Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 28, 2024

The 1973 release of “The Exorcist” took the moviegoing world by surprise. It was a horror film that shook viewers in a way previously unseen, offering a study of religion, terror, and the corruption of youth, and it became a visceral viewing experience for many. The picture was a major hit, and, as always, when there’s success, imitators aren’t far behind. Perhaps most notable was “Abby,” a quickie 1974 endeavor that actually managed to irritate Warner Brothers, who sued to get the obvious rip-off out of theaters. Sneaking into the party is 1975’s “Sex Demon,” with writer/director J.C. Crickett using the basic idea of “The Exorcist” to inspire a no-budget replication for adult audiences. He does away with mood and character, cranking up the aggression in this peculiar effort, which aims to take the work of the devil somewhat seriously in the middle of obvious goofiness.

John is celebrating his third anniversary with his partner, Jim, but he’s unprepared for the event. While Jim has a present ready to go right when they wake up, John is empty handed, inspired to head out into the city to find the perfect gift. Visiting a small shop, John purchases a strange medallion, and one that has a hidden note of warning he doesn’t notice before returning to his apartment. When Jim puts the medallion on, he begins to change, growing colder and meaner, with this hostility developing into some sort of demonic possession that requires help from friends and religious authorities.

“Sex Demon” doesn’t have the budget to truly explore the dangers of the medallion disaster. Crickett is cranking out a cheapie here, and one created for a specific audience who may not be in the mood to deal with the details of John and Jim’s relationship. The men have made it to a milestone in their lives, and John is eager to show his love after they enjoy some morning fun together (Jim’s gift to his boyfriend? A tube of K-Y Jelly). John’s idea is to purchase “something special,” with the medallion a cursed object, but he’s unaware of the dangers, innocently offering the present for Jim to wear.

Jim’s whole demeanor changes in “Sex Demon,” with his corruption the primary focus of the movie after a domestic routine is established. The feature starts cranking out sex scenes, including a visit to Jim’s nightmare realm, where a Satanic ceremony turns into an orgy. He visits clubs to rough up guys in the bathroom as well. “Sex Demon” also develops his decline, as Jim is caught screaming at others and eating raw meat in the middle of the night.

Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "Preserved from a 16mm theatrical print." "Sex Demon" delivers a somewhat rough viewing experience, which is all in the name of film preservation, but expectations for an exhaustive restorative effort should be relaxed. What's here is a basic understanding of frame information. Detail isn't strong, but some sense of skin is present, along with visits to apartments and shops. Street tours manage a bit of dimension. Color deals with age, offering acceptable skin tones and period hues. Most prominent here is damage, with the entire viewing experience battling deep scratches and jumpy frames.

Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a basic understanding of dialogue exchanges, which were recorded using limited equipment. Intelligibility isn't completely threatened, but a few lines are garbled along the way. Music elements offer simpler, quieter support.

Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Elizabeth Purchell and KJ Shepherd.

• Bonus Movie: "Deadly Blows" (51:56, HD) is included.

• Commentary (partial) features film historian Elizabeth Purchell.

• Bonus Movie: "10:30 p.m. Monday" (60:16, HD) is included.

• Commentary (partial) features film historian Elizbeth Purchell.

• Image Gallery (2:53) collects newspaper ads and reviews.

Sex Demon and Other Hauntings Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Sex Demon" is primarily an adult film, going into detail with sexual events and desires, presented in a blunt manner common to erotic offerings from the 1970s. Ideas from "The Exorcist" do creep in, fully taking over the movie in the final act, where John and a priest do battle with the demon within Jim. It's not exactly William Friedkin, but as a long lost curiosity, "Sex Demon" is just odd enough to mildly entertain.