Robert Dominici is a pianist who suffers from a genetic condition that causes him to physically age at a rapid pace and also to go mad.

[2] According to Clerici, the two were offended by how their script was changed and continued to edit it before giving it to director Ruggero Deodato.

[3] Parts of the story that were used in The New York Ripper remain in the film, such as the killer who disguises their voice and taunts the police.

[4] Deodato has stated that "I did Phantom of Death because it was based on a true element – the idea of growing old [...] And I got to work with Michael York and Donald Pleasence.

[1] The review noted that York had "solid thesping which engenders some pathos for the central figure" and added that Pino Donaggio's score was "lush".