I’m a big fan of Dario Argento movies so it’s time to look at another. This is my Trauma blu-ray review, the film released back in 1993. It may not be the first film that comes to mind when thinking of the Italian director.
The question has to be, is it a lesser known gem? Well I intend to answer that question right now!
Unfortunately the UK is yet to receive a blu-ray release meaning I’m reviewing the imported version which is available on Amazon.
- Trauma (1993)
- Blu-ray Import
- Genre: Horror Thriller
- Directed by Dario Argento
- Running Time: 109 mins
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
Plot
David Parsons (Christopher Rydell) sees a young woman, Aura Petrescu (Asia Argento) looking like she is about to jump off a bridge to her death. He intervenes and discovers that Aura suffers from anorexia and has just escaped from a psychiatric hospital.
The police return Aura to her parents. However on a rainy night her parents invite over some guests and hold a séance. Later the father and mother are decapitated by a crazed killer with Aura witnessing the identity of the murder only for her to suppress that memory due to shock.
David Parsons and Aura Petrescu are reunited and set about finding the identity of the killer.
Style / Direction
Director Dario Argento delivers a pretty decent giallo may be not one of his very best but certainly well worth a look. The camera work looks and feels Argento, which is a good thing. The cinematographer for the film was Raffaele Mertes.
Music / Audio Effects
Pino Donaggio produces a suitably uneasy or unnerving score which compliments Argento’s visuals nicely.
Acting / Characters
Asia Argento as Aura Petrescu delivers a pretty good performance as a rather disturbed young woman. Not only does she have to deal with anorexia but also the loss of her parents.
Cast
- Christopher Rydell as David Parsons
- Asia Argento as Aura Petrescu
- Piper Laurie as Adriana Petrescu
- Frederic Forrest as Dr. Judd
- Laura Johnson as Grace Harrington
- Dominique Serrand as Stefan Petrescu
- James Russo as Capt. Travis
- Ira Belgrade as Arnie
- Brad Dourif as Dr. Lloyd
- Hope Alexander-Willis as Linda Quirk
- Sharon Barr as Hilda Volkman
- Isabell O’Connor as Georgia Jackson
- Tommy Lentsch as Ambulance Driver
- Cory Garvin as Gabriel Pickering
- Terry Perkins as Mrs. Pickering
- Jacqueline Kim as Alice
Conclusion: Trauma (1993) Film Review
I must admit I initially thought Trauma was a little bit naff after around 20 minutes however as the plot developed further into the movie I actually changed my mind and rather enjoyed it. It definitely felt like a Dario Argento horror / thriller and is certainly well worth a look.
If you’ve enjoyed my Trauma blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Trauma Blu-ray Review
Unfortunately Trauma (1993) has yet to receive a UK blu-ray release so I’m reviewing a foreign import which works ok, it just needs the language changing in the menu to English.
The picture quality is perfect no marks, lines or flickers to worry about.
You can of course purchase the foreign blu-ray release of Trauma (1993) that I’m reviewing here, it’s available via Amazon.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Trauma (1993)
MOVIE RATING: GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Trauma (1993) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Trauma blu-ray review, let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page. I’m aiming to review more horror / thriller movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Trauma (1993) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Trauma (1993)
Movie description: Dario Argento Horror / Thriller
Duration: 109 mins
Director(s): Dario Argento
Actor(s): Christopher Rydell, Asia Argento, Piper Laurie, Frederic Forrest, Laura Johnson, Dominique Serrand, James Russo
Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
Summary
A slow burner Argento thriller
Pros
- Directed by Dario Argento
- Compelling Story
- Exellent Picture Quality
Cons
- Acting Hit & Miss
- No UK Blu-ray Release
