Sleepless

Rating:
Summary: Great movie, mediocre presentation.
Review: To the best of my knowledge, this is indeed an uncut version.... It's a really satisfying Argento film after his last few releases, Goblin is back with a really memorable score, and it's worth picking up. However, I am disappointed that this is a full-frame transfer, and why couldn't they have included some of the really cool extras that are on the 2-disc UK release? (If you're curious, that version includes, among other things, the entire 60-minute "An Eye For Horror" documentary on Argento.) I had no problem with the sound on this disc, and as for the grain in the image, I think some (but not all) of that can be attributed to Argento's desire for a "documentary" look for this film, as stated in a recent interview. Still, I think the transfer could have been better, and there does seem to be a little distortion to some scenes as well. I'll probably go for the Media Home Entertainment release from the UK, although I'm still trying to find out if it's letterboxed or not. If anyone out there knows, please email me at [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: I have only seen the DVD, I shall tell you about the film :)
Review: Well...Dario is back, and is in a very slick mood.
I shall not babble on about how brilliant it is for him to be back, I shall just do the review!
This film starts fantastically, involving a prostitute being stalked by her client...mostly because she found this blue folder containing SOMETHING IMPORTANT :p.
She runs away and gets the train home, on the train (very empty, by the way). She then gets a phone call from her client threatening this girl with death. She gets freaked out...runs through the train screaming. She then finds a train driver. Her things she is a bit loopy. Then he dies, she finds him! She then hides in this little cupboard. THE FIRST 10 MINUTES ARE AMAZINGLY SHOT. She then gets her fingers chopped off. Poor girl.
That scene needed a VERY brief description. It is ever so violent and crazy. I would say...genius.
The murders are quite well displayed, and are quite horrific.
Lots of head bashing, BTW. And I don't mean dancing.
The music score is fantastic. It is superb, I can't believe how modern "Goblin" have become. It sounds as though it could be from a really good rock band. Enjoy the music too.
The acting is...bad! Max Von Sydow (or something) is very good. Although, the supporting cast are a little melo-dramatic. .
Another bad point is the plot does grow a little OTT, I recommend taking a breather. I enjoyed it more after my little break.
I have the Italian version, so the US version may be cut a little bit. I would expect it as the gore is quite disgusting (girls faces smashed up).
The best camera work?? er...the carpet scene...I shall mention three words...panning, carpet and ballerina!
Hope this was helpful...Dario is BACK ON FORM!!

Rating:
Summary: You won't be able to sleep again.
Review: When this movie was first announced around a year ago, I immediately rejoiced. The excellent Dario Argento (he of the classics SUSPIRIA and PHENOMENA) returning to the giallo thriller? Acclaimed actor Max Von Sydow in a major role? How could this go wrong? Then, I quickly remembered Dario's last few movies, and my heart sank. Luckily, for his fans - this time, Dario isn't ready to disappoint as SLEEPLESS (NON HO SONNO) is a striking return to form with an added bonus: This movie doesn't resemble his earlier flicks in the fact that characterisation and plot take a back seat, this one is actually story driven and besides the gorgeous visuals that are on display, Argento delivers characters that you care about and a story that is actually involving.

The story is standard giallo fare. In Turin, 1983 - a serial killer nicknamed THE DWARF (I know, I know, don't switch off just yet) is terrorising young women. Detective Moretti (played by the excellent Max Von Sydow) apparently solves the case, promptly becomes a hero and then retires from policing altogether. Fast forward 17 years later, and the killings start up again. He is drawn back into the case with the aid of a young man Giacomo (Sefano Dionisi), who's mother was killed by the Dwarf. Together, they unravel the mystery that has lasted for over 17 years.

The movie is fantastic, ranking up as one of Argento's best. The opening sequence aboard a speeding train, where the killer plays cat and mouse with a young woman is superb. A tight and never-ending scene, where you truly don't know when the killer will pop up and go BOO. Infact, the movie is littered with these great scenes of true horror, and whilst watching you begin to wonder why no one in the US can conjur up horror movies like this (I think I might throw up if some bright spark at a movie studio decides to greenlight another SCREAM clone). The cinematography is very stylish (Argento reteams with OPERA stalwart Ronnie Taylor), with the correct use of light and day sequences to truly give the feeling that no one is safe in this movie, whether it be in daylight or darkness. Also, kudos to the cast. Von Sydow is great, and slips into his role like a glove. His scenes are always moving and you are drawn to him whenever he appears on screen. The supporting cast members are also very good, which is strange for an Argento movie, as usually the dubbing or acting grates on me whenever I see his movies. Infact, I can't say anything negative about this movie . . . oh, except one thing. Yet again, Argento likes ALL of his victims to be beautiful young women. This still seems strange to me, as in most of his movies - its the fairer sex who are butchered and hardly any men. (This movie is no exception, and the death sequences are truly horrible. Witness the death of Giacomo's mother in flashback - yeah, obviously a fake head effect - but, the implications of the scene are quite disturbing. The deaths throughout the picture depict women being beaten to a pulp, cut open and generally treated like meat. So, if you are a casual viewer, approach this movie with caution - I, even as a big Argento fan found this movie to be a little TOO MUCH in the way of female killing. Maybe next time Dario, skewer a few guys, huh? Just to even it out?)

Now, lets get onto the actual DVD. For starters and best results, try to see this film at a movie theater. This film was made for the cinema. Now, as that is largely impossible outside of Italy (hey, it's not got a cast member from a US TV show in the cast list!), DVD is your only bet. However, do not buy the US release of the movie. Try to get the UK Region 2 'MIA Video' 2-disc release. On disc one, not only do you get a beautiful widescreen transfer of the movie, but also a 'making of', a european theatrical trailer and bios. Not bad, I would be quite happy with that. But, that's not all - on disc two you also get the new cool Dario Argento documentary with insights not only about him, but snippets from Romero, Carpenter, etc. A great addition for any Argento fan. So, all-in-all, a great return to form with a 5-star disc. Forget those kiddie horror movies that have littered our movie theatres and video stores for the past 5 or 6 years - go for real horror directed by one of the best guys around. Oh yeah, whilst your burying bad memories, try to forget about The Stendahl Syndrome as well . . .

Rating:
Summary: Artisan leave Argento Alone!
Review: Will Argento's work ever be given the justice it deserves. Sleepless as a film is a classic. An interesting story, plot twists, inventive murders all the things that made Argentos earlier work great. Then Artisan has the nerve to butcher his art by cropping the film into a full frame version. Everyone who is familiar with Argento's work knows that his films must be shown in widescreen. How this passed over Artisan ,who claims they are some big new indie film company, is any ones guess. And why can't we have English subtitles? Mirimax, Artisan, New Line and all the others need to quite releasing foriegn films. Leave it to companies like Anchor Bay and Image.