Suspiria Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of the 2018 remake of "Suspiria" by Lionsgate Films is a solid offering, presented in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film, captured on 35mm and finished with a 4K digital intermediate, exudes a distinct, neutral-toned palette that contrasts starkly with Argento's original. This cold war-era drab aesthetic makes heavy use of beiges, browns, and olive greens while occasionally punctuating scenes with vivid reds, blues, and yellows. Despite the subdued color scheme, black levels are impressive, delivering deep, inky depths that provide an excellent sense of dimensionality. Similarly, white elements like snow are crisp and clean without blooming. The film’s grain structure is finely managed, contributing to an organic viewing experience without excessive noise.

One of the most commendable aspects of this transfer is its sharp detail and clarity, especially in close-up shots that emphasize facial features and makeup details. Even in lower-light condition scenes, the level of detail remains high, showcasing Guadagnino and cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom's expertise in creating visual intensity through unconventional angles. Although the film only exhibits minimal banding—barely perceptible in a few instances—the encoding remains solid overall. The motion is smooth with no distortions observed, adding to the cinematic feel.

Regrettably, "Suspiria" has not yet received a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release, and it remains uncertain if it ever will despite having been finished on a 4K digital intermediate. Such an upgrade could potentially enhance the already impressive depth and fine detail of the current Blu-ray presentation. However, as it stands, this 1080p offering is likely to satisfy most viewers with its strikingly natural color reproduction and commendable technical execution. It is a near-flawless representation of the film’s chilling visual narrative.

Suspiria's immersive sound design is remarkably realized in the Dolby Atmos track on this Blu-ray release. The film creatively utilizes object-based audio to enhance its nightmarish atmosphere, with dynamic placement of breathing effects that eerily float overhead and directional dialogue that envelops the listener. Thom Yorke’s score, which ranges from somber tunes to tense atonal pieces, is impeccably balanced within the mix. The vocal clarity is superb, ensuring that even with characters straining under accents or prosthetics, the dialogue remains clear and intelligible. The soundscape is beautifully layered, with subtle yet impactful use of background chatter and ambient noises that heighten the film's intense and unsettling mood.

The Dolby Atmos presentation is complemented by optional English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, with English SDH and Spanish subtitles available. This track excels in creating an engaging auditory experience, particularly through the meticulous use of surround effects. Scenes involving rain or winter elements are vividly portrayed with atmospheric precision, from the sound of rainfall hitting windows to footsteps crunching through icy snow, adding an extra dimension to the viewing experience. The dance sequences are particularly notable for their dynamic range, capturing everything from the synchronized stomping of dancers to disturbingly visceral sound effects during more intense moments.

While the low-frequency effects (LFE) are not always pronounced, they are effectively employed to enhance critical scenes such as dance sequences and unsettling dreamscapes. The film’s quieter moments also benefit from subtle but persistent surround activity that keeps every channel actively engaged. The mix's depth and detail contribute significantly to the overall immersion, making the audio experience truly mesmerizing. Though Yorke's score is more restrained compared to Goblin's original soundtrack, its integration within this high-fidelity mix enriches the unsettling tone of Suspiria without overwhelming the listener.

The Blu-ray extras for "Suspiria" are informative but limited in scope, comprising a trio of brief featurettes that collectively span just over 12 minutes. Each segment offers a surface-level overview of various aspects of the film’s production, providing engaging yet succinct insights. "The Making of Suspiria" covers the foundational intentions behind the remake, giving a broad look at its genesis. "The Secret Language of Dance" dives into the pivotal role of dance choreographed by Damien Jalet, augmenting the movie's narrative and thematic elements. "The Transformations of Suspiria" explores the physical makeup and special effects, showcasing the artistry behind the film's more visceral scenes. Although these features are compelling in their own right, they lack the depth and comprehensiveness of a full-fledged making-of documentary or commentary track, potentially leaving enthusiasts wanting more.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Suspiria: General discussion on motivations and plot.
• The Secret Language of Dance: Focus on choreography and dance's narrative significance.
• The Transformations of Suspiria: Exploration of makeup and special effects.

Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria (2018) stands as a bold reimagining of Dario Argento's iconic 1977 horror masterpiece. Departing starkly from the vibrant colors and expressive visuals that defined the original, Guadagnino envelops his remake in cold whites and greys, mirroring the political turbulence of a divided Berlin. While less colorful, the film maintains an arresting visual style with a naturalistic yet meticulously crafted aesthetic. The result is a film that visually communicates both the oppressive atmosphere of its setting and the intricate dance sequences integral to its plot.

The narrative centers on Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson), who escapes her Mennonite roots to join the Tanz Dance Academy. Unbeknownst to Susie, the academy serves as a front for a coven of witches working toward the reincarnation of their leader, Mother Helena Markos (Tilda Swinton, in a prosthetics-heavy dual role). The film weaves together various subplots, including politically charged references to Germany's history and the Holocaust. A standout scene involves Susie inadvertently performing a dance that gruesomely contorts another dancer to death, showcasing Guadagnino's ability to blend horror with artful choreography.

Performances are stellar across the board, with Dakota Johnson bringing a haunting physicality to Susie and Tilda Swinton offering rich, multifaceted portrayals of her complex characters. The film is bolstered by Thom Yorke's compelling score, which replaces Goblin's iconic soundtrack from the original with haunting synth melodies that accentuate the movie's eerie tone.

Guadagnino’s reimagining of Suspiria is intellectually ambitious and laden with socio-political commentary, though sometimes at the expense of narrative coherence. The film diverges notably from Argento’s original in both style and substance, opting for a denser, multifaceted exploration that invites both admiration and criticism. Whether viewed as an artful triumph or an overreaching misfire, it is indisputable that this version of Suspiria carves out a distinctive identity worthy of deep consideration.

Luca Guadagnino's 2018 reimagining of "Suspiria" has generated a spectrum of reactions, and Lionsgate's Blu-ray release promises a similarly varied reception. The film’s take on the classic story diverges significantly from Argento's original, with some viewers finding the updated approach to be a stylistic triumph that challenges genre norms and the notion of remakes. The performances by Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson receive particular praise for their depth and versatility, though Swinton’s extensive makeup work – including her appearance in multiple roles – may distract some viewers. Visually, the Blu-ray's transfer is impeccable, offering a film-like quality that pairs beautifully with the film’s atmospheric imagery. The Dolby Atmos mix enhances the viewing experience with a moody and immersive soundscape.

However, other aspects of this release are met with disappointment. While the high-definition visual and audio presentation are commendable, the bonus features are seen as lacking depth and breadth, leaving collectors desiring more comprehensive content. Furthermore, there is a sense of missed opportunity without a 4K-UHD release available stateside, though anticipation remains for potential future upgrades. Critics are divided on the film’s coherence and consistency in narrative vision, with some citing structural unevenness and an overlong runtime that detracts from the overall impact.

In conclusion, "Suspiria" is arguably both overlong and over-convoluted, with too many new elements added to Argento's original conception. But this is often a challenging new imagining of the basic storyline, one that I'm not sure consistently hits its supposed target, but which deserves kudos for at least trying something challenging. It's a stylistic tour de force in any case, and it features some great performances, though some churlish viewers may be distracted by some of the makeup on Swinton (who also appears as a third character). Technical merits are first-rate, and at least for those with an open mind about sometimes questionable remakes, "Suspiria" comes Recommended.