Suspiria [2 Discs]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

A candy-colored nightmare from Italian terror maestro Dario Argento, Suspiria weaves a menacing tale of witchcraft as a fairy tale gone horribly awry. From the moment she arrives in Freiberg, Germany, to attend the prestigious Tans Academy, American ballet-dancer Suzy Banyon (Jessica Harper) senses that something horribly evil lurks within the walls of the age-old institution. Ill at ease as the result of her fellow student's peculiar behavior and increasingly terrified following a series of gruesome and spectacular murders, Suzy slowly begins to unravel the dark history of the academy. Convinced that the occult roots of the school and the horrific tale of its founding mother may hold an unthinkable secret, she begins a hallucinatory journey into the black heart of one of the most powerful witches ever known to exist. As Suzy edges ever closer to a secret that may hold the answers to all of her nightmares, the coven's grip on her soul begins to tighten until there is seemingly no escape. Will Suzy solve the mystery of the cursed academy before the fearsome Black Queen consumes her, or will she finally reveal the secret that has forever haunted the lavish corridors of the academy and bring an end to the Black Queen's terrifying reign? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: All
• Number of Discs: 2
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Cinemascope)
• Features:
  • Disc 1:
  • Theatrical trailers
  • Tv spot
  • Radio spots
  • "Suspiria" music video by Daemonia
  • Poster & still gallery
  • Talent bios
  • Disc 2:
  • Suspiria: 25th Anniversary - Interviews with co-writer/director Dario Argento, co-writer Daria Nicolodi, cinematographer Luciano Tovoli, composers Goblin (Claudio Simonetti, Massimo Morante, Fabio Pignatelli & Agostino Marangelo), and stars Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini & Udo Kier

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       Jessica Harper - Suzy Bannion
       Joan Bennett - Madame Blanc
       Alida Valli - Ballet Mistress
       Stefania Casini - Sara
       Barbara Magnolfi - Olga

• Director:

  Dario Argento

• Producer:

  Claudio Argento

• Screenwriter:

  Daria Nicolodi, Dario Argento

• Cinematographer:

  Luciano Tovoli

• Composer (Music Score):

  Dario Argento, Goblin

• Editor:

  Franco Fraticelli

• Art Director:

  Giuseppe Bassan

• Executive Producer:

  Salvatore Argento

• Costume Designer:

  Pierangelo Cicoletti

• Special Effects:

  Germano Natali

• First Assistant Director:

  Antonio Gabrielli

• Production Manager:

  Lucio Trentini

REVIEW:

• One of the most striking assaults on the senses ever to be committed to celluloid, legendary Italian horror master Dario Argento's Suspiria will certainly affect viewers whether they like it or not. Unleashed in 1977 to unsuspecting audiences worldwide, this unrelenting tale of the supernatural was -- and likely still is -- the closest a filmmaker has come to capturing a nightmare on film. Even in the eviscerated form in which Suspiria was initially released in most parts of the world (it has since been restored to its original, uncut form) its ability to create a profound feeling of unease is undeniable. Likewise, despite the fact that Suspiria is a film that virtually begs to be seen on the big screen, it remains remarkably potent when viewed on home video if proper measures are taken (viewing the film at the loudest possible volume, preferably with a surround sound stereo is highly recommended). It's reported that while filming, Argento blasted Goblin's supremely menacing score to create a feeling of unease in the actors that would ultimately carry over into the psyche of the audience. A near experimental collage of whispers, sighs, and various other sounds placed against the backdrop of shivering strings and throbbing bass, Goblin's contribution is as essential to the film's impact as Argento's stylistic and unflinching direction. The titular theme, a melodic composition that recalls a childhood lullaby haunted by a sickly voice, is one of the most effective and unforgettable tunes in horror history. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi