Inferno/Phenomena

[ash_housewares]

Hey there. I am fairly new to Euro-horror and I haven't seen of Argento's films. I was in a small independent video store today that had a section of NEW clearance dvds. As I scanned the titles I was a little let down seeing such crap as house party 3 and other titles equally crappy. And, then suddenly, without warning, the two pack limited edition of Inferno/Phenomena jumped out at me and I have heard so many positive things about Argento so I decided to look at the price. I was thinking $30-40 considering this title is long out of print. My eyes lit up as I saw the price tag. $9.99!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. So, as I prepare to take in a few hours of Argento, what are your thoughts on the films and the deal I stumbled upon?

[x666x]

Awesome Deal!!!

[x666x]

Not the best of his films but a remarkable price, nonetheless. There is a longer version of Phenomena but the extra scenes only contain some dialogue and such. Inferno is more eye candy than anything else.

Sorry I have accidentally posted 2 responses. I tried to delete one but can't seem to find that option.

[dwatts]

Inferno, brilliant. Phenomena - so so. For $10, easily a bargain.

[Andrew]

I don't love either of them, with PHENOMENA being my least favorite Argento film, but for $10 it is indeed a great deal. Now if you found the DEEP RED/TENEBRE set for $10, that would be cause for celebration.

[King Cardboard]

That's an awesome deal! I payed almost $60 bucks (cdn) for that set way back when.

I'm a big fan of Inferno, it's probably my favourite Argento film. But it isn't your normal argento flick. Very dream like (even more so than usual). It has it's own logic and flow. Just relax and enjoy it.

Phenomena on the other hand, is kinda lame. I don't know how Argento was convinced that bad hair metal music makes for great suspense. Donald Pleasance is great as usual though, and the ending is great and suprising as hell (those who've seen it know what I'm talking about).

[ash_housewares]

Well, I've watched them both and I am definately hungry for more! I think that I will be picking up some other Argento titles in the near future. I watched Phenomena first, and, as someone stated Donald Pleasance's performance was a highlight, but overall the film was lacking, and the glam metal didn't seem to fit in with the sequences it was used for. I enjoyed it and the end was pretty surprising.
Inferno came next. That film was unlike anything that I've seen. I loved the colours, especially the interiors of the building in New York. The red and black hallways looked astonishing. Overall very strange film and I cannot believe Argento has eluded me for so long. I still can't believe I found it for so cheap!

[Mortis]

Phenomena rules. I saw it on VHS years ago as Creepers and have loved it since. That song is Iron Maiden's Flash of the Blade.

[The_Tunneler]

I just got the dvd containing both inferno/phenomena on amazon.com for 17 bucks. Its from the Dario Argento collection. I recommend both flicks if nobodies seen em.

[_pi_]

Inferno has the strangest atmosphere/mood I've ever experienced in a film. It took me a while to warm up to it, but now I totally love it.

I've always had a soft spot for Phenomena, as it was the first Argento film I saw ... I think it too has a really well-designed atmosphere and a lot of cool sequences. Love the opening title music with the trees and the wind ... so cool!

[King Cardboard]

Get Suspiria (one of the best dts tracks ever!) next, and then Deep Red a.k.a. Profondo Rosso.

[Erick H.]

Great deal ! I'm partial to both of these.INFERNO is less visceral than SUSPIRIA but has some terrific sequences,the last reel is pretty cool.A lot of people rag on PHENOMENA,but I find it to be crazy fun,with a lot of gonzo originality.Pleasance is always welcome in a horror film,and the pit/hand scene is pretty intense.

[Deus Ex Machina]

Well, I've watched them both and I am definately hungry for more! I think that I will be picking up some other Argento titles in the near future. I watched Phenomena first, and, as someone stated Donald Pleasance's performance was a highlight, but overall the film was lacking, and the glam metal didn't seem to fit in with the sequences it was used for. I enjoyed it and the end was pretty surprising.
Inferno came next. That film was unlike anything that I've seen. I loved the colours, especially the interiors of the building in New York. The red and black hallways looked astonishing. Overall very strange film and I cannot believe Argento has eluded me for so long. I still can't believe I found it for so cheap!


as stated before...get Suspiria...Suspiria is part one and Inferno is part two of an unfinished trilogy...

they're tonally different films but the heavy uses of red and blue definetly link them (as well as story)

[ash_housewares]

as stated before...get Suspiria...Suspiria is part one and Inferno is part two of an unfinished trilogy...

they're tonally different films but the heavy uses of red and blue definetly link them (as well as story)


I shall definately have to pick Suspiria up when I have some extra cash!

Thank you for the recommendation!

[Morg]

How come I never stumble upon great stuff like that? Good for you, guy! I'm a fan of both of these films, particularly Inferno. But Phenomena is good too. Infact, I've only seen Phenomena once, so it's about due for another spin. Sometimes my opinions change upon a second or third viewing, usually for the good, if it was something I liked in the first place. As was already mentioned, you might want to check out Suspiria before you spin Inferno, but no biggy deal, I'm sure. Just a suggestion, my favorite Argento is Tenebre. Cat O' Nine Tails and Deep Red come highly recommended too. Happy spinning, partner! **Edit: Oh, I can see now that you've viewed them, sorry. Definately check out Suspiria :evil: .

[hell ya!]

Phenomena is one of Argento's best, i can't get enough of that movie. Inferno is pretty good as well but not up their with his other masterpieces.

[lethalkrs]

I love Argento's films. My personal favorite is Opera. In the process of finishing his newest, The Card Player. The only one I am missing for my collection is Tenebre, trying to find it at a decent price.

[Alexander]

Phenomena is a stupid movie that I love, mainly because it has Jennifer Connely. Rowr.

I like Inferno. That ending, with the mirror cracking, still resonates since I saw it for the first time.

[dwatts]

I have to say, it's been a while since I watched any Argento. I really need to settle in again and rewatch some of these - maybe when I finally pick up "The Card Player".

I love Argento, but when I want an Italian fix I usually end up going with Fulci. Not a call on whom is better, just something I naturally find myself gravitating toward.

[RyanPC]

That's an unbelievable deal, great score!!

Both films are utterly fantastic... Inferno is my favorite of the two but both are two of my favorite Argento flicks. :)

Oh, BTW: If you loved Inferno, you'll adore Suspiria... check it out!