Just a quick heads-up for all Bava aficionados (and those intending to become just that), since I've just stumbled upon it myself - Tim Lucas, founder and publisher of cult magazine VIDEO WATCHDOG, has finally finished his massive undertaking of writing the definitive book on Italy's most important horror director besides Argento - Mario Bava. And when I say 'definitive', I really mean it - because ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, released just a few weeks ago, comes with 1128 gorgeously filled full-color pages and weighs in at a hefty 12 pounds. In 800,000 words, Lucas details every inch of Bava's career, analyzes every film he made (and quite a few of those being films that Bava was never credited with), includes countless interviews with people having had the honor to work with Bava, and tops it off with tons upon tons of production stills, storyboards, and other kinds of artwork. That Lucas also managed to get Martin Scorsese to write a foreword for his book therefore shouldn't come as a surprise anymore.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK truly looks like an incredible work of passion about a director who never received the attention he so deserved. Of course, a self-published book of this magnitude isn't exactly cheap; expect to lay down $250 should you decide to go for it. Nonetheless, seeing as Anchor Bay is currently preparing to release the second volume of their highly acclaimed MARIO BAVA COLLECTION box set, and now Lucas' mammoth work, maybe we should call 2007 the year of Mario Bava - who, with all the posthumous recognition, is probably grinning fiendishly in his grave right now.
Check Tim Lucas' site for a peek inside ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK and a way to order it.