The Film (3/5)

Told in a true crime mode, AMAZONIA: THE CATHERINE MILES STORY, is a wild and somewhat goofy Cannibal film. The story follows college student Catherine Miles who is visiting her family in the jungle. While on a river ride, the family is suddenly attacked by some natives. Catherine is spared and taken in to live with them. But as she grows to love their culture and customs, she still holds vengeance in her heart.

AMAZONIA: THE CATHERINE MILES STORY (1985) came out late in the Italian Cannibal subgenre. Released under several titles, including WHITE SLAVE and CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST 2: THE CATHERINE MILES STORY, the film was a more light-hearted affair with plenty of wacky moments and none of the animal cruelty of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST.

Towards the end of the film, it shifts to a more action tale with some outbursts of gun battles. Director Mario Gariazzo, has a workman like attitude to the production, but it is all handed in spades. He handled many genres including the giallo with PLAY MOTEL.

Not a perfect example of the genre, but a fun one for newbies. AMAZONIA: THE CATHERINE MILES STORY is a well-made exploitation film.

Audio/ Video (4/5)

The movie comes with two audio tracks. First up is the 2.0 English DTS-HD MA track. The English dub track is clear and doesn’t feature any hiss or issues. The music levels are soft and have a faint hollow sound. The second track is a 2.0 Italian DTS-HD MA track. The sound is fuller and doesn’t feature any room tone. It’s more naturalistic and has a warm tone. English subtitles are included. 

The 1080p HD transfer is brighter in tone. Some detail is obscured in some of the night time scenes, where more film grain is noticeable. The black levels are smooth and the picture has a sharp focus to it during the jungle scenes.

Extras (4.5/5)

*This Review is based on the limited Edition.

88 Films gives AMAZONIA the star treatment in another addition to their Italian Collection series. The main highlight of the disc is the 50-minute documentary THE LAST SUPPER: THE FINAL DAYS OF THE ITALIAN CANNIBAL FILM. It includes interviews with film historians Calum Waddell, Mikel Koven and plenty of actors and filmmakers connected to the film movement. This documentary is packed with information on the Italian cannibal film, and how it changed after the release of Umberto Lenzi’s CANNIBAL FEROX.

Wrapping up the disc is an interview with cameraman Federico Del Zoppo and the Original Theatrical Trailer. In the case itself, there is a booklet of liner notes on Elvire Audray by Calum Waddell and 2 alternative cover artworks.

Overall (3.5/5)

For Cannibal movie fans, AMAZONIA is a fun oddity. It's both light hearted and still violent. 88 Films releases this fun movie with a extras packed release. Recommended.