Search - Deep Red on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Gore Movie Release: 1975 DVD Release: 04/25/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, Italian Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 6 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 8 Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Giallo See Also: The Hatchet Murders [Collector's Edition], Deep Red [Director's Cut] [Uncut]

The film that has become the master work in Italian horror maestro Dario Argento's canon, Deep Red holds up brilliantly despite the plethora of copycat slasher films it inspired in the years to follow. The film opens with a flashback murder shown from the perspective of a child while an eerie nursery rhyme plays. Cut to the present, pianist Marc Daly (David Hemmings) witnesses the murder of a psychic while chatting with his drunken pal, Carlo (Gabriele Lavia). While the police investigate, Marc joins forces with attractive reporter Gianna (Daria Nicolodi). Once Marc realizes that he is a target for the killer, he seeks help from Giordani (Glauco Mauri), a professor of the paranormal, who soon becomes one of the killer's victims. Marc's research leads him to an abandoned house where he discovers a secret room that hides a corpse. Before he can call the cops, he is knocked out and awakens to find the place in flames while Gianna holds him. Racing to the neighbors to call for help, Marc discovers an important clue that leads him to a nearby school where he finally finds the killer's identity. The madman attacks him, but the police arrive to save Marc. Though the case appears to be solved, Marc comes to the disturbing realization that one piece of the puzzle remains. ~ Patrick Legare, All Movie Guide

David Hemmings - Marcus Day
Daria Nicolodi - Gianna
Gabriele Lavia - Carlo
Clara Calamai - Marta, Carlo's Mother
Macha Meril - Helga

The most complete release of Dario Argento's masterpiece ever released, Anchor Bay has outdone itself with its exhaustive efforts to give this deserving film the best release possible. From the pulsing opening notes of Goblin's infamous score to the flawless picture presentation, this disc is a must-have for true fans that have bided their time with subpar bootlegs and attractive but incomplete previous editions of this landmark film.
Presented in widescreen 2.35:1 and enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs, the image is as crisp and flawless as ever, with Argento and cinematographer Luigi Kuveiller's notoriously colorful and vivid visual scheme screaming to life with vibrant reds, solid blacks, and flawless skin tones. Remixed in English or Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Goblin's loud and ominous score more than adequately fills the room, resonating crystal clear while serving its purpose to both discomfort and thrill. Optional English subtitles are wisely placed beneath the image, fully preserving the composition and remaining large and easy to read without becoming distracting. Though presented predominantly in English on this disc, the original Italian version was censored before the English audio track was recorded, prompting English subtitles in the scenes containing Italian dialogue.
The "Main Menu" selection scene is a pleasure to behold, attractive and easy to use while providing frightening cues upon each selection made. Extra features aren't extensive though they are extremely satisfying. Talent bios and filmographies are extensive and informative, and both the Italian and U.S. theatrical trailers are well presented and fun to watch, though the real treat among the special features is the 15th anniversary featurette. Featuring lively and informative interviews with Argento, co-screenwriter Bernardino Zapponi, and composers Goblin, the 11-minute featurette is a treat for Argento fans hungry for interesting historical facts regarding the genesis and production of the groundbreaking film. Fans may lament the lack of an audio commentary track, but as Argento himself says in the featurette, once his films are done he lets them go, preferring not to revisit them. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide