听 "Inferno" forms the second film of the as yet uncompleted 'Three Mothers Trilogy' from master horror film maker Dario Argento. Following on from the taut and exciting "Suspiria", this is a rather more incomprehensible experience on first viewing. But there are some outstanding sequences in this movie that are truly chilling, and never more so than on the new US Region 1 DVD from Anchor Bay.
Transferred from the original negatives, this disc boasts a marvellous picture. The combination of deep pinks, reds, and blues used in this film could potentially present a lot of problems on DVD but the image remains sharp and deep without any of these vibrant shades smearing together.
A new 5.1 sound mix has been created from the original Dolby Stereo source. While not particularly eventful, it offers subtle effects that add to an already creepy track. Listen carefully and you'll hear creaks of decay in the speakers around you. And prepare yourself for the highlight in the flooded cellar, which is stunning and even more hellish than before.
Uncredited but responsible for that scene was director Mario Bava. His son, Lamberto, and director Argento discuss his input into the nightmarish sets in a special interview on the DVD. While it is fascinating, it is too short and as they were specially done for this disc, it's surprising that we get to see so little. But fans will be very pleased with the beautiful transfer and it's well worth purchasing for that reason alone.
Read a review of Argento's "Deep Red" DVD.
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Chapters: 20
Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, Dario Argento and Lamberto Bava interview, trailer, stills gallery, biographies, animated menus.
