Originally shot as an 8-part horror miniseries for Italian television, maverick director Sergio (TORSO) Martino’s 1982 horror mystery THE SCORPION WITH TWO TAILS was later cut down to feature length and released theatrically in various European markets. But the movie hasn’t properly been available in North America on Blu-ray or DVD….until now! THE SCORPION WITH TWO TAILS film tells the story of a young woman (Elvire Audray, NOSFERATU IN VENICE) who is having gruesome dreams of ancient sacrificial rites. When her husband is murdered in the same ritualistic way, she begins to suspect that someone or something is targeting her, leading her deep into a nightmarish mystery involving death, smuggling and reincarnation. Featuring a score by the great Fabio Frizzi (in part using cues from Lucio Fulci’s CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD) this stylish and bizarre chiller stars the iconic John Saxon (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET) in a key role, features a supporting turn by Italian exploitation regular Franco Garofalo (HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD) and is filmed on location in eerie Italian catacombs, caves and cemeteries. Full Moon is excited to be bringing this eerie chiller back from the dead in a handsome presentation remastered from the best available materials.
For thoughts on Scorpion With Two Tails, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Full Moon Features presents Scorpion With Two Tails with a 1080p transfer reportedly remastered from the best available elements. With the release coming from a company known for not providing an A+ presentation with their transfers, this transfer ranks among the worst I have seen on the format. While the “best available materials” may be somewhat to blame for this, there are basic encode issues that could have been avoided which would make this a much better experience. We have seen similar quality films handled with more care from other labels with notably better results.
This transfer reveals very little detail in elements of the production design, clothing and facial features. Colors are fairly subdued with only the daytime sequences standing out somewhat. Nearly every aspect has something working against it, such as the clumpy and indistinct grain field which lessens the base improvements in detail. The transfer is also very inconsistent from scene to scene when it comes to color timing and stability. Most scenes look exceptionally soft or even pixelated, which makes it appear like a poor DVD presentation. The contrast is nowhere near as defined as it needs to be. Some damage has been cleaned up, but this transfer from Full Moon Features has very few redeeming qualities.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray disc further disappoints when it comes to the audio, as you are served up lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 tracks in English instead of a lossless option. The only element of the track that delivers favorably is the dialogue, which comes through mostly clear in the center channel. The music and sound effects both sound restrained and do not fill up the room. Environmental sounds are not very effective and barely extend into the surround speakers in the 5.1 track. The low end of the track is muted and fails to execute the sonic ambitions of the film. Overall, Full Moon Features has really fumbled providing the bare minimum of audio in the modern era. There are no subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Deleted Scenes: There is 19 minutes of unused material provided here that take place mostly in the cave section. While these are a nice oddity, they do not redeem the film in any meaningful way.
- Euro Cult Trailers: There are trailers provided for Mania Killer, Naked Girl Murdered In The Park, Barbed Wire Dolls, Sexy Sisters, Voodoo Passion and Women In Cellblock 9.
Final Thoughts
Scorpion With Two Tails is lower tier Sergio Martino, but it still has some moments that are worthwhile. The biggest flaw seems to be the script, which makes sense when you learn the original vision for the tale. The performances are pretty decent, but there is a lack of cohesion that is hard for the narrative to overcome. Full Moon Features has provided the film with a Blu-Ray release that completely fumbles its A/V presentation and does not offer many special features. Martino fans will want to round out their collection, but they will be left hoping it gets released again in the future in a more worthwhile manner.
Scorpion With Two Tails 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: Full Moon Features 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.