the plot: In a nameless European city, a super-thief known only as Diabolik (Law) becomes a thorn in the side of both law enforcement and the city’s criminals. When Diabolik steals $10 million out from under the watchful eye of Inspector Ginko (Piccoli), the lawman decides to crack down on all the city’s criminals in the hopes of catching Diabolik. This raises the ire of Valmont (Celi), the ruthless leader of the city’s criminal syndicate, who pledges to capture Diabolik in order to take the heat off his own illegal activities. While Ginko publicizes the appearance of a rare emerald necklace in order to lure Diabolik into the open, Valmont arranges the kidnapping of Eva Kant (Mell), Diabolik’s lover and partner in crime. Diabolik makes off with the necklace and evades capture, but soon discovers Eva missing. Soon, the masked thief finds himself at war with both Ginko and Valmont, and he must step out of the shadows to go on the offensive.

why it’s good: “Danger: Diabolik” is a sexy, stylish piece of pop art from director Mario Bava, better known for horror films like “Black Sunday” and “Twitch of the Death Nerve.” The sex appeal comes from stars John Phillip Law and Marisa Mell, who ooze so much sexual chemistry anytime they’re onscreen together that it’s surprising Diabolik ever managed to tear himself away from his sexy partner long enough to commit crimes. And, as befitting a movie like “Diabolik,” those crimes are big—epically big, thanks to Bava’s dynamic direction and some awesome set design. Diabolik’s secret underground lair has a cool retro-future look to it that gives Bava an excuse to stage eye-catching underwater sequences and shots using all sorts of mirrors. And, anti-heroes don’t come much more badass than Diabolik. After the government announces a $10,000 reward for information leading to Diabolik’s capture, he blows up all the country’s financial buildings, ostensibly in protest of the unfair use of tax money. A hip, swinging score by Ennio Morricone ties the movie together (although the film’s theme song “Deep Deep Down” gets a little tiresome after it’s played repeatedly). Sure, “Diabolik” is campy (it was featured on the last episode of “Mystery Science Theater 3000”), but it’s more awesome than groan-worthy.

why you should own it: “Diabolik” is definitely worth adding to your library. Paramount’s DVD features commentary by John Phillip Law and film historian Tim Lucas. But even more noteworthy is the documentary “From Fumetti to Film,” which traces Diabolik’s journey from the star of the bestselling Italian comic book series to the big screen. Artist Stephen Bissette, Beastie Boy Adam Yauch and director Roman Coppola all get in on the Diabolik love, especially Bissette, whose fascination with the film borders on the academic. The disc also includes the video for the Beastie song “Body Movin’,” which uses clips from “Diabolik.”