Suspiria (1977)

Ghoul Days

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Suspiria on DVD

Dario Argento's best-known film is a Cinemascope, pinwheel lollipop-colored spin through a haunted German dance academy. Fresh blood Suzy Banyon (Jessica Harper) checks in and soon begins to feel uneasy at the odd activities and behavior around the prestigious school. She begins poking around and makes a startling discovery. The highlight of this film isn't really the routine plot, but rather Argento's all-encompassing treatment, from the dizzying, colored lights and gore effects (creepy-crawlies dropping from the ceiling) to the deeply menacing score by Goblin. The original 92-minute edited American release was originally rated 'R,' but since then the 98-minute, 'unrated' version has become available. Anchor Bay Entertainment has released several DVDs of this film, most notably a huge, 3-disc collector's set with tons of extras.

Starring: Jessica Harper, Joan Bennett, Alida Valli, Stefania Casini, Renato Scarpa, Giuseppe Transocchi, Fulvio Mingozzi, Renato Zamengo, Rudolf Schuendler , Franca Scognetti, Miguel Bose, Flavio Bucci, Eva Axen, Barbara Magnolfi, Udo Kier, Margherita Horowitz, Susanna Javicoli
Written by: Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi
Directed by: Dario Argento
MPAA Rating: R/Unrated
Language: In many languages, dubbed into English
Running Time: 98 minutes
Date: March 23, 2006