Suspiria Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Dario Argento’s "Suspiria" receives a stellar 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment. The release is sourced from a new 4K restoration undertaken by TLEFilms FRPS in Germany, differing from the 4K restoration by Synapse Films available in the U.S. This new master showcases pronounced depth and consistent fluidity, providing an organic look that remains faithful to the original film's aesthetic.

The film's unique stylistic choices, characterized by specific shot compositions and bold color palettes, are effectively preserved in this restoration. The grading retains vivid primary colors with exceptional saturation and balance, providing convincing period qualities. Shadow definition stands out particularly well, offering nuanced shades and delineation without degradation or unwanted sharpening adjustments. Image stability is impeccable throughout, and there are no noticeable age-related imperfections. Overall, this presentation is one of the finest recent restorations of an Italian genre film, boasting a visual quality that elevates the viewing experience significantly.

The Blu-ray release of "Suspiria" boasts diverse audio tracks including English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, an alternate English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, and an Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, all featuring optional English and Italian subtitles. Notably, there is no dedicated audio setup menu, so users will need to toggle these options via the remote control. The default and standout track—a new 2017 remix of the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1—delivers an extraordinary auditory experience. Particularly effective are scenes accompanied by Goblin’s iconic score, which benefits from the robust and lively mix, free from any age-related anomalies.

The alternate English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks also merit mention; however, they exhibit varying levels of surround activity and fidelity. While the alternative English track provides frequent surround engagement, it doesn’t quite match the primary track’s dynamic impact. Conversely, the Italian 5.1 mix, although narrower in scope, maintains clear dialogue and musical elements. Overall, the audio presentation across all tracks is impressive, providing a rich and engaging auditory experience that beautifully complements the film’s visually captivating restoration.

The Blu-ray extras for "Suspiria" present a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Dario Argento's iconic horror film. Highlights include a detailed and insightful 40th-anniversary interview with Argento, shedding light on the film's original concept, production history, and cult status. Other archival documentaries offer a deep dive into Argento's stylistic evolution and the film's significant influence on Italian cinema, featuring testimonies from notable filmmakers and critics. The technical aspects and visual style of "Suspiria" are thoroughly examined through interviews with key contributors, including cinematographer Luciano Tovoli and composer Claudio Simoneti. These extras provide both fans and scholars with an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at one of the most visually arresting horror films ever made.

Extras included in this disc:

• Suspiria Told by Dario Argento: 40th-anniversary interview discussing the film’s concept and impact.
• Dario Argento's World of Horror: In-depth technical documentary.
• An Eye for Horror: Examination of Argento’s cinematic style and legacy.
• Fear at 400 Degrees: The Cine-Excess of Suspiria: Analysis of the film’s visual style.
• Exclusive Interview with Dario Argento (2004): Archival interview focusing on conception and visual style.
• 25th Anniversary Suspiria Documentary: Retrospective documentary with interviews.
• U.S. Trailer: Vintage trailer.
• International Trailer: Overseas promotional trailer.
• U.S. TV spot: American promotional TV spot.
• U.S. Image Gallery: Collection of promotional materials.
• Dario Argento Trailer Reel (1970-2009): Compilation of trailers for other Argento films.
• Sleeve: Reversible cover.

Dario Argento's Suspiria (1977) remains a seminal work in horror cinema, renowned for its unabashedly over-the-top and psychedelic style. The narrative follows Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper), an American ballerina who arrives at a prestigious ballet school in Germany amid a torrential downpour. From the outset, the atmosphere is foreboding—her encounter with a frantic girl at the academy's entrance sets the tone for what becomes an unsettling journey. As Suzy navigates the school's eerie corridors and forms alliances with fellow student Sara (Stefania Casini), she begins to unravel a series of mysterious disappearances and sinister occurrences, ultimately plunging into a nightmare that defies conventional horror tropes.

The aesthetics of Suspiria are its crowning glory. Argento, alongside cinematographer Luciano Tovoli, masterfully employs vibrant colors and nuanced shadows to create a visually arresting landscape. This visual splendor is further accentuated by Goblin's experimental, haunting soundtrack, which enriches the film's otherworldly ambiance. Despite a somewhat conventional plot structure, the film's innovative use of audiovisual elements propels it into unique territory, transforming it from a mere whodunit thriller into a visceral, psychedelic experience that transcends standard genre classifications.

The film's international cast, featuring notable talents such as Alida Valli, Joan Bennett, Udo Kier, and Renato Scarpa, adds to its eclectic charm. While some performances may appear stiff, this awkwardness paradoxically enhances the unsettling atmosphere within the ballet school. The recent release of Suspiria by Umbrella Entertainment, sourced from a meticulously crafted 4K restoration for the film’s 40th anniversary, ensures that both new viewers and long-time fans can witness Argento's vision in unparalleled clarity and detail.

The new Blu-ray release of Dario Argento's "Suspiria," leveraging one of the recent 4K restorations, stands out as a significant improvement for aficionados of this cult classic. The TLEFilms FRPS' restoration delivers a pristine and organic visual experience that captures Argento's vibrant color palette and atmospheric lighting, enriching the film's already immersive aesthetics. The video transfer is meticulously done, preserving the grain structure while enhancing clarity and detail, making it an essential re-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Umbrella Entertainment's package is also notable for its comprehensive inclusion of special features. These extras encompass virtually all significant supplementary content from previous DVD and Blu-ray releases, providing a rich contextual experience. While the Synapse Films' version remains unseen by some reviewers, there is unanimous praise for TLEFilms FRPS' meticulous work in restoring the film. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or commentary, the extras offer deep dives into the making and legacy of "Suspiria," thereby lending substantial value to this edition.

In conclusion, this new Blu-ray release of Dario Argento's cult film "Suspiria" is sourced from one of the two recent 4K restorations of the film. I am yet to see the restoration that was completed by Synapse Films in the United States, but I have nothing but great things to say about TLEFilms FRPS' work. The film has a very solid organic appearance that makes revisiting it on Blu-ray a truly special treat. Umbrella Entertainment's release also has virtually all of the important special features that have appeared on past DVD and Blu-ray releases of "Suspiria." Very well done, indeed. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.