I have this on VHS. I was told the DVD isn't much better (some said it looked like it was mastered from the videotape). It looks like there are a few versions out now, including some for other regions.

Is there a crisp, clear version of this available?

No.

Which is a travesty.

No kidding. 90 minutes of pure eye candy. Maybe one day...

The Image and First Run DVD releases have the same master but the First Run disc also includes some deleted scenes (which I think were also included in the UK DVD release) but it annoyingly omits the great theatrical trailer that was on the Image disc (which is rather pricey).

THE IMAGE looks fantastic on Synapse's DVD. It looks like it will take at least until First Run's rights run out before this film, LICKERISH QUARTET, CARMEN BABY, and THE ALLEY CATS get similar treatment (Synapse? Severin?).

Anyway, Piero Piccioni's soundtrack CD is an essential purchase.

SPOILER:




The deleted scene of Armand visiting his sister shows the proper placement of the ending scene which seems spliced in given the music jump to be before this scene as his echoey mad laughter continues on for a moment into this proceeding scene. However, I prefer its placement at the end as it bookends the film as well as suggests that Armand has adopted a similar lifestyle to Camille in order to deaden his pain over losing her).

Are those deleted scenes on the US videotape?

Yeah, the soundtrack is essential, right up there withe Piccioni's "Tenth Victim." The opening track (in the film) with the bass line and organ nicely captures the overall mood of detached decadence.

I need to dust off the old VCR and see if the tape still plays!

The extended version of the end title theme is also great as it segues from the romantic strings to a more sensual dark mix with Hammond organ and trumpets.

Which videotape are you referring to? I believe the fullscreen Magnum tape has the end scene from the DVD in its correct place though I don't know if the following scene with Armand and his sister is included there. Since the First Run tape is the same master as the DVD versions, the scene is likely not in there. I think there are a couple other deleted scenes on the R2 and R4 discs (the print source for those ones is reportedly not in any better condition). I think there was also a tape version from Audubon through mail order before First Run licensed the collection.

Laura (or anyone):

Do you know where I can pick up a copy of THE 10th VICTIM on CD?

Movie Grooves has listed it temporarily out of stock for a while and I tried to get a music buyer at Dusty Groove America to carry it, but that went nowhere.

Thanks!

Michael:

I *think* The Tenth Victim soundtrack is out of print. Easy Tempo reissued it on both LP (double LP) and CD, but I think it's gone.

It also came out originally on LP in the US on the Mainstream label (single LP).

Eric:

The VHS I have is from First Run Features. Not being an expert on this stuff, I'm a little bit confused by your post. Do you recommend that I pick up one of the DVD versions of this film? Much as I love it, I don't think I'm in danger of wearing out the VHS anytime soon. If a definitive version will come out some day, I can wait. Please advise...

As far as I know the same transfer is on both the First Run tape and disc. If your tape is wearing out then I'd recommend the disc though not because its so much of an improvement. Although the great trailer is not included on the First Run disc it is still in print and considerably cheaper than the out of print Image disc. It's also available in a 3 disc set with THERESE AND ISABELLE and THE ALLEY CATS.