There are a few films that disturb you so deeply to your core that it is impossible to forget them. Especially the case with Wes Craven’s 1972 film The Last House on the Left, the same can be said for Meir Zarchi’s 1978 I Spit on Your Grave, as well as Ruggero Deodato’s 1980 film The House on the Edge of the Park. Following a similar theme of depravity, The Night Train Murders was released in the mid-1970s, adding another shocker to the list.
Arriving in 1975, The Night Train Murders (known in Italy as L’ultimo treno della notte) marked yet another extremely well-directed film by the underappreciated Aldo Lado (known for other great genre films like 1971’s Short Night of Glass Dolls and 1972’s Who Saw Her Die?). Masterfully capturing a mood, Lado effectively utilizes locations, facial expressions, and boldly uncomfortable situations to drive the messaging home.
Haunting you with a story of two young ladies named Margaret Hoffenbach (Irene Miracle; known for 1978’s Midnight Express and 1980’s Inferno) and Lisa Stradi (Laura D’Angelo; known for 1977’s Difficile morire, and 1978’s Closed Circuit) traveling from Germany to Italy to visit Lisa’s family for Christmas, the two appear wide-eyed and excited for the trip.
Taking an overnight train, soon they cross paths with two deplorable hoodlums named Blackie (Flavio Bucci who is reconiziable from his appearnace in 1977’s Suspiria) and Curly (Gianfranco De Grassi; who starred in many films, including 1977’s Ritornano quelli della calibro 38) who are then joined by a mysterious woman (played by Macha Méril; known by many for her role in 1975’s Deep Red) who presents herself as high class, but is secertly a sadomasochist of the highest order. A recipe for disaster, the fate bestowed on Margaret and Lisa is tragically shocking and revolting.
A plot that some might call a derivative of The Last House on the Left, the truth of the matter is that while Night Train Murders does have similarities, the feel between the two is far different. In The Last House on the Left, the victims are not nearly as developed as those in Night Train Murders’ Margaret and Lisa, making you even more horrified to witness what happens to them. Additionally, you could also say that Margaret and Lisa are presented as wiser and stronger women, which, at times, gives you hope that they can escape the brutality. On top of everything, the factor that makes Night Train Murders stand on its own is the truly mysterious woman on the train, who could be the most villainous of all.
Overall, a film that should come with a significant warning before viewing, Night Train Murders was even one of the UK’s infamous Video Nasties and was banned in the region for a period. Adding to the film’s infamous allure, it has remained a standout over the years with its DVD and Blu-ray releases. However, in 2025, Night Train Murders receives its first-ever US 4K Ultra HD release. Released by Severin Films on April 29, 2025, the new edition is available in either a single 4K release or a more expansive Limited Edition 3-disc set.
For collectors, the Limited Edition set is sold directly through Severin Films’ web store, and it is undoubtedly worth it. Including a new 4K scan from the original camera negative, the imagery and audio quality are fantastic. The boldest selling point of all, the 4K disc itself includes the film and some special features, while the Blu-ray also consists of the film, but a ton more cool features, including insightful interviews with Aldo Lado as well as the cast. Then, as a bonus, disc three is the soundtrack composed by the iconic Ennio Morricone.
Dressed with a limited edition slipcover and a stunning reversible sleeve, hands down, this is a must-have for Aldo Lado fans. That is why Cryptic Rock highly recommends seeking out a copy, giving Severin Films’ Limited Edition 3-disc release of Night Train Murders 5 out of 5 stars.
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