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Suspiria

Directed by: Dario Argento

Starring: Jessica Harper, Alida Valli, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett

Synopsis:

A student from the USA joins a prestigious German Dance Academy and soon suspects that it is run by a coven of witches, after a series of inexplicable events.

Review:

Sorry, I have to get my vitriol towards the art and packaging out of the way first. It’s the only negative from me in what is a welcome Blu-Ray release. The cover does the movie no justice. I can understand that font used on the lettering of the title, but cannot see the point of the rest of the imagery that suggests a hard-boiled noir crime thriller than what the film actually portrays. Then, the worst is the cine-excess logo’s tagline; “Taking Trash Seriously”. Say what? Suspiria is considered “Trash”? I don’t think so. Sloppy. It makes me wonder what sort of output Cine-Excess is considering.

Anyway, that aside, this is a stunning release. I remember first seeing the picture on a grainy VHS release, back in 1984! This new Hi-Def print is a marvel to watch. The print shows Argento’s use of vibrant colour and highlights the detail of the impressive art deco locations. The look of this film influenced a number of directors, including Richard Stanley who cites Argento as an influence on the art design of Hardware. The sound, that was already a considerable powerhouse through home cinema on Anchor Bay ’s previous 2-disc DVD, is vastly improved by the DTS HD-Master audio. Lossless audio really does make a difference. The Goblin score, used to great effect in the film, is enhanced and spreads out from the speakers.

Suspiria is cited as being Argento’s greatest work, for a reason. It’s unique and deliciously obtuse and will leave most viewers baffled as to what is actually happening. Part of a trilogy that has now been controversially completed, with Inferno and Mother of Tears, Suspiria doesn’t lend itself to a sequel anymore than the follow-ups relate to Suspiria. It’s all very over the top, almost predicting the excesses of the 80s in its overt use of colour and violence. Although I have to admit to preferring Tenebrae, I still recall how stunned I was watching this for the first time. Because of the quality of this transfer, it’s almost like that again.

Summary

This release is thoroughly recommended, especially if you’re already a fan.

Wayfarer

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