There are really only a few independent companies realeasing cult DVDs that truly have their finger on the pulse of cult film fans. Between the likes of Blue Underground and Mondo Macabro, we have at least two of our bases covered. I'm always impressed when a company goes through the trouble of releasing a cinematic oddity that even I haven't heard of or have had the pleasure of seeing, and in this respect Mondo Macabro is way ahead of the curve. Mondo Macabro have done a fantastic job of unearthing some of the most fascinating cinematic obscurities after obscurity (with more to come), and their recent release of Seven Women for Satan is certainly no exception.

Seven Women for Satan is the story of Count Zoroff (writer/director Michel Lemoine), the descendent of a torturous bloodline and his pushy man servant Karl (the always wonderful, Howard Vernon). Zoroff spends his time daydreaming of lost loves and torturing unsuspecting young lovelies. Fortunate for him, the debauchery doesn't end with the daydreams, he is able to live out a few of his raunchiest and most dangerous obsessions in his spare time (once again with the help of his evil-minded man servant). Coaxed by his man servant, Zoroff takes the leap into torturous reality with a few unsuspecting (although they should be suspecting considering his behavior!) female victims, which also includes a young couple who have an unfortunate lack of luck with a broken down vehicle, forcing them to spend a night at the Zoroff mansion.

Pretty basic plot elements are highlighted with a heaping dash of 70's sickness as nearly all of the fun lies within the execution (pardon the pun) here. Lemoine is positively sinister as Zoroff and Vernon as usual nearly steals the show as man servant Karl. The film features some truly breathtaking photography, and as with many a Jean Rollin film (gotta hand it to those French), features some great gothic imagery, cool set pieces within the castle and some really cool footage of the French countryside. In another "breathtaking" footage department, there are some fabu impromptu go-go numbers (perhaps a topless one or two as well) that help to further along our story. No where near high art mind you, Seven Women for Satan features some really great set pieces including a fascinating bit in which a would be victim go-go's in disbelief as she spots a dead body out her window! Also be on the lookout for a positively delirious moment in which Zoroff chases down one of his victims in an open field while doing donuts in his car! Fantastic!

While not necessarily over the top in any of those graphic ways we may have become accustomed to, there are a few violent moments and quite a bit of bared flesh to satisfy. Still, despite the actual lack of graphic depictions, the film still manages to pack a powerful punch with some truly disturbing (and mean spirited) scenes as Zoroff just seems to go off on a few of his female victims. A true 70's oddity, Seven Women for Satan is certainly a sleazetastic view that I was just pleased to discover. It's silly and nothing to take too seriously, but at the same time it's a heck of a lot of fun. Between the impromptu go-go numbers, writhing in ecstasy and torture chambers, much of your natural Euro-sleaze quota is covered.

Presented in an anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer, Seven Women for Satan is a little rough around the edges here, but still looks quite good for what it's worth. There is a fair share of print damage and some scratches, which appear to be most prevalent at the start of the film and at reel changes and colors are a bit faded at times. Still, this transfer has its moments, especially in a lot of the great looking outdoor photography, and the lack of a sparkling, crystal clear transfer is not so much of an issue. Audio options include French (with optional English subs) or an English dub, both in mono. Audio is clear with really no evidence of distortion or background noise for both tracks. Also worth mentioning is the fantastic score, which I would simply love to obtain a copy of.

Extras include a trailer, a few cast bios, a text essay on the history of the flick (well written by Pete Tombs) and an onscreen interview with director/writer/star Lemoine. A little light in the extras compared to some other recent Mondo Macabro USA releases, but acceptable nonetheless. I doubt a whole lotta promo elements are hanging around for this flick anyway, the interview is certainly a nice touch, despite the fact that Lemoine constantly refers to the camera as a "cyclopse" - weird.

Overall, we've got another exceptionally solid presentation from Mondo Macabro as they continue to do cult film fans proud. I'm glad that they took the time to unearth and present Seven Women for Satan on DVD. I know that I certainly didn't have enough go-go dancing, torture chamber flicks in my collection, so I'm pleased as punch to add this fine little gem to the rotation - I'm sure my girlfriend is as well!

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