PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Over the last couple of years, my husband has increased my knowledge of Italian horror, and it’s been quite the journey. There are so many foreign gems out there that I never knew about. So, when I got the opportunity to review the new 2k Restoration Dual format for Dario Argento’s Opera, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Although I wasn’t a super fan of Suspiria like many others, Opera seemed more up my alley. But was it?
This infamous Italian horror film was directed by Dario Argento as well as co-written by himself and Franco Ferrini. The cast includes Cristina Marsillach, Ian Charleson (Chariots of Fire 1981), and Daria Nicolodi (Deep Red 1975), with music by Brian Eno, Bill Wyman, long-time Argento favorite Claudio Simonetti, and the divinity herself, Maria Callas.
Synopsis for Opera
When young understudy Betty takes the lead role in a new operatic production of Verdi’s Macbeth, she soon attracts the attention of a knife-wielding psycho who forces her to watch – with eyes pinned open – as he brutally despatches her friends and colleagues with sadistic delight. Can Betty free herself from this unending nightmare or does a more terrifying fate await?
Opera is, hands down, not only one of the best Italian horror films I’ve ever seen, but one of the most brilliantly exciting horror films I’ve ever watched altogether. It’s full of mystery, suspense, insane kills, and unknown psycho on the loose. It’s definitely an underrated gem that more people need to see!
Cristina Marsillach’s performance as Betty is outstandingly impressive and courageous. I admire her character’s strength and will to keep doing her job despite all the chaos happening around her… although it may have been better if she would just cut and run. More people would be alive, at least.
I loved the set design and cinematography. All of it was visually stimulating, and the 2k restoration really brought out the color and details in everything from the material on the costumes to the up close shots of Betty’s face and more. It was as vivid and colorful as Suspiria, and had some of the same tones throughout the film. There’s one particular scene that happens through a keyhole, and it just blew me away (pun intended). It was magnificent, and I’m still thinking about it now.
The musical score was also very memorable and catchy,and is one of the best film soundtracks I’ve ever heard. It helped to intensify certain scenes and set the mood for the horrors to come.
Special Features
- ‘Aria of Fear’: a brand new candid interview with director Dario Argento, revisiting his work from a fresh viewpoint
- ‘Opera Backstage’: a unique behind the scenes documentary about Dario Argento directing Opera
- Restoration featurette: from raw scan to the regraded, restored and reframed final vision
The special features up above were awesome and helped me to get a feel for Opera (especially to a newbie of Italian horror) and what it meant to Argento. I love learning more about how a film is made. Opera has such a brilliant set design, so it was fun to learn about all the things they did to restore the film.
Final Thoughts
Opera is one of the best horror films I’ve ever seen. Anyone who appreciates slashers, amazing kills, and a good mystery will love this one. CultFilms released Opera on Dual-Format UK Blu-ray and DVD and on VOD on January 23, 2019. So be sure to check out this stunning restoration!
