Les amazones du temple d'or Blu-ray Review

"Les Amazones du Temple d'Or" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, courtesy of MVD Visual's MVD Classics imprint. The transfer offers a notably improved viewing experience compared to other Franco films, albeit with visible age-related wear and tear including occasional flecks and nicks. Despite this, the absence of noticeable stock footage lends a more homogeneous appearance to the presentation. The film has not undergone digital scrubbing, leaving some grain looking fairly chunky in places.

Contrast is generally consistent though there are variances; some scenes exhibit milky blacks and a hazy appearance. The palette, however, remains visually appealing with outdoor scenes benefiting from vivid saturation, particularly the blue skies that pop brightly. Overall, the Blu-ray presentation is a satisfying experience, earning a score of 3.25.

The audio presentation of "Les amazones du temple d'or" on Blu Ray offers LPCM 2.0 mono mixes available in both English and French. While the French mix tends to have slightly higher dialogue levels, both language tracks present an overall consistent sound experience. This edition exhibits significant improvements over previous releases, notably containing minimal hiss and a more robust audio quality. The soundtrack’s prominent synth elements benefit from this fuller-bodied soundscape, enhancing the overall listening experience.

However, certain limitations persist across both audio tracks which may detract from the immersive quality for discerning listeners. Dialogue at times sounds boxy, a characteristic likely stemming from the original dubbing process. Additionally, the synchronization between speech and lip movements is frequently misaligned in both languages, a common issue that slightly diminishes the viewing experience, though it is not unusual for films of this genre and era. Overall, this audio presentation provides a richer sound quality with noticeable enhancements, despite some inherent limitations in dialogue synchronization and clarity.

The extras provided on the Blu Ray release of "Les amazones du temple d'or" are a comprehensive and engaging collection that enhances the viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike. The various trailers included, such as the "Golden Temple Amazons," despite being in 480i and anamorphically stretched, still manage to capture the essence and allure of the original film. The additional trailers for other MVD releases add value by showcasing related content, further immersing viewers in the genre. Each extra provides unique insights and nostalgia that will appeal to both new viewers and long-time fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Golden Temple Amazons Teaser: Anamorphic 480i trailer with unique visual elements.
• MVD Release Trailers: A collection of trailers for other related releases by MVD.

"Golden Temple Amazons" (aka Les amazones du temple d’or and Amazons in the Temple of Gold) is an intriguing addition to the jungle adventure thriller genre. The film stars Analía Ivars as Liana, who as a child witnesses the brutal slaying of her explorer parents by a tribe of Amazons after they discover a hidden golden temple. Abandoned yet spared, Liana grows up in the wilderness, later seeking revenge against the very tribe that killed her parents. The plot advances as Liana, now an adult, teams up with her pet monkey and a quirky African witch doctor named Koukou, played by Stanley Kapoul, to join a crew in search of the elusive golden temple. The film’s narrative is interspersed with a fetishistic cult led by Rena (Eva Leon) and her accomplice, Uruck (William Berger), setting the stage for multiple layers of conflict.

The opening scene juxtaposes stark violence against an otherwise serene jungle setting, providing early foreshadowing for the film's mythic-heroic journey. Liana's quest takes on mythic proportions as she educates herself about her past through her father's diary, ultimately driving her to confront the Amazonian tribe. In terms of technical execution, "Golden Temple Amazons" offers more cohesiveness than its counterpart "Diamonds of Kilimandjaro," and appears to predominantly feature original footage rather than relying extensively on stock clips.

While the film’s campy tone, characterized by sequences of topless women and faux-swashbuckling antics, may leave some Franco purists nonplussed, it arguably entertains with its unapologetic B-movie flair. The depiction of animal interactions also suggests a certain dedication to practical effects. Overall, "Golden Temple Amazons" delivers a distinctive blend of action and eccentricity that might not align with traditional tastes but resonates within niche cinematic corridors.

"Les amazones du temple d'or" (Golden Temple Amazons) offers an eclectic blend of bizarre genre elements, delivering an experience that is both incoherent and captivating. The film, directed by Jess Franco, presents a perplexing narrative that tends to oscillate between moments of genuine intrigue and utter disarray. Despite these shortcomings, the movie’s idiosyncrasies may indeed appeal to a niche audience who revel in unconventional storytelling and "eurosleaze" cinema.

The Blu-ray release from MVD Classics showcases commendable technical merits. The transfer quality demonstrates a marked improvement over previous Franco releases, featuring a more consistent video presentation that enhances the visual aesthetics of the film. This release benefits from an effective remastering process that addresses many of the issues prevalent in earlier versions, ensuring a more polished and immersive viewing experience. Audio quality is proficient, with dialog and ambient sounds presented clearly, maintaining the integrity of the adventurous soundtrack.

In conclusion, "Golden Temple Amazons" stands as a peculiar yet intriguing film. While its narrative coherence may be questionable, its distinctiveness shines through, making it an intriguing watch for fans of Jess Franco and offbeat genre films. The Blu-ray release by MVD Classics upholds a high standard of technical quality, making this edition a worthwhile purchase for enthusiasts seeking to complete their collection.