DELIRIUM (DVD)

One of the more bizarre and extreme giallo. Exactly as described - this one has not been oversold; it's charms are not exaggerated.Even the most jaded "seen it all' viewer will get some kicks from this underrated gem.This is not to be confused with the 1979 DELIRIUM, or the awful Lamberto Bava 1987 thriller DELIRIUM: PHOTOS OF GIOIA. The prolific writer/director, Renato Polselli made this sexy shocker in 1972, which precedes the two previously mentioned films, is a story of madness and murder; being a giallo, there are twists and turns aplenty, but a shock opening that immediately puts the lead character, Herbert, into the role of pyschosexual maniac. The thing is, Herbert happens to work very closely with police, so he is able to evade their detection. His wife Marcia (Rita Calderoni) seems to be the only other person hip to Herbert’s perverted proclivities, and almost invites this sort of behavior - a sadomasochistic power couple, as it were.Typically with 70’s Euro-horror, there are a couple versions of this film available, the definitive international version and the surprisingly different American version. Both available on this Blue Underground DVD. it is now easy to see both versions. I would recommend watching both versions, because they provide different experiences without the ‘they just cut out all the good stuff’ vibe.Interesting that the American version obliquely hints that Herbert’s psychotic episodes and general instability are due to PTSD from the war. There’s also more of a linear feel to this (U.S.) alternate version, whereas the international version takes more liberties with chronology. It’s still absolutely worth watching, but here and there it does feel like the ‘dumbed down’ version for American audiences that weren’t all that familiar with giallo films and needed a conventional structure.Example: there’s a dream sequence, packed with S&M imagery, fairly early on in the film. In the international version, this sequence just kicks off, leaving the viewer wondering where it came from. It then shows Herbert and Marcia in bed, and there’s really an explicit indication that it was Marcia’s dream. However, in the American version, the dream sequence is prefaced with a shot of Marcia in bed, and then followed up with the same shot to more directly assign the dream to her. It’s a fairly minor detail, in two films with minor details. (No cuts for sex and violence, I think.)Jayne Mansfield's ex-hubby, Mickey Hargitay (BLOODY PIT OF HORROR) and Rita Calderoni (NUDE FOR SATAN) star as Herbert and Marcia, and truly - and skillfully carry the film. The gruesome twosome are not flat, static characters; they realistically portray dimension to their motivation and conflict. Herbert shows signs of self-loathing and definite regret for his actions. Marcia shows a sort of blind love for Herbert, but at the same time there is a combination of lust, fear, and even hatred(?) in her expression. The depth of their individual characters, their relationship, and then their involvement with those around them is truly fascinating. Especially given that this unseemly entertainment. (The best kind, of course.)DELIRIUM (released during the "golden age" of the giallo) is a near brilliant film, and is unfairly overlooked by many (who should know better). It may well be among the best (or strangest) giallo of all time, combining the psychosexual mind with the "standard" yet sleazy murder mystery framework. A brilliant score courtesy of Gianfranco Reverberi - prolific to this day. Working in every Italian genre, now he's big time - my favorite credit is his work on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM(!)Good cinematography by Ugo Brunelli, a dependable journeyman DP who worked from the fifties until the late seventies.Also features: Carmen Young (the infamous THE REINCARNATION OF ISABEL)The film (particularly the international version) allows room for interpretation - often a hallmark of any good film. Giallo and Euro-cult fans alike should make sure to seek this one out, and while you’re at it try to find the time to watch both versions.Recommended!

This film is great example of sleaze, art, violence, acid trip, WTF moments and all around 70's cinema at its best. I highly recommend watching the the subtitled version, because of course it is the best version of the film and the English version does has a extended scene or two which I am not going to reveal it does however make the film a bit confusing and will make you say WTF! Both are great in their own little way and tell two completely different story versions of the same film. I on the other hand just prefer the original subbed version because of the unexpected twisted payoff.

A strange curiosity that became a Cult movie for seventies italian gialli fans.Very hard to see in France. A must for Rita Calderoni fans.

I bought it looking for cheap thrills and just got cheap. About as erotic as a feminine hygiene commercial. Horror aspects were horribly boring.

it was an exciting fun slasher fim from the 70`s BUT NOT for CHILDREN !

I just don't see any redeeming quality at all in this mess and i love Bloody Pit of Horror lol.

delivered on time and as expected

good movie,fast service

Seems like some people have had problems with this DVD. My copy, purchased last month, was absolutely fine. So I assume Blue Underground have corrected the initial problem that led to defective copies going on sale. Plus I got it for around £4 (due to the aforementioned quality concerns). So I'm as happy as a sandboy.

I've been wanting to see this film for a while, but the pressing fault mentioned in the above reviews put me off. I wrote to Blue Underground and got this reply:"There was a defect in one of the DELIRIUM pressings, which was recalled and replaced with a corrected version. Some defective copies did manage to make it out there before the recall, so we do offer replacement discs to customers who received the defect. Although the title is out-of-print, there are still limited amounts currently available. If you decide to purchase this title and do receive a defective copy, just write us back and we will give you information on obtaining a replacement.Best regards,Blue Underground, Inc."So, although it seems a bit of a gamble, I ordered a copy as it was only about three pounds at the time. The copy I received played fine. This was the region 0 version with both cuts of the film on one disc.My expectation were perhaps a little high for this film, its reputation as being 'wonderfully sick and demented' raising an eyebrow (or two). So I was a little disappointed when it failed to deliver on the same outrageous level as say, Island of Death. However, it's a well-made and interesting film, with a killer soundtrack from Gianfranco Reverberi and a bonkers performance from Mickey Hargitay. The opening murder sequence in which he perversely leers and fondles a young girl in his car, before chasing her to her death across some rapids, sets the bar high for the movie. Unfortunately, it never again reaches the heights/depths of psychosexual mania promised by this thrilling introduction.As usual with this type of film, there are plenty of highly attractive, half-naked females walking around; Rita Calderoni looking particularly alluring, especially when revealing her beautifully proportioned mammary glands (as she does to similar effect in Polselli's enjoyably deranged Black Magic Rites and the Secret Orgies of the 14th Century). The lighting and cinematography are attractive, the period fashions and furnishings a tonic. Interestingly, the 'uncut' international version of the film I viewed misses a pleasingly sadistic strangulation contained with the alternate American version. As usual, it seems the American censors are happy to trim tame scenes of sex and nudity while allowing violent scenes of murder and mayhem.All in all, I would recommend fans of exploitation cinema to get hold of this film - it's an essential for any collection. Sleazy and twisted, perhaps not as much as its reputation suggests, but then my palate is a trifle jaded.

Great film but do not be sucked in by the lower price of this Region 0 edition and take a chance on it. It won't work and you'll be sorry.I was and have ended up going through Amazon's claims system as the seller doesn't want to know.Don't be tempted, pay more and then revel in the OTT hysterical charms of one of the sleaziest and most ridiculously entertaining entries in the Euro sleaze / Giallo canon.

Picture quality not great but interesting giallo

Pew pewww