Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Blood Delirium Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 17, 2022

Writer/director Sergio Bergonzelli attempts to go gothic with 1988’s “Blood Delirium,” and he has a peculiar way of reaching into nightmare realms. The first scene of the film follows a young woman who returns home from work, undresses and begins to prepare an evening meal for her boyfriend, as one does while nearly nude. She receives a message on an answering machine from her future self, warning that trouble is coming for her, leaving her in a state of confusion. Viewers too, and the picture somehow gets stranger than its opening moments, with Bergonzelli playing with supernatural elements and graphic violence to detail a descent into madness. “Blood Delirium” isn’t something to enjoy as a suspenseful clash of realities. Instead, it’s a hoot, going hog-wild with odd events and cinematic excesses, with the feature trying to overwhelm viewers with shock, hoping to generate a fear factor as Bergonzelli works through his fetishes.

Sybille (Brigitte Christensen) is a pianist living with her boyfriend, Gerard (Marco Di Stefano), who’s haunted by a warning message from her future self. Unsure how to process such news, Sybille is soon targeted by painter Saint (John Phillip Law), a Van Gogh devotee who’s lost his muse when his wife, Christine (Christensen), dies, leaving him broken and frustrated, also dealing with his butler, Hermann (Gordon Mitchell). Saint is enlivened by the resemblance between Sybille and Christine, urging her to join him at his castle, with hopes to charm the woman into staying. During this introductory period, Saint rediscovers his passion for painting, turning to blood to provide the perfect shade of red for this work, keeping Hermann busy collecting bodies to drain while Sybille gradually understands the danger she’s in.

Not a lot makes sense in “Blood Delirium,” but that appears to be the point of the movie, instead of simply blaming production incompetence. There’s plenty of that included here, but Bergonzelli is clearly out to disorient his audience, hitting them with some sexploitation and horror while developing an operatic tale of obsession, finding Saint driven to reclaim his artistic powers. The details here are crazy, watching Saint and Hermann pull Christine’s skeleton out of her coffin, turning it into a puppet to help restore a muse who’s been dead for a year. And there’s Hermann, who’s determined to satisfy his lust for Christine, sexually assaulting her corpse at her funeral. The assistant is also after any woman he spies, eventually raping and murdering a local girl who refuses his advances, with Sybille witnessing a preview of this event, and she continues to hang out with the murderous goon, returning to Saint’s castle. And there’s artistic impotency with the painter, who loses his mind and trashes his work until he spies blood, using it to create a new wave of images, which dump him into the deep end of insanity. Bergonzelli doesn’t have much in the way of a budget or cinematic polish, but he does have a vivid imagination for grotesqueries.

Blood Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Blood Delirium" is sourced from a 2K scan of the original camera negative. Touring castle interiors and showcasing plenty of skin surfaces, the viewing experiences retains compelling detail throughout, with excellent textures on facial particulars and costuming. Exteriors maintain deep distances. Color retains Italian countryside warmth and brighter primaries on displays of art. Blood reds are distinct. Gothic interiors are also stable, along with natural skin tones. Delineation is satisfactory, preserving shadowy events. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with mild wear and tear and some debris.

Blood Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Two 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks are offered, with English and Italian choices presented. Clarity is strong on both options, with the English mix offering mild sibilance issues, but nothing overwhelming. Scoring cues support with authority, offering decent instrumentation and emphasis during nightmare encounters. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

Blood Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Gerard's Delirium" (19:13, HD) is an interview with Actor Marco Di Stefano, who recalls his early curiosity about the arts, following his father's interest in the subject. Beginning his career in experimental theater, Di Stefano eventually made his way into movie production, finding roles in art and genre films, meeting his ex-wife (and "Blood Delirium" co-star) Brigitte Christensen during his career adventures. Co-stars are briefly recalled, and director Sergio Bergonzelli is assessed, suggesting some possible jealousy issues with the helmer, while actor John Phillip Law tried to conceal a drinking problem. Some career war stories are shared, and the interviewee longs for the days of shooting on film, believing in "analog" magic that's missing from modern productions.

• "Once Upon a Time in the Italian Eighties" (29:12, HD) is an interview with associate director Corrado Columbo. The interviewee traces the development of his early career, soon meeting director Sergio Bergonzelli, exploring his "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" personality. The helmer's technical approach is analyzed, along with the extent of his ego. Some talk of "Blood Delirium" is included, with Columbo estimating about 60% of the budget went to actor John Phillip Law, whose name helped to secure financing. Bergonzelli's career and personal conduct is highlighted, along with the ways of the Italian film industry, with Columbo getting into the business just as its popularity began to fade. Columbo closes with a discussion of his own career, eventually returning to work with "Blood Delirium" actress Brigitte Christensen years later.

• "Killer's Muse" (28:21, HD) is an interview with actress Brigitte Christensen, who turned to the theater to begin her acting career, soon visiting Italy during her travels and falling in love with the country. She details the work ethic of Italian crews, and highlights some of her early pictures, discussing collaborations and opportunities. The interviewee delves into "Blood Delirium," focusing on the grim atmosphere of the shoot, and she's praises co-star John Phillip Law. She also discusses her time with director Sergio Bergonzelli, who believed he was making something special with "Blood Delirium," sharing his professional and personal behavior. The interviewee offers her feelings concerning different experiences in her career, and she goes into her creative spark today, still involved in theater projects.

• Alternate Italian Front and End Titles (3:37, HD) are presented.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:06, HD) is included.

Blood Delirium Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Blood Delirium" plays with precognition and poltergeists, and there's more to Hermann's horror, as he's developed a certain appetite while dealing with dead bodies. There's so much ugliness and randomness, but Bergonzelli doesn't make a mean movie. The helmer seems genuinely invested in creating a gothic tale of fixation and frenzy, doing whatever he can to keep the picture compelling, even with lurid detours into horrifying actions. Characterization isn't prized and storytelling fades away, but "Blood Delirium" has a vibe and moments of enticing absurdity (Law goes full ham portraying a fried man), making it a decent selection for a "Bad Movie Night" viewing, especially for those capable of following a filmmaker's blunt vision for twisted behavior. Those interested in nude meal prep are also in for a treat.