Overview: A string of appalling lust murders shocks the University of Perugia as a sadistic serial killer strangles to death beautiful college girls with a red and black scarf.

Blu-ray Verdict: Directed by Sergio Martino ('Mountain of the Cannibal God') and starring Suzy Kendall ('The Bird with the Crystal Plummage') and Tina Aumont ('Salon Kitty'), this Euro Horror chiller was originally released in America with much of its controversial violence removed by censors. Now freshly transferred in thrilling High Definition from the original negative, 'Torso' is presented in both its Uncensored English Version and Full-Length Italian Director's Cut for the first time ever!

The story revolves around a group of young college women who are terrorized by an unknown black-gloved killer. The girls themselves are, of course, gorgeous. Most of them seem to spend quite a lot of time lying around semi-naked as well. So from an erotic point of view this is a film that doesn't exactly mess about. In terms of its violence it's probably not as nasty as its reputation suggests although there is the famous hack-saw sequence that is admittedly quite grim albeit not especially graphic.

There are several individual stalk and slash scenes, the best of which is a sequence in the woods. This part is very atmospheric, helped also by the effective music. Its scenes like this one and the saw idea that make this one feel like a precursor to the slasher films that would follow a few years later.

But the best thing about 'Torso' (for me, as a viewer, at least) is its final third. In this part lead actress Suzy Kendall is trapped in a villa with the killer at work in the same house but unaware of her presence.

This extended, deadly game of cat and mouse is really expertly handled by Martino and is one of the most suspenseful sequences in the giallo genre. It is ultimately what defines this film.

Ergo, 'Torso' is yet another excellent giallo from Sergio Martino. It comes highly recommended to fans of the genre. Just be aware that it's less concerned with plot mechanics and much more on suspense and vicarious thrills.

Because, and not to give anything away here, but the final third is so claustrophobic and intense it means that the wider mystery is almost forgotten about. But if this doesn't trouble you too much and you are happy with thrills that don't trouble your brain, then this is a quality cinematic ride, my friends! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Murders in Perugia - Interview with Co-Writer/Director Sergio Martino
U.S. Opening Credits
U.S. Trailer
International Trailer
TV Spots
Radio Spot
Poster & Still Gallery
Eli Roth Intro