Deep Red

Deep Red ,(aka Profondo Rosso,the Hatchet Murders). Review of Arrow video 2disc DVD from 2010 + Bluray & other editionsOn Arrows 2disc edition ,Disc1 has the longer Argentos' 'directors choice' version(originally just shown in Italian cinemas)-with options for Italian or English audio (with optional English subtitles). As with previous editions if you wish to watch with English audio this extended version has sections that weren't dubbed into English ,so these return to Italian with English subtitles .The print is excellent and the Italian comes in 5.1 & 2 channel audio ,the English language audio in 2 channel .On this disc is a very good commentary by Thomas Rostock that is packed with opinions & astute observations + U.S. & Italian trailers (the Italian being a study in unnerving style), also included is a 19 min chat with Daria Nicolodi ,co-star & former partner of Dario Argento who has his own(13min) feature. It's interesting to see how they view Deep Red & other films they've worked on and what they agree(and disagree) on .These mini docs feature well presented scenes from relevant films .To finish ,a 14 min feature with a pleasant Claudio Simonetti of the group Goblin(s) who provide the stunning & original score,(George Gasilini also scores some scenes) that's as vital to the films mood & pacing as the editing & cinematography.Disc2 features the 'international print', at around 100 mins it's some 20mins shorter than Argentos' cut. I think this is a tighter & stronger version of the film with more tension & mostly losing just some 'humorous' set pieces, some non essential lines & an earlier introduction to the likeable main actor played by David Hemmings.This version is in English (with optional English subtitles) in stereo ,the print quality is good. Disc2 also has(yet another!) extended promotional for the Profondo Rosso shop in Rome with an enthusiastic Luigi Cozzi (director of 'Contamination',a rather odd addition to the original DPP banned list).Like many people I prefer films where the languages spoken actually match the 'real' languages the characters would use, but I find this film (like most of Argento's) doesn't suffer if you choose the 'English option'.The films are presented in '2.35:1 anamorphic:Techniscope' (a filming process used by Sergio Leone & in many other Italian productions).Thie 'limited edition' DVD/bluray package comes with a 2 sided poster(with an original & new image), a short but interesting booklet by Alan Jones(author of 'Profondo Argento') and a reversible sleeve with choice of 4 covers & a slipcase.So some decent extras to go with possibly the high point of the Gialli & Dario Argentos' career ,but a shame that a film of this quality, that's far beyond 'cult curiosity' that Arrow haven't made an ultimate documentary about its place in the horror/mystery pantheon and beyond. In comparison,for example with the thorough job they did on Lucio Fulcis 2disc 'City of the living dead'. (The recent rereleases of Argentos 'Tenebrae', 'Crystal plumage' & others have much more in-depth features).Of the various other editions,the more recent 'red cover' Arrow 1disc editions in bluray & DVD have the film in its longer Version.The 'yellow cover' Arrow 1disc DVD appears to have the shorter 'international print' .And there is a 3disc 'limited edition' bluray/DVD/CD with the soundtrack,postcards & other extras. The Arrow Bluray 2disc has all the above & the Blue Underground Bluray 1disc has both versions of the film,with different extras (but not Rostocks commentary),and there are other versions available out there. If you haven't seen this film ,I would urge you to - you don't have to know what a Giallo is or know a Martini from Sergio Martino...This is a very good film available at good prices if you look around, & I don't think you'll be disappointed.Though I would say if possible get the two disc or Bluray with the Thomas Rostock commentary(only available on the longer film).If you just get one version of the film I would recommend the shorter(around 100mins) 'international print'......

Over many years I have tried to "get" Giallo films. I never really have, but I keep trying! This is one of the better known ones, and Arrow have given us an amazing set. I chose the longer (128 mins) with English Subs and partial English dialogue, but constantly changing, even mid secene, to dubbed Italian. Partucularly confusing with Hemmings who one minute has his own voice, then a completely different one speaks in Italian. Ah Well...Confused? I got used to it. This version is too long and some scenes could have been cut including what should be a tense house search by Hemmings, but just goes on and on with no development. Some "comedy" with the police inspectore would not be missed. Beautifully, atmospherically filmed on location, the mystery element is well written and logically finished. Hemmings is good, and by no means has it put me off more of the same. Perhaps in 2 - 3 months? Obviously this film is much loved and the extras are fascinating, so if in doubt...give it a go. (ARROW really are producing the goods - Thankyou)

A musician witnesses the brutal murder of a famous psychic, he then along with a reporter tries to find the killer whilst evading attempts on there lives by a black glove wearing killer.Arguably one of if not the best of Dario Argento's giallo movies. Containing some of Argento's best work including some spectacular death sequences, Macha Meril's exit is brilliantly shot and handled with an enjoyably bloody conclusion, in fact all of the killings/violence are painfully well staged and each adds to the atmosphere & hugely enjoyable. The creepy atmosphere is also helped along by some very disturbing doll scenes appearing in different shots giving the audience a frequent fright, as does the excellent Goblin soundtrack with its child like qualities in sharp contrast to what we are seeing on screen. The last third of the film is excellent with all sorts happening and the mystery holds up right to the end which the viewer will love. Hemmings , Lavia & Nicolodi are very good in the lead roles as are the supporting cast, dubbing is OK though not as good as most other Argento pictures it is fine and doesn't detract from the film. The only real weakness is some of the pacing, though its not bad and the film is never boring the first half does meander a bit, with Nicolodi & Hemmings chats and actions meaning very little and going on a bit too long killing some of the tension that's been building up.I cant believe I'm saying this (uncut versions of films I would always implore people to view) some of the cut versions, like the original UK pre cert VHS from Fletcher/Techmo, do remove some of the before mentioned waffle and do feel noticeably more pacey and hold more of the increasing tension (apologies to the uncensorious among you).Definitely one of the very best giallo's, very well done in all departments and a highlight in Argento's filmography. Never released theatrically here in Britain the first release on VHS was targeted as seizeable under the section 3 list but sense has since come around and whichever version you watch you will have an excellent viewing experience.