OVERALL: Draw

Severin has a new 4K restoration of the film of both cuts - with the international cut in both aspect ratios - with more accurate framing but both Severin and Scorpion limited editions have exclusive extras. Do note, the UK, French, and German releasea have their own exclusive extras and the Italian soundtrack in original Stereo.

GENERAL NOTES:
The following versions of the movie are known:
- the original Italian theatrical release/export version (~107 minutes) which is also reflected in the Italian home video releases;
- the censored all-ages theatrical re-release (running time unknown);
- the so-called US version: the film was planned to be released theatrically by Orion but it was never the case. However, in the process, Orion created a ~95min edit, which also appeared on laserdisc/VHS in Japan and on VHS in Holland and Australia (note that the eventual US tape release came in the form of an uncut, unrated version and an R-rated edit from the longer version rather than the Orion cut).

The following dubs of the movie are known:
- The Italian soundtrack,
- The English "original Cannes soundtrack" which was used when the movie was shown in Cannes,
- The English "official soundtrack" in which the redubbing of Urbano Barberini's detective character was done by Argento and co. in Italy, after the reception of the original Cannes dub.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
OPERA was shot on Super 35mm to accommodate director Dario Argento's desire for a 2.35:1 anamorphic version and co-producing television company RAI and international distributor Orion's request for a flat 1.85:1 version. While Super 35mm exposes picture on the area where the optical soundtrack would be printed on 35mm prints, the 1.85:1 frame extraction was made from the projected picture area, and the 2.35:1 extraction was made from within the 1.85:1 frame by vertical cropping. Past 2.35:1 and 1.85:1 transfers that have used the negative have made the extractions from the full exposed width of the negative, resulting in framing errors including the exposure of gaffes that were meant to be hidden by the correct matting at either ratio. Color correction supervisor Karim Hussein consulted camera operator Antonio Scaramuzza with regard to the framing of Severin's 4K restoration in both aspect ratios.

FROM SEVERIN:
"A note about our UHD disc of OPERA:

OPERA was color graded in the P3D65 color space with the intent to release the film in REC2020 (HDR 10 compatible) with Dolby Vision. Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision file delivered to us was not in REC2020. After running several tests, we confirmed that on some UHD players this had created a color inconsistent with our Blu-ray and have decided to issue a replacement.

We’ve already begun the labor-intensive process of re-authoring this new UHD disc — including the seamless branching of the two versions — which we’ll be shipping mid-September.

You don’t need to contact Customer Service, as we’re automatically sending replacement discs to all customers who’ve ordered OPERA to date. Additionally, we’re continuing to ship already-placed orders, including those containing OPERA with the original UHD disc. All these orders will also automatically receive replacement discs. Orders placed from today onwards are now considered a pre-order and will not be shipped until the fully updated 5-disc collection is in hand.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. Severin Films promises you the definitive restoration of OPERA, and we mean it."

CUTS:

• Blu-ray A Webstore-exclusive Limited Edition America- Severin Films - No cuts - includes the international cut (107:27) and the U.S. cut (95:40).
• Blu-ray A Japan- Kadokawa - No cuts. International Version (107:21).
• Blu-ray ALL 3-Disc Limited Edition America- Scorpion Releasing - No cuts. Includes the International Version (107:25) and the US Version (95:38).
• Blu-ray ALL Standard Edition America- Scorpion Releasing - No cuts. International Version (107:28).
• Blu-ray ALL Argento Collection Scandinavia- Nonstop - No cuts - international version (107:11).
• Blu-ray ALL United Kingdom- Cult Films - No cuts. International Version (107:13).
• Blu-ray B Limited Edition France- La Chat Qui Fume - No cuts - international version (107:24)
• Blu-ray B Germany- Koch Media - No cuts. Includes the International Version (107:19) and the US Version (95:36).

Do you own a release not listed? Then please visit our forums and let us know!

Comparison added by Eric_Cotenas on 29/07/14
Comparison last updated by Eric_Cotenas on 07/08/24

UPDATE LOG:

29/07/14: Initial entry.
29/01/16: Addition of Germany.
10/01/18: Addition of the US release and the DVDBeaver link.
11/01/18: Updated trailers on US release.
11/01/18: Added runtimes to additional trailers on US release.
30/03/19: Addition of the US 3-Disc set.
17/04/19: Added Scandinavian release.
20/01/22: Tagline, dates.