Deep Red Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "Deep Red" is a significant improvement over prior releases, offering a sharp, stable, and visually appealing presentation. Fine details are prominently enhanced, with intricate textures on faces, clothing, and wood grains clearly visible. Architectural features showcase sharply defined lines, adding depth to the visual experience. The color palette maintains a strong neutral presentation, with primaries, especially reds, rendered vividly while supporting softer hues that preserve the film's 70s aesthetic. Black levels are deep, rich, and smooth, avoiding excessive crush and maintaining shadow detail clarity.

Contrast levels are comfortably bright and crisp, contributing to a well-balanced image that retains a consistent and even layer of grain throughout the film. Minor white speckles appear occasionally, but other forms of print damage, digital manipulation, or compression artifacts are absent. While there are a few instances of minor crush during poorly lit scenes, they do not detract significantly from the overall high-definition experience. This transfer, encoded at 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, is one of Blue Underground's finest efforts, delivering an attractive and substantial upgrade for fans of Argento's work.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Deep Red" offers multiple options, including English and Italian DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtracks for both versions of the film. The Italian track, aligned with the longer Profondo Rosso cut, stands out with its robust low end and well-balanced highs, though the highest frequencies can occasionally sound slightly shrill. Goblin's iconic score comes through with clarity and authority, creating an immersive auditory experience. The jazz sequences in the film offer a contrastingly smooth texture, showcasing the dynamic range of the soundtrack. While ambient noise is minimal, certain exterior scenes feature well-spaced natural sound effects, such as avian chirping, enhancing the overall spatial fidelity.

In terms of directional effects, the mix is relatively sparse but effective when employed; for instance, the motion of cars across the front soundstage stands out. Sound effects like footfalls on wooden floors and shattering glass are well-rendered but slightly crunchy. Dialogue is prominently clear, though it occasionally loses potency and can sound somewhat shallow. Overall, the audio presentation excels primarily through Goblin's evocative music score, which leverages the DTS-HD Master Audio to create a dramatic and powerful auditory atmosphere. Additionally, the channel separation is noteworthy, contributing to a coherent and fluid soundstage that effectively captures both dialogue and musical elements with great precision.

This Blu-ray release ensures an exceptional aural experience that highlights the dynamic and multi-layered soundtrack of "Deep Red," providing both clarity and depth that enriches the viewing experience.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "Deep Red" offers a well-rounded selection of extras that will delight fans. Among the included features are insightful interviews with key figures such as director Dario Argento, writer Bernardino Zapponi, and members of the rock band Goblin. These interviews provide a concise yet informative look into the film's production and its iconic soundtrack. In addition, the release showcases music videos from both Goblin and Daemonia, each performing renditions of the film's theme, "Profondo Rosso." The disc is further complemented by both U.S. and Italian trailers, presenting a comprehensive package that enriches the viewing experience without duplicating content for long-time devotees.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews: Conversations with Dario Argento, Bernardino Zapponi, and Goblin members.
• U.S. Trailer: Promotional trailer for American audiences.
• Italian Trailer: Promotional trailer for Italian audiences.
• Goblin Music Video: "Profondo Rosso" directed by Luigi Pastore.
• Daemonia Music Video: "Profondo Rosso" directed by Sergio Stivaletti.

Dario Argento's "Deep Red," or "Profondo Rosso," showcases the filmmaker's unparalleled ability to blend psychological horror with visceral thrills, making it a masterpiece of the genre. As a renowned Italian giallo, "Deep Red" navigates a complicated labyrinth of murder and mystery. The film opens with Helga Ulmann (Macha Meril), a telepath who foresees a gruesome murder, ultimately becoming a victim herself. Witnessing the murder from a distance is Jazz pianist Marcus Daly (David Hemmings). Obsessed with uncovering the killer's identity, Daly takes up the role of an amateur detective, aided by spirited news reporter Gianna Brezzi (Daria Nicolodi). Argento's meticulous direction ensures that every scene is infused with meaning, from eerie paintings lining hallways to unsettling camera work that keeps viewers in suspense until the startling conclusion.

What truly sets "Deep Red" apart is its intricate narrative structure and attention to detail. Argento slowly unravels the mystery, revealing the killer's identity and motivations only when absolutely necessary, maintaining an aura of suspense throughout. The film leans heavily on art and culture, often utilizing disturbing, abnormal visuals to complement its macabre tone. Argento's masterful use of first-person camera shots heightens the tension, providing an immersive and chilling experience. The performances by Hemmings and Nicolodi add depth to their characters and inject humor into the otherwise dark narrative. The experimental rock score by Goblin perfectly underscores the film's tense atmosphere, adding another layer to its sophistication.

"Deep Red" is more than just a straightforward whodunit; it’s a carefully constructed psychological thriller that benefits immensely from Argento’s direction and vision. Whether through its nuanced character motivations or its foreboding visual elements, every aspect of the film is crafted with precision. The Blu-ray release from Blue Underground ensures that both the English and Italian versions are available, preserving the full essence of this classic horror-thriller for audiences to appreciate in its entirety.

Dario Argento's "Deep Red" stands as a cornerstone of the giallo subgenre, showcasing his mastery in crafting a suspenseful and psychologically dense narrative. The film grips you from the outset with its intricate murder mystery, enhanced by a captivating score and striking set design. Argento's direction is flawless, guiding a talented cast through an emotionally complex storyline that holds viewers in a relentless grip until the final reveal. The interplay between the leads adds a layer of charm reminiscent of classic Hollywood romances, making the tension all the more engaging.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "Deep Red" does justice to this cinematic gem with top-tier video and audio quality. The transfer captures the film's vibrant color palette and intricate details, crucial for appreciating Argento’s stylistic choices. While the accompanying extras may not be as extensive as some might hope, the inclusion of both the original Italian cut and the edited international version offers a significant bonus, providing deeper insight into the director's vision. Despite the sparse supplements, fans of Argento and giallo films will find this release a worthwhile addition to their collection.

In conclusion, "Deep Red" is an amazingly intense and flawlessly crafted film that's easily one of the best pictures of Director Dario Argento's illustrious career. The layered story, uneasy atmosphere, and impeccable artistic direction contribute to a remarkably complete and re-watchable film that rewards viewers with each watch. Blue Underground's Blu-ray release further elevates this classic thriller with high-grade audio and visual presentation. Highly recommended for both genre aficionados and newcomers alike.