Μύ Dario Argento returns to the form that made him famous with "Sleepless". That a cinema release wasn't possible is a disappointment, but if you have access to a good home cinema set-up, then there's plenty to enjoy from this excellent DVD release. It is also worth noting that unlike the cut German and US discs, the UK version is completely uncut.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture A very pleasing transfer awaits you for the movie, which remains tight and sharp even during those important darker scenes when you need that all-important gruesome detail!
Sound The 5.1 sound mix on this DVD is amongst the best there has yet been for a horror film. The initial build-up of music as it opens front left and right speaker only, then seeps into the centre and finally expands into the rears - while all the time the subwoofer fits with bass tremors - really builds anticipation. There are plenty of creepy effects to spook you out too.
SPECIAL FEATURES
"Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror (Disc Two)"
Some of you may have caught this documentary on Channel 4 along with "Suspiria" as part of their Yuletide 2001 programming. Narrated by Mark Kermode, this excellent programme includes contributions from the likes of George Romero and John Carpenter. This offers an excellent overview of his extraordinary career, which has influenced every current major director in the genre. The most interesting comments come from daughter Asia, as she explains the working relationship with her father that has seen her get nastily butchered in several of his films. She's clearly a little troubled by this but there's no hiding the loyalty she has towards him.
The documentary also covers the growing resurgence of popularity for Argento amongst a whole new generation of young Italians. He's regarded as a celebrity in Italy, and the box office performance in its native land alone recovered the film's costs.
Making of Featurette There's plenty of behind-the-scenes footage of Argento at work vigorously directing the cast of the film. He's also interviewed for this featurette, and for those of you not familiar with the rules of the 'giallo', he provides a clear explanation of how it works.
Additional Extra Features Stills gallery (disc one and disc two), trailer, and Argento biography and filmography.
Region: 0 (UK release)
Chapters: 15
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection, and animated menus.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
