Reviewer's Rating 4 out of 5 Ìý
Suspiria SE DVD (1977)

Sheer terror gets enhanced like never before, as Dario Argento's classic "Suspiria" gets a DVD makeover.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Dario's use of the old Technicolor three-strip matrix system, combined with gels and lighting effects, achieved the nightmarish hues which distinguish this film. The problem with previous video, laserdisc and DVD releases was that these tones smeared and merged in the most alarming manner. Finally this problem has been eradicated with the sharp and clear transfer on this DVD, which really is a sight to behold.

Sound As if the old stereo score wasn't nightmarish enough, it's now been updated to a choice of Dolby 5.1 EX or DTS 5.1 ES mixes, both of which provide sound for a centre rear speaker if you have that capability. What's so impressive about both tracks is that the stereo effect have been remixed to take advantage of the extra speakers, so that not only does the music veer from left to right, but also right around you.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Dario Argento's World of Horror This 70-minute documentary was previously released on VHS back in 1995, by the sadly defunct Arthouse 'A Taste of Fear' label. Directed by Argento's protégé Michele Soavi (who directed the terrifying "Stage Fright"), it features a lot of behind-the-scenes footage from some of Argento's most famous films.

One of its strengths back when it was released was that it featured footage that had been cut by the BBFC for the video releases of those individual movies. As they've now lightened up on Argento movies, these lengthy clips slow down the pace of the documentary quite considerably.

Jennifer Connelly fans will be delighted to learn that there's quite a bit of behind-the-scenes footage of her in action. Other highlights include a look at that still impressive, and then revolutionary, two-minute crane shot from "Tenebrae".

Additional Extra Features On disc one you'll find two trailers, a TV spot, three radio spots, a Daemonia music video, cast and crew biographies, a great image gallery, and a hidden Easter Egg (easy to find on the special features page).

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Region: 2
Chapters: 26
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, DTS 5.1 ES, Dolby 2.0 (surround)
Audio Tracks: Multiple languages
Subtitles: None
Captions: None
Menus: Animated with music
Subtitles (Special Features): None of the special features come with subtitles.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.

End Credits

Director: Dario Argento

Writer: Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi

Stars: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Udo Kier, Joan Bennett, Alida Valli, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé

Genre: Drama

Length: 97 minutes

Cinema: 1977

DVD: 28 October 2002

Country: Italy