Blu-ray Review: THE OPENING OF MISTY BEETHOVEN (1975)

THE OPENING OF MISTY BEETHOVEN (1975) 

Collector's Edition Blu-ray 

Label: Distribpix

Region Code: Region FREE

Rating: Unrated

Duration: 86 Minutes 

Video: 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1) 

Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1,  Dolby Digital 2.0 

Director: Radley Metzger

Cast: Jamie Gillis, Constance Money, Jacqueline Beudant, Ras Kean, Gloria Leonard

Erotic auteur Radley Metzger's THE OPENING OF MISTY BEETHOVEN (1975) is widely considered the premier adult film of the late-70's porno chic zeitgeist  following the mainstream success of DEEP THROAT (1972) which had housewives and A-List celebrities flocking to 42nd Street to catch a glimpse of Linda Lovelace's orgasmic birth defect. Metzger was already well known for softcore delights CAMILLE 2000 (1969), SCORE (1974) and THE IMAGE (1975) before filming a foursome of hardcore sex film under the alias Henry Paris, and this fascinating fornication-film was an porno chic adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's classic play Pygmalion, it's a pretty great idea and it's executed quite wonderfully by Metzger and the cast.  

As the films begins a noted sexologist named Dr. Seymour Love (Jamie Gillis, THE LICKERISH QAURTET) is at a XXX theater in Paris, France where he  is propositioned by a super-cute street walker named Misty (Constance Money) who refuses to to anything but straight sex, she doesn't take it in the ass or the mouth, the mere thought of sucking a cock seems to turn her stomach. They're conversation is put on hold as Misty meets up with a regular hand-job appointment at the theater, it's an elderly gentleman dressed in a rather large Napoleon hat and costume, he seems happy enough with her skills and after she spills his geriatric-goo she returns to the conversation with Dr. Love who's intrigued by the spunky, if rather uninspired whore. During the conversation Seymour is also distracted by the orgasmic moans of a friend named Geraldine Rich (Jacqueline Beudeant) who's "both very Geraldine, and very rich", she's pleasuring a man in the wings of the theater and the three strike up a conversation, the  subject of which is the absence of anal or oral in Misty's oeuvre    

Seymour makes a bet with Geraldine that he can turn Misty from an uninspired,  low-rent hooker into the a true sexual dynamo in time for the next party to be thrown by socialite and magazine publisher Lawrence Layman (Ras Kean) where she will be crowned the new Goldenrod Girl. Misty agrees to the terms and the trio are off the New York City where Seymour trains Misty in the ways of lovemaking and how to suck a proper cock. We're treated to a fun series of titillating training montages as Misty learns to take it in the mouth, up the ass to hw make three men cum simultaneously - the latter is designed to give her self confidence. Throughout the film Misty conquers one lover after another, working her way up the social sex ladder until the film culminates at the Layman party in an unforgettable sex scene involving a threesome and pegging!

The film has a great cast, firstly Jamie Gillis is fantastic as the smug sexologist Seymour Love which plays perfectly against Constance Money''s portrayal of the titular Misty, she plays it super sweet and a bit naive and it's a total turn-on from start to finish. The dialogue is comedic and witty, its fun stuff, not what you would expect from a typical hardcore sex film but then again Metzger was never a typical filmmaker and the hardcore sex is punctuated by his typical air of elegance and style. 

There's lots of great sex scenes, we get some carpet munching, threesomes, pegging, slow cocksucking, handjobs  and the seduction of a gay art dealer - there's nothing too outrageous but I guess pegging in '75 must have been a bit of an eyebrow raiser to the suburban set maybe, having just rewatched Metzger's SCORE which features an extended gay-sex scene I didn't find it too startling. There's a lot of nice comedic touches throughout the film, fun music cues, witty banter and great fun set pieces, there's even an airline which offers blow jobs on their flights. 

The erotic training montages of Misty's sex lessons are fantastic, her work with a rainbow colored dildo is awfully exciting, the sex on screen is scintillating. Honestly, it's pretty rare that a hardcore film actually stirs the still waters for me but this film had me squirming in my seat - simply put the sex is hot!  Metzger's eye for erotica so evident in his softcore films is fully intact. His films are always a visual delight and this is no exception, great location shoots in Europe and New York City, great set pieces including a stylish mod room with a cut-out wall which features prominently in the film and it's advertising. It certainly doesn't hurt that the film was shot by Academy award winning cinematographer Paul Glickman who shot the film under the name Richard Rochester, you may recall his work on many Larry Cohen films including GOD TOLD ME (1976) and THE STUFF (1985) and this is some of his best work right here, Metzger always surrounded himself with a great crew whom extracted he best stuff from small budgets.

Blu-ray: Distribpix present the film on a 50G dual-layer Blu-ray in 1080p widescreen (1.85:1) with a brand-new HD transfer that's uncut and restored and it looks fantastic. The film was shot on super 16mm and Distribix went back to the original elements for this stunning transfer, it looks great with some nice detail and color saturation. Some scenes are a bit softer than others but overall this is a very pleasing image. 

Audio options include an English language Dolby Digital Mono and a newly created DTS-HD 5.1 surround mix with optional subtitles which are available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German and Portuguese. Like the image the audio was remastered from the original sound elements and it sounds great, the outstanding library music score sounds fantastic, no one utilized a canned score like Metzger could, there's some real gems to found here. 

Onto the extras let's begin by saying that there are both "hot" and "cool" versions of the film on the Blu-ray meaning you can watch the full strength XXX version or the more subdued softcore version with extended dialogue and alternate takes, it's pretty interesting stuff and I recommend a viewing of the softcore version at some point. 

There are two audio commentaries, the first with Radley Metzger moderated by adult film aficionado Benson Hurt which plays over the XXX version. Like most the Metzger commentaries it's an engaging listen from start to finish. There's a lot of ground covered from the cast and crew on the film, to the production, the score and Metzger's other Henry Paris films.  

A second commentary with adult actress Gloria Leonard can be listed to during the softcore version, she talks a lot about what's happening onscreen and reminiscing about working with Constance Money and Jamie Gillis as well as what it was like to work with Metzger. It's a fun track, not as fact filled as Metzger's but quite entertaining on it' s own merits. 

If the commentaries are just not jam-packed with trivia enough for you, don't worry, there's also a 'Film Facts' subtitle trivia track that recycles a lot of the information you will find on the featurettes, interviews and booklet but it's an informative track just the same. 

More extras include Outtakes and Deleted Scenes (24:16)  from the Audubon Film Archives which are presented without sound, it's an interesting watch and most of it's quite familiar except for some sweet Misty bondage footage, which those scenes by themselves are worth a watch. 

There's a very nice documentary on the disc, too. Behind the Scenes of Misty (48:21) is a narrated documentary featuring interviews with actors Gloria Leonard, Casey Donovan and Ras Kean plus cinematographer Paul Glickman and George Craig who sourced the library music used in the film plus other Metzger projects. It gives a well-rounded perspective of Metzger's career leading up to Misty Beethoven and it covers a lot of the production of the film, great stuff. 

The Back to Cinetta Studios 2012 (3:08) featurette is a nifty then and now comparison of the location used to shoot the wrap party scene, it's surprising how little has changed in 37 years, I've always a fan then and now video tours.

If you have an interest in film restoration you are going to love The Restoration of Misty (25:58)  featuring Ryan Emerson and Joe Rubins of Process Blue who scanned and restored the film for this release. We get a tour of the facility and a nice look at the Goldeneye Film Scanner and the processes involved, the tools used and a very cool demonstration of noise reduction, the good and the bad of what it can do to a film. 

Up next are two video tribute features narrated by adult film historian Benson Hurst. The first Desperately Seeking Susan; Constance Found (7:41) felt a bit like deja vu as he narrates a lot of what he wrote about her in the 60 pg. booklet which accompanies the release. It's a nice overview of Money's somewhat secretive life beginning with her middle class upbringing in Kenmore, WA and the pain caused by the reaction she received following her career in porno. The second tribute Remembering Jamie Gillis (9:00) is a nice eulogy for the actor, a nice remembrance of a truly one-of-a-kind adult film actor. 

Jamie Gillis - The Final Interview (18:53) features the actor shortly before his death speaking about his life as a nice Jewish boy turned adult film star beginning with low rent basement porno shoots before making a name for himself. When the topic turns to Paul Thomas Anderson's film BOOGIE NIGHTS (1987) he get's a bit irritated, he obviously didn't care for. 

The last of the exhaustive Blu-ray special features are a collection of Henry Paris Trailers (25:52), a selection of Radio Spots (3:06), Vintage Slideshow (3:05) and a neat Ephemera Galley (6:41). 

Included inside the keepcase is a 5x7 replica of the 1977 Erotic Award Certificate presented to the filmmaker by the AFAA for best screenplay. The slipcase and insert feature newly commissioned artwork by artists Anthony Palumbo, this is a very attractive package. Last but not least is the aforementioned 60 page collector's booklet with writings on the film from Benson Hurst, Ian Culmell and Lawrence Cohen. It contains an overview of the film, it's principle cast, locations and filming, artwork, score and details about the infamous pegging scene plus notes about the transfer. It should be noted the booklet is designed for insertion in a DVD keepcase, not a Blu-ray, as such it does not fit inside the keepcase. whew, that was a lot of features, fantastic stuff. 

Special Features: 
- Audio Commentary with director Radley Metzger and adult film historian Benson Hurst on the 'Hot' Version

- Audio Commentary with co-star Gloria Leonard on the 'Cool' Version
- Behind the Scenes of Misty (48:21) 

- Remembering Jamie Gillis (9:00)

- The Outtakes and Deleted Scenes (24:16) 

- The Restoration of Misty (25:58) 
- Desperately Seeking Susan; Constance Found (7:41) 

- Jamie Gillis : The Final Interview (18:53)
- ‘Fim Facts’ Subtitle Track

- All 5 Henry Paris Trailers in HD 

- Back to Cinetta Studios 2012 (3:08) 

- Vintage Slideshow (3:05) 

- Ephemera Galley (6:41) 
- 7 Radio Spots for NAKED CAME THE STRANGERS and MARASCINO CHERRY  (6:03) 
- Henry Paris Trailers (25:52) for THE PRIVATE AFTERNOONS OF PAMELA MANN, NAKED CAME THE STRANGER, THE OPENING OF MISTY BEETHOVEN, BARBARA BROADCAST and MARASCINO CHERRY 

Verdict: Radley Metzger's erotic oeuvre has enjoyed a recent amount of prestige releases from Synapse, Cult Epics and Arrow Video but nothing comes close to the sweet love that this film has received, a phenomenal tribute to porno chic's supreme document. Might I also add that no film has made me want a blow-job more than after watching this, a truly seductive film and an outstanding presentation from Distribpix! 4 Outta 5 

Blu-ray Review: SCORE (1972)

Radley Metzger's SCORE (1972)

Label: Arrow Video

Region: Region FREE
Rating: 18 Certificate
Duration: 84 min.Audio: Dolby Digital Mono 2.0 
Video: Widescreen (1.78:1) 1080p
Director: Radley Metzger

Cast: Claire Wilbur, Lynn Lowry, Calvin Culver, Gerald Grant, Carl Parker
Tagline: A Feast for the Erotic Gourmet

Synopsis: Score is the tale of a happily married swinging couple who make a bet that they can seduce a couple of naive young newlyweds during a weekend get-together at their luxury Riviera villa.

Score is a film by the arty erotic auteur Radley Metzger and is an adaptation of the 1971 Jerry Douglass play by the same that co-starred a 25-year-old Italian stallion by the name of Sylvester Stallone. The opening narrative sets the film up as a playful, erotic fairytale and the atmosphere is light-hearted and fun, it's a very farcical comedy at it's heart. The artful lensing and snappy dialogue made me forget this was a softcore film. Metzger's direction and gorgeous cinematography was superb, very stylishly shot. Jack (Gerald Grant) and Elvira (Claire Wilbur) are a couple of fun-loving bi-sexual swingers in the French Riviera, their relationship is defined by swinging parties and a friendly game of sexual one upsmanship between each other. After a night of orgiastic activities the couple make a bet amongst themselves. Each is betting they can seduce their same-sex counterparts in a newlywed couple of Betsy (Lynn Lowry) and Eddie (Calvin Culver).

Jack and Elvira come of as experienced and cunning swingers skilled in the art of seduction. Betsy and Eddie ...not so much. Betsy is a super-attractive, bright-eyed beauty, a bit naive as well. Her husband Eddie is a handsome young man and seems a bit on the bent-side of things. When the couple is introduced it is evident that they are having some intimacy difficulties in the bedroom.... hmm, I wonder what the problem is? Elvira and Jack have no such issues and their libidos are in full bloom throughout the film.

The interplay among the characters is well-crafted and fun to watch, very comedic stuff full of colorful dialogue and witty remarks, the characters are well formed and defined. The story is not the stuff of Shakespeare but it's whimsical and a fun watch as the storyline plays out. Be forewarned that the this is truly an erotic film that caters to all persuasions. But fear not, there are no graphic depictions of male-on-male penetration but it's pretty close, so just be informed. The sex scenes are filmed stylishly and look great. This is not sex on the screen soley for the sake of sex on the screen, it's intimate, fun and playful.

For me, the true find of the film was the super-cute star Lynn Lowry whom previously appeared in George A. Romero's plague film The Crazies (1972) as well as Lloyd Kaufman's softcore film Sugar Cookies (1973). She later went on to appear in David Cronenberg's Shivers (1975) and Paul Schrader's remake of the Val Lewton's classic Cat People (1982). She is a true beauty and is still appearing in film today including the remake of The Crazies and a few indie titles like Torture Chamber (2012) and the horror anthology The Theatre Bizarre (2011).

Blu-ray: Arrow Video's presentation appears to be sourced from the very same newly restored 1080p high definition transfer as we saw from Cult Epics a few years ago, and it's quite a treat. Presented in it's proper aspect ratio of 1.78:1 with a MPEG-4 AVC encode it simply looks fantastic, the print is not perfect with some minor print damage evident but the transfer is especially stunning when compared to the unrestored clips of the film in the trailers and the On the Set of Score featurette. What we do not get here is the 92 minute uncensored, uncut version that included seven minutes of additional erotic content that we saw from Cult Epics, perhaps it was a bit too much for the refined tastes of the notorious prude BBFC, what we do get is Radley Metzger's 84 minute censored cut of the film. The only audio option, excluding the audio commentary, is an English language LPCM 2.0 track with optional English SDH subtitles. It offers little in the way of depth and dynamics but is adequate if not stellar.

The bonus content mirrors the extras from Cult Epics Blu-ray, we get The On the Set of Score (18:27) featurette, a brief and illuminating look at the making of the films and his interactions with the cast. I particularly enjoyed the Keeping Score with Lynn Lowry (19:35) interview where she reflects on the film, her experiences on-set and her relationships with her co-stars and her difficulties with co-star Claire Wilbur. The Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen made for a great listen, Metzger is always a pleasure to hear as he talks about the film, actors and shooting specific sequences. Rounding out the features are trailers for Score (3:38), Camille 2000 (2:16), and The Lickerish Quartet (2:45). Not included with the screener sent to us or review but worth a mention are the reversible sleeve featuring original and newly illustrated artwork by The Red Dress and a collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie.

Special Features: - High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD Presentation - Brand new high definition restoration of the film – available for the first time in the UK - Optional English SDH subtitles - Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen - On the set of Score – a behind the scenes look at the making of Score containing rare footage of Claire Wilber, Lynn Lowry, Cal Culver, Gerald Grant and Radley Metzger (18:27) - Keeping Score with Lynn Lowry (The Crazies, Shivers) – a brand new interview with Score’s star (19:35) - Original trailers for Score (3:38), Camille 2000 (2:16), The Lickerish Quartet (2:45) - Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly illustrated artwork by The Red Dress - Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie Verdict: If you are looking for some whimsical erotic cinema that looks great in 1080 I highly recommend Score (1972), a fantastically arousing fun film with playful execution and Metzger's artful eye for cinema. Completest might want to snag the Cult Epics edition for the seven minutes of additional erotic scenes but this Arrow Video edition with it's mirrored special features and sweet packaging is quite a prize. 3.5 Outta 5

 

Blu-ray Review: CAMILLE 2000 (1969)

CAMILLE 2000 (1969)

Blu-ray + DVD Special Edition 

Label: Arrow Video  
Duration: 131 Minutes 
Region Code: ALL
Rating: 18 Certificate
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio: PCM Mono 2.0 Stereo with Optional English SDH Sutitles
Director: Radley Metzger
Cast: Daniele Gaubert, Nino Castelnuovo, Eleonora Rossi Drago 
Tagline: The "NOW" Child

Synopsis: When Marguerite, a promiscuous woman (Daniel Gaubert, Snow Job) with a troubled past and a deep distrust of men meets Armand (Nino Castelnuova, Strip Nude for Your Killer), she lets her guard down and falls in love. But can they resist old habits and latent emotions in order to stay together? Find out in this visual, sensual cinematic feast of multiple sexual partners, from the director of Score and The Opening Of Misty Beethoven.

Radley Metzger in my eyes is the undisputed master of the erotic arthouse cinema, easily a director who could have effortlessly infiltrated the mainstream cinema had it been his inclination. His cinematic style, while at times experimental and arthouse, seems compatible with the late-60's and early-70's sex comedies, thrillers and romantic dramas and never more so than with his adaptation of Alexandre Dumas Fils' novel Lady of the Camellias, Camille 2000 (1969). More a sensuous melodrama than lusty erotica, at it's heart this a tale of doomed lovers set against late-60's high society and wealthy libertines with a most excellent lounge-lizard score from composer Peiro Piccioni. The film is the most stylish and visually lavish Metzger production I've seen, courtesy of Enrico Sabbatini's stylish art decoration and some sweet lensing from cinematographer Ennio Guarnieri (The Garden of Finzo Contini).

I came to know Metzger's films through the erotically charged Score (1974) and sadomasochistic luridness of The Image (1975) and I was a bit perplexed by the comparative lack of sexual voracity found here. It's likely that I'm just a pervert but this is not what I've come to expect from Metzger. Camille 2000 is much more refined, more classical romance in it's approach, though skewed by eroticism. There is sex, but it's lacking charisma and the languid pace and relative chasteness of the film left me wanting. Perhaps this is indicative of the extended cut of this film or symptomatic of Metzger's earlier films which I've not been able to explore as of yet.

Much in the way that Dario Argento is criticized for his style over substance approach to filmmaking I think the same could be applied to Camille 2000. The French femme Gaubert is simply stunning, a true classical beauty, but I found both her and co-star Castelnuovo coldly detached in their performances, there's no sense of real intimacy and the characters feel distant throughout. The film is English language dubbed so I guess that could be a symptom of the process, I'm not sure. Whatever the reason the passion of the film didn't connect with me but on a purely visual level the film is quite an attractive entry. Metzger and Sabbatini are meticulous in their set decoration, art direction and shot composition, it's captivating stuff and it looks great, but the two leads, though alluring, do not  exactly burn down the screen with passion, it's a smoldering arthouse entry but it never quite ignited the carnal passion I was hoping it would.

Blu-ray: Up front just be aware that Arrow's special edition is derived from the same HD master as Cult Epics Extended Version (2010) and features identical supplemental materials. The transfer of Camille 2000 was made using the original 35mm negative with additional scenes being sourced from a 35mm interposit print. Sound and image have been restored to remove scratches and splice marks though according to the restoration featurette no noise reduction or edge enhancement was applied to the film in order to maintain it's film-like qualities, as such there is a good amount of grain in the image as well as white specks. Noise reduction has been applied to the audio which was sourced from a 35mm optical print to remove hiss, crackle and pops.

The film is presented in it's original scope aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen with an MPEG-4 AVC encode and the 1080p transfer benefits from improved clarity and more vibrant colors over my Cult Epic DVD, the black levels are quite good and there's a nice layer of film grain present, great stuff. The lone audio option is an English LPCM 2.0.  mono audio track, with optional English SDH subtitles which my Cult Epics DVD had none.  The Blu-ray's lossless mono audio while lacking much dynamic range does get a boost in depth and clarity  it's track is free of snap, crackle and pop leaving the dialogue clear and consistent, Piero Piccioni's 60's psychedelic-lounge score sounds truly fantastic, too.

Mirroring Cult Epics array of extras om the Extended Version (2010) we get a wonderful selection of special features beginning with an audio commentary from Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen. It's a pleasant listen with loads of production notes and anecdotal bits as the director discusses his place in cinema, working abroad and the critical reception of his films. On the Set of Camille 2000 (30:36) is comprised of film clips and hand-held behind-the-scenes footage, it's an informative watch as Metzger's narration supplies a steady stream of trivia, and includes footage from the film's wrap-party plus a few shots of a scene between Marguerite and Armand's father on a beach, the weather not cooperating that day the scene was scrapped. I love these kind of intimate and voyeuristic featurettes, very cool. Restoration of Camille 2000 (6:24) is a before and after restoration demo of the film, it speaks for itself and to the integrity of the restoration. Sylviane's Bare Striptease Scene (2:48) features a completely off-the-wall striptease cut from the film and shot hand-held, odd and awesome. Finishing off the disc are a subdued alternate take of the 'Cube Love Scene' and widescreen trailers for Metzger's Score, The Lickerish Quartet and Camille 2000. The screener I was sent did not include the the reversible artwork or the Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie but just the same this is a great selection of supplemental materials that compliment the viewing of the film, good stuff all around and the ephemeral packaging extras put this right above the Cult Epics Blu-ray as the edition of choice, remember it's region-FREE and playable throughout the world. . 

Before/After Restoration Demo Shot

Special Features: 
- High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD Presentation
- Brand new high definition restoration of the extended cut – available for the first time in the UK
- Optional English SDH subtitles
- Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen
- On the set of Camille 2000 – featuring stars Daniele Gaubert, Nino Castelnuovo and Radley Metzger (30:36) 16:9
- Sylviana’s Bare Striptease – previously cut scene from the feature (2:48) 16:9 
- Cube Love Scene – A newly discovered alternate take (1:52) 16:9 
- Restoration Comparison (6:24) 16:9
- Score Trailer (3:38) 16:9
- The Lickerish Quartet (2:46) 16:9
- Camille 2000 (2:17) 16:9 
- Reversible Artwork featuring original and newly illustrated art by The Red Dress
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie

Verdict: Watching Camille 2000 (1969) for the second time, and in 1080p, I must say I found this tragic slice of erotica a bit more satisfying the second time around a few years later. When I first took it in after recent viewings of Metzger's Score (1972) and The Image (1975) I was a bit disappointed, that pervy part of my reptilian brain yearned for more visceral, raw carnal exploitation, I felt the film's erotic elements had been overtaken by some spectacular art design and outrageous 60's fashions and lacked the dark and satisfying erotic pleasures of Score. At that time I recommended the film with the caveat that I wouldn't pass up either The Image or Score if it came down to a choice between the trio and I maintain that opinion while giving the film a bit more love today. Either way, Arrow's Blu-ray is a must-have for Metzger completest, a sensual and erotic feast of mod 60's artiness and bare skin beauty. 3.5 Outta 5 

  

ARROW FILMS AND VIDEO Q1 2013 Releases Announced

ARROW VIDEO announced a slew of Q1 2013 titles today and I must say it's quite an array of must-haves. What are we getting? Ferdinando Baldi's spaghetti-western DJANGO, PREPARE A COFFIN (1968), a double does of the macabre from Mario Bava, a trio of erotic delights from Radley Metzger, Ozploitation, Wes Craven's DEADLY BLESSING (1981) gets upgraded to 1080p and the controversial French film BAISE-MOI (2000). Amazon pre-orders can be found at the bottom of the post...

DJANGO, PREPARE A COFFIN (1968) DVD

Label: ArrowDrome
Release Date: January 14th 2012
Region: 0 PAL 
Rating: TBA
Cast: Terence Hill, Horst Frank and George Eastman
Director: Ferdinando Baldi


Overview: Django the drifter returns in this classic Sixties Spaghetti Western from Ferdinando Baldi (Texas Addio, Comin’ At Ya!), starring Terence Hill (They Call Me Trinity) as the wandering gunslinger, hired as executioner to a corrupt local politician who is framing innocent men, sending them to hang in an evil scheme to take hold of their land.

But Django has other ideas and, cleverly faking the deaths of the condemned men, he assembles them into a loyal gang who’ll help him take down the boss, a man who had a hand in the death of Django’s wife years before.

Thrill as Django gets his bloody revenge with a hail of bullets in this classic from a series of B-movie westerns that helped to define a genre. Prepare your coffin now!  

Special Features:
- Reversible Sleeve of Original Artwork
- Collector's Booklet by Spaghetti Western Expert Hoawrd Hughes 

 BLACK SUNDAY / THE MASK OF SATAN/ I VAMPIRI (1960)

3-Disc Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD 

Label: Arrow Video 
Release Date: January 28th 2013
Region: B/2 PAL
Rating: 15
Cast: Barbara Steele, John Richardson and Andrea Checchi
Director: Mario Bava
Tagline: STARE INTO THESE EYES... discover deep within them the unspeakable terrifying secret of BLACK SUNDAY... it will paralyze you with fright!

Legendary Scream Queen Barbara Steele (Shivers, Caged Heat) stars in this classic slice of gothic terror from the father of fantastic Italian cinema Mario Bava (Lisa & the Devil).

A beautiful witch is sentenced to death for her evil deeds by her own brother, condemned to die by having a metal mask hammered onto her face before being burnt at the stake. As she passes, she puts a terrible curse on all her future descendants as the spikes of the death mask pierce her flesh... But when two unwitting travellers discover her final resting place and worse, drip blood on her resting corpse, they unleash her once again in all her stunningly beautiful, terrifying glory....

Banned in the UK on its release, Black Sunday is a groundbreaking film that opened the door for Spaghetti horror in all its gory glory.
 
Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of two versions of the film; ‘The Mask of Satan’ – the European version with score by Roberto Nicolosi & ‘Black Sunday’ – the re-edited and re-dubbed AIP version with Les Baxter score, on home video for the first time
- Three audio versions: Optional Italian, European English and AIP English re-dub and re-score
- English SDH subtitles for both English versions and a new English subtitle translation of the Italian audio
- Audio Commentary with Bava biographer and expert Tim Lucas
- Introduction to the film by author and critic Alan Jones
- Interview with star and horror icon Barbara Steele
- Deleted Scene from the Italian version with notes by Tim Lucas
- International Trailer
- US Trailer
- Italian Trailer
- TV Spot
- I Vampiri (1956) – Italy’s first sound horror film directed by Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava
- US I Vampiri Trailer ‘The Devil’s Commandment’
- Trailer reel – trailers of all the major works by Mario Bava
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the films by Matt Bailey and Alan Jones, illustrated with original archive stills and posters


Limited Edition Slipbox (1000 copies) also available exclusively from the Arrow Store. Limited Edition features the same content as above plus the Slipbox casing and four alternating artwork panels featuring new and original artwork.

LISA AND THE DEVIL / THE HOUSE OF EXORCISM (1974)

2-Disc Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD 

Label: Arrow Video

Release Date: January 28th 2012
Region: B/2 PAL
Cast: Telly Savalas, Elke Sommer and Sylva Koscina
Director: Mario Bava
Rating: 18 
Tagline: Every Corner of the Soul is Lost to the Icy Clutch of the Supernatural 

From the father of Italian Horror Mario Bava (Black Sunday, The Whip and the Body) comes a tale of nightmarish surrealism and supernatural suspense.

Lisa (Elke Sommer) - an American tourist travelling in Spain - loses her tour party and seeks refuge in the tumbledown mansion of a blind countess after being guided there by the distinctly satanic butler of the house, Leandro (Telly Savalas – Horror Express, Kojak). The Son of the Countess notices Lisa’s striking resemblance to his dead lover and pursues her as a night of murder, strange eroticism and dark hallucinations begins.

Re-cut in the US to cash in on the popularity of William Friedkin’s The Exorcist and released as The House of Exorcism (included in this special edition) the original Lisa & the Devil is Bava at his abstract and delirious best, delivering a 70s horror classic and a masterclass in cinema as feverish nightmare.

Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of both versions of the film: ‘Lisa and the Devil’ and ‘The House of Exorcism’ producer’s cut
- Optional English and Italian audio on ‘Lisa and the Devil’
- English SDH subtitles on both features and a new English subtitle translation of the Italian Audio of ‘Lisa and the Devil’
- Audio Commentary on ‘Lisa and the Devil’ by Bava biographer and expert Tim Lucas
- Audio Commentary on ‘The House of Exorcism’ by producer Alfredo Leone and star Elke Sommer
- Introductions to both films by author and critic Alan Jones
- The Exorcism of Lisa – Assistant Director Lamberto Bava, screenwriter Roberto Natale, Roy Bava and Bava biographer Alberto Pezzotta discuss the making of both versions of the film
- Deleted Scene
- Original trailers
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic and author Stephen Thrower illustrated with original stills and archive posters

Limited Edition Slipbox (1000 copies) also available exclusively from the Arrow Store. Limited Edition features the same content as above plus the Slipbox casing and four alternating artwork panels featuring new and original artwork

CAMILLE 2000 (1969)

Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD 

Label: Arrow Video 
Release Date: February 11th 2013
Region: B/2 PAL
Cast: Danièle Gaubert, Nino Castelnuovo and Eleonora Rossi Drago
Director: Radley Metzger
Rating: 18

Overview: From an age before the hardcore explicitness of Porno Chic comes a swingin’ late 60s erotic film brimming with Italian opulence, liberated sex and modish inflatable furniture.

When Marguerite, a promiscuous woman with a troubled past and a deep distrust of men meets Armand, she lets her guard down and falls in love. But can they resist old habits and latent emotions in order to stay together? Find out in this visual, sensual cinematic feast of multiple sexual partners, from the director of Score and The Opening Of Misty Beethoven.

A vivid mix of colour, grandiose set design, bizarre costumes and frank sexuality, Camille 2000 is an essential piece of erotic film history and a must see for cult movie fans.

Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD Presentation
- Brand new high definition restoration of the extended cut – available for the first time in the UK
- Optional English SDH subtitles
- Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen
- On the set of Camille 2000 – featuring stars Daniele Gaubert, Nino Castelnuovo and Radley Metzger
- Sylviana’s Bare Striptease – previously cut scene from the feature
- Cube Love Scene – A newly discovered alternate take
- Restoration Comparison
- Original trailers
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly illustrated artwork by The Red Dress
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie

 THE LICKERISH QUARTET (1970)

 Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD

Label: Arrow Video:

Release Date: February 11th 2013 
Region: B/2 PAL 
Cast: Silvana Venturelli, Frank Wolff and Erika Remberg
Director: Radley Metzger
Rating: 18

Overview: A mind-bending classic of erotic cinema, The Lickerish Quartet brings us a rich jaded couple and their grown-up son - bored after a night watching pornography - visiting a travelling stunt show, the star of which is bears a striking similarity to the woman in the sex film they just saw. Invited back to the castle for a drink, she soon becomes embroiled in a night of bizarre carnality, fantasy fulfilment and highly charged love games.

Hailing from a time when erotic cinema was embraced by the mainstream, The Lickerish Quartet is a dream-like fantasy of liberated love and questing eroticism which blurs the boundaries between staid reality and the surreal realms of unbridled sexual fantasy.

Directed by the groundbreaking sometime pornographer Radley Metzger, The Lickerish Quartet takes us back in time to an era when nudity was a novelty and sexual explicitness felt like a revolution...

Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD Presentation
- Brand new high definition restoration of the original feature – uncut and available for the first time in the UK
- Optional English SDH subtitles
- Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen
- The Making of The Lickerish Quartet – A behind-the-scenes look featuring rare footage of Silvana Venturelli, Paolo Turco and Radley Metzger
- Cool Version Love Scenes – originally produced scenes where the original version too hot!
- Giving Voice to the Quartet – a look at the different audio tracks between the original location and dubbed soundtracks
- Original trailers
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly illustrated artwork by The Red Dress
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie

 SCORE (1974)
Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD

Label: Arrow Video

Region: B/2

Release Date: February 11th 2013 
Cast: Claire Wilbur, Calvin Culver and Lynn Lowry
Director: Radley Metzger
Rating: 18

Overview: A MAN AND A WOMAN AND A WOMAN AND A MAN AND A MAN AND A WOMAN ETC., ETC

Riding an early 70s wave of ever more liberal big screen morals, Score takes us to the imaginary city of Leisure, where an experienced couple are playing dangerous games of seduction on the swinging scene. They’re taking bets on who can screw who as they play fast and very loose with a newly married couple – Betsy and Eddie – two cute kids who are about to get their world turned upside down...

As the two couples dance around one another and the wine and pot begin to take hold, will the young and naive pair break their vows and succumb to the new morality of their hosts? Will Betsy wear the dog collar and leash? Find out in Metzger’s paean to sexual liberation, softcore Lesbianism and gender-bending erotic freedom!
 
Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD Presentation
- Brand new high definition restoration of the film – available for the first time in the UK
- Optional English SDH subtitles
- Audio commentary with director Radley Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen
- On the set of Score – a behind the scenes look at the making of Score containing rare footage of Claire Wilber, Lynn Lowry, Cal Culver, Gerald Grant and Radley Metzger
- Keeping Score with Lynn Rowley (The Crazies, Shivers) – a brand new interview with Score’s star
- Original trailers
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly illustrated artwork by The Red Dress
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Robin Bougie

 DEAD END DRIVE IN (1986) DVD

Label: ArrowDrome: 

Region: 2 PAL
Release Date: February 25th 2013 
Cast: Ned Manning, Natalie McCurry and Peter Whitford
Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Rating: 18 
Tagline: The price of admission is the rest of your life...

From Ozploitation King Brian Trenchard-Smith (Turkey Shoot, Stuntrock) comes an Australian Grindhouse classic which pits the dregs of society against each other in a crazed battle featuring atomic punks, burnt out junkers and a totally corrupt police force.

In an apocalyptic future where crimes rates have spiralled out of control and the economy has permanently collapsed, those in charge have found a perfect solution to the rise of lawlessness... Lock away the undesirables, criminals and low down dirty scumbags in the old Drive-in movie theatres, now converted into violent concentration camps.

Now, two kids who thought they were only coming along to see the show are trapped by circumstance in the chaos of Dead End Drive-In, can they escape before they too become resigned to the crazed life in this hellhole like everybody else? . There's a party every day, a movie every night, and all the junk food you can eat. What more can a kid want... except to get out.

  
Special Features:
- A Reversible Sleeve of Original Artwork
- A Collector's Booklet

DEADLY BLESSING (1981)

Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD

Label: Arrow Video
Region: B/2 PAL
Release Date: March 25th 2013  
Rating: 15
Duration: 98 mins
Cast: Sharon Stone, Ernest Borgnine, Michael Berryman
Director: Wes Craven 
Tagline: They’ll Build A Barn From Your Bones!

Wes Craven unearths the darkness that festers beneath an isolated community in Deadly Blessing, a rural tale of mistrust and bloody murder from the director of Last House on the Left.

When Martha marries into a close knit sect she finds herself shunned as an outsider by its fanatical members, but when her husband dies mysteriously while riding a tractor expressly forbidden as a tool of the devil, things take a darker turn. Marked as a incubus by her neighbours, time is running out for Martha and her visiting friends, as plagued by nightmares and fearing for their lives, they face the violent fury and retribution of old time religion.

One of Hollywood’s masters of terror presents a tale of rural horror and simmering evil from the golden age of video terror.
 
Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of the main feature
- Optional English SDH Subtitles
- Audio commentary with Wes Craven [Blu-ray only]
- Brand new UK-exclusive interview with Wes Craven [Blu-ray only]
- Introduction by star Michael Berryman
- Craven Images: The Horror Hits of Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes Series, Cut and Run, Weird Science) - An interview with Deadly Blessing’s iconic star
- Deadly Desires: An interview with screenwriter Glenn M. Benest
- Easter Eggs
- Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Rue Morgue art director Gary Pullin
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by author and critic Kim Newman

BAISE-MOI (2000) DVD

Label: Arrow Video
Release Date: March 25th 2013
Region: 2 PAL
Rating: 18
Cast: Raffaëla Anderson, Karen Lancaume and Céline Beugnot
Directors: Virginie Despentes, Coraline Trinh Thi 
Overview: Sex and shooting assault the senses in Baise-moi [literally ‘Fuck Me’ or ‘Kiss Me’], a bloody buddy movie that’s like Thelma and Louise on acid. 

Banned on release in France, the film has provoked as much horror as it has debate.

Manu – a part time porn star - and Nadine – a hooker – set out to leave their town for Paris after witnessing and being subject to rape and violence. They rage against societal expectations in a fury of robbery, orgiastic lust and murder.

One of the most controversial movies of the last 20 years, Baise-moi was described as the most sexually explicit film to ever reach British screens by the UK press, the film offers the complacent viewer a cinematic slap in the face.

Special Features:
- To Be Announced Soon
- Original theatrical trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Joe Wilson
- Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by author Kier-la Janisse