Deep Red 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD release of "Deep Red" showcases a masterful restoration effort, demonstrating the potential of 4K technology when applied to classic films shot on 35mm, specifically using the Technoscope process. This restoration originates from the original camera negatives and has been meticulously assembled, pairing HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR to upgrade the visual palette. The film is presented in its original widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio across two discs, offering both the Italian and the English export versions, each benefiting from a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image, 10-bit video depth, and a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec. This level of technical detail highlights Arrow's commitment to preserving the film’s aesthetic integrity while embracing modern viewing standards.

The restoration process involved a 4K scan of both the original negatives and a 35mm print for certain segments, addressing the challenge of piecing together the full-length Italian version from a negative that had been physically cut for the English export version. Despite these challenges, the result is a visual treat that pays homage to Luigi Kuveiller's original cinematography. The HDR grading enhances color depth, making the reds more vibrant and the shadows more distinct, without sacrificing detail. This brings a new life to both the vivid and the sinister elements of Argento's visual storytelling, with improved contrast and shadow detail illuminating previously obscured segments without compromising on the film's inherent grain structure that cinephiles cherish.

Viewers will appreciate the solid compression and absence of noticeable artifacts, with bit rates that ensure a steady and high-quality viewing experience. While some minor visual fluctuations and instances of softness are inevitable given the source material's age and condition, these do not detract from the overall excellence of this restoration. The film displays a rich tapestry of textures from the groovy '70s décor to the intricate Italian architecture, all while maintaining an impressive dimensional quality that respects the original filmic look. This release not only offers a significant upgrade over previous versions but also serves as a benchmark for how vintage cinema can be revitalized for contemporary audiences through careful restoration and advanced video technologies.

In this comprehensive exploration of the audio presentation for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Deep Red," the variety of audio tracks available offers an immersive experience tailored to various preferences, though with some clear standouts. The original Italian version provides listeners with several options, including Italian mono LPCM, Italian 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, and an intriguing English/Italian hybrid mono LPCM track. This hybrid version is particularly notable for its innovative approach, substituting Italian dialogue in places where English overdubs are missing, accompanied by English subtitles to ensure a seamless viewing experience. Despite the technological enhancements boasted by the 5.1 mix, it notably falls short of delivering the expected depth and spatial quality. This mix tends to introduce an artificial echo and unnecessary brightness to the audio, detracting from the otherwise meticulous sound design characterized by clear dialogue and Goblin’s iconic score, which shines throughout with clear fidelity and commanding presence.

The consensus among enthusiasts and reviewers alike leans towards the mono tracks, with particular praise for their restoration from the original sound negatives. The original Italian mono track, presented in both LPCM for the export version and DTS-HD Master Audio for the domestic release, stands tall for its natural sound and balance, capturing the essence of the film's auditory landscape with remarkable clarity and depth. Conversely, the Italian 5.1 DTS-HD mix, despite offering a broader soundscape for sound effects and Goblin's riveting score, is critiqued for its hollow rendition and over-emphasis on reverb, which undermines the organic ambiance of the setting. The mono tracks are heralded for their impressive mid-range definition, absence of distortion or dropouts, and an acoustical detailing that particularly enhances Goblin’s score, underpinning the viewing experience with a palpable weight that elevates the film’s atmospheric tension.

This deep dive into the audio quality affirms the preference for mono tracks due to their superior fidelity across the spectrum, from dialogue to the iconic score by Goblin. The hybrid English/Italian track emerges as a fascinating choice for its effort to maintain linguistic authenticity while ensuring clarity and impact, showcasing an exceptional mono mix that rivals higher-tech options with its dynamism and depth sans any hiss or crackle. However, the jarring transition between voice actors in bilingual tracks remains a point of contention, underscoring the balance between preserving artistic intent and modern viewing sensibilities. Ultimately, these soundtracks offer a textured auditory experience that complements the film's visual vibrancy, though they underscore a preference for mono precision over 5.1 breadth in preserving the cinematic integrity of "Deep Red.

Arrow Video's 4K UHD release of "Deep Red" stands out not only for its visually stunning restoration but also for its comprehensive collection of extras that cater to both newcomers and dedicated fans of Dario Argento's masterpiece. Unlike previous releases, this edition doesn't merely recycle old material; it introduces nearly three hours of new interviews with key cast and crew, including Dario Argento, Macha Méril, and Gabriele Lavia, among others, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film's production and legacy. Noteworthy is the inclusion of two audio commentaries, one by critic Troy Howarth and another by filmmaker Thomas Rostock, offering insightful scholarly and historical contexts. The disc also encompasses a wealth of archival material and a visually essayistic approach to the film's thematic and aesthetic intricacies. Arrow's commitment to adding value through these extensive extras ensures this edition of "Deep Red" is an essential acquisition for genre aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson: A new discussion on the film.
• Audio Commentary with Thomas Rostock: A scholarly perspective on the movie’s content.
• Deep In The Red: Includes new and archival interviews with Dario Argento and Daria Nicolodi.
• The Medium Wore Black: An interview with Macha Meril.
• 16 Years in Red: Insights from production manager Angelo Iacono.
• Death Dies: An interview with composer Claudio Simonetti.
• Carlo Never Dies: Actor Gabriele Lavia shares his experiences.
• I Am the Screaming Child: An interview with actor Jacopo Mariani.
• Bloodstained: Insights from Lino Capolicchio.
• Trailers: Original Italian and US trailers alongside promotional image galleries, offering a glimpse into the film's marketing history.
• Profondo Giallo: A visual essay by Michael Mackenzie on the film’s themes and imagery.
• Rosso Recollections: Dario Argento discusses the making of the film.
• The Lady in Red: An interview with Daria Nicolodi.
• Music to Murder For!: A feature on composer Claudio Simonetti’s work.
• Profondo Rosso: From Celluloid to Shop: A tour of the Rome shop inspired by the film.

Dario Argento's "Deep Red," a seminal work in his illustrious career, bridges the gap between his early giallo successes and his later, more fantastical endeavors. As a return to the giallo genre following a brief departure, Argento crafts a film that is both a homage to the classics and a precursor to his signature stylistic flourishes seen in "Suspiria" and "Inferno." David Hemmings stars as an English pianist in Turin, who becomes embroiled in a gruesome mystery following the murder of his psychic neighbor. The film brilliantly navigates through familiar plot beats while infusing them with bizarre thematic twists, leaving an otherworldly impression exacerbated by the desolate landscape of Turin and markedly odd character interactions that seem to prioritize style over substance. Argento's direction flourishes here, engaging in a form of storytelling that leans heavily into the visual and auditory experience, as evidenced by Goblin's haunting score— a harbinger of the atmospheric leitmotifs that would become emblematic of Argento’s later work.

"Deep Red" stands as an intricate tapestry of horror, combining elements of traditional giallo with an array of unexpected thematic content, including subtle gender and sexual politics woven throughout its narrative. This melding of suspenseful murder mystery with eccentric character studies and a rich, underlying commentary on masculinity presents "Deep Red" as not just a film but as an experience. The longer, original theatrical cut enriches this experience, offering viewers a deeper dive into the peculiar partnership of Hemmings and Nicolodi’s characters, alongside a plethora of sidestepped narrative details that contribute significantly to the film's textured ambiance.

This 4K UHD release by Arrow Video presents "Deep Red" in impeccable clarity, accentuating Argento's mastery over visual storytelling and the intricate production design that sets this film apart. With the inclusion of both the original full-length Italian version and the shorter English-dubbed export version, viewers are given a comprehensive look at Argento's vision. The visual feast is complemented by the absence of the previous 1080 releases in this package, directing focus towards the immersive upgrades that 4K resolution brings to this giallo masterpiece. Despite controversies over edits and versions, "Deep Red" in 4K remains an essential viewing for aficionados of Argento and the giallo genre alike, encapsulating the transitional phase of a director exploring the limits of his art form.

Dario Argento's "Deep Red," a film often celebrated for its pivotal role in shaping the Giallo subgenre, has receive a lavish treatment from Arrow Video with its latest 4K UHD Blu-Ray release. While not universally considered Argento's finest work, this release underscores the film's importance and unique charm, highlighting its peculiar blend of artifice and ingenuity. Arrow Video's commitment to presenting the movie in the highest possible quality is evident, offering every conceivable version of the film to both aficionados of Argento and fans of the Giallo genre alike. The inclusion of a comprehensive array of extras further enriches this edition, making it an essential purchase. It's worth noting, however, that some supplements from previous versions have not been carried over, a point that might not sit well with every collector.

Technically, the release sets a new benchmark for how Argento's oeuvre should be experienced on modern home entertainment systems, particularly in the 4K UHD format. The Dolby Vision HDR presentation breathes new life into the film’s visual palette, while the DTS-HD MA mono tracks ensure that the audio fidelity is as engrossing as the visuals. This packaging not only showcases Arrow Video's high standards but also reaffirms their position as a frontrunner in distributing cult cinema in superior formats. The addition of new and substantial supplements, alongside physical bonuses such as an informative booklet, lobby cards, and a folded poster, provides tangible value to this collector’s package.

In conclusion, Arrow Video’s release of "Deep Red" in 4K UHD is a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating classic cinema. With its stunning visual and audio restoration, alongside a thoughtful selection of extras and physical memorabilia, this release not only offers the definitive viewing experience for longtime fans but also serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers to both the film and the Giallo genre. Highly recommended for collectors and cinephiles alike, this edition ensures that "Deep Red" remains as vibrant and engaging today as it was upon its initial release.