Delirium Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Delirium" presents a visually engaging experience through its AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a fresh 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The restoration has effectively minimized wear and tear, significantly reducing embedded dirt specks and scratches, enhancing the film's overall pristine quality. This newly-scanned and restored version showcases the meticulous detail that can be achieved even within a low-budget film's aesthetic. Textures such as skin details and period-appropriate costuming are remarkably vivid, supporting the narrative with a tangible sense of era-specific authenticity.

The color palette of "Delirium" is particularly striking, balancing deep primaries with occasionally darker tones. The restoration ensures that colors on clothing and interior design choices are compelling and rich. Natural features, such as greenery, are distinct, and skin tones are accurately captured, maintaining a warm, tanned, and dewy appearance throughout. Brunelli's cinematographic work is highlighted through well-preserved interior scenes and effectively dimensional property tours. Even in transitions from brightly-lit interiors to night scenes, the image retains sharpness and clarity.

Overall, the Blu-ray edition of "Delirium" benefits substantially from its 4K restoration, creating a viewing experience akin to watching a brand new print. The film's visual essence is invigorated, making it a compelling addition for enthusiasts keen on both cinematic and technical excellence.

The audio presentation of "Delirium" on Blu-ray offers a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. This setup provides a fundamental representation of dubbed performances, with intelligibility that is generally acceptable, though some minor age-related issues are present. The mix captures the nuances of the original Italian audio track, supporting the dialogue with clarity, albeit without the richness sometimes found in more immersive mixes. Instrumentation within the scoring is commendable, bringing Gianfranco Reverberi’s intense compositions to life and adding texture to the narrative.

The inclusion of Italian 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio enriches the film's authentic atmospherics, allowing viewers a genuine experience of "Delirium’s" sound design. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, facilitating accessibility. The audio effect notably succeeds during the film's harrowing nightmare sequences. It encompasses the auditory depth of chains, moaning, and turbulent music that enhance the film's tension.

Moreover, the sound effects are executed with emphasis where needed. A prime example is during Dr. Lyutak’s stalking scene, where the silence deliberately amplifies suspense. The dynamics during these quiet moments contrast sharply with the subtler sounds, such as water in a stream, effectively highlighting the terror permeating through the scene. While the sound effects are somewhat blunt in nature, they contribute appreciably to the overall atmosphere, ensuring "Delirium" is both an engaging and unsettling sonic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Delirium" offer a comprehensive exploration of director Renato Polselli's intriguing career and filmmaking approach. The content is rich with technical insights and personal anecdotes, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the film's production and creative context. Audio Commentary with historians Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth provides an analytical perspective, portraying Polselli as a unique filmmaker with a highly stylized direction, often misunderstood yet reliably cost-effective. Fear and Delirium in Cinecitta highlights an engaging interview with actor Mickey Hargitay, reflecting on his career in the Italian film industry and particularly his role in "Delirium." Interviews like The Polselli Clan, featuring Vanessa Polselli, offer intimate glimpses into Polselli's life and style, while Gothic Polselli and The Polselli Factor provide critical appreciations from peers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth.
• Fear and Delirium in Cinecitta: Interview with actor Mickey Hargitay.
• The Polselli Clan: Interview with Vanessa Polselli on her father's career.
• Gothic Polselli: Screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi on working with Polselli.
• The Polselli Factor: Director Luca Rea's appreciation of Renato Polselli.
• The Theorem of Delirium: 2002 making-of documentary featuring interviews.

Renato Polselli's "Delirium" ventures into the chaotic realm of 1970s giallo, a genre renowned for its intricate blend of murder mystery, slasher elements, and psychological horror. The 1972 film employs madness as its central theme, interweaving a confluence of violence, sex, and surrealism. The narrative revolves around Dr. Herbert, played by Mickey Hargitay, a criminal psychologist entangled in a series of brutal killings he orchestrates himself due to an inability to reign in his derangement. Polselli’s direction embraces a non-linear, dreamlike style, somewhat sacrificing narrative clarity in favor of an evocative, hallucinatory aesthetic characterized by its intense S&M tones and melodramatic flair.

"Delirium" explores Herbert's dual life and his tumultuous relationship with Marzia (Rita Calderon), his wife, who exacerbates his psychological decline. Polselli deftly crafts this disturbing dynamic, punctuating the film with sexually charged violence and extreme emotional states. The movie juxtaposes Herbert's façade of professionalism with his frenzied alter ego, offering unsettling glimpses into his fractured psyche. Supporting characters, such as Lacey the valet, contribute to the film's mystique, unwittingly becoming embroiled in Herbert's web of insanity—a well-crafted subplot that further entangles the viewer in Polselli's elaborate narrative.

Available in both an Italian Cut and an Alternate American Version, each presentation offers variations in story structure, most notably through a Vietnam War prologue in the latter that attempts to rationalize Herbert's behavior. Despite its scattered approach to storytelling, "Delirium" presents a compelling portrait of unraveling sanity set within a uniquely styled cinematic framework. Although not completely fulfilling its initial promise, the film remains a distinctive piece within the giallo tradition, rich with characteristic unpredictability and visceral intrigue.

"Delirium," directed by Renato Polselli, is an ambitious exploration of the chaotic depths of a disturbed mind, employing a blend of psychological horror and grindhouse aesthetics. The film's early segments are notable for their intriguing visual style and moments of impactful timing, supported by standout performances from actors like Hargitay and Calderon. These elements succeed in creating sporadic bursts of tension and intrigue, capturing viewers with their raw portrayal of intense emotions. However, despite these strengths, the narrative quickly devolves into a convoluted spectacle. As the film progresses, Polselli's control slips, leaving the audience adrift in a disorienting mess of cryptic character motivations and unfocused plotting.

While Calderoni anchors his role with a chilling presence, much of the supporting cast delivers lackluster performances that undermine Polselli’s ambitious vision. The film struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative, often leaning too heavily into its voyeuristic portrayal of dark themes such as sadomasochism. This approach limits its appeal, making it a challenging watch that demands patience to discern its narrative intentions. Despite this, "Delirium" does resonate with aficionados of the Italian giallo genre and devotees of slasher thrillers, as it faithfully incorporates the genre's core elements amidst its chaotic presentation.

In conclusion, "Delirium" is a polarizing cinematic experience that dances between striking creativity and unsettling chaos. Its initial promise fades into disarray, detracting from its potential as a gripping psychological thriller. While it possesses moments of stylistic brilliance, the convoluted plot and uneven performances diminish its overall impact. Fans of genre-specific horror may appreciate its thematic exploration, but casual viewers might find the film’s narrative complexity and intensity less rewarding.