Weisse Haut auf schwarzen Schenkeln (1976, dir: Jess Franco) Ascot Elite / Illusions UNLTD Blu-Ray Review

The film opens up on the Mondo Erotico set. You know, the obscenely small and narrow black room with the white fluffy bed. It's here we meet Marga, an exotic erotic dancer played by Diotta Fatou (DIE SKLAVINNEN). She's in the middle of one of her stage shows. In the audience we meet Robert, a wealthy middle-aged man played by Roman Huber (DAS FRAUENHAUS). He enjoys the show so much that when Marga has finished her little dance, he decides to take her back to somewhere private. The pair get down to business and instead of enjoying that wonderful post sex cigarette, Marga does the next best thing and throws herself out of the window. Yep, bitches be crazy! The next day Robert is arrested for the attempted murder and it's down to his wife Lola, played by Pilar Coll (MONDO EROTICO), to prove his innocence. She does this by tracking down the nightclub and meeting the owner and Marga's lover Lena, played by Kali Hansa (COUNTESS PERVERSE). Lena seduces Lola and takes her back to her place. The pair eventually make love and form a relationship. Lola hasn't given up her quest yet however? She loves and adores her pig husband. Lena finds a diary belonging to Marga and reads it to Lena. We find out about the rather depressing and troubled life of Marta, including her relationship with Victor, a sleazy and manipulative psychologist / hypnotist type played by Franco's go to hunk, Erik Falk (ILSA THE MAD BUTCHER). Will the diary hold the answer to this strange situation? Will Robert be set free? What dark secrets will be revealed?

Overall, I'm sorry to say that this was a rather dull film. Although a solid enough story, there's nothing really engaging at all with this one. There are some nice moments every now and then including a rather unnerving S&M dream sequence and a genuinely funny off-screen appearance from a man from Mars (you have to watch to truly understand). Those moments are completely overshadowed by long, drawn out attempts at eroticism and clumsy erotic dancing (you may get a laugh out of those scenes). Fatou has no onscreen presence at all and it pretty much looks like she had no clue what she was doing except receiving a paycheck. The scenes involving Falk, although largely unrelated to the actual story are the highlights of the film just for the sheer absurdity. Aesthetically, this rather unimpressive. Lazy set design (clearly utilising not even a handful of locations) and horrendously out of focus cinematography make this is a visually unappealing film. Not even the female cast can make up for that because aside from Coll, there's literally no talent on show that's pleasing on the eye. Sure, that's probably a pig-headed thing to say, but even though this essentially a melodrama, Franco is still trying to titillate the audience with his signature close up shots and taste for good old-fashioned lesbianism. It misses the mark completely as a piece of erotica and drama. As much as I love Jess Franco (even for his downfalls), I really have to chalk this down as one of his worst. It's little wonder that Dietrich has now finally credited the film back to Franco.

The restoration is hit and miss. Some scenes look fantastic, but a lot the blacks in the film (especially the nightclub setting) can be very blocky with clear distortion. This is a cheap film anyway, so I won't whine too much. The sound is fairly solid throughout so that's not an issue. I would say that if you're going to pick this film up, don't be worried about HAVING to buy this on Blu-Ray because the film doesn't benefit from it too much. If you can save yourself a bit money, opt for the DVD release. On the disc itself the only language options available are a German dub (presented in both DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0) and English subtitles. In terms of extras you a selection of trailers including the original theatrical trailer for the film, a photo gallery, Jess Franco audio interview (Spanish with German subtitles) and the same Erik Falk featurette that appears on Mondo Erotico's release. Overall, as much as I didn't really enjoy the film, I have to give major credit to both Ascot Elite and Illusions UNLTD for presenting the die-hard Francophiles a little-seen gem that was initially credited to producer Erwin C. Dietrich. That's the only demographic I can really recommend this film and release to. Newcomers to the world of Jess Franco will be majorly unimpressed.

Weisse Haut auf schwarzen Schenkeln is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Ascot Elite Home Entertainment and Illusions UNLTD.

6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern (1980, dir: Ann Perry) Illusions UNLTD Blu-Ray Review

 Candide Royalle (Ultra Flesh) stars as Lolita Wanamaker, a young and attractive woman recently sentenced to a few years in prison. She immediately makes a good first impression. Neither the prison guards or her fellow inmates can't take their hands off her. The inmates are a close-knit group who go by the name of 'The Beavers'. When they aren't getting it on with each other, they're having their own fun with the prison staff. Seems like it's more of a holiday camp than a prison right? Wrong! You see, the girls have to live in squalid conditions and they've had enough! They do what all disgruntled prisoners usually do and sign a petition? Unfortunately for them, Warden Blowhard, played by Ian McGregor (Undercovers) is a tight-fisted and selfish chap. When he isn't being an arrogant prick, he's getting some extra service off his lovely secretary Miss Cole, played by Lisa De Leeuw (Center Spread Girls). After having a small riot, the inmates get a chance to have their voices heard properly, by having a baseball match with the prison guards who call themselves 'The Dicks'. Will the girls get their own way? Will the warden have a change of heart? You'll have to find out for yourself!

Overall, 6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern (known to most as Ballgame) is light-hearted Women in Prison flick with a simple premise. Aside from some of the talent on show, this is a pretty uneventful film. The comedy is hokey and feels dated for even for when the film was produced. The likes of Candid Royalle, Herschel Savage (Debbie Does Dallas) and Tawny Pearl (Taboo) are really the only memorable aspects of the film. Not even the sex really held my interest. That being said, this film does have quite possibly the hottest training montage sequences I have seen in a long time (combining squat exercises with face sitting is something I want to see more!). I do also have to give props to the selection of library music used throughout. There are some fun and genuinely great songs for those who like that sort of thing (I certainly do!). Yeah, in terms of a Women in Prison film, it doesn't really deliver. As a piece of pornography, it's pretty hit and miss. Aside from the typical lesbian scenes, you may find yourself fast forwarding a few times. The film could have been trimmed down about 10 minutes to make it a 60 minute feature. Some may appreciate the film more than I did and I certainly know a lot of people who will love this.

Unfortunately, the Blu-ray transfer isn't fantastic. The picture is quite grainy and doesn't actually look like it's a Blu-Ray you are watching. To go with that, the English language track (the version I watched) is very muddy in places and a buzzing sound can be heard quite a lot throughout. That being said, the film also comes with a much superior German language track and English subtitles so that's not a problem. This is however a much better presentation than the Caballero disc so get rid of that one and buy this if you want to see this film. In terms of special features you get a trailer for the film, a photo gallery and a selection of other trailers (some great viewing there). Overall, it's a pretty standard release, but definitely worth looking in to if you are a fan of the genre. Just take in to account that you may be better off buying the DVD version of the film. Either way, hats off to Illusions UNTLD for presenting this film in an affordable way.

6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Illusions UNLTD.

BFI Flipside: Captured (1959, John Krish)

Captured is a 1959 film directed by John Krish. If the name doesn't ring a bell, I'm sure you have seen at least one of his rather full on and disturbing child safety videos. Chances are, if you where a kid growing up in the seventies your nightmares where fuelled by John Krish. Anyway, we can relive those nightmares later because it's time for me to actually review this title.

The film was commissioned by the Army Kinema Corporation for the sole purpose of teaching our soldiers how to withstand and overcome the event of becoming a POW. It was restricted from public viewing until 2004 where it was screened to the public for the first time. The thing that surprised me the most was just how cinematic this piece of film is. Of course, you wouldn't expect that at first glance because instead of opening up with credits to those involved, the audience is greeted to the words "This film is RESTRICTED" and our introduction comes from a military officer who is us letting us know what we can expect over the course of the next hour.

Captured has a fine balance of education and drama. Those who are fans of the of the output from The Documentary Movement in the 1930's and 1940's will definitely enjoy (f that's the right word for a film of this nature and the subject matter) this one. As will fans of war films in general. The film is clearly well researched and the the characters in the film are equally well written. I could definitely see this piece doing it's job back when it was first released and having an effect on those watching it.

One thing that did surprise me was just how graphic this film could be. Of course by today's standards the on screen violence and interrogation techniques shown are very tame but you have to take into account this was long before the Internet and long before the rise of the extreme horror film. One of the scenes that stands out is the water boarding scene. This scene is executed brilliantly and genuinely had me clearing my throat an awful lot as I watching. Of course, physical violence isn't the only factor in atrocities on show. We also have to deal with some genuinely powerful psychological elements. The actors playing the band of soldiers being held by the Chinese do a great job in making you feel a bond that is slowly being destroyed by the Chinese, the results are genuinely devastating.

Overall, I was just spellbound by what I witnessing. This is to me a fantastic piece of cinema that gives the best Italian neo-realism cinema of the 1940's a run for it's money. Krish has managed to create a piece of art in it's own right as well doing what the Army Kinema Corporation expected. Amongst all the on screen suffering the overriding theme of standing together and uniting as one really shines through. I won't spoil how the film finishes mainly because there is no real end but trust me a smile and possibly a tear will occur. Captured is a fantastic ultra real humanist tale that should be experienced and thanks to marvellous BFI we finally can in what I have to say is one of the most beautiful looking and sounding transfers I have experienced of a film from this era and nature. A real triumph that for me is one of the releases of the year.

Not only do we get treated to a simply gorgeous presentation but the BFI have also provided a wealth of tremendous special features which include an informative and sizable booklet to accompany the film as well as some of Krish's other works and a documentary about the film maker himself:

H.M.P - 1976:

A 52 minute fly-on-the-wall style recruitment film commissioned by the prison service.

Sewing Machine - 1973:
A 1 minute hard hitting road safety video aimed at children

The Finishing Line - 1977:

The somewhat infamous railway line safety video which haunted children for years.

Searching - 1974
An extremely disturbing safety aimed at children warning them of the dangers of matches.

Shooting The Message - 2013A new and extensive interview John Krish about his career and films

Captured is out now on Blu-ray and DVD combo from the BFI

More information about this release as well as links to purchase it can be found here.

Youtube Review

PDx

My Top 5 DVDs and Blurays Of 2011

2011 is well and truly over. It's that time of the year when every blogger, Youtuber.... EVERYBODY does a list of their favourite films or releases of the year. I thought that since I have already done this on Youtube I would do a kind of follow up on the blog. For anyone who hasn't watched the video or any of my videos I will embed it down below for you guys to check out (subscribe if you haven't done so already or your 2012 WILL definitely be over!). In a nutshell, this year has been OK for releases. A lot of stuff didn't interest me. A lot of stuff was too expensive. A lot of stuff became hard to find but I am pretty happy with how my collection of titles released this year. They didn't make the list but one of my favourite labels this year has to be the mighty Arrow. I could have filled the list with Arrow titles but I though... EVERYONE loves Arrow so they didn't make it. So without further or do, let's get started.

5. BFI Dual Format release of Alice directed by Jan Svankmajer (1988)

This is at number 5 because I actually haven't got round to watching it yet. Yes, starting off with a title I own but haven't watched yet. Why is it on the list you ask? It's packed full of special features and short films, it looks amazing on the shelf and from the clips I have seen, it looks and sounds gorgeous. The BFI release so many great, high quality editions of some fantastic films. Everything from the Post Office documentaries of war time England to recent European gems. The BFI is great full stop and this will not be the last film I pick up from their back catalogue.

4. Camera Obscura DVD release of Libidomania by Bruno Mattei (1979)

I bloody adore this film! As soon as I found out that there was a proper release of this film coming out, I had to pre order it as soon as possible and boy was I right to do so. This is one of Bruno Mattei's fantastic mondo films and in my opinion, the greatest mondo film of all time. What makes this release so special is the love and effort gone into it. Packed full of features like deleted scenes, trailers, an essay and an amazing audio commentary. It is also one of the nicest looking packages I have seen for a while with it's fantastic contemporary looking slipcover art. The picture and sound is really nice as well, especially for a film like this. One of the greatest things I have bought all year!

3. Blue Underground 2 disc bluray of Zombie by Lucio Fulci (1979)

Another one of my all time favourites. Fulci for me is one of the greatest directors of all time. This is one of the greatest films of all time and Blue Underground have created one of the finest horror bluray's from this year. This film has never looked or sounded so good. Packed to it's undead rim with special features (most of them ported from different releases) and presented beautifully with a great cover design and an amazing slipcover. This is a must for all horror fans. Especially due to the fact that it's a multi region blu and is also on DVD so everyone can enjoy it. Take note all you labels out there. This is how it's done!

2. Distribpix 2 disc DVD of Radley Metzger's The Private Afternoons Of Pamela Mann (1974)

This is a special title for me. Not just because this was kindly given to me for review from Ste at Distribpix but because this now one of my all time favourite adult features from porn's greatest era. This is a sublime release that again, companies should take note. This is how you release a film full stop. Especially all you companies that distribute "legitimate" films. This presented beautifully. Packed again with some amazing special features (I mean come on! Porn commentary tracks!? Yes please!) and not not only that but it looks and sounds fantastic. A restoration done right. The film itself is just as amazing. A real gem in my collection and boy I can't wait for the release of Naked Came The Stranger now! Not for everyone but all my fellow classic smut fans... you HAVE to buy this!

1. Blaq Out 3 disc set of Rubber by Quentin Dupieux (2010)

That's right gang. Rubber takes the top spot. I adore this film. This film is probably the best film I have seen in recent years. Terribly underrated and horribly misunderstood by the majority of the people who watched it. I really got this film, I enjoyed the wackiness, I enjoyed the awesome special effects. I found this film genuinely funny and totally appreciated the satire and message. Not only that but it is shot beautifully and has a great soundtrack from Quentin and Gaspard Auge. If you love Oizo, then you will truly appreciate this. The edition I picked up is just amazing. It works as a great edition and also as a great design piece thanks to brilliant artwork from SO ME. This French edition totally wipes the floor with the generic American and UK release. The third disc is Quentin's first film; Nonfilm which again I love. Nice special features too including the best interview I have ever seen. Words can't describe how much I love this addition to my collection. It just had to have top spot!

So there you have it guys. There is my top 5 releases from 2011. I'd do some honourable mentions but that would take all bloody day! For anyone who is interested, feel free to check out my video version of this list. Go out and buy them all. You have to!

PDx