MORTE SOSPETTA DI UNA MINORENNE

Directed by Sergio Martino
Written by Ernesto Gastaldi & Sergio Martino
Produced by Luciano Martino
Cinematography by Giancarlo Ferrando
Music by Luciano Michelini
Cast: Claudio Cassinelli, Mel Ferrer, Lia Tanzi, Gianfranco Barra, Massimo Girotti, Patrizia Castaldi, Barbara Magnolfi & Jenny Tambry

1975/96 mins/Color/Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
2.35:1 anamorphic/Italian/Italy/PAL Region 2

Review from the Sazuma DVD

A beautiful red-haired hooker is brutally killed. Earlier, she had a meeting with an old rich man. Enter undercover detective Paolo Germi (Cassinelli), who the same day had the pleasure of meeting the young woman at a dance hall. Joined by pickpocket Giannino, he starts his own investigation which turns out to be much more then just the simple murder of a prostitute.

Its with great pleasure that I discovered this rare film from director Sergio Martino. Part poliziotteschi (Italian crime thrillers) and giallo, MORTE SOSPETTA DI UNA MINORENNE is also known as SUSPECTED DEATH OF A MINOR and TOO YOUNG TO DIE. Surprisingly, the movie also some very intentional funny moments. Still make no mistake about it, we get some violent killings, action packed car chase sequences, beautiful women and stylish set pieces. One of my favorite moment of the movie is the shootout on the roller coaster ride. Pure technical genius from Martino and his regular cinematographer Giancarlo Ferrando. Another highlight is when the cast are at a theater watching another Sergio Martino film, YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED DOOR AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY.

Barbara Magnolfi (Olga in Dario Argento's masterpiece SUSPIRIA) makes a much appreciate appearence as a prostitute. Another SUSPIRA cast member, Franca Scagnetti, has a small role as the mother of the thief. American actor Mel Ferrer is given little to do, his part in the movie was simply needed for International appeal of the movie. Luciano Michelini's amazing score is very remiscent of the ones from Goblin, especially from PROFONDO ROSSO which came out the same year. This is the first release part of the Sazuma Italian genre Cinema Collection.

The movie is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Despite some edge enhancement, it looks very good. Sazuma did a great job of cleaning up, color correcting and transferring the original negative to an anamorphic DVD master. The original Italian track is available in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono. Its loud, clear and without any hiss or distortion. English, Dutch or German subtitles are available.

There's an intro to the film by the director. We get a very interesting audio commentary track in German with film critics Christian Kessler and Robert Zion. But fear not, English subtitles are available. They talk about Martino's work, Italian cinema, the genres and more. Next in "Crime Scene Milian" is a very interesting 26 minutes interview with director Sergio Martino. As always, Martino talk freely about his movies, the fall of Italian cinema and more. We also get the Italian theatrical trailer and a small poster gallery. The movie is separated in 20 chapters, features nicely designed animated menus with music and some in a superb digipack.

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Review by Kim Dubuisson. All Right Reserved. 2006. ©