Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Satan Was a Lady Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 21, 2022

Director Doris Wishman is perhaps best known for her softcore entertainment, making deep-dive cult endeavors such as “Double Agent 73” and “Deadly Weapons.” For 1975’s “Satan Was a Lady,” the helmer tries to make her way through a tale of secrets and lies, often presented to viewers in the most random manner possible. Whatever Wishman wanted from the picture is unclear, going through various scenes and file footage before landing on an exposition-dump finale that’s meant to turn nothingness into the mystery event of the film year.

Claudia (Bree Anthony) has a lover in Victor (Tony Richards), preparing to tell her dominating mother about her plans to marry the man. However, Victor is a womanizer, also sleeping with Claudia’s sister, Terri (Annie Sprinkle), who struggles with her feelings, finding release with Bobby (Bobby Astyr), who introduces the young woman to the ways of bondage.

It’s tough to find a narrative in “Satan Was a Lady,” with Claudia’s marital excitement about as close to a story as it gets for 98% of the picture. Wishman doesn’t generate a sense of character or tension, simply sending actors in and out of frame while sexual encounters periodically break out, most notably with Bobby and his tiny apartment of taboo pleasure. The production manages to get out of living spaces, following Claudia into Central Park to hear her thoughts, but nothing really happens in “Satan Was a Lady,” creating a dull viewing experience not even Wishman’s filmmaking ineptitude can save.

Satan Was a Lady Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the original 35mm negatives and "vault elements." "Satan Was a Lady" is certainly the rougher looking of the two features on this release, with wear and tear a common sight, along with points of damage, including jumpy frames and scratches. The aforementioned "vault elements" do register with redness as well, but this isn't sustained throughout the viewing experience, with hues otherwise presented naturally, including skin tones. Detail comes through with skin particulars, showcasing sweaty, hairy bodies, and interiors retain a look at decorative additions. Exteriors also offer modest dimension. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is film-like.

Satan Was a Lady Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track presents clear dialogue exchanges, with technical limitations easy to spot. Age is also apparent, but not intrusive. Scoring supports with reasonable clarity and volume, showcasing orchestral and jazzy additions.

Satan Was a Lady Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this release.

Satan Was a Lady Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Suddenly, and I mean suddenly, "Satan Was a Lady" turns into an Agatha Christie mystery in the final minutes, with Wishman subjecting viewers to a massive amount of information concerning evil plans from the characters, dubbing in as much exposition as possible, even when mouths are clearly closed. It's pure insanity and absolutely hilarious to watch, but it doesn't save an otherwise dull offering of erotica.