Stagefright
(a.k.a. Aquarius, Deliria, Bloody Bird)
(Michele Soavi; 1987)
(Anchor Bay Entertainment)
-Overview-
While a group of young actors rehearse a new musical about a mass murderer, a notorious psychopath escapes from a nearby insane asylum. But when the show’s director locks his cast in the theater overnight, the madman is accidentally locked inside as well.
With Stagefright, Argento’s protégé Soavi puts out a classic slasher flick with what’s often considered some of the most violent kills of the 80’s. Good script, great effects. The only missing element is the gratuitous nudity that has become the staple of Italian horror films. Soavi has garnered the reputation of being the leader of Italian horror’s new generation of filmmakers, and with this film it’s not hard to see why. Essential viewing.
-Sound-
Good sound quality. Dolby Digital Surround EX.
-Picture-
A very nice print restored from the original Rome vault materials. Widescreen 1.85:1 (enhanced for 16X9 TVs).
-Special Features-
- Trailer
- Michele Soavi bio
-Packaging-
Standard DVD keep case.
Sound: 7
Picture: 8
Packaging: 5
(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)