Based on a novel titled “Como Un Perro Rabioso” (“Like a Rabid Dog”), A Dog Called…Vengeance is equal parts linear storytelling and metaphor. The film opens with an armed man and his dog chasing an unarmed man through a mass swampland in an unnamed South American country. The dog makes Jaws seem gentle. Suffice to say, things don’t end well for the unarmed man.
Nearby, a political prisoner named Aristides Ungria (Jason Miller), sees an opportunity to escape after years in captivity. He kills an armed guard, but lets his dog named King survive. As Aristides moves along, King stands sadly over the body of his dead master. As he begins to process what happened, King vows to get revenge. As Aristides gets further away from the prison, it would seem he is safe from King. That’s not the case. This dog seems to possess superhuman strength, speed and determination. As Aristides makes it back to the group of revolutionaries he was once a part of, he feels safe. He meets a woman named Muriel (Lea Massari) who helps him hide out and then falls for him, taking him into her bed. Even there, danger still looms. King is still waiting, anxious to kill.
Directed and co-written by Antonio Isasi, A Dog Called…Vengeance is an interesting concept and well executed. Released in Spain ,1977, the Franco era and its far-right politics was just barely in the rearview. Much of the first half has little dialogue. Best known for his iconic turn in the Exorcist, Jason Miller looks afraid for his life in nearly every scene. Making things worse, King’s target had a one-eyed German Shepherd maul him as a child. When things move to the city, dialogue takes over as Miller reunites with his fellow revolutionaries. This is Miller’s time to shine, and he does it well. Fans who only know him as Father Karras should give A Dog Called…Vengeance a look.
Framed in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Severin has delivered a strong 1080p transfer from a 2K scan of the original camera negative. While there is a bit of a yellow tint on a few shots, much of the film looks fine. Detail in close-ups look better than some wider shots. The textures look good throughout. You can see the individual hairs of King’s coat. Bold and vivid color saturation, temperate contrast and pinpoint depth are standouts. Scratches and other video anomalies aren’t an issue.
Audio options are offered in DTS-HD 2.0 Mono in both English and Spanish language options with subtitles provided in English. The track is well balanced and free of pops, crackles and other anomalies. Dialogue is clean, clear, and concise throughout.
The following extras are included:
- A Film Ahead of Its Time – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival
- Memories Of a Guerilla Woman – Interview with Actress Marisa Paredes
- Daughter Of Titans – Interview with María Isasi, Daughter Of Director Antonio Isasi And Actress Marisa Paredes
- Trailer
