Trauma

Image quality on this DVD is a mixed bag. The film is presented in its correct 2.35:1 widescreen ratio - the only way to see an Dario Argento film - but is letterboxed, not widescreen enhanced. The print used seems pretty damage free, though there is a lot of graininess. Colours and blacks are solid, but sometimes feel a little too dark. In the opening murder sequence, for instance, the features of the African-American victim are indistinct.

Dialogue and soundtrack are clear enough, but the Dolby Digital sound presentation is nothing to write home about.

The extras look impressive at first glance but disappoint on closer examination. The Asia Argento interview and Richard Stanley on Argento features are simply a few screenfuls of text, as is the information about the cuts previously made to the film in the UK. Those expecting to see the delectable Ms Argento in the flesh, or hoping for an insight into how the BBFC handles films of this type, may feel misled.

Other regulation issue extras are a behind-the-scenes gallery, comprising a whopping six pictures; trailers for the film and Dario Argento's Phantom of the Opera, both full screen and of the dumb American voice-over variety, and a trailer reel for other Tartan Terror releases. (Kudos to whoever at Tartan did Herschell Gordon Lewis showcase for capturing the naïve charms of Color Me Blood Red, The Gore Gore Girls et al perfectly.)

While it's good to see any Dario Argento available on DVD uncut and in widescreen this is not the definitive edition of Trauma by any means.