Horror Extreme Movie Catalog

Tony Musante witnesses a lady being attacked and spends the rest of the movie trying to find out who the attacker is. Apparently the person he saw was a killer who has killed women. He has trouble recalling what he has seen and goes through a lot to solve - something isn't right. This to me is an excellent Dario Argento movie, one of my top 3. I think this one is a good one for people new to Giallo could start as it is not overly gory. There is some blood and nudity,but mild. The way the story unfolds and the pacing are both really excellent. The Blue Underground is the DVD to get as the movie is uncut(VCI's is missing a gore scene in an elevator) and the transfer is fantastic. Highly recommended,due to the suspense and the who done it factor.The movie is good enough for continued viewings even after you find out who done it.

In Rome, the police are knee deep in a few murder cases involving young women. On his way home, Sam Dalmas witnesses an attempted murder. After failing to provide accurate and convincing information to the police. He is forced to help solve the cases by figuring out who the murderer could be.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage was Dario Argento's debut directorial film. And you can clearly see the potential hidden in this film. But Dario was still on training wheels here. I found the plot to be too predictable and I had things pretty much figured out by the middle, so when the end came around. It was no surprise to me at all. But it doesn't take away this is still a very good watch.

I usually don't mind a slow pace. But I found this to be too slow at times. Plus I felt a few scenes were way too long and one even over acted. The characters were well used for the most part and actually seemed a bit realistic.

Dario delivers with the visuals here. A trademark that he soon becomes very well known for. The excellent soundtrack fits very well with the atmosphere but I just didn't feel too creeped out at all.

Overall, I find "Bird" above average at best, 3.5 stars from me. The mystery and suspense just didn't it for me. Dario did a much better job with his later films Deep Red and Tenebre. Watching those two you can clearly see he pretty much mastered the "whodunit" theme because those two are clearly better films. I still think the movie is worth a watch but I'm not sure if I would recommend this as a place to start.

Now for the DVD aspects. The film is in widescreen(2.35:1/16:9) and is very clear and free from grain. The sound is very good as well.

Disk one contains the movie and trailers, plus TV spots. Disk 2 contains the interviews. They are pretty interesting and worth a listen.

Out of the Shadows: Interview with Co-writer/Director Dario Argento
Painting with darkness: Interview with Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro
The Music of Murder: Interview with Composer Ennio Morricone
Eva's Talking: Interview with Actress Eva Renzi