StageFright Blu-ray Review
Deliria Bloody Bird Sound Stage Massacre StageFright: Aquarius
Score: 69
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
"StageFright," scored by Simon Boswell, delivers an excellent Blu-ray package with outstanding audio and video quality, supplemented by insightful features. RECOMMENDED
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 66
StageFright, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, delivers impressive picture clarity and color stability despite minor grain issues and average shadow delineation. The transfer boasts well-defined details and an organic appearance that surpasses expectations for its nearly 30-year-old low-budget origins.
Audio: 76
StageFright's Blu-ray audio features English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1 tracks. The 2.0 track delivers lush, clean music balanced with stable and sharp dialog, while the 5.1 mix enhances some effects but remains front-heavy with minor surround bleeds. Both tracks offer strong dynamics and superb clarity.
Extra: 61
The Blu-ray extras for 'StageFright' offer a comprehensive collection of interviews delving into Michele Soavi's early career, the unique lighting and special effects, contributions from cast and crew, and the creation of its iconic soundtrack, all presented in impressive high-definition quality.
Movie: 66
Michele Soavi's directorial debut, 'StageFright', showcases his mastery in creating atmospheric tension through unique lighting and innovative camerawork. While the narrative adheres to familiar slasher tropes, the film revitalizes the genre with a mix of gory hilarity, suspense, and a standout soundtrack by Simon Boswell.
Video: 66
The Blu-ray release of Michele Soavi's "StageFright" showcases an admirable 1080p transfer, preserving the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC. The high-definition transfer exhibits a remarkable level of clarity, despite the film’s frequent low-light scenes within the theater setting. Image depth remains pleasing overall, though minor fluctuations are present but are inherited rather than introduced issues. Colors are stable, unmanipulated, and no extensive degraining or sharpening adjustments have been applied, resulting in an organic and visually faithful presentation that should please fans.
While a few sequences show average shadow delineation and highlight some limitations in the encoding, particularly with grain exposure and resolution, most fine details, such as facial complexions and the intricate owl headpiece, are sharply rendered. The transfer excels in handling contrast and brightness, providing well-balanced visuals with vivid whites and deep, penetrating blacks. Compared to its nearly 30-year-old low-budget origins, this release far outperforms expectations, with colors accurately reflecting saturated primaries and overall image integrity being maintained throughout. Furthermore, there are no significant scratches, cuts, debris, or damage marks evident in the transfer, ensuring a clean viewing experience that pays respectful homage to Soavi's slasher cult classic.
Audio: 76
The Blu-ray release of "StageFright" features two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional yellow English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles for the main feature. The film’s soundtrack, a crucial element of its atmosphere, performs exceptionally well on both tracks. When utilizing the 2.0 audio track, you will find the music lush, clean, and well-balanced with the dialog. This track highlights the film's original sound design effectively, capturing sudden dynamic movements and maintaining stable, sharp dialogue devoid of any hiss or pops.
Alternatively, the 5.1 remix offers a modern auditory experience, presenting an expanded soundstage that enhances certain effects slightly better than the 2.0 track. It features strong dynamic range and smooth channel movement but tends to be front-heavy with minimal surround activity and somewhat lacking bass response. Despite this, it remains a compelling option, especially with its clear and intelligible vocals. Audio analysts might observe that the 2.0 track delivers a fuller sound experience with more pronounced mid-range separation and robust low-end support, giving extra weight to the orchestration and overall depth of the score. Both tracks provide an enjoyable listening experience, yet preferring one over the other comes down to personal taste.
Extras: 61
The extras on the Blu-ray release of "StageFright" provide an engaging and insightful glimpse into the production and creative minds behind the film. Viewers are treated to a series of well-constructed interviews that delve into various aspects of the movie, from its unique lighting and special effects to the experiences of the cast and crew. Michele Soavi's interview is particularly noteworthy for his reflections on starting his filmmaking journey under Joe D'Amato's guidance. Complementary insight comes from actors David Brandon and Giovanni Lombardo Radice, offering an on-set perspective. Additionally, Pietro Tenoglio's discussion on special effects and Simon Boswell’s recount of his career-launching score accentuate the depth of content provided. The high-definition presentations of these features ensure a visually engaging experience.
Extras included in this disc:
- Trailer: Original trailer for StageFright.
- Poster & Still Gallery: Archival collection of posters and stills.
- Theatre Of Delirium: Interview with Director Michele Soavi.
- Head Of The Company: Interview with Star David Brandon.
- Blood On The Stage Floor: Interview with Star Giovanni Lombardo Radice.
- The Owl Murders: Interview with Make-up Effects Artist Pietro Tenoglio.
- The Sound Of Aquarius: Interview with Composer Simon Boswell.
Movie: 66
Michele Soavi's directorial debut, "StageFright" (1987), offers an atmospheric foray into the slasher genre, drawing heavy inspiration from the visual style of Dario Argento. The film predominantly takes place in a small theater in Rome, where a group of actors, grappling with the pressures of preparing for a play, unwittingly becomes targets for a psychopathic killer. The tight setting and claustrophobic atmosphere are integral to the film’s suspense, enhanced by tension-filled lighting reminiscent of Argento’s work. This is complemented by a soundtrack blending soft jazz and early synth-pop from British composer Simon Boswell, which adds a rich, psychedelic layer to the film's ambiance.
In "StageFright," Soavi subverts the conventional slasher template by focusing less on novel twists and more on his directorial prowess and visual storytelling. Employing artful camerawork by Renato Tafuri, the film captures the frantic mental state of its characters, blurring the lines between reality and fiction during critical sequences. Soavi’s ability to build suspense is evident, particularly as the theatrical killer with an eerie owl mask systematically hunts down his prey. David Brandon’s commanding presence and Barbara Cupisti’s portrayal of the determined Final Girl Alicia stand out, though some supporting performances lack memorability. While the dialog can be cliched and editing uneven, these elements contribute to the film’s kitschy yet distinctive charm without detracting from its cinematic quality.
Total: 69
Michele Soavi's "StageFright" might not be universally acclaimed, but it certainly has its merits, starting with Simon Boswell's extraordinary score. For aficionados of vintage horror, this Blu-ray edition is a treat. The high-definition transfer breathes new life into the visuals, capturing the movie's atmospheric tension and vibrant gore with remarkable clarity. Paired with an outstanding audio mix, Boswell's haunting compositions envelop viewers, enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere.
The pressure and mental strain on the cast preparing for a dance production adds an intriguing layer to Soavi's directorial debut, "StageFright: Aquarius." The film opens with an engaging rehearsal sequence, setting the stage for a bloody, suspense-fueled narrative that genre enthusiasts will find both fun and remarkably gory. The Blu-ray surpasses expectations with its lush audiovisual presentation, making each terrifying moment more immersive than ever. The supplemental features, although modest in number, are of high quality, including a fantastic interview with the composer that provides valuable insights.
In conclusion, "StageFright" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for cult movie enthusiasts and horror aficionados alike. The combination of stellar audio-visual quality and insightful extras elevates this package beyond a mere nostalgic trip, rendering it an essential addition to any serious collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 80
However, the encoding could have been better -- there are parts of the film where the grain could have been better exposed and resolved....
Audio: 100
The 5.1 track opens up the film slightly better -- mostly by enhancing some important effects -- but in my opinion the film's overall sound design is better supported by the 2.0 track....
Extras: 90
Radice - in this video interview, actor Giovanni Lombardo Radice (Brett) recalls his initial encounter and friendship with Michele Soavi, his contribution to StageFright (Mr. Radice apparently assisted...
Movie: 60
The majority of the action is seen through the eyes of the young and ambitious Alicia (a very beautiful Barbara Cupisti, Dellamorte Dellamore, The Key), but occasionally the victims are also observed as...
Total: 70
I am happy to report now that in addition to looking good, the film sounds absolutely fantastic....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Granted, a couple moments are poorly resolved with somewhat average shadow delineation, but for a nearly 30-year-old low-budget production, the presentation far exceeds any initial expectations....
Audio: 80
On the other hand, the latter, which is closer to the original design, offers a much broader soundstage with discrete effects and excellent, distinct separation in the mid-range....
Extras: 40
Theatre Of Delirium (SD, 19 min) — A great interview with director Michele Soavi where talks extensively about his career, his meager beginnings and the notable aspects of this production....
Movie: 80
Using the very familiar conventions of the "slasher," which by 1987 when this production hit screens was indeed a well-worn routine, Italian filmmaker Soavi furnished the giallo thriller, which it, too,...
Total: 60
The Blu-ray arrives with an excellent audio and video presentation that exceeds expectations, and with a welcomed though small assortment of supplements, the overall package makes for an awesome addition...
Director: Michele Soavi
Actors: David Brandon, Richard Barkeley, Barbara Cupisti
PlotA small theater troupe is rehearsing for an upcoming production at an isolated theater. The cast and crew are unaware that an escaped mental patient with a history of violent behavior is hiding within the building. As tensions over budget constraints and artistic differences flair, the killer masks himself as the production's central character, effectively blending in with the cast. The troupe is locked inside, unable to reach help due to a powerful storm and a lack of communication options. As rehearsals continue, strange occurrences begin to unsettle the group, heightening their frustration and fear.
Gradually, the masked intruder starts executing his macabre plan. Cast and crew members start disappearing one by one, leading to panic among the survivors. With everyone trapped and no clear way to escape the glorified death trap, the line between the play and reality blurs tragically. The remaining members must come together to outwit their assailant, using their wits and limited resources to survive the ordeal. Each choice they make becomes a crucial step in a desperate struggle to stay alive until help arrives or the killer is stopped.
Writers: George Eastman, Sheila Goldberg
Release Date: 21 Aug 1987
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: Unrated
Country: Italy
Language: English, Italian