If it weren't for Tenebre, I don't know where I'd be today. Tenebre was the film that really got me interested in exploring my cult/horror film options. I started to trade and buy import laser discs, exposing myself to a whole new world of horror that I never even knew existed. I became more aware of alternate titles and missing scenes and directors who would stand to change my life forever. We all know that Suspiria is a really pretty film and amidst all the violence, paints a picture like no other. But for me, to really get your money's worth you need to stick with Tenebre. The first and last title that truly shows us what Argento is capable of as a director. Great characters, graphic violence, extreme style and spectacular music; it's all here and it's all fantastic. Tenebre is without a doubt Argento's finest hour and one of my all time favorite giallos.

I'm not even going to try to lie to you, the story here is really nothing special, but show me a giallo in which the story really IS the centerpiece, I dare ya. Stylistically, this one wins hands down and straight across the board. In this instance, this is all that matters. An American horror novelist Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa) on a book tour in Italy comes under fire when a copycat nutcase begins a murderous rampage in the name of the author. Stuffing pages of the novel in his victim's mouths, the police have nowhere to turn except towards the obvious. Neal attempts to clear his name with the help of his publicist (John Saxon) and his assistant (Daria Nicolodi) as the suspects (and bodies) start piling up.

I'm not even going to try to sell you on the story here; it would be nothing more than a waste of my breath. What I would like to sell you on however, is the wealth of horrific style that Argento oozes in just about every frame. It's a beautiful ballet of deplorable violence and stunning photography. The whole affair is so well choreographed, you're gonna wonder just how Argento managed to pull it off. Memorable scenes range from a stabbing in full daylight to a device towards the end that has been copied countless times in American films since. Always the innovator, Argento fills his frame with scenes of a technical nature that boggle the viewers mind. It's tough to forget the camera floating gracefully from one side of an apartment building to the other, a long and fascinating shot that is accomplished miraculously in just one take. Of course the most memorable scene for me (which graces my Spanish one sheet poster and the boack of this DVD box) of the young lady who's shirt is slashed as she attempts to put it on revealing her frightened and soon to be bloodied face, is simply unforgettable as well. Tenebre just wouldn't be Tenebre without that spectacular score provided by Italian supergroup Goblin. Goblin have provided some of the greatest European soundtracks, no contest. It should come as no surprise when I tell you that their best work is evident in Tenebre, and when you combine the fact that both Argento and Goblin are collectively at 110% this go round, the result is pure movie magic to say the least.

Tenebre has been released on DVD many times over, I have not seen them all. I do own the Anchor Bay version, which is acceptable (sans the few minutes of chopped footage) although the real appeal for me with this Italian version is the 16X9-enhanced image along with the Italian track with optional English subtitles. The image on this Italian disc is slightly above that of the Anchor Bay disc, the 16X9 enhancement definitely helps. Colors may be slightly bolder as well, but it's not an overly drastic or dramatic difference. I thought that this release would have been culled from another print altogether, but it's interesting to note that the few seconds of missing footage from the Anchor Bay disc seem to be missing here as well. Purists may not be pleased, but I have to admit that it makes little difference to me at this point and I don't see it as anything worth bitching about. It's only a matter of frames (damaged frames?) and doesn't detract from the story or effect of the uncut gore scenes in my opinion. This is the version that I've grown accustomed to watching recently, so be it.

Audio is presented in both Italian 5.1 and mono (with optional English subs) as well as in a stereo English dub. The 5.1 Italian track sounds much better than the 5.1 English track on the previous Anchor Bay release, but it's still nothing too outstanding. Surrounds are really only benefited by the films music (which sounds great pumping through all of my speakers), there's not much in the way of directional effects. Still, it's great to have the option of an Italian track either way with or without the English subs. It's really a whole new way of experiencing the film in my opinon.

Extras are virtually nonexistent except for a few BIOS (no English) and some nifty animated menus. With so many options out there, I know how hard to choose it really can be. I have to admit though that in this instance, the 16X9 transfer and the Italian audio track with optional English subs makes this my preferred version of Tenebre on DVD and the version I'm most likely to revisit.

This is a PAL Region 2 DVD so be sure to check for player compatibility. For THE place for import DVDs including this version of Tenebre, head on over to xploitedcinema.com and don't forget to tell 'em that The Monsters sent ya! Their service and selection is outstanding, they come highly recommended!