Schlock-Wire: Euro-Cult Fave THE SECRET OF DORIAN GRAY Coming Out On DVD From RaroVideo U.S.

RaroVideo's new U.S. division got off to a great start for the Euro-cult faithful with their edition of Perfume Of The Lady In Black.  Fans of the cinematic style will be happy to know they are about to issue another rare cult favorite in The Secret Of Dorian Gray.  This retelling of the classic Oscar Wilde tale was directed by Massimo Dallamano and stars Helmut Berger in the title role.  This film has never been available on DVD in the U.S. so this will be a real coup for fans.  Read on for all the carnality vs. morality details...

OSCAR WILDE’s DECADENT CLASSIC WITH A CULT GAY FOLLOWING

THE SECRET OF DORIAN GRAY IS A HARD-TO-FIND PULP GEM

RaroVideo U.S. will also release THE SECRET OF DORIAN GRAY on DVD May 17th. Never before released on DVD in the U.S., this is a seventies classic Italian film restored to its original splendor.In London, a wealthy, god-like, young man, Dorian Gray, loves Sybil, an aspiring actress; thanks to her, he’s momentarily less self-centered. He’s also sitting, scantily clad, for a portrait painted by his ascot-wearing friend, Basil. When it’s done, Dorian complains he’ll grow old while it stays unchanged- the classic plight of the vain. On the same night, as if he has sold his soul to the devil, exchanging vanity for morality, he ends it with Sybil, and then accepts the seductive offer of a party’s hostess to sleep with her. The next day, the painting looks slightly older. In horror and fascination, Dorian hides it away and continues a life of degradation. Over time, as the portrait becomes hideous, he’s unchanged by his ever-increasing libidinal life; finally, he and Basil face the painting.The exceptionally groovy score by Giuseppe De Luca enhances the seventies milieu. It has been newly restored from the original 35mm negatives.