Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Orgasmo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov August 28, 2024

Umberto Lenzi's "Orgasmo" a.k.a. "Paranoia" (1969) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of 88 Flms. The supplemental features on the release include archival program with Umberto Lenzi; new program with editor Eugenio Alabiso; audio commentary by critics Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani; audio commentary by critics Kim Newman and Stephen Thrower; and more. In English or Italian, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".

Note: The text below was first used in our review of the North American release of Orgasmo, produced by Severin in 2020..

When this film was conceived by Umberto Lenzi its original title was Paranoia. In the United States, where it did very well, initially it was also distributed as Paranoia. However, back home in Italy the film was given the alternate title Orgasmo, which the Italian distributors thought was much more attractive and in synch with then-current trends. (In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s erotic films -- which covered everything from mainstream erotic thrillers, including the gialli, to spicier adult films -- did a lot of good business for European distributors, and Italian distributors in particular). After the film met local expectations, Lenzi was offered to shoot another film with the original title Paranoia, again with Caroll Baker, which is the reason why there is always a great deal of confusion when this film and this film are discussed. Here's the correct order of appearance for the two films: the first film, Orgazmo a.k.a. Paranoia, was released in 1969, while the second film, Paranoia a.k.a. A Quiet Place to Kill, was released in 1970.

After the unexpected death of her extremely wealthy husband, Kathryn West (Baker) relocates to a lavish mansion in Italy and under the guidance of her lawyer, Brian Sanders (Tino Carraro), begins liquidating different family businesses worth millions of dollars. She also spends plenty of time drinking because the alcohol helps her better manage her depression. Then one day the young and handsome stranger Peter Donovan (Lou Castel) arrives in the area, casually engages Kathryn, and she invites him to stay with her in the mansion. Kathryn enjoys Peter’s company so much that soon after allows him to kiss her, without trying to avoid the servants. Feeling reinvigorated by his kindness and attention, Kathryn even begins contemplating a serious relationship that could permanently keep Peter around her. But the unexpected arrival of Peter’s sister, Eva (Colette Descombes), instantly complicates Kathryn’s relationship with her younger lover and in a matter of days she becomes jealous of her. However, Peter’s attitude also changes, and as he begins to dominate their relationship, Kathryn’s depression returns with a vengeance. The two siblings then slowly take control of Kathryn’s life and very carefully begin preparing her self-destruction.

In an archival video interview that is included on this release, Lenzi correctly points out that the current title, Orgasmo, is essentially a marketing gimmick because it prepares the audience for an erotic thriller which he did not direct. What he did direct is a conventional psychological thriller with a rather brilliantly timed twist that ultimately makes it effective as a giallo as well.

The script demands a lot from Baker, especially in the second half where she undergoes a sizeable transformation, and she answers the call in an admirable fashion. Baker appears legitimately tense, vulnerable, and eventually brittle, and makes her responses to the dilemmas her character faces after the siblings unite against her look entirely logical. However, the same cannot be said about the progression of the drama, simply because many of the situations that allow it to flourish are entirely preventable. In other words, the logic that Lenzi uses to make the film attractive is actually seriously dated and by default compromised. (For reference, A Quiet Place to Kill, which ends with another great twist, does not have the same problem).

But the film’s visual style more than makes up for its shaky logic. Indeed, it very effectively channels some of that classic European glamour, but at the same time does not miss an opportunity to appear unapologetically decadent. Given the social standards of the era in which it emerged and the fact that Baker was considered a Hollywood star, it really was as chic and provocative as it could have been without causing any trouble.

An appropriately stylish soundtrack from maestro Piero Umiliani mixes exotic South American harmonies with light jazzy and then-contemporary pop tunes.

Early theatrical prints apparently had Bertrand Tavernier listed as an assistant director because the film was an Italian-French co-production, but Lenzi admits that the two never met.

*Two versions of the film are included on this release: the Director's Cut, which is approximately 97 minutes long, and the U.S. X-rated Cut, which is approximately 91 minutes long.

Orgasmo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Orgasmo arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of 88 Films.

I have only one other release of Orgasmo. It is this release from Severin, which was included in the label's The Complete Lenzi/Baker Giallo Collection box set.

The 88 Films also presents two versions of Orgasmo: the Director's Cut, which is approximately 97 minutes long, and the U.S. X-rated Cut, which is approximately 91 minutes long. However, I think that both versions offer the same viewing experience.

It appears that this release and the Severin release were sourced from the same master. While a bit rough, this master is good. It creates the impression that it was struck from a second or third generation element because it produces slightly softer than normal visuals with small but noticeable density fluctuations. However, even though these visuals can be healthier and more attractive, they still have a fine organic appearance. Color balance is good, too. Obviously, saturation levels can be improved and some supporting nuances expanded, but balance and the overall color temperature of the visuals is convincing. Image stability is very good. A few white specks and blemishes remain, but there are no large and distracting cuts, damage marks, torn or warped frames to report. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Orgasmo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks: English LPCM 2.0 and Italian LPCM 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

I recommend viewing the film with the English track because it has Caroll Baker's voice plus good overdubbing. The music sounds quite nice, too. However, you will notice a few spots where the high-frequencies become a bit shaky. (This is something that was easy to spot on the U.S. release, too). There are no distortions, pops, or audio dropouts to report.

Orgasmo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• U.S. X-Rated Version - this shorter version of the film is approximately 91 minutes long. Presented in 1080p, with a lossless English track.

• Editing for Umberto - in this new program, Eugenio Alabiso, uncredited editor of Orgasmo, explains how he entered the Italian film industry and had his lucky break during the shooting of For a Few Dollars More and discusses his "pivotal relationship" with Umberto Lenzi. Also, there are some very interesting comments about the editing of Nightmare Beach. The program was produced by Eugenio Ercolani. In Italian, with English subtitles. (23 min).

• The Cinephile Director - in this archival program, Umberto Lenzi discusses the early stages of his career, why he chose to direct genre films and how they launched the careers of famous actors and actresses (like Lisa Gastoni), and the evolving nature of the Italian film business. The program was produced by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) in 2015. In Italian, with English subtitles. (36 min).

• Baker's Dozen - this new visual essay was created by critic Mike Foster. In English, not subtitled. (13 min).

• Audio Commentary One - this audio commentary was recorded by critics Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani.

• Audio Commentary Two - this audio commentary was recorded by critics Kim Newman and Stephen Thrower.

• Trailer One - presented here is a reconstructed trailer for Paranoia. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Trailer Two - presented here is a U.S. X-rated trailer for Paranoia. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Cover - reversible cover with vintage Italian poster art for Paranoia.

• Booklet - 16-page illustrated booklet featuring two essays and technical credits.

Orgasmo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Umberto Lenzi's Orgasmo and Paranoia are very easy to mix up because both have been promoted as Paranoia. They are very nice and stylish thrillers, but I like Orgasmo a bit more because it is as twisty as The Sweet Body of Deborah, an old favorite of mine featuring another great character transformation by a stunningly beautiful Carroll Baker. 88 Films' release of Orgasmo is sourced from the same master that Severin used to prepare the U.S. release of the film, but has a different selection of bonus features. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.