About 10 years ago I received a book called “Italian Horror” by Jim Harper, at the time there was not a lot of books on this regional division of horror, and so I was happy to have anything related to spaghetti splatter on my bookshelf.

Until I got this.

Harper’s book covered the years 1978 to 1994, basically Fulci’s Zombie to Dellamorte Dellamore. As I read each review in the book, I wondered what was the point of him putting this together. If he loved Italian horror, it didn’t show in the writing. He seemed to show a distaste for many of the films of this period, especially those from later in the 1980’s, but 2 films seemed to outright disgust Harper. Giallo in Venice, and Patrick Still Lives. Both coincidentally directed by Mario Landy, who I am surprised does not have more of a reputation in cult cinema circles for his vicious slices of sleazy nastiness.

Is he the Italian director that took Italian too far, or is it the fact that his films were just simply not as accessible in their uncut forms over the years? Whatever the case, these are films, much like Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust that certainly earn their sleazy stripes. This month Severin Films in keeping with their ongoing dedication in bringing the best of Eurosleaze and Eurohorror to American shores, is bringing Patrick Still Lives to Blu-ray.

Patrick Still Lives like Zombi 2 before it is pseudo-sequel. In this case to Richard Franklin’s 1978 psychic-shocker Patrick. Where Patrick was a perfectly fine little thriller, Patrick Still Lives is an over the top sleazefest. The film basically follows a character named “Patrick”, who like in the original seeks revenge while comatose in a hospital bed. After that all bets are off, and Landi goes wild with the rampant nudity, gratuitous Speedo usage, and over-the-top sadistic death. This is not a film for the easily offended, but those of us, who love a good middle of the night sleazy number will devour this one.

Patrick Still Lives comes to Blu-ray from Severin with a Blu-ray transferred from the best available 16mm elements. There is some discoloration and other sort of damage, it’s not overly distracting, and looks much better than it ever has before. Audio is handled with a very solid DTS-HD Mono track in Italian with no discernible issues. Extras include an interview with Gianni Dei and a trailer. RECOMMENDED.