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4K Review: Phenomena (1985)

Dario Argento is the master of Italian horror. He is known for his cinematic masterpieces Suspiria, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and Cat O'Nine Tails. For years fans have enjoyed the his films. But in 1985 Dario brought the world another horror films starring an acting legend with Phenomena.

Now the the good folks at Synapse films are giving this cult classic a chance to shine in 4K. And this new 4K release is a deluxe release that horror fans are going to love. Let's take a look at this release.

The young Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly, Labyrinth, Top Gun: Maverick) is sent to a private Swiss school for girls where a vicious killer is on the loose. Jennifer has the ability to telepathically communicate with insects and an entomologist, Dr. John McGregor (Donald Pleasence, Halloween, Escape from New York), enlists her help in locating the murderer. The deeper they go, they find themselves in a bizarre murder plot that includes maggots, telepathic insects and a razor-wielding chimpanzee! 

The story of Phenomena is an odd film. It has a lot of elements in it and can sometimes get bogged down by it. But it is still a pretty interesting horror film. Phenomena features the amazing visuals that Argento is known for, but in addition the rockin' soundtrack features
 Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Andi Sex Gang, Bill Wyman and Simon Boswell. Finally the acting of a young Jennifer Connelly is very good, but Donald Pleasence is spectacular as always.

Synapse Films have released this 4K
 set and it loaded not one, not two but three versions of the films all in 4K. There is the original Italian version (116 mins.), the International cut (110 mins.), and the U.S. ''Creepers'' cut (83 mins.). While Creepers is the more widely known version, with over 30 minutes cut from the original vision, it is the weakest of the versions. 

The films are presented in 2160p and the audio is a Lossless Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks. Also lossless ''hybrid'' English/Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. In addition there is English subtitles. These films look and sound absolutely stellar.  But in 
addition to three versions of the film these discs are loaded with awesome bonus features. Take a look at what is included in this set.


DISC ONE - 4KULTRA HD - ITALIAN VERSION:

* Audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of Murder by Design: The Unsane Cinema of Dario Argento

* Of Flies and Maggots, a feature length 2017 documentary produced for Arrow Films, including interviews with cowriter/producer/director Dario Argento, cast, crew and more!

* Original Italian and international theatrical trailers

'* 'Jennifer'' music video, directed by Dario Argento

* Japanese pressbook gallery


DISC TWO – 4K ULTRA HD – INTERNATIONAL AND CREEPERS VERSIONS:

* Audio commentary on the international version by Argento scholar and author Derek Botelho and film historian, journalist and radio/television commentator David Del Valle

* The Three Sarcophagi, a visual essay by Arrow producer Michael Mackenzie comparing the different cuts of Phenomena

* Rare alternate 2.0 stereo mix on the international version, featuring different sound effects and music cues

* ''Creepers'' US trailer & radio spots


Additional physical Bonuses

* Limited edition slipcase packaging designed by artist Wes Benscoter

* Reversible sleeve artwork

* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring liner notes from Mikel J. Koven, Rachael Nisbet and Leonard Jacobs

* Fold-out double-sided poster

* Postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards

Now even though Phenomena is not Dario Argento's best film, it is a strong 80s horror film. And the bonus features found in this set along with all three versions of the film, just mind blowing! Synapse went above and beyond with this release.

So for Italian Horror, 80s horror or Dario Argento fans this new 4K of Phenomena is an absolute must own release. You can head over to
Amazon and order your copy today.



Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) Synapse Film's Blu-ray of  Phenomena receives...

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