Info
- Director: Dario Argento
- Starring: David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabriele Lavia
- Year: 1975
- Runtime: English: 105 Mins / Italian: 126 Mins
- Company: Blue Underground
- Format: Blu-ray
- Discs: 1 - 50GB
- Video: 2.35:1 - 1080p - AVC
- Audio: English & Italian DTS-HD MA 7.1, English & Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, English Mono, Italian Dolby Digital Mono
- Region: All
- Released: 5/17/2011
Film
Marcus Daly (David Hemmings) is a British musician visiting Italy. While conversing with his drunken friend Carlo (Gabriele Lavia) in the street, Marcus witnesses German psychic Helga Ulman (Macha Meril) being slaughtered in her apartment. Eager to solve the murder, Marcus partners with frisky reporter Gianni Brezzi (Daria Nicolodi, Inferno) to unravel the mystery and prevent future killings. The detective work leads to something far more sinister, leading to an unforgettable bloody finale.
Going into Deep Red, I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure I've heard throughout the years that this is Argento's thriller masterpiece, but how would it sit with me? It's kind of a scary feeling watching a film hailed by many for the first time. Will it live up to the hype? Will I love it and share the same enthusiasm as many? If I hate it will Dario find me and stylishly chop my head off? These are the trials and tribulations of a coveted "first time". In all seriousness though, I absolutely loved Deep Red. Not only is it a damn fine horror thriller but a rightful classic of the giallo genre.
Like many of Argento's films, Deep Red is a colorful nightmare. Bathed in reds and many other jarring colors, it's a trademark I never tire of. Legendary music group Goblin score the films highly memorable theme. Both compliment each other so well, it's heaven on the senses and I wouldn't want to imagine a kill without their unique sound playing over it.
There's not much more to say about Deep Red that hasn't already been said. It truly is a masterpiece but also a prime example of Italian cinema at it's finest. It's no surprise that Argento's work has influenced many great director's. Dario's style is undeniably unique, leading his films to stand the test of time to be admired forever.
Blu-ray
- Video
I couldn't have picked a better time to see Deep Red for the first time. Blue Underground, as expected, has produced another stunning HD transfer. Lush colors pop off the screen, especially the bright red blood. Everything looks natural with no digital hiccups seen by my eye. Any self respecting Argentophile should have no hesitation with buying this first class disc. It's an awesome time to be a horror fan and Blu-ray enthusiast thanks to Blue Underground and the many other great cult labels dedicated to producing top notch releases. The Saul Bass inspired menu on the disc is the icing on the cake too.
- Audio
Goblin theme in 7.1 and 5.1 surround, check! No problems here, and an excellent compliment to the superb video presentation.
Bonus Features
- Uncensored English Cut
- Full Length Italian Director's Cut
- U.S. Trailer
- Italian Trailer
- Music Video - "Goblin's Profondo Rosso"
- Music Video - "Daemonia's Profondo Rosso"
Not much here in the bonus department, for that I recommend the Arrow Video disc. I'd rather have a five star transfer over extra features and that's what you get with the BU release. Both are still essential purchases for their respective perks.
Purchase
