A Virgin Among the Living Dead

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" through the Kino/Redemption collaboration presents the film in its original, unaltered state, drawing out an authentic, if not vintage, viewing experience. The AVC-encoded transfer does not shy away from exposing the film’s age and wear, showcasing a variety of white specks, small scratches, and occasional bits of black debris across the picture. This come-as-you-are presentation strategy offers an honest glimpse into the film’s history and print quality, reminiscent of watching it in an old grindhouse cinema. Despite the evident print damage and an opening sequence that is notably messy, the move to 1080p has significantly improved the clarity over past editions, including DVDs and VHS tapes, bringing forth a degree of detail and a preservation of film grain that was previously unattainable.

Technical aspects of this new release exhibit both strengths and weaknesses apparent in the source material. Due to the original production’s constraints, including a low budget and quick shooting schedule, not all scenes boast high-definition sharpness or focus. Nonetheless, when the image is clear, it unveils fine details with a natural-looking reproduction. The color balance strikes a commendable equilibrium, avoiding oversaturation and maintaining a decent display of the film’s palette, though it's noted that blacks and shadows can at times overshadow finer details. The overall contrast tends toward the lower end of the grayscale, making some scenes appear dull and soft despite instances of excellent definition and bright whites. This release, while flaunting significant areas of improvement and delivering crisp primary colors, wrestles with inherent limitations, such as strong black levels that occasionally engulf details in darker scenes and a generally dreary tone across its visual presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" provides audiophiles with two noteworthy audio tracks: an original French track and an English dub, both presented in uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono format. Despite being a product of its time, with both tracks exhibiting age-related imperfections such as a low-level hiss, occasional pops and crackles, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience. The French track is deemed the preferred choice for purists, offering a direct conduit to the film's original essence, although the English dub receives praise for its poetic adaptation, even though it suffers from less-than-ideal Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) work that can be distractingly evident at times.

Both audio tracks showcase a commendable clarity in dialogue and music, with the soundstage producing a surprisingly wide sound field that belies the mono configuration. Imaging is crisp, allowing for nuanced auditory distinctions in high-intensity sequences—such as screams and loud impacts. Critics and fans alike will appreciate the exceptional quality of Bruno Nicolai's haunting score, which benefits from a depth and fidelity that elevate it above typical genre fare. This score, arguably the audio presentation's standout feature, seamlessly complements director Jess Franco’s surreal visuals, enhancing the film's atmospheric tension.

Despite some fidelity limitations inherent to the original recordings, resulting in a narrower than desired sonic landscape and background noise across much of the film’s runtime, the tracks maintain sufficient dynamism without sounding too thin or harsh. Available English subtitles provide additional support for viewers in need or preference. Ultimately, while both audio options have their ups and downs—ranging from commendable vocal clarity to unavoidable noise artifacts—the presentation earnestly respects the film's auditory aesthetics, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of this cult classic on 4K UHD Blu-ray.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" brings a thoughtful collection of extras that cater both to cinephiles and fans of Jesús Franco’s work. Tim Lucas, a Video Watchdog editor, enriches this release with an audio commentary that digs deep into the film, uncovering layers that may go unnoticed without his guidance. The inclusion of the complete 1980 cut of the film highlights Jean Rollin's controversial additions, contrasting starkly with Franco's vision. Interviews, including Jess Franco’s candid last interview and discussions on the film's various cuts, offer invaluable insights. Alternate erotic footage and a rich photo gallery complement the extras, alongside a collection of trailers. This handsome assemblage of extras not only pays homage to Franco’s legacy but also provides a comprehensive look at one of his most debated works, making it an essential acquisition for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Tim Lucas provides a thorough commentary on the film.
• A Virgin Among the Living Dead (Alternate Cut): Features Jean Rollin's additional footage.
• Alternate Erotic Footage: Includes additional explicit scenes.
• Jess Franco Interview: Franco discusses his displeasure with the film’s title and its interpretations.
• The Three Faces of Christina: Insights from film historians and the producer's son on the film's variations.
• Homage to Jess: A tribute to Jesús Franco through interviews.
• Trailers: A collection of trailers for Franco's films.
• Photo Gallery: Sixteen stills and promotional images from the film.

In the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead," viewers are treated to a film that exemplifies Jesus Jess Franco at his most morbidly poetic. This surrealist mood piece, born amidst a prolific career overshadowed by low-budget sleaze, stands out for its visual storytelling and emotional resonance. Directed in the early 70s, the film underwent various mutations - from its original title "Night of the Shooting Stars" to the zombie-infused cut by Jean Rollin. However, this release focuses on Franco's intended vision, free from external alterations, capturing a dreamlike mourning that mirrors Franco's grief over the death of his muse, Soledad Miranda.

Franco's storytelling is less about linear progression and more about creating an immersive atmosphere of melancholy and eeriness. Christina Benson's journey to her father's chateau introduces a gothic family saga entwined with elements of black comedy and surreal eroticism. Unlike many other Franco films, which delve into explicit territory, "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" is notable for its restrained approach, opting for an exploration of grief and isolation against a backdrop of uncanny familial gatherings and ghostly apparitions. The peculiar cast of characters — from Howard Vernon's bizarre Uncle Howard to Franco himself as the odd Basilio — enhances the film's enigmatic allure.

Within the technical realm, the 4K UHD Blu-ray excels in presenting Franco's vision with utmost clarity and refinement. The restoration respects the film's original aesthetic, maintaining its grain structure and color palette to preserve the director's gothic sensibilities. Despite its low-budget constraints, the film's visual composition — from haunting chateaux to shadow-laden corridors — is rendered with a level of detail that adds depth to its surreal narrative. This release not only offers cinephiles a closer examination of Franco's less recognized mastery but also an undiluted experience of one of his most introspective works, supported by superior video and audio quality that elevates its haunting ambiance.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead," a notable work in Jesús Franco's oeuvre, offers an intriguing blend of haunting atmosphere and emotional narrative that captivates fans of Euro-sleaze and le fantastique genres alike. The movie, which explores themes of grief, family, and the afterlife through a surrealist lens, has garnered a reputation for its unique approach to storytelling and visual execution. This particular release by Kino and Redemption stands out for delivering a high-definition transfer that significantly enhances the viewing experience, bringing out the moody and atmospheric qualities that are central to Franco's vision. While some may find the picture quality to be less than perfect, the audio presentation compensates with clarity and depth, creating an immersive auditory experience that complements the film's eerie ambiance.

Extras included in this Blu-ray set are instrumental in providing a fuller understanding of Franco's intent and the film's underlying themes, making it a valuable package for both newcomers to Franco's world and longtime aficionados. The inclusion of such features ensures that viewers have access to a more comprehensive appreciation of the film beyond its surface level, highlighting the director's personal connection to the material and his thoughtful exploration of complex emotional landscapes.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" emerges as a mixed bag that leans more towards the positive. Despite some drawbacks in picture quality, the upgrade in audio and substantial special features create an overall satisfying experience for cult film enthusiasts. It stands as a testament to Franco's unique place in cinema history, offering a palpably atmospheric and thought-provoking piece that deserves a spot in any serious film collection.