A group of tourists in Barcelona are menaced by a red raincoat wearing maniac. The killer could be any one of them, but all eyes are on Mark (John Richardson) who suddenly joins the group. Speaking of eyes, it seems the killer has a thing for them as it removes the victim’s left eye.

The gialli of Umberto Lenzi are some of the most unusual and striking. Lenzi was one of the great exploitation filmmakers who just happened to be slightly missing the trends. Releasing some gialli before and after Dario Argento with his BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (1970), Lenzi’s films have been unfairly written off throughout time. But thanks to more of his films getting the blu-ray treatment, it looks like we may be finally be seeing a change.

EYEBALL (1975, aka “The Secret Killer) is one of his more daring. The plot unfolding in a more Agatha Christie way. Something that would influence the early films in the Slasher Boom of the 1980’s. But her Lenzi subverts many of the giallo conventions. We do indeed get a gloved killer, but this time dressed in a vivid red and showy raincoat. There is still some of the lingering Male Gaze of the genre, but the darkness is gone. Most of the film is shown in the bright Spanish locations. 

Lenzi does pull off some visuals tour de forces, including a extended and trippy fun house scene. With a alien landscape of clowns and acid greens. The rest of the film is a feast for the eyes. With outrageous 70’s fashions, not to mention the insane sunglasses, decors and fluid camerawork. All set to one of Bruno Nicolai’s best scores.

One of EYEBALL’s best strengths is the game cast of euro cult favorites. In the lead role is the beautiful Martine Brochard of MANNAJA (1977) and Tinto Brass’s PAPRIKA (1991). John Richardson (TORSO, REFLECTIONS IN BLACK) makes a questionable male lead. Rounding out the cast is Mirta Miller (Paul Naschy’s VENGEANCE OF THE ZOMBIES and COUNT DRACULA’S GREAT LOVE) as a sassy lesbian photographer and George Rigaud (HORROR EXPRESS) as a questionable priest.

88 Films has pulled all the stops with this existing package. The limited edition is full with extras and a new transfer. First up is the 2.0 Italian DTS-HD Master audio which sounds clear as day. For a vintage Italian title, the audio has never sounded better with no hisses or pops. The English dubbed 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track is also a welcomed treat. Gialli are known for their unique dubbing and wild scripts, so the charm is kept here. 

The 1080p HD transfer is simply fantastic. The picture is rich with detail and has a sharp focus. It’s easy to see every layer of texture. There is some minor film grain and none of the picture is out of focus. This transfer alone could show what a great eye Lenzi had.

The edition used for this review is the limited pressing one with the lobby cards. Some of these features may vary. 88 Films does this film justice with a jam packed edition. The main event is a 80 minute documentary entitles ALL EYES ON LENZI, a in-depth look at the works of Umberto Lenzi and how they stack up up against his contemporaries. The doc is packed with interviews with friends and critics. One of the standouts is Calum Waddell who traces Lenzi’s work in context with other Italian horror masters like Dario Argento and Mario Bava. Essential viewing.

The rest of the disc is just as handsomely made. There is a audio commentary by the podcast group The Hysteria Continues. After listening to this track I had to track down their podcast immediately. It was blast for the full running time. Next up is a interview with actress Martine Brochard, who discusses her career and her involvement with EYEBALL. Next is a featurette on EYEBALL’s filming locations and a trailer gallery.

The limited-edition also comes with a massive booklet of liner notes by Calum Waddell. Waddell’s work is in-depth and entertaining. It also comes with four of the original lobby cards.

EYEBALL is a fantastic example of the giallo, and one of the most entertaining. This package from 88 Films is a essential purchase. Highly Recommended.

Director-Umberto Lenzi

Cast- Martine Brochard, John Richardson

Country of Origin- Italy

Discs- 2

Distributor- 88 Films

Reviewer- Tyler Miller