Blu-ray Movie Reviews

A stunning young woman surrenders herself at a remote chateau at her lover’s request and is immediately forced into a round the clock regimen of every sexual appetite imaginable. Her submission is total to the orgasmic odyssey that explores the shadowy boundaries between pleasure and pain.

It is always interesting to see what was considered shocking years ago. There is no doubt that films have become far more violent and sexual as the years have gone by and what modern society considers shocking in terms of sexuality has changed significantly if this film was truly as controversial as it is advertised to be when it was originally released in the mid-70’s. The story explores the submissive side of sexuality and a woman’s journey through various “masters” to prove her undying devotion to her lover. The themes are interesting but the overall execution is a bit mild by today’s standards. Unless sex, one of humankind’s most natural acts, is still shocking to you.

This was obviously a low budget feature when it was made and the elements haven’t held up very well. Print wear and tear is obvious throughout with dirt, nicks and varying amount of film grain. The image has a haze to it that distracts from detail and noise reduction artifacts are abundant including light ghosting at times. Colors appear to be purposely muted and the low lighting doesn’t do the image any favors. While this is probably a step up from early video releases the quality looks more like a middle of the road DVD rather than a HD presentation.

The audio is presented in English, French and Spanish and delivery is Dolby Stereo. The film was originally dubbed in French and I would recommend that soundtrack first out of the three. The English dub is not complete so the film jumps to the French mix from time to time. Not only does this work better with the visuals, the noise floor of the French mix is significantly better than the English mix. With the English dub feedback is noticeable from time to time and the noise floor is distractingly high. Over time you start to tune it out but you really notice it when the French mix cuts in and the noise floor and feedback go away. The mix also has some reverb issues that sound like bad dubbing and combing. Imaging across the main soundstage is also off with hard pans to either side.

Extras include a feature commentary with the film’s director along with a photo gallery and the trailer. You also get some deleted scenes and cast bios.

While controversial for its time, this film has a very dated feel to it. It has its moments and the themes are compelling, but the execution can be a bit silly at times. The A/V presentation isn’t anything to get worked up about but I imagine it represents the best the film could look given the production. Fans of late night erotica will probably enjoy.