The choppy editing made this jarring to watch at times. Within a split-second of a character finishing their line of dialogue we cut to another scene. There is also a waste of a rather distinguished actor - Donald Pleasance, while a legend, seemed to old for this role. The plot left me unimpressed as well - by the end of the movie the rapidly-aging killer was so decrepit, his ability to physically harm anyone seemed implausible. At least we get Edwige Fenech, who was still ravishing by this point. You also get to see some sort-of ninjas, which later leads to an always welcome decapitation. I'd skip this one, and watch some giallo from the golden-age, like 'Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key' or 'The Case of the Bloody Iris'.

This horror/giallo was directed by Ruggero Deodato, who was more famous for extremely controversial films such as the very unpleasant The House on the Edge of the Park. With The Phantom of Death he reigned in his excesses and produced a far more restrained affair. Its story does have an original angle. A famous pianist discovers he has a rare disease which ages him extremely rapidly. This sets off a homicidal impulse in him and he thereafter goes about murdering women. He becomes hard for the police to track down seeing as the evidence suggests a much older man is responsible for the killings.The cast in this one is very good on paper. Michael York is the pianist, giallo legend Edwige Fenech is his wife and Donald Pleasance is the cop pursuing the killer. York and Fenech put in a bit of effort with their characters but Pleasance seems to be going through the motions a bit. The lethargy is reflected in the film overall as it is a little dull for the most part and generally lacks suspense. There is a series of murders to enliven things a little but even they don't make too much of an impact. It's a shame in some respects that it is such a pedestrian effort because the central concept is at least an attempt at something a bit different. It's definitely a watchable enough film, however, just a little disappointing considering the potential.

This is fine, its just that it could so easily have been a lot better. The trouble is that the intriguing central theme that makes life so difficult for Donald Pleasence as the police chief, also makes for plot difficulties. Michael York plays a youngish concert pianist who has an ageing illness and an added problem is that in reality the star has already lost some of his boyish charm. He nevertheless deals well with his role and indeed seems more effective as the film proceeds. Unfortunately though the film itself starts fast and well it slows almost to a halt and when we know exactly who did what the only interest is the progress of a badly ageing (really!) Pleasence. Edwige Fenech is as lovely as ever and we fans of hers can only regret she keeps her clothes on, but not everyone does and what with som gore, this giallo like thriller certainly has its moments.

"Phantom of Death" is one of the lesser known Ruggero Deodato's horror/giallo entries.Michael York plays a famous pianist Robert Dominici.He has a rare disease that contributes to turning him into psychopathic killer.Donald Pleasence plays the cop who tries to track him down.The film itself is rather dull,but it offers some really bloody murder scenes.I liked especially the scene where the woman is stabbed repeatedly until she smashes through a window.The acting is okay,but there is not enough suspense for my liking.Check it out,if you are a fan of Italian horror.6 out of 10.