Soavi, Michele

Stagefright

While a group of young actors rehearse a new musical about a mass murderer a notorious psychopath escapes from a nearby insane asylum. But when the show s director locks his cast in the theater overnight the madman is accidentally locked inside as well. Now a killer with acting in his blood has gone berserk for the blood of actors (including several scenes that EuroHorror fans worldwide consider to be the most violent of the decade) and the stage is set for one unforgettable evening of shock suspense and unstoppable carnage.STAGEFRIGHT marked the stunning directorial debut of Dario Argento prot g Michele Soavi and instantly sealed his reputation as the leader of Italian horror s new generation of filmmakers. Also know as AQUARIUS DELIRIA and BLOODY BIRD this brutal shocker has been restored from original Rome vault materials and is presented unrated uncensored and totally uncut. Genre: HORROR UPC: 827058107693 Manufacturer No: 827058107693

Saint Francis

Filmed on location in Assisi and other actual locations where St. Francis lived and died, this feature film vividly tells the story of this greatly beloved saint from childhood through his death. Beautifully filmed with outstanding cinematography and fine acting talent, this film stars Italian actor Raoul Bova as Francis and was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michele Soavi. Captured by the enemy as a soldier and put in prison, he has a life changing experience that inspires him after being freed to abandon his riches and dedicate his life to living the Gospel in simplicity, poverty and charity towards all.

Uno Bianca

Gripping from start to finish, Uno Bianca is an outstanding police procedural originally broadcast on Italian television in 2001, now available as a superbly packaged DVD set from NoShame Films. Italian horror and suspense master Michele Soavi (Cemetery Man) brings his formidable talent to bear on the fact-based 1991 case of the "Uno Bianca" gang of thieves and killers, so named because they use a white Fiat Uno as their getaway car. When their commander is killed in an attempted raid on the gang, detective Valerio Maldesi (Italian star Kim Rossi Stuart) and his partner Rocco (Dino Abbrescia) begin an aggressively maverick campaign to capture the killers, whose reign of terror leaves a rising body count at banks, supermarkets and gas stations along the Rimini coast. Intelligently scripted by veteran actor-writer Luigi Montefiori (a.k.a. George Eastman, Rabid Dogs), this two-part, three-hour action thriller unfolds with superior plotting, character development, and bursts of violence that emerge sensibly (and not gratuitously) from an intense series of cat-and-mouse confrontations. A slick, expertly crafted production, Uno Bianca plays out with the forceful momentum of Michael Mann's Heat combined with the sensible casework of Helen Mirren's acclaimed British series Prime Suspect. If the climax seems mildly anticlimactic, it's only because Uno Bianca is realistically faithful to actual police methods, uncompromised by artificial action or implausible plot devices. As the intricate plot unfolds to include Maldesi's pregnant wife and the stressful effect of his obsessive pursuit of justice, Soavi handles action and suspense with Hitchcockian precision, and the casting of Stuart and Abbrescia simply couldn't be better.

NoShame's two-disc DVD release of Uno Bianca is first-class in every way, with an abundance of bonus features (interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a photo gallery, etc.), and an informative, well-written booklet of background detail and cast/director biographies. Just for fun, there's even a cardboard cut-out so you can make your own miniature white Fiat Uno! For discerning DVD collectors everywhere, it's this kind of care and attention that distinguishes NoShame from other, less fan-oriented DVD distributors, and Uno Bianca is entirely worthy of this high-class presentation. --Jeff Shannon

In this violent action thriller Kim Rossi-Stuart (THE NAME OF THE ROSE) and Dino Abbrescia (I'M NOT SCARED) are detectives on the trail of a criminal gang perpetrating terrorist attacks along the Rimini coast and getting away each time in a white Fiat Uno. When pursuit of the gang ends in the death of their superior officer the detectives go beyond the law to bring the killers to justice only to find that their identities are as shocking as their crimes. UNO BIANCA finds Michele Soavi employing his trademark suspense tactics to give added tension to this fact-based action film co-scripted by veteran EuroCult actor-writer Luigi Montefiori (RABID DOGS). NoShame Films is proud to present the American premiere of this two-part three-hour film originally broadcast on Italian television and unlike anything you've ever seen in prime time.DVD Features:Available Subtitles: EnglishAvailable Audio Tracks: Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0)DISC 1 - part 1 of the movieIntroduction by Producer Pietro ValsecchiHow To Get Action Into Truth Interview with Writer Luigi Montefiori (aka George Eastman)We Did It Like Cinema Interview with Producer Pietro ValsecchiIt Was NOT Business As Usual Interview with Cinematographer Gianni MammolottiDISC 2 - part 2 of the movieBehind the Scene 1 (3 mins aprox)Behind the Scene 2 (7 mins aprox)Still GalleryCollectible Booklet - including liner notes and talent biosIncluding - UNO BIANCA do-it-yourself cardboard model carFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 882853002499 Manufacturer No: NS0024DVD

The Church

The Masters Of Italian Terror Present The Most Unholy Horror Of All!

In medieval Europe, crusading knights massacre a village full of suspected devil worshippers and build a large gothic church above the cursed remains. It is now present day, and this elaborate cathedral still stands. But when its sealed crypt is accidentally reopened, a group of people trapped inside the church become possessed by the fury of the damned. Can the blood of the innocent survive this unholy communion, or will the ultimate demonic evil be unleashed upon the world?

THE CHURCH was co-written and produced by maestro Dario Argento (SUSPIRIA, INFERNO) and sealed the reputation of director Michele Soavi (STAGEFRIGHT, CEMETERY MAN) as the new master of Italian horror. This visually stunning shocker stars Hugh Quarshie (NIGHTBREED), Tomas Arana (GLADIATOR), Barbara Cupisti (OPERA), and Asia Argento (THE STENDHAL SYNDROME), and features a remarkable score by Goblin and Keith Emerson. Originally known as DEMONS 3, THE CHURCH is presented uncut, uncensored and fully restored from original vault materials.

The Church

St. Francis

Directed by Michele Soavi (CEMETARY MAN UNO BIANCA) ST. FRANCIS is the true story of the life of St Francis of Assisi. Starring one of the sexiest Italian actors Raoul Bova (UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN) as St. Francis. Francis Bernadone was born in Assisi in 1182 to Pietro and Picca Bernadone. Pietro was a cloth merchant and probably the richest man in Assisi. He anticipated even more wealth as the young Francis had demonstrated keen business skills. Francis however was unlike his greedy father. Rich in natural virtue he was always quick to share his good fortune with his friends and even with the poor. Known as the king of youth for his joyful nature and popularity his primary aspiration was to be a knight. In 1205 an opportunity arose to fight for Pope Innocent III. Francis jumped at the opportunity but thirty miles into the excursion he fell ill. As he recuperated he heard the voice of God asking him: Francis who can do more for you the Lord or the servant? Francis answered the Lord. God replied: Then why do you leave the Lord for the servant a rich Lord for a poor man? And Francis asked Lord what would you have me do? God said Return home and you will be told what to do. From then on Francis began to desire to serve the King of Kings and to be a holy knight in His court.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: FOREIGN/LATIN UPC: 882853002796 Manufacturer No: NS0027DVD

Stage Fright

Dario Argento's World of Horror

Behind-the-scenes documentaries tend to be hit-or-miss affairs, often becoming so bogged down in arcane details that they wind up being a little tedious. Dario Argento's World of Horror, however, is a fascinating look at the master of the Italian horror film. There are plenty of how-to details concerning films such as The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, Tenebrae, Four Flies on Grey Velvet, and much of his other horror and giallowork through l985, as well as an examination of his involvement with George Romero's zombie classic Dawn of the Dead. There are also lengthy interview segments that plumb the depths of Argento's dark visions as he discusses his influences, from Hitchcock to American pulp writers like Chandler, Hammett and Woolrich. The director's visually stylish, thematically complex work has been analyzed and dissected in print at great length, but the rather chilling interviews with the man give a new insight into his obsessions and a clue as to what actually makes him tick. Argento's personal protégé Michele Soavi (director of Dellamorte, Dellamore and The Church) helmed this documentary in hands-off style. Highly recommended for horror fans in general and fans of the Italian breed of horror in particular. --Jerry Renshaw

Directed by Michele Soavi (Cemetery Man, The Church), Dario Argento's World of Horror is an incredible visual essay on the films of horror maestro, Dario Argento. Highlighting the early films of his career and containing interviews, amazing behind-the-scenes footage and clips from such films as Deep Red, Phenomena, Tenebrae and Demons, this documentary is a fascinating look at one of the world^Rs most talented horror directors.