Opera

Wow. What a pleasant surprise, if that can be said about a film which features several decidely unpleasant DEmises. I can't believe I let lukewarm reviews make me put off seeing this one for so many years! I thought it was great!Now, don't get me wrong, I love Argento's films like SUSPIRIA and DEEP RED for what they are- often fever-pitched, nightmare-logic, saturated color labyrinths. However, OPERA has a solid narrative which almost completely makes sense without suffering for it. Also, almost all the acting is quite good and I found myself truly caring about almost every murder victim, unusual in my experiences with Argento's other films. It was an added layer of characterization which enhanced everything else about the story.My only significant problems with the story were a few significant lapses in common sense judgement- I won't be spoiling anything by saying that, once again, I found myself wondering why someone who's been threatened by a stalking maniac wouldn't turn on every light in their apartment. And, occasionally, the heroine shows a distracting almost blase' attitude after witnessing some truly horrible events. This may have been intended to show her in shock, but, if so, I felt it wasn't entirely successful.One aspect which didn't bother me nearly as much as I expected was the occasional use of loud, generic Italian heavy rock music. It's SO infrequent and for me it actually works within Argento's contrasting images (and the wonderful editing) of beauty and brutal violence. In an ideal world, I'd like him to have chosen something, well, BETTER, but, it didn't spoil or distract me from immersing myself in the movie experience.The camera-work, lighting, set design and editing are SUPERB without being distractingly "hey look! this is arty!" Almost everything works without being too carefully melded together. The violence is shocking as ever, almost more so in places where we only HEAR what is being done to someone. The music overall is PERFECT. And the ending, while puzzling, was more thought-provoking than outright annoying.This is the work of a true, dare I say it? maestro with more to share and show and tell than to prove and shock with. I look forward to watching it again and again.Oh! And, the dubbing isn't half-bad either! QUITE the accomplishment for this type of and era of film.

Finally watched Opera (1987) after years of anticipation. Although the story wasn't as strong as some of Dario Argento's other works, it was still worth exploring. A few disappointments in this movie include the scene where the wardrobe mistress is targeted, which was odd and had a lot of room for improvement, as well as the ending. The final quip I have was the careless choice to have the gun recoil on the third shot, which also momentarily displaced me as a member of Argento's world in Opera.Otherwise, the cinematography was outstanding, the special effects well done, musical array was beautifully mood setting, and most of the story was interesting/engaging. It's hard to judge the acting because I involuntarily watched the English dubbed version, which wasn't voiced well--however, the cast had actresses/actors that I've seen give fine performances. The scene with the bullet close up and special effects used for the impact/penetration were awesome--watch the documentary that discusses dynamite detonated on the actress' head. The raven bombardment toward the end was classic as well--awesome camera work and special effects. By the way, animal cruelty did not occur according to the documentary.I bought Blue Underground's DVD version of Opera, which I do not recommend due to absence of subtitles and original language--typically, you can't go wrong with Blue Underground. Nevertheless, the picture quality was excellent, sound was okay, and some cool extras were included.

A classic for your horror film collection

Opera is a great Argento film. Filled with fantastic camera work, and crazy gory death scenes. Also an over the top 80s metal soundtrack. Great premise of forcing the main character (Betty) to watch the horrific killings. Only negative is run time is a little long, and English dubbing isn't the greatest. Definite recommend though.Blue underground DVD has solid video quality and sound, but this film could definitely use a Blu Ray upgrade.

It is vintage Argento and it brings with it the world of opera which I am an avid fan.The choice of using Macbeth is deliciously ominous and there is a nostalgic elementof reuniting he and his "muse" of many of his works in her final appearance which culminatesin a memorable death scene. The visual effects are especially breathtaking if you view the Special Featuresas how they were orchestrated.

I can safely say I watch all his movies, this one is a little bit too long. Could be 30 mins shorter.

loved it then as opera went on i hung in there then came the end and i was falling asleep which i questioned cause the acting was good the suspense was good yet i was falling asleep this movie should sell for a dollar seriously deep red was better !

I like Cristina Marsillach, and the Opera music is great, great acting, wacky movie.

Als eingefleischter Dario Argento-Fan muss man diesen Film einmal gesehen haben. Einmal reicht allerdings auch. Er ist keiner seiner besten, die Story ist sehr krude, die Mordszene im Atelier teilweise unfreiwillig komisch (die Darstellerin ist wirklich schlecht) und der Twist mit den Raben sehr konstruiert. Die Opernarien sind super (Maria Callas!), aber insgesamt sehtn man sich doch sehr nach Meisterwerken wie Profondo Rosso oder Vier Fliegen auf grauem Samt zurück.

OPERA würde ich eher als Slasher denn als Giallo bezeichnen. Im Grunde ist es eine der üblichen Geschichten:junge,aufstrebende Operndiva wird von einem mysteriösen Fremden verfolgt,der Stück für Stück ihren Freundeskreis dezimiert. Unspektakulär,aber aufgepeppt durch die Argento-typischen,stilsicher und sehr brutal inszenierten Mordsequenzen,surrealen Kamerafahrten und immer wieder dem Wechsel von klassischer Musik zu Hardrock,wenn der Killer seinem Tagwerk nachgeht. In solchen Szenen ist die Hauptdarstellerin immer gezwungen,den Morden beizuwohnen,was schon recht krass inszeniert ist.Im TV lieft der Film vor zig Jahren mal auf ARD unter dem Titel IM ZEICHEN DES RABEN,seinerzeit stark gekürzt. Die indizierte deutsche VHS hat ebenfalls Federn lassen müssen und somit blieb erstmal nur eine Importversion über,wenigstens ungeschnitten dafür aber nur auf englisch. Hierzulande gibts meines Wissens noch keine offizielle VÖ,wird früher oder später aber kommen wenngleich ich aber glaube,dass das nicht uncut geschehen wird,da OPERA so ziemlich Argentos brutalster Film ist,kein Vergleich zu PHENOMENA oder INFERNO.FAZIT: für Argentofans ein Muss,wenn man englisch kann;) mittlerweile solls ja auch eine Ösi-Version geben,auf deutsch,die ist aber ziemlich teuer geraten

La película es de los mejores Giallos de Argento. Lo malo es que la película ni las entrevistas adicionales no cuentan con subtítulos.

Einer der besten Argento Filme . Alles top !

A high quality transfer and good sound quality bring this Argento classic to life. Horror fans will really appreciate this release.