Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

9 Lives of a Wet Pussy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 5, 2019

Abel Ferrara is a moviemaker who’s known for his tireless quest to make features. He has a packed filmography, a real mixed bag of quality, and many assign 1979’s “The Driller Killer” as his helming debut, but in 1976, Ferrara actually delivered “9 Lives of a Wet Pussy,” an adult cinema offering where he was credited as “Jimmy Boy L.” In keeping with his career randomness, “9 Lives” is an odd endeavor, attempting to deliver American titillation with a European edge, following the director as he manages a sensorial dive into the depths of ecstasy, striving to deliver something a bit more immersive than a simple skin flick.

Storytelling in “9 Lives” isn’t a priority to Ferrara, with the central concept pushing a “Penthouse Letters” vibe as the Gypsy (Dominique Santos) reads letters from Pauline (Pauline LaMonde), a sexual woman who takes on many lovers as she goes about her daily business. The movie unfolds in chapters, tracking Pauline’s progress as she experiences multiple partners, even delving into her family history, where her great-grandfather elected to sleep with his daughters after freshly immigrating from Poland. Obviously, there’s no period detail here. Heck, there isn’t much more than a series of close-ups, with the director staying tight on body parts, working with movement and sound to bring heat to the couplings. However, this being the 1970s, such intimacy is broken with the inclusion of a sexual assault sequence, adding some unwanted aggression to an otherwise dreamlike descent into personal longing and satisfaction.

9 Lives of a Wet Pussy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as "Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original negative," "9 Lives" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. There's some wear and tear on display, with scratches and speckling, cigarette burns, and blemishes encountered during the viewing experience, and judder is common throughout. Detail is terrific when focus issues aren't acting up, capturing sharp skin particulars and budgetary limitations, while clothing retains texture. Interior decoration is easily surveyed as well. Colors are appealingly refreshed, with bold primaries emerging from store signage and period costuming. Delineation is secure. Grain is film-like.

9 Lives of a Wet Pussy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a reasonably clear listening event for "9 Lives," though age is present on the track, along with examples of technical limitations. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, preserving original performances. Music isn't crisp, but remains passably defined, setting intended moods. Sounds of sexual response are loud, providing the immersive atmosphere of the feature.

9 Lives of a Wet Pussy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:05, HD) is included.

9 Lives of a Wet Pussy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ferrara's never had a directorial stamp, and there's nothing here to define "9 Lives" as something that could only come from him. Still, there's the novelty of an art-house helmer getting his start in pornography, working to avoid the grind-happy norm by presenting an X-rated effort with an elevated understanding of fantasy.