Sophia Loren: 4-Film Collection

While there are thousands of Italian actresses, there’s only one Goddess of Italian Cinema: Sophia Loren. Even folks who don’t obsess over foreign films know of her legendary screen powers. Sophia Loren: 4-Film Collection brings together a quartet of her lesser known works from her glory years. She saves an Empire, launches a revolt, scours a country and breaks into song. She’s a busy woman.

Neapolitan Carousel (1954 – 122 minutes) is a Technicolor musical tour through the history of Naples. Sophia only has a small role so don’t think she’s the Italian Judy Garland. It’s proper for Sophia to be in the film since she grew up in the area. The film is colorful and bombastic with very little story to get in the way of the jubilant action. This is more for fans of international musicals than Sophia.

Attila (1954 – 79 minutes) really does star Sophia. This is one of the sword and sandal epics that dominated Cinecittà’s backlot in the ‘50s. Attila the Hun (Anthony Quinn) and his army are devastating Italy. Pope Leo I unleashes the “nuclear option” to save the Roman Empire. The Holy Father launches Sophia Loren to bring the conquerer to his knees. Quinn looks menacing in Mongol make up, but what chance does he have? There’s good rampaging before Sophia drops her bomb on Atilla.

Madame Sans-Gene (1962 – 98 minutes) is a biopic about Catherine Hubscher (Sophia). She rose from washing Neopoleon’s uniforms when he was a lowly corporal to marrying the future Duke of Dantzig. Hubscher is a beloved figure from the French Revolution era because she spoke her mind and did what she wanted. Sophia is beloved in the role because her bosom is pouring out of the top of her peasant garb. It’s a light historical drama. Sophia shines as she’s able to unleash her natural sass.

Sunflower (1970 – 107 minutes) should be the best of the box set with Vittorio De Sica (The Garden of the Finzi-Continis) directing Sophia and Marcello Mastroianni (La Dolce Vita). It opens up promising enough with Sophia and Marcello making out on a beach. They marry and he fakes being insane to avoid fighting in Russia during World War II. But his plan is foiled and he’s tossed on the next train heading to the front. The war ends, years pass and Sophia gets a new hairdo. Marcello is listed as missing in action. Sophia visits Russia to find either her husband or his remains. She can’t handle to truth of Marcello’s fate. The fun romantic tone of the first act turns into melodramatic depression. Why must Sophia and Marcello be sad? This should have been a light comedy instead of a grim Soviet tale.

The selection on Sophia Loren: 4-Film Collection isn’t for the uninitiated. These titles are more for the devoted eager to see more of her. Neapolitan Carousel isn’t really her film. Attila is matinee fun. Sunflower is too depressing for its own good. Madame Sans-Gene is the must watch of the batch. It shows what made her so special. She flaunts her attitude and her body. She reminds us that to be a true cinematic goddess, she must make you watch and listen.

The film vary on aspect ratios. Neapolitan Carousel and Attila are 1.33:1 full frame. Madame Sans-Gene is 2.35:1 anamorphic. Sunflower is 1.78:1 anamorphic. The print transfer for Attila has color fluctuations. Neapolitan Carousel is cleaner. The audio is Italian Dolby Digital mono. The subtitles are in English and Spanish.

Sophia Loren: La Diva Popolana (18:36) is a short biography about the actress. Her son, Edoardo Ponti contributes to the tales of how Sophia’s background relates to the four films in the box set. It explores how Sophia’s producer-husband Carlo Ponti helped her rise to cinematic greatness.

Sophia Loren: 4-Film Collection is aimed for those already in lust with Sophia. After you’ve got an eyeful of her greatness movies such as Two Women, you’ll appreciate this collection instead of wondering why all the fuss about her.

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Lionsgate presents Sophia Loren: 4-Film Collection. Starring: Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn, Marcello Mastroianni . Boxset contents: 4 Movies on 3 DVDs. Rating: Unrated. Released on DVD: June 10, 2008. Available at Amazon.com