TENEBRE SIGMA CINEMATOGRAPHIA ; ITALY dvd specification original year of release: 1982 approximate running time: 101 minutes aspect ratio: widescreen 1.85:1 system: NTSC (colour) rating: unrated sound: english dolby digital 5.1, italian dolby digital 1.0 dvd release: anchor bay entertainment region: 1 region coding: none dvd extras audio commentary with Argento, Claudio Simonetti and Loris Curci theatrical trailer behind the scenes segments alternate end credits sequence talent biographies

[video][sound][extras][conclusion]

Unlike other Argento films, TENEBRE has a plot that does not just serve as linking material between set pieces. Because of this, the film is considerably more effective. The killings are staged with typical relish, and attention to detail. Gloved hands, keys turning in locks, razor blades smashing light bulbs - all brilliantly orchestrated. In one extraordinary sequence the camera airily surmounts walls and glides through the windows as it undertakes a prowling inventory of an apartment house where a murder is about to be committed. Argento's now habitual use of a recurring melody is as effective as usual and accompanies several flashback sequences featuring a woman in red shoes. Well worth watching, the climax features a scene which WILL make you jump.

video

This is a good quality transfer, nice and crisp. The same print was used by Sazuma but here, probably because it is an NTSC transfer, it lacks just that little bit of resolution. Very little digitally endused grain is visible and the colours are nice and vibrant giving the bright red blood a warm glow. Any grain is probably due to the print itself. It is presented in it's correct ratio of 1.85:1 but is non-anamorphic. Anchor Bay have hinted that it will be re-released in a 16x9 enhanced version at some point in the future.

sound

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is nothing special and does give good results but with limited surround information present. It is interesting to note the progress that Chace Productions have made in this area on subsequent releases. The Italian track is in mono.

extras

The best extra on this disc is undoubtedly the feature length commentary with Dario, Claudio Simonetti and Loris Curci. Dario obviously struggles to express himself in places and this could well explain his reluctance to do dvd commentary tracks in the English language. There are also 2 behind the scenes segments; one on with Dario talking about his use of different camera equipment and shots and one on sound effects illustrating the methods of reproducing certain 'horrifying' sounds. The theatrical trailer is also present as is the interesting inclusion of an alternate end credits sequence. Apparently, during the recording of the commentary was the first time Dario had heard this version which has a Kim Wilde song played over the credits instead of the Goblin music. Dario was not too pleased to hear it! The usual biographies are also present and the menu transitions are carried out with the slash of of a knife which is quite effective.

conclusion

All in all this is a good disc with a pleasing presentation and content. However, this is not a totally complete version of the film. Print damage at the end of reels has meant that a few seconds are missing. This is nothing important though and does not effect the film in way. Whether you choose this or the Sazuma version depends on your priorities. If you want the commentary then get this disc, if you want extra footage (3 'deleted' scenes) and subtitles, get the Sazuma version.

reviewed by NJD

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buy the tenebre dvd from www.amazon.com

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