Blu-ray Analysis of “Tony Arzenta – Every now and then, one can discern the potential greatness of a film even before watching it, and occasionally, a film’s excellence is evident from the outset.
Such is the case with Duccio Tessari’s 1973 masterpiece, “Tony Arzenta,” also known as “Big Guns.” The mere presence of the legendary Alain Delon, renowned for his roles in classics like “Le Samourai” and “Le Cercle Rouge,” in a ’70s Eurocrime thriller is enough to pique interest and warrant anticipation.
Fortunately, “Tony Arzenta” lives up to its preconceived promise, delivering an outstanding thriller that captivates from start to finish. With exceptional set-pieces, a commanding and versatile lead performance by Delon, and a gritty exploration of mafia hierarchy, the film presents an icy yet thrilling atmosphere, complete with some of the finest car chase sequences of ’70s cinema.
Right from its intelligent introduction, “Tony Arzenta” showcases its qualities. The narrative begins innocuously at the titular character’s son’s birthday party, blending mundane chaos with the sudden call to duty. The revelation that Arzenta is a mafia hitman is skillfully unveiled in a chillingly understated scene where he calmly eliminates a target.
Delon’s portrayal of Arzenta, though potentially stoic, serves as the film’s beating heart, capturing the viewer’s attention with his character’s nervous determination reminiscent of his collaboration with Jean-Pierre Melville.
The influence of Melville permeates throughout “Tony Arzenta,” evident in Silvano Ippoliti’s cinematography, characterized by tracking shots and slow zooms. The film’s colors, enhanced by Radiance Films’ restoration, contribute to its moodiness, with vibrant greens contrasting dark reds in mafia meeting rooms. Gianni Ferrio’s impactful score, oscillating between chaotic and cool, complements the emotional pull of the film.
What sets “Tony Arzenta” apart is the clever contrast between Delon’s assassin and the mafia’s top hierarchy. While Arzenta is intense and focused, Tessari portrays his tenderness effectively. The detachment in scenes with the mafia members underscores Arzenta’s emotional side, creating a nuanced character dynamic.
The film’s strengths, including unparalleled set piece work, a stellar lead performance, and subversive surprises, affirm Radiance Films’ knack for selecting underrated gems and presenting them in top-notch quality. “Tony Arzenta” stands as a testament to the studio’s premier treatment of deserving films.
As for the special features, the new restoration on Blu-ray marks a significant milestone for the UK audience. The uncompressed mono PCM Italian and English audio options ensure an authentic viewing experience. Archival interviews with Alain Delon provide valuable insights into his role as a producer and actor. Eurocrime authority Mike Malloy’s interview places the film within the poliziottesco canon, offering a fresh perspective.
Critic Peter Jilmstad’s select-scene commentary delves into the incredible supporting cast, enriching the viewer’s understanding. The inclusion of the trailer and newly translated English subtitles for both Italian and English audio adds to the accessibility. The reversible sleeve featuring original poster designs and the limited edition booklet with scholarly contributions by Leila Wimmer contribute to the overall collector’s appeal.
In essence, “Tony Arzenta” not only shines as a compelling ’70s Eurocrime thriller but also as a collector’s item, thanks to Radiance Films’ meticulous presentation and the wealth of special features that enhance the viewer’s appreciation of this cinematic gem.
Blu-ray Analysis of Tony Arzenta
The special features accompanying the Blu-ray release of “Tony Arzenta” contribute significantly to the film’s overall viewing experience, providing enthusiasts with an in-depth exploration of its production, historical context, and the collaborative efforts that brought it to life.
New Restoration and Blu-ray Debut in the UK: The significance of presenting “Tony Arzenta” in a new restoration, particularly for its Blu-ray debut in the UK, cannot be overstated.
This marks a milestone for audiences, offering an enhanced visual experience and a fresh perspective on a classic ’70s Eurocrime thriller.
Uncompressed Mono PCM Italian and English Audio Options: The inclusion of uncompressed mono PCM audio options in both Italian and English ensures an authentic and high-quality auditory experience. This allows viewers to immerse themselves in the original language or choose the English option for accessibility without compromising sound quality.
Archival Interview with Alain Delon: An invaluable archival interview with Alain Delon provides unique insights into his multifaceted role as a producer and actor. This 1973 interview, spanning 12 minutes, allows viewers to witness Delon’s reflections on his involvement in “Tony Arzenta,” offering a glimpse into the creative process and his perspective on the film’s significance.
New Interview with Eurocrime Authority Mike Malloy: A fresh interview with Eurocrime authority Mike Malloy adds a contemporary perspective, placing “Tony Arzenta” within the broader context of the poliziottesco canon. This 11-minute segment explores the film’s cultural and historical relevance, shedding light on its impact within the Eurocrime genre.
Select-Scene Commentary with Critic Peter Jilmstad: Critic Peter Jilmstad’s select-scene commentary, spanning an impressive 53 minutes, provides an in-depth analysis of the incredible supporting cast. This feature offers a nuanced understanding of the film’s characters, performances, and the intricacies of the narrative, enriching the viewer’s appreciation for the film.
Trailer: The inclusion of the trailer allows audiences to get a glimpse of the promotional material used during the film’s original release. It serves as a historical artifact, offering insights into the marketing strategies employed to captivate audiences and generate anticipation for the film.
Newly Translated English Subtitles: With newly translated English subtitles for both Italian audio and English SDH subtitles for English audio, the film becomes more accessible to a broader audience. This ensures that viewers can fully comprehend and engage with the dialogue, capturing the nuances of the performances.
Reversible Sleeve and Limited Edition Booklet: The reversible sleeve, featuring designs based on the original posters, adds a visual aesthetic to the physical packaging. The limited edition booklet, curated by scholar Leila Wimmer, offers new writings that delve into the film’s themes, production, and cultural impact, providing a comprehensive companion piece for collectors.
Limited Edition of 3000 Copies in Full-Height Scanavo Packaging: The limited edition nature of the release, capped at 3000 copies, enhances the collector’s appeal. The full-height Scanavo packaging with a removable OBI strip ensures a clean and pristine presentation, free from certificates and markings, creating a coveted item for film enthusiasts.
In summary, the special features accompanying the “Tony Arzenta” Blu-ray release not only enhance the film’s viewing experience but also contribute to its historical and cultural significance. From archival interviews to expert commentaries, each feature adds layers of understanding and appreciation for this classic Eurocrime thriller.
