Studiocanal is to release two brand-new restorations of two cult thrillers from legendary director Alberto De Martino on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital as part of its Cult Classics strand on 11 September 2023.

First up is the 1974 Italian exorcism film The Antichrist, a famously sleazy and unsettling shocker inspired by the success of The Exorcist, which features a memorable score by Ennio Morricone, and stars Carla Gravina (Madame Bovary), Mel Ferrer (Nightmare City) and Oscar nominee Arthur Kennedy (Champion).

Released the same day is the 1976 cop thriller Blazing Magnum (aka Shadows in an Empty Room), an outrageous action-packed B-movie riff on Dirty Harry, starring Oscar nominee Stuart Whitman (The Mark), John Saxon (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Tisa Farrow (The Last Hunter) and Oscar winner Martin Landau (North by Northwest), with, according to film historian Kim Newman, epic car chases that rival Steve McQueen’s Bullitt.

Both titles include brand new audio interviews with Alberto De Martino on the films, as well as commentaries, interviews and trailers and art cards. These immaculate restorations, making their UK Blu-ray debuts, are a must-own for fans of Italian action and horror cinema, and aficionados of outstanding exploitation director De Martino.

THE ANTICHRIST [L'ANTICRISTO] (1974)

A car accident caused by her father leaves the young Ippolita paralyzed and her mother dead. Following her uncle’s advice she undergoes a hypnotic session with the intent to heal her, but it actually awakens the spirit of her ancestress who was condemned for witchcraft.

BLU-RAY & DVD CONTENTS:

• BRAND NEW – Sacred and Profane:  The Audio Recollections of Alberto De Martino
• Raising Hell: Featuring Alberto De Martino and Ennio Morricone
• Audio Commentary with author/critic Lee Gambin and critic Sally Christie
• The Tempter opening credits    
• TV Spot 
• Blu-ray edition comes with four collector’s art cards
• English and Italian audio options available

BLAZING MAGNUM [UNA MAGNUM SPECIAL PER TONY SAITTA] (1976)

After his sister was poisoned, tough cop Tony Saitta embarks on a violent journey to find her killer which turns into a whirlpool of revenge and betrayal.

BLU-RAY & DVD CONTENTS:

• BRAND NEW – Special Sentiments: Alberto De Martino’s Magnum Memories    
• BRAND NEW – City Hunter: Interview with film historian Kim Newman
• Theatrical trailer   
• Blu-ray edition comes with four  collector’s art cards
• English and Italian audio options available