| OPERA CECCHI GORI GROUP-TIGER CINEMATOGRAFICA-A.D.C. ; ITALY dvd specification |
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| [video][sound][extras][conclusion] |
| If you want a review of the actual film, click here |
| video |
| The image quality of this anamorphic dvd is impressive. Cecchi Gori Home Video presents OPERA letterboxed at 1.85:1, in a new 16x9 enhanced transfer. The presentation is controversial though in respect of this aspect ratio as there is some debate to the effect that it should be 2.35:1. I honestly cannot remember the correct aspect ratio, having not seen the film in a theatre for years and never having seen it letterboxed on home video, but certainly some of the framing is tight, nothing fully compromised or ruined, but definitely tight. This said, the dvd makes a mockery of every one of the movie's previous releases, it is a sharp, well defined and detailed presentation with rich colours, bringing to life Argento's beautiful compositions. The extra boost in resolution is definitely noticeable compared to laserdisc and obviously VHS. The image is clean pristine and devoid of print damage, with a hint of grain and only a single instance of (brief) artifacting, this transfer brings Argento’s masterpiece to life as never before. The colours are perfectly saturated and vibrant deep, solid blacks and fleshtones appear very natural. Perfectly reproducing even subtle hues, the result is a presentation on dvd that is undeniably spectacular to behold. Anchor Bay Entertainment will certainly have to go some to top this. |
| sound |
| Anchor Bay Entertainment’s dvd, one has to hope, will include re-mixed English and Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks. The Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 track here is one of the better 2.0 tracks I have heard in a while and if it cannot ever measure up to a 5.1, certainly doesn’t damage the presentation too much here. It is a stylish, classy for the most part track that sounds excellent, boasting a decent soundfield and featuring considerable opera and some intrusive heavy metal. Previous home video versions of OPERA have always tended to sound muffled and uninvolving, but this mix restores hope. The sound is clear and consistent; aggressive surround effects are non-existent, but it has an agreeably natural quality. |
| extras |
| At least, unlike Anchor Bay, Cecchi Gori Home Video have used the correct cover art. I mean really, did you see that dismal AB cover for their otherwise excellent PROFONDO ROSSO? Almost anything would’ve been better and more appropriate than adorning that excellent release with a corpse! The features on this disc are minimal. The disc contains the artfully done Italian theatrical trailer. The dvd also contains talent biographies, scene selection and a nifty little alternate scene selection feature that allows you to select the top six scenes (kills). A screen-specific audio commentary in Italian would have been great and is missed. |
| conclusion |
| Anchor Bay will almost certainly outdo this dvd, but until such time as they get around to releasing it, Cecchi Gori’s pleasing little disc will do just fine. The quality and film are splendid, celebrating Dario Argento's masterfully crafted film and in its entirety too. Never has the film looked any better, never has it sounded any better and it has never been more complete than here. Hardcore horror fans can pick up this masterpiece at a very affordable price from Italian online stores such as ( www.dvdonline.it ) and Argento fans should be rushing to acquire this disc. If you're reading this, not being a Dario disciple, intrigued perhaps by what you've heard about the films of Argento, this disc is not the place to start (Anchor Bay’s PROFONDO ROSSO and INFERNO are), but as a follower of his work, I deem it essential. |
| reviewed by Peter Lynch |
| cover artwork |
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| disc artwork |  |
| chapter insert |
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