Arrow Films, out now

Dario Argento’s second movie, a 1970 ‘Giallo’ thriller, gets a remarkable sprucing up in this gorgeous new transfer from Arrow, accompanied by some welcome collectors paraphernalia.

A blind puzzle-maker (Karl Malden) and a journalist (James Franciscus, Beneath the Planet of the Apes) team up to solve a string of murders in 1970s Turin in Argento’s sophomore work (the second of his so-called ‘animal trilogy’). Convoluted and unbelievable (a hallmark of many entries in this genre), it’s a hypnotic feast for the eyes, with Argento further cementing his trademark camerawork established in The Bird with the Crystal Plumage. Barely a month after Arrow released a UHD special edition of that movie, they release Cat In a new 4K restoration from the original 35mm 2-perf Techniscope negative in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible). And what a punchy, clear picture it is, Erico Menczer’s cinematography never looking so crisp and vibrant.

Those who already bought the previous regular 2018 Arrow Blu-ray might balk at what they see as a double-dip, particularly as there’s no new special features on the disc, but you’d be buying this for superb upgrade in look and the other extras in the hardback box. There’s a perfect-bound illustrated booklet featuring an original essay by Argento, as well as essays by Barry Forshaw, Troy Howarth and Howard Hughes (included in the previous limited edition), a fold-out double-sided poster and six double-sided postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards.

Verdict: With Deep Red due to follow shortly in this ‘special edition’ series, Arrow are spoiling us with some high-end Argento UHD product, and your TV is crying out to play it. 9/10

Nick Joy