6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Criminal psychologist Dr. Herbert Lyutak (Mickey Hargitay of BLOODY PIT OF HORROR and THE WILD, WILD WORLD OF JAYNE MANSFIELD) is a deranged sex maniac who murders young women. His beautiful wife (the luscious Rita Calderoni of NUDE FOR SATAN and THE REINCARNATION OF ISABEL) is tormented by visions of medieval torture and lesbian orgies. But as their madness grows more twisted, they will descend even deeper into a nightmare of dementia, depravity and most of all, DELIRIUM!
Starring: Mickey Hargitay, Rita Calderoni, Raul Lovecchio, Carmen Young, Christa BarrymoreForeign | 100% |
Mystery | 19% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Madness is the subject of 1972’s “Delirium,” and messiness is the style employed by writer/director Renato Polselli. Giallo doesn’t typically welcome hospital corners when it comes to storytelling, but even with lowered expectations, Polselli remains all over the place with this tale of a serial killer on the move, combating insanity while playing dual roles in the investigation to find him. It’s a neat premise, but dramatic clarity isn’t readily available in the picture, with the helmer playing with dreamscapes and emotional breakdowns, going more for style and hysteria than the lure of a strange whodunit. “Delirium” isn’t without some pleasures, but it doesn’t fully live up to its early promise, getting lost in unreality to a point where Polselli can’t find a way out of the tale.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. "Delirium" has some wear and tear due to age, with mild scratches and speckling detected. Detail is as good as possible with this style of cinematography, finding textures in the low-budget look of the movie, especially with skin particulars, which are plentiful during the run time. Period costuming is fibrous, from swinging styles to evening wear. Interiors retain a good look at decorative additions, including dungeon activity, with its iron offerings. Distances are reasonably dimensional, with property tours and trips into nature. Colors are compelling, retaining deep primaries on clothing and interior design choices. Greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural, capturing tanned and dewy appearances. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is a basic understanding of dubbed performances. Intelligibility is acceptable, with some mild, age-related issues detected along the way. Scoring supports with decent instrumentation. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.
"Delirium" has interesting visuals at times, and Hargitay capably communicates a swarming rage to Herbert, working mostly in tight close-ups of uncontrollable behavior. Calderon does the same. The last act of the picture ruins momentum, becoming a convoluted mess of characters and motivations, turning the endeavor into a soup of hysterics that's nowhere near as enjoyable to watch as early details of crime and investigation. Polselli loses control of the film, perhaps intentionally, attempting to bring viewers into the middle of an emotional and homicidal tornado without really thinking things through. The helmer hopes to coast on chaos, but the first half of "Delirium" proves he can do just fine with small blasts of bad timing.
Sette orchidee macchiate di rosso
1972
2018
4 mosche di velluto grigio
1971
2017
Una libélula para cada muerto
1975
Unrated Director's Cut
2009
Passi di danza su una lama di rasoio
1973
Profondo rosso | Special Edition
1975
Special Edition | La morte cammina con i tacchi alti
1971
2013
Sei donne per l'assassino
1964
מי מפחד מהזאב הרע / Mi mefakhed mehaze'ev hara
2013
Lo squartatore di New York
1982
L'uccello dalle piume di cristallo | Remastered
1970
1970
La polizia chiede aiuto
1974
La ragazza dal pigiama giallo / The Pajama Girl Case
1977
Chi l'ha vista morire?
1972
Il gatto a nove code | Remastered
1971
La bestia uccide a sangue freddo / Asylum Erotica
1971