Monster of Venice [Special Edition]

"A low-budget horror outing from Italy, Il Mostro di Venezia (or The Monster of Venice) is better known to American fans as The Embalmer, and while this DVD edition from Retromedia features the English translation of the film's original Italian handle on the box, the print on display still features the title card for The Embalmer. The film has been given a letterboxed transfer to disc in the original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.66:1; the packaging boasts a ""new digital 35 mm transfer,"" and while the transfer itself looks fine, the source materials leave a bit to be desired, with the print showing scratches and wear and occasional contrast flaws. The dialogue is dubbed into English, with no multiple language options; the audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Mono. The only bonus item is a trailer for the film, also under the title The Embalmer, which is in far worse shape than the print of the main feature. Euro-horror completists may want to pick this up, but neither the film nor this presentation can honestly be called essential."