The alternative version was compared to the original version, both available on the German DVD by Ostalgica.

 

 

The "Crimson Executioner" was sentenced to death for his abhorrent deeds and forever imprisoned in his castle in an Iron Maiden. Many years later, a group of writers, photographers, and models arrive at the castle to shoot some cover photos. The new owner allows them to take photos for one night but warns them not to go into the basement. When two members of the group disregard this prohibition and accidentally break the seal of the Iron Maiden, the "Crimson Executioner" awakens to seek his centuries-old revenge...

 

A highly entertaining, sometimes trashy Italian horror film. In the first half, the film is relatively calm and relies mainly on somewhat sloppy dialogue, but once Mickey Hargitay dons the red hood and puts the torture chamber back into operation, you can't help but be amazed.

 

There is now a veritable jungle of versions of this film. Aside from the many alternative titles, there are various more or less heavily edited releases. Basically, there are two different edited versions of the film: the Italian/European version and the US version.

 

On the German Blu-ray, in addition to the Italian original version, there is the shorter US version and another version referred to as the "Alternative Version." This Alternative Version is based on the original version but features different footage in the scene where the models are preparing for the photoshoot, showing the women topless. This is remarkable and sensational, as these scenes were previously not seen anywhere, to the best of my knowledge. The picture quality of these alternative scenes is slightly worse, and they likely come from an SD master. Just for this version alone, the purchase of the German Blu-ray is worthwhile.