Since it was AFI, I assume they showed a 35mm print? I saw a 35 of it back in 2003. It was a really chewed up print, and of the American cut version no less (no close up of the heart-stabbing, etc). And it was still an amazing experience. No video presentation can do the film justice.
I never saw it this way at all. I love his unique dialogue- any other writer/director would probably consider it too vague and, well, dramatic. In Deep Red, Helga suddenly halts a conversation and begins describing "evil thoughts" (basically) floating around in the room as though they were alive. How about Opera? Does anyone have a clue what Betty is really trying to say with that whole "not see anything, not feel anything, not think anything- I just wanted to get away." And she's talking to a police officer, someone (American) audiences certainly see as a person whose job is to stick to facts. He's almost playing her therapist. But the funniest, most bizarre example has got to be in Suspiria - "Can you tell her something about the mysterious?" I would never say Argento's dialogue is weak. Just unorthodox. It's more variety, which the genre has always needed.
It was indeed a 35mm print,actually had an "X" certificate in front of it.It appeared to be uncut but had damage at the reel changes so you did lose a few seconds at the end of a couple of reels.The print quality itself was good overall,colors were bright though not quite as popping as the would have been for a restored print.Sound was excellent. Oddly it was DAWN OF THE DEAD that ended up being a digital presentation.I talked to the manager and they were sent a 35mm print of the film but it was in such poor shape they couldn't run it,had to run a Blu Ray. I was there the night of the annual ''Zombie Walk'' where hundreds of people were roaming the streets of Silver Spring in zombie make up.Kind of a "NIGHT OF THE LIVING DRUNKS".I think there is footage of it posted on youtube.It was a crazy night (even if you were sober and not in make up,as I was) but fun !
Here is a cool you tube video I came across of Goblin playing the theme to Suspiria live in 1977. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUv8U7EVttE
