Written by: Michael Den Boer on October 16th, 2010

Theatrical Release Date: Italy, 1973
Director: Emanuele Di Cola
Writer: Mara Casana
Cast: Franco Aloisi, Donatello Congedo, Rita Di Masi, Eva Maria Gabriel, Enzo Monteduro, Eleonora Morana, Giuseppe Panariello, Alessandro Perrella, Aldo Rendine, Anna Zinnemann
DVD released: October 26th, 2010
Approximate running time: 89 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Mono Italian
Subtitles: English
DVD Release: Mya Communication
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.95
Synopsis: A young clergyman, who has been assigned to his first parish. He quickly finds himself at odds with the locals.
Forbidden Dreams was directed by Emanuele Di Cola, who began his career as a cinematographer working of films like Castle of Blood and Night of the Devils. From a visual stand point, outside of a few moments (both dream sequences). The film is a rather bland affair that is merely content with just following the events that unfold. Also it is not surprising that this was the only film that Emanuele Di Cola directed. Since the film is virtually devoid of any visual substance.
The plot revolves around a young priest who has been assigned to a rundown parish that is in need of a renovation. When the church denies all of his request for funds for a restoration. He reaches out to the people who attend his church. Of course this also proves to be a difficult task as all the women are more interested in him psychically, while all the men of the village want to cause him harm. The bulk of the film is spent with various ladies trying to tempt the young priest and when one woman does get farther than the rest. This puts his position as a priest in question. Pacing wise there are a few rough patches along the way. And the film’s conclusion while satisfying. It is easy to see things arriving where they end up. Flesh wise there are a few exposed boobs. The sexual shenanigans are crudely executed and lack any heat. This film’s most enjoyable asset it a mute character who assists the young priest. His inability to talk is the foundation for this film’s comic relief. The mute character is superbly portrayed by Enzo Monteduro (Eros Perversion). When all is said and done. The lethargic pacing and heavy handed approach to the religious subject matter make this film a chore to get through.
The DVD:
Forbidden Dreams is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. Framing wise the image does not look cropped as objects that should be in frame are in frame. The source used for this transfer is what looks like a batter film print that has seen better days. Print damage is present throughout and there are a few instances where is it really noticeable. Colors look faded, flesh tones look off, black levels are weak, theĀ image at times looks overly bright and details look soft.
This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital mono mix in Italian. The audio fares slightly better than the transfer. Background noise and distortion while present. They are never to excessive. Removable English subtitles that are easy to follow have been included. it should be noted that there are a few grammatical errors in the subtitles.
This release comes with no extra content. Overall Forbidden Dreams gets a lackluster audio / video presentation from Mya Communication.

