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| SLEEPLESS MEDUSA; ITALY dvd specification |
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| [video][sound][extras][conclusion] |
| A retired detective, Moretti (Max Von Sydow) is asked to assist in the investigation of a series of murders that bear all the signs of a case that he worked upon 17 years ago. The "Dwarf Murders" included the violent death of the mother of Giacomo (Stefano Dionisi) who's killer Moretti had promised to find. Giacomo returns to Torino and stays with his friend Lorenzo (Roberto Zibetti). When the killer strikes again, Moretti finally decides to help and together with Giacomo starts to try and unravel the mystery thus fulfilling his promise from years before... This international print of the film is only distinguishable from the Italian by the English language credits and inserts ( the Death Farm book and the writing on the car park attendants hand). For once Argento in the UK gets the kind of treatment his films deserve. Firstly, let me reassure everyone that this dvd is indeed uncut! (it is identical in length to the Italian dvd). There was speculation, not least from me, that it would not get through the BBFC unscathed. However, in these more enlightened times and with so many previously troublesome films being passed, I guess it is not too surprising. |
| video |
| A pristine print has been used to produce a lovely anamorphic picture with clean, sharp definition and vibrant colours. The black levels are spot on and there is not a trace of artifacting. There is the occasional white speckle and sparkle but nothing that distracting. In fact, this release probably provides a picture as good as if not better than the highly regarded Italian dvd. Good stuff. |
| sound |
| One thing the Italian dvd suffers from is a somewhat low volume and weak English 5.1 soundtrack. I am glad to say that the one on this disc is much better. Right from the start as Goblin's fine score kicks in, you can feel the bass. Fine dynamics and good use of surround add to the audio experience. The overall effect is pleasingly natural and could probably only be bettered by a DTS option. |
| extras |
| The first disc features talent bios and filmographies for Argento and the lead actors as well as the Italian theatrical trailer. It also features a stills gallery consisting of some 20 publicity photographs. The main extra on this disc is the 15 minute making of... featurette. This is in Italian but subtitled into English. It contains behind the scenes segments, interviews with Argento and the actors (with the notable exception of Max Von Sydow). It is heartening to see Dario's enthusiasm whilst on the set especially as he has said that he dislikes this part of film making most of all. Of course, the main extra is the inclusion of a second disc containing the documentary AN EYE FOR HORROR. This is quite a coup for MIA as it has only just appeared on network television in the UK and there are obviously people out there who would want to own it. It is presented in anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. It certainly has not looked better than this presentation. This second disc also contains another small stills gallery. However, I don't particularly like the animated menu's, they seem tacky compared to the cover artwork having the 'P' in the SLEEPLESS logo replaced with an axe. But hey, that's just me, others may think them fine. |
| conclusion |
| The fact that this release of SLEEPLESS is also region 0 (unlike the Italian dvd which is region 2), should mean that MIA will sell quite a few of them to all those who want a widescreen, English language version and are not bothered about the lack of an Italian language option with subtitles. Added to that is the not inconsiderable bonus of the documentary (which sells seperately in the US) making a package that is undeniably worth owning for any Argentophile and is probably the definitive release so far. |
| reviewed by NJD |
| buy the sleepless dvd from www.sendit.com |
| cover artwork |
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| main menu |
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| extras menu |
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