The Stendhal Syndrome Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Stendhal Syndrome" presents a polarizing experience in terms of its video presentation, relying on an AVC-encoded transfer in a 1.66:1 pillar box ratio. This meticulous preservation of the film’s original aspect ratio unfortunately leads to small vertical black bars on either side of the image when viewed on standard 1.78:1 displays. Despite its age, the film's heavy grain texture—intended to provide an artistic and cinematic feel—appears overly pronounced in this high-definition format, detracting from the viewing experience on smaller screens, where it resembles a digitized mesh covering the footage. While the lack of digital enhancement tactics like edge sharpening allows for a smoother picture, the aggressive grain sometimes borders on noise, which could disappoint viewers expecting a cleaner HD experience.

Contrast levels across the film are deemed acceptable, preserving black levels adequately, though variability from scene to scene can lead to lost detail in shadows and instances of crushed blacks. The color palette remains limited, with an emphasis on stylized reds and subdued skin tones that detract from realism. Despite these issues, the Blu-ray excels in delivering fine details, evident in scenes set within an art museum where paintings are showcased with intricate lines and textures clearly visible. The overall spectrum of colors is well-represented, maintaining balance without appearing faded or overly bright, from the vivid hues of the Italian streets to the nuanced tones of clothing and architecture.

However, the presentation is not without its praises. Detail in wide shots and close-ups is commendable, showcasing the architecture and textures of the film’s setting with sharpness and clarity. The transfer successfully captures the essence of Dario Argento's vision, offering a level of detail that brings out the nuances in both urban landscapes and interior designs. The film's aesthetic, punctuated by its grainy texture, aims to retain a film-like quality, though opinions may vary on whether this enhances or hampers the viewing experience. Despite some limitations inherent to the source material, "The Stendhal Syndrome" on Blu-ray stands out for its meticulous attention to color balance and detailed presentation, affirming its marvel despite potential reservations regarding the pronounced grain structure.

"The Stendhal Syndrome" arrives on Blu-ray with a pair of English lossless audio tracks in DTS-HD MA 7.1 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 configurations, alongside an Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 option. Despite the original filming in English and subsequent dubbing introducing some lip-sync discrepancies, the 7.1 tracks offer a commendable auditory experience. The film benefits from well-balanced, front-oriented dialogue that is full-bodied and clear, without the lower frequencies overwhelming the mix. Surprisingly, the enveloping effect is somewhat restrained; the 7 channels, while competently steering sound across the soundscape, underutilize their spatial capabilities. This is slightly mitigated by Ennio Morricone's masterful score, which enriches the atmosphere, providing a haunting ambience that adds a significant layer of engagement throughout the film’s duration.

Switching between the DTS and Dolby tracks reveals little difference in quality, with both lossless options presenting a spacious and satisfying auditory journey. The sound design shines in its detailed presentation of ambient museum sounds and Anna's haunting experiences with the syndrome, creating a crisp and immersive front half of the soundstage. However, the rear channels occasionally feel underplayed, lacking in pronounced effects until more distinct moments later on. Despite this, the overall clarity and quality of the soundtracks stand out, with even action-heavy scenes carrying a clear but not overly dramatic punch.

The Italian 5.1 track, albeit lossy and more subdued, offers an interesting alternative to its English counterparts, arguably fitting the film's tone better due to the voices matching the actors' nationalities more closely. Yet, it's the English tracks that elevate the viewing experience beyond expectations, particularly given the challenges posed by post-production dubbing. Although not without flaws, especially in its limited use of the surround channels and occasional lip-sync issues, "The Stendhal Syndrome's" audio presentation exceeds what one might anticipate from its complicated vocal origin, crafting an audio experience that notably surpasses its video counterpart and immerses viewers into its thrilling narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "The Stendhal Syndrome" boasts a comprehensive collection of extras, all presented in Italian with English subtitles, offering an in-depth exploration into the making of the film. Viewers are treated to a 20-minute interview with director Dario Argento, where he shares insights on his initial encounter with the syndrome through an Italian periodical and the journey to adapt it into a film. Psychological Consultant Graziella Magherini provides a fascinating 20-minute documentary featurette on the real-life implications of the syndrome, enhancing the film's context. Furthermore, a 15-minute segment with Special Effects artist Sergio Stivaletti reveals the innovative techniques behind the film’s memorable effects, including a nod to its influence on "The Matrix." Additional insights come from Assistant Director Luigi Cozzi and Production Designer Massimo Antonello Geleng, who delve into their roles and contributions to the film's aesthetic, underscoring the collaborative effort in bringing Argento's vision to life. The extras are rounded off with the original cinematic trailer, offering a brief glimpse into the film's atmosphere.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director: Dario Argento: A detailed interview with Dario Argento discussing how he learned about the Stendhal Syndrome and transformed it into a film project.
• Inspiration: Psychological Consultant Graziella Magherini: A documentary-style featurette on the real-life condition of Stendhal Syndrome and its effects.
• Special Effects: Sergio Stivaletti: Insights into the creation of the film's special effects and their legacy.
• Assistant Director: Luigi Cozzi: Luigi Cozzi talks about his collaboration with Dario Argento over the years.
• Production Designer: Massimo Antonello Geleng: An in-depth look at the set and production design of the film.
• Trailer: The original cinematic trailer of the movie.

Dario Argento's "The Stendhal Syndrome" emerges as an audacious exploration of psychological terror, diverging from the superficial gore that populates much of the horror genre. The narrative anchors itself in the profound psychological torment and subsequent unraveling of Detective Anna Manni, played with searing intensity by Asia Argento, who falls prey to a vicious assault under the spell of art-induced hallucinations. Argento, with a meticulously crafted vision, delves deep into the realms of mental anguish and emotional disarray, presenting a character study that is both unsettling and riveting. Blue Underground's cinematic transfer of this 1996 thriller enhances its atmospheric tension, with each frame echoing the haunting score and amplifying the visceral impact of Argento's direction.

However, the film's pacing stumbles as it progresses; its initially gripping narrative meanders through the second and third acts, diluting the tension with excessive duration and narrative clutter. Despite this, Argento's craftsmanship in conjuring a palpable sense of dread through the everyday, morphing it into a hallucinogenic nightmare, showcases his unparalleled ability to harness horror's more nuanced dimensions. The intricate exploration of Anna's post-traumatic psyche, her transformation, and her quest for recovery adds layers to the film's thematic core, intertwining with its suspenseful plot to hold attention even as the pace wanes.

"The Stendhal Syndrome", through its flaws, epitomizes Argento's talent for blending aesthetic horror with profound psychological insights. The film's exploration of trauma, its visually arresting portrayal of art-induced psychosis, and a compelling performance by Asia Argento converge to create a deeply unsettling experience that challenges and expands the boundaries of horror. While it might test the patience with its length, it ultimately rewards viewers with a thought-provoking examination of survival and psychological resilience, marking it as a distinctive and memorable entry in Argento's oeuvre.

"The Stendhal Syndrome," presented on Blu-ray by Blue Underground, manages to encapsulate the eerie essence of psychological terror that director Dario Argento is renowned for, positioning it comfortably among his greatest works like "Suspiria" and "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage." This film is a lurid exploration into the depths of a tortured psyche, marked by a harrowing performance by Asia Argento as Detective Anna Manni. Asia's portrayal is both brave and disturbing, navigating through the complex layers of her character's trauma with remarkable finesse. The inclusion of Ennio Morricone’s haunting score profoundly elevates the film's atmosphere, guiding the audience through a visceral journey of fear and suspense. While the film’s visual and auditory elements are brilliantly executed, the Blu-ray presentation leaves something to be desired. The 1080p transfer does offer a clear picture, but is marred at times by an excessive grain that can distract from the experience, a surprising oversight given the film's relative youth. Despite this, the lossless audio track delivers with clarity, although it suffers from a lack of authenticity due to post-production dubbing.

The selection of bonus material, albeit modest, adds a layer of appreciation for Argento's craft, providing insights without overwhelming the viewer. The contrasting opinions regarding the Blu-ray's quality underline a significant divide; aficionados of Argento might overlook these flaws in favor of the film's artistic merits, whereas new viewers might find these technical issues detracting from the overall experience. As such, the investment in this high-definition version becomes a question of personal preference.

In conclusion, "The Stendhal Syndrome" on Blu-ray offers a potent mix of Argento's directorial prowess and Asia Argento's compelling performance, underscored by Morricone's masterful soundtrack. Despite its technical imperfections, this release is an essential addition for dedicated fans and collectors of Italian horror cinema. However, those new to Argento's world should be aware of the Blu-ray's quality discrepancies, which may impact their viewing pleasure. Ultimately, its worth is contingent upon one's affinity for genre and tolerance for technical flaws.