Two Evil Eyes

(George Romero / Dario Argento; 1991)

(Blue Underground)

 Two classic Edgar Allen Poe stories re-imagined by two of the most influential horror directors of all time. In the first half of the film directed by George Romero entitled The Facts In The Case Of Mr. Valdemar, a scheming wife and her lover use hypnosis to get her dying husband to sign over his entire estate to them. Unfortunately things start to go awry when the husband dies while still in a hypnotic trance, allowing him to speak to them from beyond the grave. Fearing that if it’s discovered that he died before all the legal documents have been cleared, they decide to keep him in the downstairs deep freeze. They soon discover the terrors that await from beyond the grave.

Dario Argento’s half, entitled The Black Cat,  involves a crime photographer whose girlfriend finds a stray cat and decides to keep it. He is soon driven mad by the vile beast and tries to kill it. When his girlfriend finds out she tries to leave him. Having had enough of her incessant sniveling, he hacks her up real horrorshow. But the cat continues to torment him after her death.

Of the two I enjoyed Argento’s half more, but both stories are well done and have plenty of gore and violence. The first scene in Argento’s half is stunning. I also have to add that when Harvey hacks up his girlfriend in the Black Cat, I cheered because she’s annoying as all get out. This is one DVD to pick up for any horror fan. It’s also limited, so grab em while you still can.   

Exceptional. Available tracks include Dolby Digital 6.1 EX, 5.1 EX, and 2.0 surround.

This film has never looked better. Another brilliant print from Blue Underground. Widescreen 1.85:1

        - Theatrical trailer

        - Poster and Still Gallery

        - Talent Bios

        - Two Masters' Eyes": Interviews with Directors Dario Argento and George      Romero, Special Make-up Effects Supervisor Tom Savini and Executive Producers Claudio Argento and Asia Argento

        - "Savini's EFX": A behind-the-scenes look at the film's Special Make-up Effects

        - "At Home with Tom Savini": A personal tour of Tom Savini's home

        - "Adrienne Barbeau on George Romero": Interview with star Adrienne Barbeau

Standard DVD keep case.

Sound: 10

Picture: 10

Special Features: 10

Packaging: 6

Film: 8

Overall Rating: 10

(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)