How many times do I have to tell you that Ursula Andress belongs with the transsexuals and not the perverts!

Though there are those that have come before it, and (certainly) those that have come after it, there seems to be a general consensus that The Bird With The Crystal Plumage is the granddaddy of the giallo as we know it today. If nothing else (for what it's worth), it can be credited as the giallo that broke ground for the genre in the good ole' U.S. of A. Previously available on DVD in a bit of a troubled edition from VCI, talks of a reissue from multiple distributors have been swarming in our heads for a few years. Stepping up to the plate, Blue Underground has come through with a cult DVD release that has reached Criterion-like proportions. It's not just the quality of the material or the extras...it's everything about this release. This product, while in your hands, seems to have an unexplainable glow about it. It's almost orgasmic.

The story centers around Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante) an American writer who's detained in Italy after witnessing a murder only moments after Sam has finally cashed the check that will allow him to return to the states. While walking home, he witnesses a struggle between a woman (Eva Renzi) and unidentifiable assailant through huge glass doors at an art gallery. The glass doors supply a clear view of tonight's performance. Sam rushes to the gallery in an attempt to help, but winds up locked in the vestibule between the two sets of glass doors. Here he can only watch as the young woman, bleeding, begs for help.

It's this incredible set piece that remains etched in the minds of giallo fans everywhere. When one thinks of Bird With The Crystal Plumage, one generally thinks of this tremendous sequence. It not only sets the pace for the events to follow, but it also procures Argento's place into horror film history.

Sam is detained for a bit by the police, his passport is confiscated and when finally on his way home, he's attacked by a dark figure in the night. Returning to his girlfriend Julia (Suzy Kendall) , Sam devises a plan to find out who the killer is. Shifting from suspect to police ally, Sam himself continues to be targeted by the killer. In order to protect him and those around him that he loves, Sam must act quickly and determine who the killer really is.

There's no denying the fact that Bird With The Crystal Plumage offers up several doses of charm for those of us who either grew up with it or hold a warm place in our hearts for either Argento or gialli in general. That being said, it's worth noting that Bird With The Crystal Plumage is a great introduction to the genre, and I can even see this film being picked up as a blind buy, potentially being enjoyed. Which is more than I can say for hundreds more that came after it. In laymen's terms, if you're a fan of the film, pick up this set now. If you're new to the genre and a bit scared or apprehensive, I offer you the same advice - pick up this set now. Bird With The Crystal Plumage is a great jumping off point and there's no better way to enjoy this film and what it has to offer than with this 2-Disc set.

Setting the cinematic blueprint for many films to follow, Bird With The Crystal Plumage is, simply stated, a great introduction to the black-gloved killer run amok sub genre. Argento paints his usual horrific picture here in grand style. Of note are a few moments of comedy thrown in for good measure as well, including the above Ursula Andress quote. While Bird With The Crystal Plumage manages to fall in a few of the traps that the genre can't seem to escape (some useless red herring's and a few generally bizarre moments of "Whaaaaaaa?" - are easily forgivable in the grand scheme of things.

Blue Underground's presentation is top notch all the way. This is certainly one instance in which I truly feel comfortable in saying that the quality of this release may never be trumped. The anamorphic transfer is quite stunning. This is a dark film, and even these screen caps don't do any justice to how well the color palette is handled on this disc. There is a nearly continuous blanket of grain, which is to be expected, having to do primarily with how the film was originally shot and eventually blown up. Still, Blue Underground boasts the most complete edition of this film on DVD to date, so between a few extra splashes of blood and the nearly pristine image quality, we've got an all around winner here.

Audio options are equally impressive. English options include Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, 6.1 DTS, 2.0 Surround and thankfully, original mono. Italian options include (with available English subtitles) Dolby Digital 5.1, 2.0 Surround and original Mono. Apparently a formidable chunk of change was spent on the new remixes, and it shows. So many audio options, so little time. Take your pick, the buffet is now open.

In addition to the feature itself, Disc One also includes an international trailer, Italian trailer and 2 TV spots. Also available on Disc One is the option of listening in on a feature length commentary with journalists Alan Jones (Profondo Argento author) and Kim Newman. It's more of a 'scholarly like' listen than anything else, and appears to be a curious decision, but it ultimately works. Some of you may be more familiar with the facts here than others, but it's still interesting to hear their thoughts, their likes and dislikes, etc.

Disc Two includes 4 interviews that total just under an hour running time. Obviously a second disc was included to keep things spaced out (and a higher bit rate) on the first disc. Interviews include Out of the Shadows - An Interview w/ Dario Argento (18-min), The Music of Murder - Ennio Morricone (8-min), Painting w/ Darkness - Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro (10-min) and Eva's Talking and interview w/ actress Eva Renzi (11-min). They're all great pieces. It's always nice to hear Argento wax poetic and Morricone is very humble. There's a great moment (and you'll see it and know what I'm talking about) where his humbleness is most evident. Eva (who apparently passed away not long after this piece was shot) seems bitter, but more so about her own personal decisions in life, than with anyone associated with the actual production.

Blue Underground never ceases to amaze me and with this set, they are in top form, more so than ever. If you have a vested interest or even a fleeting interest for that matter, then this set comes highly recommended. The year is slowly winding down to a close, but Blue Underground's Bird With The Crystal Plumage managed to sneak in and easily makes it onto my top ten list of 'must have' discs this year. I'll say it again, but only one more time. This 2-Disc set comes highly recommended.