Gianfranco Giagni is an Italian-born filmmaker who specializes in documentaries. He’s not someone I’d expect to be behind what many consider a lost classic. The Spider Labyrinth (1988) is the only horror film on his resume, and it’s a shame. He takes inspiration from the greats like H.P. Lovecraft with a pinch of John Carpenter to create a unique film.
Severin Films has pulled out all the stops to bring the movie to a new generation of fans and a definitive edition that longtime fans can enjoy. No more washed-out and grainy copies on YouTube; this one has been wonderfully cleaned up for us to enjoy in 4K.
Professor Alan Whitmore is sent to Budapest by his university to locate the elusive Professor Roth, who has been delving into the mysteries of an ancient and shadowy religion. Upon arrival, Whitmore is greeted by Roth’s alluring assistant, Genevieve Weiss, whose secrets run deeper than her captivating demeanor. As Whitmore digs further, his search spirals into a chilling nightmare.
He becomes entangled in the sinister web of a cryptic cult, uncovering a trail of blood-soaked murders and unfathomable rituals. At the heart of this grotesque tapestry lies a horrifying deity, a monstrous spider god. The labyrinth of fear grows tighter around Whitmore as he fights to unravel the truth. Will he uncover the cult’s darkest secrets or fall prey to the unholy powers spinning their web?
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If someone had only planned on doing one horror film their whole life, they had better make one hell of an impression, and Giagni does just that. He conjures up several memorable set pieces, including some stop-motion, which delivers on the Lovecraftian vibes. I’m not saying it’s perfect, halfway through it just goes off the rails but there’s some great effects work and a vibe I just dug. It’s just hard to believe that it’s never been widely available before this when it has so much going for it.
The global 4K UHD release showcases a 2160p resolution in the original 1.85:1 widescreen format. The presentation is sourced from a 4K scan of the original negative and enhanced with HDR color-grading, delivering impeccable restoration with vibrant colors and rich cinematic grain.
In addition to the new transfer, the first disc includes a commentary track with Dr. Will Dodson, Professor of rhetoric and media studies, and Ryan Verrill, host of The Disc Connected, as well as a trailer. The real meat of the set comes on the second disc, where you can watch interviews with director Giagni, screenwriter Gianfranco Manfredi, cinematographer Nino Celeste, actress Paola Rinaldi, special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti, and more.
For a film that’s been lost for over thirty years, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with this release. These brand-new special features offer a glimpse into its storied history, ensuring it’s never forgotten again.
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