Dario Argento Box Set

Very nice set of less known movies by Dario Argento - a real deal for the director's fans and new joiners to the clan. Pity, that the box is not more soectacular (no inside materials), but the nice steel box compensate it a bit. Good stuff!

These are not, by any means, the five essential Argento films; of them, the only ones that may make a top five list are Tenebre and Phenomena. However, all five are given first class treatment in terms of presentation, and Tenebre and Phenomena are both the special edition discs released individually at the same time as this collection. The features are acceptable, but the films speak for themselves: Argento is one of the essential progenitors of modern horror, speaking with a unique style and voice. His work is pulp, yes, but it's elegant pulp, placing him in league with Carpenter, Romero, and Craven. They're genre films, but they're good ones.

Special note: Phenomena is far and away the best of these five. It is notable as an Argento classic, as an early Jennifer Connelly film, as a non-Halloween Donald Pleasence picture, and as one of the most delightfully (and most twisted) unpredictable thrillers I've ever seen. It's a slasher flick, a supernatural fantasy, and the ending hangs it squarely in a third horror sub-genre that I wouldn't dare reveal here. If you don't buy the set, buy the Phenomena special editon. If you're interested enough to read this far, trust me: it's worth it.

This box set is totally worth it. Tenebre is the jewel of the crown , but the four other films are really underrated. I've always been fascinated with Jennifer Connelly's performance in Phenomena and Argento's artistic risks are great and profound. The Card Player is not typical Argento shock and gore, but a thriller with gore and plot. I've seen Trauma many times and it has always been ignored and slandered. However, can't ignore Asia Argento's presence. Finally, Do You Like Hitchcock ? is the biggest suprise of all, I really digged it, This film is a total homage to Hitchcock films and if you have seen Hitchcock, this movie will bring a big smile to your heart.

yes? then this box set is for you because everyone of these movies is wildly entertaining in the over the top dario argento style. has dario ever made a bad movie? i have never seen one. they are all good to great in this set. in fact this set is great example of dario's work along with (of course); suspiria, deep red, bird with crystal plumage, opera, etc. in one of the accompaning interviews dario says he's been successful because his movies are about truth and the psyche. he's right but be forewarned, in dario's world that combo paints a very bloody picture. two other special feature highlights are, a hilarious tv interview with long time nyc late night talk show host joe franklin (for phenomena aka critters in the usa) and daria nicolodi's (dario's ex, mother of his daughter asia and frequent co-star of his best movies) claims that dario tried to kill her on various movie shoots. the whole set and dario's movies in general are a wild, wacky hell of a lot of fun. don't miss them. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is a great 5 dvd collection of Dario Argento's films. It comes in a very nice slim tin holder. This could be a primer for new Argento fans. If you love Italian cinema Argento films are a must!! Tenebre and Phenomena are the headliners here. Tenebre was unavailable on dvd for quite a few years and demanded top dollar on eBay ( I paid $35.00). Tenebre and Phenomena are my favorite films in this collection and Tenebre is my favorite Argento film next to Suspiria. Trauma is decent and boasts some great performances. The Card Player is tense and well-made. Do You Like Hitchcock? is very good considering it was made for Italian TV. All have been remastered and cool extras. Oh and I have to mention Argento has a penchant for having some of the best soundtrack music too!! Pick this set up you will not be disappointed. Then pick up all of his other films too!!!
Can't wait for his newer one to hit dvd, Mother Of Tears! I get to see it in the theatres late June : )