Inferno Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground’s Blu-ray transfer of "Inferno" is an impressive upgrade, showcasing meticulous attention to both visual fidelity and film preservation. Presented in 1080p high definition via AVC MPEG-4 encoding (1.85:1), the image effectively captures the dreamlike aesthetic that Dario Argento’s films are known for. Restored from the original negative, the transfer displays a consistent, unobtrusive layer of grain that imparts a pleasing cinematic texture. The contrast is finely tuned, rendering bright whites and deep blacks with excellent shadow delineation. Colors are a standout aspect, with primaries exhibiting radiant saturation and secondary hues appearing stable and clean. This vibrant palette vividly conveys Argento’s bold and sometimes surreal lighting choices.

The level of detail achieved in this transfer is remarkable, highlighting everything from fine lines and skin textures to intricate environmental details. Notable sequences—including the opening shots of the book of Varelli—showcase an extraordinary clarity, with fine details such as scars and textures on surfaces coming through crisply. However, age-related weaknesses are apparent in certain scenes exhibiting slight softness and some minor background noise, but these do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Blue Underground’s release skillfully handles Argento’s unique visual style, from its lush midnight blues and theatrical gore to its richly detailed darker scenes. The grain alternations in specific shots—like those on the staircases—add to the atmosphere without causing significant distraction. Despite minor shortcomings, like occasional speckles and slight banding, this transfer remains faithful to the film's vintage look while modernizing it for high-definition viewing, ensuring a satisfying experience for both purists and general enthusiasts.

Blue Underground's audio presentation for "Inferno" features multiple track options, including English Dolby Surround and Italian mono, but it is the English DTS-HD MA 7.1 that stands out most significantly. This lossless track marginally improves on previous 5.1 versions, offering a more aggressive and dynamic soundscape. While it might not reach the levels of modern sound mixes, it provides impressive depth, range, and steerage. Specifically, the sunken room sequence exemplifies the track’s prowess with full surround usage, detailed bubbling, and underwater effects contributing to a vibrant aural environment. Despite some subtle ambient effects like whispered voices and cat hisses primarily enriching the rear soundfield, surround usage remains understated, effectively enhancing Emerson's score which commands attention with its clarity and power.

In contrast, some reviewers note limitations in the soundstage's spatiality and depth, describing an overall mushiness affecting music, dialogue, and sound effects. The track retains a center-focused nature with minimal spread across front channels. Certain effects like underwater scenes or fire lack impactful pressure and energy, leading to indistinct bass and high-pitched screams lacking realism. Nevertheless, dialogue maintains crispness through the center channel. Given the source material’s age, this mix represents its finest home video presentation yet.

Overall, Blue Underground delivers commendable work with "Inferno's" 7.1 track despite the inherent constraints of its vintage sound design. The audio remains predominantly front-heavy but boasts well-prioritized vocals and sharp detail in minor effects. While low bass levels might not impress audiophiles, the track succeeds in creating a compelling soundstage with subtle ambient cues enhancing fidelity and dynamic range where needed. Fans of Argento's work will appreciate this faithful, invigorated audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Inferno" from Blue Underground offer an insightful blend of new and archival content. While the collection may not be as extensive as some other editions, the featurettes deliver engaging and detailed accounts from key cast and crew members. Highlights include Leigh McCloskey's engaging "Art & Alchemy" interview, sharing his career experiences and his intriguing artwork inspired by the film. Irene Miracle's "Reflections of Rose" provides a compelling look back at her time on set, detailing significant personal and professional anecdotes. Additionally, there are interviews with director Dario Argento and assistant director Lamberto Bava, offering a glimpse into the film's visual design and production nuances. The package rounds out with a theatrical trailer and a brief intro from Argento.

Extras included in this disc:

• Art & Alchemy: Interview with Leigh McCloskey discussing his career and artwork.
• Reflections of Rose: Irene Miracle reflects on her acting career and work on "Inferno".
• Interview with Argento and Bava: Discussion on film’s visual design and production.
• Inferno Theatrical Trailer: The rarely seen preview for the film.
• Intro by Argento: A brief message from the director.

Dario Argento’s "Inferno" stands as a compelling sequel to his mesmerizing "Suspiria," capturing the director's signature flair for atmospheric horror and unsettling visual storytelling. The narrative centers on Rose Elliot (Irene Miracle), who stumbles upon a dark secret through an ancient Latin book titled "The Three Mothers." As she digs deeper, her brother Mark (Leigh McCloskey) joins her harrowing journey, revealing hidden terrors that challenge their grasp on reality. Though the film's pacing can be erratic and some performances lack dynamism, Argento masterfully interweaves tension and ambiance, making up for these shortcomings through meticulous set designs, shadows, and vivid color palettes. This creates a deeply eerie and immersive experience that heightens the film’s sense of dread.

Technically, "Inferno" showcases Argento’s adept use of lighting and intricate camerawork, often evoking a dream-like quality that underscores the supernatural themes. While the plot is somewhat straightforward, much of its mystery is revealed early on, which may diminish suspense for some viewers. However, the film compensates by presenting visually stunning sequences, notably the underwater ballroom scene directed by Mario Bava. The use of vibrant primary colors and innovative optical effects lend a phantasmagoric quality to the macabre elements of the story, elevating gruesome deaths to almost artistic spectacles. The soundtrack by Keith Emerson, with its techno-electronic underpinnings, effectively complements the eerie visuals, further immersing audiences in Argento’s chilling world.

"Inferno" may not achieve the relentless drive of "Suspiria," but it is a quintessential Argento piece—rich in atmosphere, steeped in visual mastery, and unflinchingly mystical. Though the acting can be stilted and the narrative logic occasionally perplexing, fans of Argento are likely to appreciate the film’s unique aesthetic and sensory immersion. This release boasts a superior AV transfer, offering a film-like quality that enhances the viewing experience, making it an indispensable addition for horror aficionados seeking both style and substance.

Inferno, while not Dario Argento's magnum opus, remains a compelling showcase of his distinct vision and stylistic prowess. The film suffers from some stiff acting, a sometimes sluggish pace, and an information overload early on, yet these issues do not significantly detract from its overall appeal. For enthusiasts of moody, atmospheric horror, Inferno delivers an experience that is both eerie and deeply unsettling. Mario Bava's vibrant production design shines through, offering a visually rich backdrop that contrasts starkly with the film's graphic violence and gore.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of this 1980 horror classic presents a substantial improvement over previous editions, providing an upper-level 1080p transfer that significantly enhances the visual experience. The lossless audio track, while not extraordinary, complements the visuals adequately, helping to immerse viewers in Argento's nightmarish universe. However, the supplementary materials included in the package are somewhat lacking in breadth and intrigue, potentially disappointing those expecting more extensive behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, Inferno may not reach the heights of Argento's most acclaimed works but stands as a solid entry in his filmography and 'The Three Mothers Trilogy.' Its flaws are overshadowed by its atmospheric depth and stylistic flair. Blue Underground's Blu-ray edition is a commendable upgrade for established fans and a worthy addition to any horror aficionado's collection. For newcomers to Argento's oeuvre, renting before buying might be advisable to gauge appreciation for his unique cinematic approach.