A teacher finds her career and reputation under threat after her sex tape is leaked. Forced to meet the parents demanding her dismissal, she refuses to surrender to their pressure. Presented in Radu Jude’s controversial director’s cut.

For thoughts on Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that is mostly fetching and accurate to the source. This story oscillates between a few different styles—the film opens with the filming of a homemade sex tape, so that looks a bit rough around the edges with the video presentation. For most of the movie, you are getting the natural state of the world, mostly shown in long shots, presumably due to COVID precautions with some credence given to the idea that it mirrors the isolation the character is feeling. Then there is a whole section that demonstrates and defines various items and terms, which is achieved through new and archival means. This segment has variable quality, as expected.

The film is visually nimble, and the transfer handles every environment with a similar amount of care. The transfer unveils texture within the clothing, makeup, and production design that adds notable depth to the picture. Skin tones are detailed and natural all around. There are some bold colors that capture the backdrop well, especially in some of the vibrant lighting choices in the arcade and other stores. There is nothing unnaturally boosted here, as most of the world seems depressed on the whole. Highlights are handled well with no instances of blooming, and the blacks are deep and do not suffer from crush or compression artifacts. Magnolia Pictures has done an admirable job with this release.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with an effective DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Romanian that translates this story with care. The film uses music to memorable effect as it fills the room with an enveloping soundscape. The soundtrack digs especially deep in the low end, which adds some texture to certain encounters when appropriate. Dialogue comes through clearly without ever being lost to competing sounds. Environmental effects flesh out the urban soundscape and make the world feel more immersive. The sound design is not overly flashy, yet you have to applaud the execution with sounds positioned perfectly in the mix. This is a first-rate release all around. Optional English and English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Interview with Writer/Director Radu Jude: A 17-minute interview with the filmmaker in which he discusses his normal relationships with his films, how he incorporated the pandemic into the film, how masks impacted his relationships with performers, and more.

Original Trailer (1:41)

Booklet: There is a multi-page booklet included featuring the essay “After the Orgy” by writer John Semley in which he examines the film and its themes in a very illuminating manner.

Final Thoughts

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn is a very provocative film from the first scene onwards, but we would expect nothing less from Radu Jude. The movie can become a bit tedious when it indulges in some of its more atypical cinematic diversions, but it is fascinating when it is locked into the core conflict and all of the satirical goodness that accompanies it. The movie has some hilarious lines, not to mention some cutting asides that show Jude has more on his mind than simple shock value. It is purposefully messy, yet there is so much to love if you can find space to engage with it properly. Magnolia Pictures has released a Blu-Ray featuring the uncut version of the film with a striking A/V presentation and a couple of supplements. Recommended

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome/OCN Distribution.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Magnolia Pictures & OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.

For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link! If you are purchasing any of the latest and best in physical media at MovieZyng, you can support us using our affiliate link.