The Stelvio Cipriani score is also one of his absolute best, and both Joanna Cassidy and Evelyn Stewart are looking lovely.

[Troy Howarth]

Glad you liked it, Michael! I think it's refreshingly different from the other Italian horrors of the period, and Johnson grounds it with a nicely detailed performance. He's one of the rare name actors who managed to appear in these films without giving the impression he was slumming it.

[Benjamin C]

I also finally took the time to watch this rather obscure italian horror gem and i must say i´m equally suprised as most people, this is actually a really decent Exorcist clone if you even call it that.

Even though there is isn´t a whole lot going on in terms of gore or violence you are fascinated till the last minute cause the story really sucks you in ! Indeed a very nice performance by Richard Johnson who really adds something to the movie and even the young Nicoletta Elmi gave a rather nice performance as the jealous daughter.

Cipriani´s score was a little repetetive but otherwise a delight to hear of course, like always ! All in all i must say this movie topped all my expectations to be honest ! A solid and captivating story with some good scare moments and a excellent look and soundtrack with some good acting talent thrown in the mix.

On a side note though, the whole time watching the movie i had this weird idea that the contrast was a little bit wobbly and kept changing every few seconds the image would go from light to darker and back, anyone else noticed this ? Also the soundtrack had some kind of digital noise in the background if you turn it up reasonably loud, but other then that also a nice DVD release !

[Troy Howarth]

I didn't notice those problems on my first viewing; I'll check into it.

I wouldn't describe the film as an Exorcist clone, btw - its connections to Friedkin's blockbuster are, at best, tenuous.

[Michael Mackenzie]

I noticed the "contrast wobbling" Benjamin mentioned, but it didn't particularly bother me. I simply put it down to the natural wear and tear of an old print of an obscure film. What I did find somewhat troubling is that there is a noticeable synchronisation problem between video and audio during the first 30 minutes: lips start moving before you hear dialogue, and watch carefully during the scene where they're filming the documentary and close the clapperboard.

[Michael Mackenzie]

My review is now complete and will be going live later today.

I'm curious to hear about different versions of the film. Can anyone provide more specific details on exactly what is added and deleted from the different cuts?

PS. Johan, you mentioned that you had a copy of A Black Veil for Lisa on its way to you. Is it available on DVD?

[Michael Mackenzie]

And here's my review:

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=60343

[Andy Johansen]

Cipriani rules...so does Dallemano!

[Troy Howarth]

Dallamano died rather young, sadly. He was a very good director, much better, I think, than some of the more prolific (and more popular) Italian genre directors.

[Johan Melle]

Originally Posted by Michael Mackenzie

PS. Johan, you mentioned that you had a copy of A Black Veil for Lisa on its way to you. Is it available on DVD?

That's right, I did. But we're talking about a DVD-R, I'm afraid as this one doesn't appear to be available on DVD anywhere.

[Arif Khan]

Any other thoughts and opinions?

I see imdb have now changed it to 1:85:1.

Maybe there is some truth in that aspect ratio.