It’s time for the Suspiria blu-ray review, a film many regard as Dario Argento’s best film. Suspiria (1977) stars Jessica Harper whilst the music comes from Goblin.
- Suspiria (1977)
- Genre: Horror
- Directed By Dario Argento
- Written By Dario Argento & Daria Nicolodi
- Music By Dario Argento & Goblin
- UK Film Rating: 18
- Released By Nouveaux
- Starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett, Barbara Magnolfi
Plot
American Suzy Bannion arrives in Germany during a thunderstorm and heads straight for the Tanz Dance Academy having been accepted as a student.
However as she arrives another girl leaves the dance academy distraught and terrified. Suzy is told to go away at the door, so she leaves in the taxi that brought her.
She sees the young woman running away. Next the distraught woman enters her friend’s apartment and uses the bathroom, but something is stalking her. Soon her life will be left hanging by thread only to be cut short in some style.
The next day Suzy returns to the academy and is told there is no room available for her but one has been arranged in town.
When Suzy begins feeling faint she is moved into a room in the academy. Strange events begin to occur to Suzy, worse still she has been put on a special diet that makes her very sleepy.
She befriends another American girl who turns out to be a friend of the murdered girl.
The Dance Academy was originally founded as a dance and occult academy, I think you can see where this might be going. That said Argento does like to keep you thinking.
Style / Direction
The film is written and directed by Dario Argento with the cinematography handled by Luciano Tovoli.
Every time I review one of Dario Argento’s films I find myself saying things like, breathtaking visuals, one of the most stylish horror films ever. That kind of thing.
Guess what, they apply to Suspiria too. It’s a beautifully shot film, each shot has been perfectly setup. The locations and the sets are simply amazing. Fabulous lighting and his use of vibrant colours this make this film stand out whilst becoming an unforgettable horror experience.
His use of red, green, blue and gold should be too much but somehow it works perfectly.
The use of the aerial camera shot is more evident in Suspiria, sometimes sweeping, sometimes still. Argento clearly loves the corridor shot too, long tracking shots as he ramps up the tension. He set’s these up in terms of art style and camera style better than anyone else.
This was made in 1977 skip forward to present day and nobody seems capable of producing such stylish camera movements. Argento was using cutting edge camera techniques that still look cutting edge today.
One of the key components to this genre are obviously the murder scenes and it’s here again where Dario Argento takes it to another level. The first one occurring within the first ten minutes is particular gruesome and stylish at the same time. Never content with a simple stabbing to murder his victims he constantly creates more and more gruesome killings. And they really do add to the film, great stuff!
Music / Audio Effects
With Deep Red Dario Argento ramped up the use of music. With Suspiria he continues with that but refines it to produce a near perfect effect. The audio experience is a complete assault of one’s nerves!
Acting / Characters
No problems here Jessica Harper, Suzy is the character whom we see the story unfold through. She certainly does a decent job.
Elsewhere we have the rather strict Miss Tanner whom you will almost certainly take an immediate dislike to. She does this very well setting the tone of the film.
Overall no real problems in casting.
Conclusion: Suspiria (1977) Film Review
Suspiria is a fine looking and sounding horror film. The plot may not be possibly as strong as Argento’s previous films, but overall he produces a more polished film.
I thoroughly enjoyed Suspiria, the music really makes this film an unnerving one in a way many other horrors could only dream of doing.
Earlier I said that Argento refines the use of music and effects, but I should add I think he also refines his all-round filmmaking.
Is it a better film than Deep Red? I think it’s slightly better in terms of filmmaking but I think I’d say Deep Red just about edges it.
The plot certainly feels relegated to the secondary consideration with the art style taking the primary focus.
The genius here is that he manages to still create a compelling story and film.
Plus he proves inventive with the murders which are brilliantly shot in his unique camera style. Trust me you won’t forget any of the ways the victims lose their lives.
What really matters is whether or not it’s a film you should add to your must see list. The answer is absolutely, it’s an outstanding film.
If you’re a fan of Dario Argento take a look at these reviews:
Conclusion: Suspiria Blu-ray Review
Outstanding sound and picture quality make this the must see version. Argento’s vision with perfect picture quality.
Extras
Documentaries:
- Fear at 400 Degrees
- The Cine-Excess of Suspiria
- Suspiria Perspectives
Very interesting extras make it perfect for all film buffs/lovers.
Suspiria (1977) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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Popcorn Cinema Rating: Suspiria (1977)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Suspiria (1977) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster with trailer…
This Suspiria blu-ray review is part of out Countdown To Halloween Season, keep an eye out for further classics.
Summary: Suspiria (1977) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Suspiria (1977)
Duration: 98 mins
Director(s): Dario Argento
Actor(s): Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Joan Bennett
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
- Extras
Summary
Suspiria is a masterclass in how to produce a near perfect horror film.
