“La Grande Bouffe” plays like a Bunuel mash-up of “Salo” and “Masque of the Red Death”. The film follows a series of rich gluttons, as they hide away from the world while having easy sex and plentiful feasts everywhere. Marcello Mastroianni continues to be the thinking man’s Delon, as he sulks through scenes and brings the gravitas. Mainly, it’s just a lot of nudity and amazing food on display. Master class acting takes a lot to overpower that.
Italian cinema in the 1970s was at its peak. Mixing exploitative fare with high drama produced a scene that would’ve made Jack Valenti crap his pants in terror. Just imagine a time when adult drama packed the cinemas while not being afraid to indulge in the true fantasy of the living world. It’s the kind of fare that keeps cinema snobs up at night. But, all good things had to end.
The Blu-Ray comes with interviews, featurettes and a vintage TV episode that follows the production as the special features. The A/V Quality is typical Arrow USA strength. The 1080p transfer pops with deep colors. Plus, the LPCM 1.0 mono track is true to its origins. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
Release Date: OUT NOW!