Is Suspiria a Hidden Treasure or Dumpster Fire?

Blu Ray Distributed by Synapse Film

SYNAPSE FILMS BRINGS THEIR 4K RESTORATION OF DARIO ARGENTO’S UNDISPUTED PSYCHEDELIC MASTERPIECE SUSPIRIA TO BLU-RAY!

Fresh off an historic theatrical tour and following a sold-out run of limited edition Steelbooks, Synapse Films is finally bringing the widely celebrated 4K restoration of Dario Argento’s beloved and extremely influential SUSPIRIA to the masses.  This highly anticipated genre release boasts a host of new special features in addition to the eye-popping new transfer of the film that will allow fans to truly see the film the way it was always intended.

Jessica Harper (PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, PENNIES FROM HEAVEN) stars in this frightening tale of a young student who uncovers dark and horrific secrets within the walls of a famous German dance academy. What spirals out from that simple premise is one of the most powerful and hallucinatory nightmares ever captured on celluloid! Dario Argento’s SUSPIRIA comes to home video from Synapse Films in an exclusive new 4K restoration from the original uncut, uncensored 35mm Italian camera negative with the original 4.0 English surround sound mix, for the first time EVER! Painstakingly restored over the past three years, Synapse Films has created the ultimate special edition of this horror classic with the supervision and approval of the film’s Director of Photography, Luciano Tovoli.

Jamie’s Take

At this point, what more can be said about Suspiria? The film is arguably considered one of the best horror films of the 1970’s, if not ever. It’s almost on every Top 10 horror film list and any self-respecting horror fan has not only seen the film and loved it, but has seen it countless times.

So what else can I elaborate on that hasn’t already been written about by much better writers than myself? For the few of you who have not seen the film, I quote Han Solo from The Force Awakens: “It’s true. All of it.”

I have been dreading writing this review for some time, thinking what else I could talk about that offers any little more insight on this amazing and horrific film. Everyone has talked this movie to death. It’s like trying to write a review for Night of the Living Dead or The Exorcist.

What I can offer is this: Suspiria plays like a fever dream. Do not expect a clear plot line or a typical hero’s journey. In fact, while Jessica Harper is good as the lead, the remaining actors range from mediocre to tolerable. It doesn’t help that the film is mostly dubbed as the cast is made up of Americans, Italians and Germans. A performance in any film is hindered by dubbing.

If you know director Dario Argento’s work already, you should know by now that he doesn’t really center his films on characters. His mission is to scare the pants off you. To mortify you visually. To make you wonder, what the hell did I just go through? His films aren’t rollercoaster rides, they are more like going through an old funhouse.

Suspiria is a visually gorgeous film with some elaborate cinematography by Luciano Tovoli (The Passenger). I don’t think there is another horror film that is quite as beautiful as Suspiria. Even scenes of graphic horror (notably the first death) look like something out of a painting. Suspiria is a demented piece of art and while it may not be for everyone I would still recommend to seek it out if you have not seen it. All classics should be seen and Suspiria is a definite classic, a film made with great talent.

Quick note, the soundtrack by The Goblins adds so much to this film. Without their soundtrack, the movie may not have been the crowning achievement that it is today. Their music is both menacing and beautiful, heightening the visuals that are displayed to the extreme. It may be the best soundtrack in any horror film, right up there with The Exorcist and Halloween.

I own the old three disc Anchor Bay DVD which was released on September 11, 2001 (of all dates!) and while that was remastered from the original negative and boasted THX sound, Synapse’s blu ray blows it out of the water. The new 4K restoration of the original uncut, uncensored Italian 35mm camera negative was color corrected and supervised by Director of Photography, Luciano Tovoli.

While I didn’t see the film in theaters back in 1977, I cannot imagine this film looking any better than it is now. Synapse really took the time and effort to give fans an epic looking transfer. No print damage, no DNR, grain is present but not overly noticeable. The 4.0 DTS-HD soundtrack is perfect. The sound effects, music and dialog all work together and never overlap in any way. It’s a flawless transfer and one that should be owned in any horror fans collection.

I will say I was disappointed with the extras on this disc. Most notably the 52 minute documentary about the making of the film that was on the Anchor Bay DVD is not present. And while the blu ray offers several special features, most of them aren’t really that impressive.

There are two audio commentary tracks by film historians Derek Botelho, David Del Valle and Troy Howarth. Sure they offer some insight on the film but why not try and get the great Argento to do a commentary or Jessica Harper and her experiences making the film. I aways prefer to hear from someone who worked on the film rather than a historian or critic.

Also included is:

• “A Sigh from the Depths” – a small assortment of genre fans and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Suspiria. 

• “Do You Know Anything About Witches?” – visual essay created by Michael MacKenzie.

• “Suzy in Nazi Germany” –  tour of Munich which was the setting for Suspiria

• “Olga’s Story” –  an interview with Barbara Magnolfi, by far the best featurette as the actress discusses her career and how she secured the part of bitchy Olga.

• International Classics “Breathing Letters” Original U.S. Release Opening Credits – slight variation on the original main titles

• U.S. TV Spots

• U.S. Radio Spots

• Trailers

Needless to say it feels as if Argento himself is absent from this release. I admit while the transfer is amazing and truly worth the purchase, the special features are subpar and leaves the hardcore fan with wanting more. I wouldn’t sell back the old Anchor Bay disc any time soon.

With the upcoming remake coming out soon (and it actually looks decent) fans and newcomers should take in a viewing of this surreal, nightmarish masterpiece. Synapse’s transfer is to die for and is quite stunning. It’s mediocre special feature’s is also stunning but not in a good way. It’s obvious the attention went into the transfer and not bonus features.

Hidden Treasure or Dumpster Fire

Movie:	(4.5 / 5)
Video/Audio:	(5.0 / 5)
Extras:	(2.5 / 5)
Average:	(4.0 / 5)

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