John Dannahay (Tony Musante, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage), a CIA agent stationed in Rome, is planning to overthrow an African government. But his plan goes wrong when a corrupt colleague starts shooting people from the roof of a hotel, taking an innocent couple hostage. Director Damiano Damiani (How to Kill a Judge) wields expert tension in this gripping espionage thriller, twisting and turning its tight plot to its sensational finale. Featuring a fantastic supporting cast including Claudia Cardinale (The Day of the Owl), John Steiner (The Case is Closed: Forget It) and Wolfango Soldati (The Heroin Busters), Goodbye & Amen is one of the great 1970s Italian action thrill rides, set to a haunting score by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (Torso, Keoma).

For thoughts on Goodbye & Amen, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/aPEnqs3FnYU?si=qrFyNItGYr8simDV&t=2389]

Video Quality

Goodbye & Amen debuts on Blu-Ray courtesy of Radiance Films with a 2K restoration of the Original Camera Negative. The new transfer retains the natural grain structure that preserves the visual splendor of the frame. This allows for unique details to shine through in the costumes and production design. The colors are favorably saturated with hues permeating the screen. The contrast is solid in all environments with firm highlights and no unsightly instances of black crush. The shadowy corners of the screen allow for some fine depth to the image. Any instances of softness are short-lived and likely tied to the source. A few fleeting specks remain after the restoration, but this source has been given a careful and considerate overhaul. Radiance Films has delivered a grand visual presentation that keeps up their established quality.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track in Italian (with optional English subtitles) and, for the first time on home video, an English language option (with optional English SDH subtitles) which both handle the material as well as the source will allow. There is a disclaimer before the English track that the material was severely damaged and it is presented as more of a curio, but it is nice to have considering the performers were delivering their lines in English. Despite the warning, the English track holds up better than expected with only intermittent signs of damage.

For the Italian track, the dialogue holds up consistently with robust clarity and without any signs of distortion. Exchanges never get overshadowed by the sound effects or the score. The narrative allows for a deliberate implementation of environmental sounds and other textural elements. The impeccable score from Guido and Maurizio De Angelis comes through with unwavering fidelity. This track always strives for authenticity and excellent fidelity, and thankfully there is practically nothing in the way of age-related wear and tear. Radiance Films has achieved greatness.

Special Features

The first-pressing of the Radiance Films Blu-Ray of Goodbye & Amen includes a booklet featuring new writing by Italian crime cinema expert Lucia Rinaldi which delves into the film and the work of Damiano Damiani. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Audio Commentary: Eurocrime experts Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth provide a really rewarding commentary track in which they discuss the history of the film, how it fits into the career of Damiano Damiani, the complicated release history of the film, the benefits of watching the film in the native English, the score of the feature, the visual style of film, and much more.

Antonio Siciliano: A new 39-minute interview with editor Antonio Siciliano in which he discusses his background and entry into the cinema, his work with Damiano Damiani, the themes of Goodbye & Amen, the editing tricks implemented to save the ending, and more.

Wolfango Soldati: A 24-minute interview from 2013 with the performer in which he discusses getting involved with Goodbye & Amen, working with Damiano Damiani, memories of fellow performers, the atmosphere on set, and more.

Final Thoughts

Goodbye & Amen is a captivating hostage drama that has some unique twists and turns that keep things exciting. Damiano Damiani is a master of this genre, and he executes things admirably from beginning to end while layering on some political critiques that have some bite. The performers are really great in their roles, and the pacing of the picture never feels sluggish as developments come at a steady pace. It is a gift to have this one receiving a second life on physical media. Radiance Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a strong A/V presentation and welcome special features. Every release from the label feels like a recommendation from your coolest friend. Recommended

Goodbye & Amen is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Radiance Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.