Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 2, 2025

It’s not every day that one encounters an adult film about an encyclopedia salesman who secures orders and promotions through bedroom skills. 1978’s “Hot Lunch” is most definitely a weird picture from writer George Price and director John Hayes, who try to find something of a story to tell in the feature, though they come up a bit short when it comes to narrative cohesion. “Hot Lunch” remains entertaining in moments, not overall, as trying to follow the bizarre turns of plot and character might leave viewers a little dizzy. More secure are select ideas on seduction, which add some comedy and craziness to the endeavor.

Andrew (Jon Martin) is a young man who needs a job in the big city, looking to support his wife. While Andrew observes the collection of oddballs at the Hot Lunch Diner, his wife cheats on him with disco studs, triggering a plan for divorce. Trying to start anew as a Good Earth Encyclopedia salesman, Andrew doesn’t have what it takes to talk his way into sales, but he carries a vulnerability that wins over female customers, who happily engage sexually with the stranger. Sales manager Gloria (Brigit Olsen) is ready to exploit Andrew’s gifts with women, sending him out to secure big contracts, also putting him in touch with lawyer Luana (Christine De Shaffer), who senses something different about the rising book slinger.

“Hot Lunch” opens with a Richard Lester-esque sequence involving activity in front of the diner, where a couple making out in a car leads to an assortment of voyeurs and sexual predators gathering to enjoy the show. Perhaps it’s the food that riles everyone up, but Andrew is welcomed into a disgusting dive of a place that needs a dishwasher. Toni (Juliet Anderson) is a hostile waitress picking fights with everyone, including Unis (Sharon Kane), a streetwalker stopping in for a bite, only to end up in a compromising position with the employee on the dirty floor of the kitchen (ew). “Hot Lunch” weirdly doesn’t spend much time at the diner, electing to follow Andrew into his new life as an encyclopedia salesman, which is a job he isn’t qualified for. He even botches his presentation in front of liquor distributor Hathaway (Mandy Ashley), who, unexpectedly, is completely charmed by such incompetence, inviting him to join her on a wine barrel as they experience pleasure together in the romantic confines of a filthy warehouse.

Andrew’s arc of appeal is a head-scratcher for sure, and the writing doesn’t really emphasize his studly skills, equating the mere act of sexual engagement as a type of special male magic. Gloria is the next to be completely taken with the man, even hunting him down in the woods to plead for some type of partnership, hoping to replicate whatever influence he had over Hathaway. The pair experience nature in nature, and Andrew is newly fitted for fresh professional responsibilities, which immediately takes him to the stock and shipping department at the encyclopedia warehouse. Enter Salome (Desiree Cousteau) and Tish (Anita Grimes), employees who can’t stand the work, happy to have a little help as the executive(?) elects to aid in the movement of heavy books. Soon enough, another coupling commences, with a third tempted into action. “Hot Lunch” remains committed to Andrew’s genital influence, and it also suddenly seems interested in a story, moving from episodic adventures of the flesh to something of a human connection to Luana, an attorney who makes it clear she’s not interested in sleeping with the dimwit.

Turns out, Luana isn’t exactly repelled by the knucklehead, and “Hot Lunch” attempts to build a connection between the pair over a disastrous oyster dinner. Some business scheming remains in play, as Gloria intends to weaponize Andrew, sending him to take command of another lucrative encyclopedia buyer enjoying a pleasant afternoon in her impressively carpeted lakeside home with two other men.

Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 2K" from its 35mm original camera negative. "Hot Lunch" shows a little wear and tear during the viewing experience, working through some scratches and mild discoloration. Detail is decent, exploring skin particulars and fine hairs. Costuming retains some period fibrousness, and decorative additions are textured, extending to the glory of fully carpeted homes. Exteriors are rare but maintain depth, and interiors offer decent dimension with sets and living spaces. Colors are alert, securing lively primaries, including heavy reds. Cooler evening activity is appreciable, and greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like.

Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers decent dialogue exchanges, maintaining clear performance choices and abilities with some sibilance issues. Music supports with acceptable emphasis and instrumentation.

Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Alternate Soft Scenes" (3:04, HD) are offered.

• And Theatrical Trailer "Hard" (3:38, HD) and Theatrical Trailer "Cool" (3:38, HD) are included.

Hot Lunch Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Hot Lunch" offers a little slapstick and moments of insanity, but it's not a madcap creation. The production walks slowly with its ideas, almost uncertain what to do with Andrew and his inexplicable allure, taking a hard turn in the final act to some type of love story with Luana. Of course, this is an adult film, and demanding a level of dramatic integrity is a futile pursuit, but it also feels like Hayes and Price are making up the movie as they go, praying for narrative clarity in the editing room. "Hot Lunch" doesn't make sense, but it's not an unpleasant sit (despite grungy locations and sets), staying lively with unexpected sexual events and a few spirited performances. Comedic attempts are appreciated, if not terribly effective, and there's the enduring strangeness of the whole adventure as the filmmakers try to transform the encyclopedia business into an odyssey of carnal pursuits graciously welcomed by the business elite.