Customer Reviews

L' Inferno

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I should begin by stating that this film is a real treasure; it was the first ever feature length Italian film, and has a look and a feel still unique today. Based on Dante's Inferno, it is rich in imagery and symbolism, and has many intriguing and bizarre snippets which make it ripe for repeated viewings. While the special effects may at times seem dated to the modern viewer, they are equally innovative and create an atmosphere quite unique in early experimental films: While elaborate costumes and sets are regularly employed, so are numerous collage and filmic effects which are actually quite phenomenal considering what kind of technology was available before 1911. Now for the bad news and the docked star: The remade soundtrack for the dvd release by Tangerine Dream is at times, deplorable. It can be said that there is often much dispute over the quality of tacked on silent film soundtracks, but this one violated what I consider the first faux-pas of soundtrack making within the first few minutes. The soundtrack features vocals superfluously describing what is taking place. Moreover, they often contradict or mix up the information being simultaneously presented on the original textual interludes. But now back to the good news; you won't be missing anything if you mute the volume and play your favourite instrumental music to match the spectacular visuals.

Anyone familiar with the Dore illustrated L'INFERNO will be fascinated by this early Italian epic. The director and cinematographer attempt to capture Dore's vision throughout, and some of the scenes are truly spectacular for their time. Some wonderful special effects, although on occasion (particularly in the opening scenes) the work seems a bit too stagey. A great example of early genre filmmaking that seems more flowing than other Italian epics of the period.

I was considering giving this film a 4 stars because of the music that goes with it. However, both the film and the music are great if used separately. My complain is that Tangerine Dream's music is too modern for this type of film, although great. I strongly suggest you buy this film but turn down the volume all the way down and play piano music instead, as it was the norm with silent films.

This is the only Dante's Inferno live action feature film that is really worth watching, simply because it is made according to Dante's poem and not a commercial interpretation as it was done ever since the success of this film. Hollywood has never been able, to this day, to get close to a Dante's Inferno adaptation without distorting the story in one way or another. I found this review that is interesting and extensive: [...] At the bottom of the page there is a link to buy it on Amazon at a reasonable price of $13.49. There is also another film worthy of consideration although it is documentary, which you can find on Amazon as Dante's Inferno - Abandon All Hope.

Beautiful movie, awesome sets and costumes from when cinema was having it's birth pangs. Tangerine Dream's soundtrack is a bit annoying but you can get past it. This movie deserved a orchestra for it was as grand and poetic as Dante. I suggest this film to anyone but again it pisses me off the sellers on here literally screw the customer on the price. If you don't want to empty your wallet I suggest you look elsewhere on the internet. This movie isn't completely out of stock in all places, I got mine new from a company that isn't small or independent. The high price is well worth it but I say look before you spend ridiculous amounts of money to rip off sellers.

Hey, it was filmed almost 100 years ago. If you're interested in Dante or Dore' you'll find this film...tolerable.