Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Satan's Slave Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 4, 2019

For his first horror outing, director Norman J. Warren doesn’t quite lunge for a fear factor with 1976’s “Satan’s Slave.” Instead of winding up suspense and unleashing terror, he’s made an incredibly talky endeavor that’s big on fine performances but low on chills. There’s no visceral rush to be found in the endeavor, which strives for more of a psychological freak-out, only turning to random blasts of ultraviolence when Warren realizes that characters conversing for so long doesn’t exactly encourage a macabre joyride.

Strong work from Candace Glendenning, Martin Potter, and especially Michael Gough manages to carry “Satan’s Slave” for part of the run time, giving the dry atmosphere some genuine feeling as Warren puts most of his focus on dramatics. Ghoulish events are supplied by the screenplay (credited to David McGillivray), but not valued by the production, which visits unreality and satanic concerns, but doesn’t remain there for very long.

Satan's Slave Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation sustains the moody cinematography of "Satan's Slave," which favors some very dark stretches at times. Delineation is challenged during these moments, but not lost, though a few low-lit encounters are a tad difficult to make out. Colors retain their potency, delivering strong primaries and big greenery, and eye color makes an impression here. Detail is satisfactory, with a pleasant read of period wear, offering a fibrous look at cloaks and formal outfits. Outdoor shots retain dimension. Grain is thick and film-like. Source is in good shape, with a few speckle storms.

Satan's Slave Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix carries with a slightly aged presence, with some hiss detected during the listening event. Dialogue exchanges come through to the best of their ability, detailing performance choices and emotional intensity. Scoring isn't sharp, but it remains appreciable, with strange instrumentation open for analysis. Atmospherics are acceptable, retaining interior echo and exterior expanse.

Satan's Slave Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director Norman J. Warren and composer John Scott.

• Commentary #2 features film historians Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger.

• "Creating Satan" (29:51, SD) is the making-of for "Satan's Slave," with producer Les Young, writer David McGillivray, actor Martin Potter, associate producer Moira Young, production designer Hayden Pearce, and director Norman J. Warren, who was making his first entry into horror with the feature. Struggling to find the financing for the picture, pieces slowly fell into place, with the production striving to remain independent to protect it from outside interests. Casting is recalled, with lead Michael Gough talked into duty, and characters are analyzed. Locations are shared, with Warren touring the central property, recalling moviemaking challenges. Deleted scenes are discussed, production art is studied, makeup achievements are shared, and an honest assessment of reshoots are presented.

• "All You Need is Blood" (13:14, SD) is a BTS featurette created in 1975, offering a fly-on-the-wall look at the creation of "Satan's Slave," sharing on-set interviews with cast and crew. While most of the information is repeated from the previous documentary, this offering is notable for its extensive footage of the production in motion.

• "Devilish Music" (12:34, SD) is a chat with John Scott (who's seated at his piano). The composer discusses his initial meetings with Warren, adding music to his early projects, and his collaborative process with the helmer, which begins at the script stage. There's talk of his creative objectives and work to find genre moods, and the struggle to make something interesting with only seven musicians. Scott also breaks down parts of the score, examining his intent to generate atmosphere with minimal moves.

• "Tea Party" (2:58, SD) and "Dream Sequence" (2:08, SD) are silent deleted scenes, presented with commentary by Warren.

• "Fragment" (10:04, SD) is a 1965 short film from Norman J. Warren.

• And a Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:03, HD) Theatrical Trailer #2 (3:22, HD) are included.

Satan's Slave Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Satan's Slave" is far more sedate than the title suggests, and while occult events occur, they fail to power the endeavor to genre highlights. Some violence remains, but Warren is working to creep up on his audience, building to a twisty third act. Such ambition is welcome, but the journey there feels endless at times.