Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 8, 2022

1973’s “Sex of the Witch” has a decent set-up for a giallo-style thriller. We meet a family patriarch on his deathbed, hearing his final thoughts about his gathered family, also sharing something about a secret only he and one other person knows about. The man dies, and his will offers his estate to his relatives, who now have an incentive to kill off one another to claim more of the old man’s fortune. There’s a sluggish but passably enticing first act that’s basically discarded as the film unfolds, as director Angelo Pannaccio is more interested in making a softcore experience than a proper thriller. What a shame.

“Sex of the Witch” deals with violence only intermittently, as family members are soon taken out by an unknown killer, inspiring the police to check for clues and figure out what’s going on. Again, there’s something of a film here, as familiar as all this is, but “Sex of the Witch” is perfectly willing to walk away from the story for long stretches of screen time. Instead of increasing suspense, Pannaccio lingers on carnal interests, offering huge chunks of the picture to dull sex scenes that feel more like filler than true presentations of titillation. Weird non sequitur scenes also throttle pace, including a detour in a distorted 1970s freak-out band performance/orgy-thingee that’s part of the endeavor’s mildly irritating randomness.

Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Sex of the Witch" is listed as "newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative." The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation certainly has plenty to work with, as the feature is extremely colorful at times, with care put into design elements and locations. Greenery is distinct, and decorative additions provide bright, memorable hues, with crisp yellows and reds. Skintones are natural. Detail is excellent, providing a tour of skin surfaces and estate textures. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in strong condition.

Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers clear dialogue exchanges with pronounced dubbing. Scoring cues support suspense and sexual moods with satisfactory instrumentation. Sound effects are broad but appreciable.

Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Kat Ellinger.

• Still Gallery (3:38) collect images of star Camille Keaton, displaying modeling shots, publicity stills, and various video covers and poster art.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:24, HD) is included. For those sensitive to spoilers (which I don't believe exist for this movie), the trailer basically walks viewers through the entire picture.

Sex of the Witch Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Sex of the Witch" has some handsome production achievement to make it visually compelling, but after the first act, it becomes clear that Pannaccio has little regard for audience involvement, working to entertain himself with acts of sex and murder as the story gradually fades away.