Search - L' Inferno on DVD

Fantastic Film, god-awful soundtrack!

Josh Z. Bonder | Toronto | 05/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I should begin by stating that this film is a real treasure; it was the first ever feature length Italian film, and has a look and a feel still unique today. Based on Dante's Inferno, it is rich in imagery and symbolism, and has many intriguing and bizarre snippets which make it ripe for repeated viewings. While the special effects may at times seem dated to the modern viewer, they are equally innovative and create an atmosphere quite unique in early experimental films: While elaborate costumes and sets are regularly employed, so are numerous collage and filmic effects which are actually quite phenomenal considering what kind of technology was available before 1911. Now for the bad news and the docked star: The remade soundtrack for the dvd release by Tangerine Dream is at times, deplorable. It can be said that there is often much dispute over the quality of tacked on silent film soundtracks, but this one violated what I consider the first faux-pas of soundtrack making within the first few minutes. The soundtrack features vocals superfluously describing what is taking place. Moreover, they often contradict or mix up the information being simultaneously presented on the original textual interludes. But now back to the good news; you won't be missing anything if you mute the volume and play your favourite instrumental music to match the spectacular visuals."

Novelty is the cheese on the cracker of life

Dr. Jimmy | Nebraska | 02/28/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Hey, it was filmed almost 100 years ago. If you're interested in Dante or Dore' you'll find this film...tolerable."

Dante's Vision Brought to the Screen

Anthony J. Adam | 11/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone familiar with the Dore illustrated L'INFERNO will be fascinated by this early Italian epic. The director and cinematographer attempt to capture Dore's vision throughout, and some of the scenes are truly spectacular for their time. Some wonderful special effects, although on occasion (particularly in the opening scenes) the work seems a bit too stagey. A great example of early genre filmmaking that seems more flowing than other Italian epics of the period."