On the eve of the Third Italian War of Independence, Countess Livia Serpieri (Alida Valli, The Third Man) anxiously conspires to make revolution happen. Following a chance encounter at the opera, she begins an affair with Franz Mahler (Farley Granger, Rope), a charismatic Lieutenant in the occupying Austrian army who sent her rebellious cousin Marchese Roberto Ussoni (Massimo Girotti, Ossessione) into exile. As her feelings for Franz intensify, Livia’s moral compass waivers. Based on Camillo Boito's novella, Alida Valli and Farley Granger shine in this masterful period melodrama about lust and deception. Senso is widely regarded as among director Luchino Visconti’s best work and was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 15th Venice International Film Festival.
Details by Film
Senso
Italian VersionSenso
English Export VersionStreaming Options
Release Information:
Technical Specifications
Supplements
- Alternate Widescreen Presentation of the Italian Version
- Alternate presentation of the film for English markets with dialogue written by Tennessee Williams and Paul Bowles in collaboration with Visconti, from newly transferred audio of the longest available version, a world premiere on Blu-ray (121 mins)
- Luchino Visconti - Carlo Lizzani's documentary on Visconti’s life and career features contributions from Claudia Cardinale, Burt Lancaster, Francesco Rosi and more (1999, 62 mins)
- Archival interview with Luchino Visconti and Maria Callas in discussion about Senso and opera (1969, 22 mins)
- New interview with critic and fashion historian Matteo Augello (2025, 19 mins)
- Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Christina Newland