The Phantom of Death Has Risen! When a mysterious disease befalls young, virtuosic pianist Robert Dominici (Michael York — Austin Powers), he begins a violent, murderous rampage taunting authorities with his whereabouts. As Robert’s brain and body rapidly decay, Inspector Datti (Donald Pleasence — Halloween, American Rickshaw) must race to find him before he kills again! Directed by Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust), co-starring Edwige Fenech (The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh) and Giovanni Lombardo Radice (City of the Living Dead), with Special Effects by Dino Galiano (Four Flies on Grey Velvet) and written by Gianfranco Clerici (The House of Clocks), Off Balance (also known as Phantom of Death / Un Delitto Poco Comune) is an ’80s Giallo-infused, carnal ride of violence and body-horror seen through the mind of a genius driven mad by a cruel and unstoppable disease. Cauldron Films presents Off Balance on Blu-ray, uncut and restored in 2K from the camera negative. Featuring one of the final interviews with controversial director Ruggero Deodato and commentary by Italian cult film experts Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani, this release is a must have for Italian Horror maniacs!

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Video Quality

Off Balance arrives on Blu-Ray thanks to Cauldron Films with a very good 1080p master sourced from a 2K restoration of the original negative. There are minor source limitations, but Cauldron Films has delivered a quality presentation. The cinematography of Giorgio Di Battista retains the natural grain which resolves well despite some thicker bouts in places. Some moments spike even further when submerged in darkness, but these instances are not a consistent sight. Contrast is carefully defined, and there is not much in the way of print damage to be found thanks to a thoughtful remaster.

Fine detail is out in force as you soak in the texture within the makeup effects, clothing, and production design. Close-up shots hold up the best with quality only dipping in the brief optical shots. Black levels are firm with no serious black crush or compression artifacts. Highlights are handled without any signs of blooming. Some very minor color temperature fluctuations give certain darker scenes a more milky appearance, but, for the most part, this is not an issue. Cauldron Films has done an admirable job with this transfer.

Audio Quality

Off Balance comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track in English and Italian with optional English subtitles provided. This is an Italian production, but most of the main performers are speaking English, so it is up to the viewer to decide which track feels more authentic to them. Both tracks are in pretty good shape with no unpleasant developments. Ambient details are clear from the blaring of sirens to the chatter of party guests. Everything in the mix seems balanced and accurately rendered so that nothing ever feels manufactured.

Dialogue comes through clearly without being overshadowed by the sound effects or score. When the brutal violence erupts, the material remains clear and distinct. The music establishes the mood of the proceedings as it is represented capably in the mix. The track maintains fine fidelity with only the occasional instance of sound presenting as a bit thin or boxy. This presentation is largely free of any hiss or other age-related wear-and-tear. Cauldron Films has put forth some good work.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Italian cult film experts Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth provide a very enlightening commentary track in which they discuss where this fits in the history of Giallo, the heavy hand of the producers on the production, the work of director Ruggero Deodato, the background of the performers and much more.

An Uncommon Director – Interview with Ruggero Deodato: A 33-minute interview with the filmmaker in which he discusses his career in the ‘70s and ‘80s, producers who were afraid to take a chance on him, the lack of passion he put into Off Balance, his thoughts about Edwige Fenech, memories of the performers, and more. He can be very blunt at times which makes this an especially entertaining viewing experience.

Trailers: There is a trailer in English (3:21) and Italian (3:21) provided here.

Final Thoughts

Off Balance is a pretty entertaining rift on the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story that runs things through a Giallo lens filled with brutal gore and decent thrills. The mystery here is not so much who is doing the killing, but whether or not they can be stopped. The performers do a nice job in the confinement of their roles. The film is very unsettling and plays out its creepy moments to a strong effect. Cauldron Films has a Blu-Ray with a lovely A/V presentation and a few respectable special features. If you are a fan of Giallo films, this is another good addition to your collection. Recommended

Off Balance is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Cauldron Films has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.