Successive Slidings of Pleasure Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Successive Slidings of Pleasure," making its U.S. home video debut, demonstrates commendable quality thanks to its remastering in high definition from original 35mm materials. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer presents a clean, filmic, and natural image with no evidence of digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. Kino-Lorber’s transfer maintains a consistent grain structure which enhances its cinematic appeal. While there are minor instances of print damage, such as a few flecks and brief scratches, these are minimal and non-distracting.

Technically, the colors are vivid and stable, effectively highlighting the film's vibrant color palette. Contrast levels are well-balanced, avoiding extremes and providing crisp, clean whites alongside excellent clarity of background details. The 1.66:1 aspect ratio image benefits from accurate black levels and penetrating shadows that do not compromise detail. Facial complexions appear healthy and nuanced, with consistently sharp focus and plenty of fine detail, particularly in close-ups. Despite the film’s rapid sixteen-day shoot, the overall clarity is striking.

In summary, this high-definition presentation on Blu-ray is impressive, capturing the intricate details and lush colors with precision. The film’s aesthetic qualities are well-preserved, making this release a notable triumph in the realm of home video remasters.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Successive Slidings of Pleasure" impresses with its uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 track, which is both clear and stable throughout. Viewers will notice the absence of common issues like crackling, peaking, or hisses, which often plague films from this budget and era. The dialogue is pronounced and well-integrated within the mix, allowing for coherent and engaging viewing. Furthermore, the experimental sound design is reproduced effectively, and Michel Fano's haunting score is delivered with a crisp, robust quality. Optional English subtitles are provided in easy-to-read white lettering, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the viewing experience.

The uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack offers a surprisingly rich and expansive soundstage, characterized by detailed imaging and continuous background activity that keeps viewers immersed. The sound presentation provides a warmly enveloping sense of presence, augmented by extensive dynamics and acoustics with excellent fidelity. The separation between highs and mids is precise, while the low-end offers weighty support to the eerie and ethereal music, enhancing the film's atmospheric tension. Vocals remain pristine and precisely centered, further reinforcing this outstanding lossless mix. Audiophiles and casual viewers alike will appreciate the meticulous attention given to the soundtrack's quality, making it a true standout in this release.

The Blu Ray of "Successive Slidings of Pleasure" offers a captivating selection of extras, providing deep insights into the film's production and the creative vision of Alain Robbe-Grillet. The interview with Robbe-Grillet, hosted by Frédéric Taddeï, delivers an engaging and informative discussion, revealing anecdotes about the film's creation over 16 intense days, the unique choice of filming in the dungeon where the Marquis de Sade was once imprisoned, and the inspiration drawn from performance artist Yves Klein. Complementing this robust interview are high-definition trailers and promotional content that celebrate both the film and Robbe-Grillet's broader oeuvre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alain Robbe-Grillet Interview: In-depth discussion with Frédéric Taddeï, focusing on the film’s production and artistic influences.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers for other films directed by Robbe-Grillet.
• 2014 Promo: A promotional trailer featuring clips from Redemption's The Cinema of Alain Robbe-Grillet collection.

Alain Robbe-Grillet's "Successive Slidings of Pleasure" is an exemplar of his unique cinematic approach, bringing his Nouveau Roman sensibilities to the silver screen. The 1974 film delves into themes of sexual power, dominance, and submission, enveloping viewers in a labyrinthine narrative marked by its circular and fractured structure. The film opens with a rapid-fire montage that foreshadows the disorienting, nonlinear storytelling to come. Our protagonist, known only as "The Prisoner" (played by Anicée Alvina), is embroiled in a murder investigation after her roommate Nora (Olga Georges-Picot) is found dead, stabbed with a pair of scissors.

The narrative quickly shifts to The Prisoner being incarcerated in a convent, where she continues to manipulate those around her, primarily male authority figures and nuns, emphasizing a power dynamic that fluctuates between submissiveness and dominance. The film oscillates between these scenes and others filled with dense symbolism, disjointed flashbacks, and surreal elements, such as a phonograph playing dog barks and sexual moans simultaneously. Alain Robbe-Grillet’s direction deliberately disrupts traditional narrative flow, employing crude and inharmonious editing that reinforces the film's phantasmagoric aura.

"Successive Slidings of Pleasure" is a sensory overload that invokes the avant-garde spirit through jarring jump cuts, extreme close-ups, and repetitive sequences. The portrayal of masochism and sadism is explicit yet sophisticated, drawing viewers into a surreal exploration of psychological trauma and sexual repression. The film’s nonlinear structure, underscored by its sexually provocative themes and existential ponderings, magnifies its complexity. Robbe-Grillet challenges conventional storytelling by embracing free-association and stream-of-consciousness techniques, resulting in a cerebral cinematic experience that demands repeat viewings to fully appreciate its intricacies. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber's Redemption label finally makes this elusive gem accessible to a broader audience, preserving the director’s visionary work in high-definition glory.

Alain Robbe-Grillet's "Successive Slidings of Pleasure" stands as a testament to his innovative narrative style, interweaving the highbrow aspirations of literary pretension with the unabashed allure of 1970s Euro-sleaze. The film uniquely marries elements of mystery, drama, and fantasy, immersed in sexually provocative themes that challenge and captivate audiences. This Blu-ray release by Kino under the Redemption Films label does justice to the film’s distinct visual and auditory palette, offering an impressively clear and vibrant experience. It caters to aficionados of S&M motifs, nunsploitation fans, and devotees of unconventional European cinema.

Technically, the Blu-ray excels, presenting an astonishingly sharp audiovisual quality that bolsters the intricate and often avant-garde mise-en-scène of Robbe-Grillet’s work. Fans will find this a rewarding revisit to a seminal piece of French New Wave cinema. However, potential buyers should note that the bonus section falls short of expectations, lacking in-depth supplementary content that could provide greater insight into the film's production and context. Despite this, the core offering remains robust, giving viewers a solid presentation that vividly brings the director's intent to life.

In conclusion, "Successive Slidings of Pleasure" is well worth exploring for its unique narrative structure and provocative stylistic choices. While the supplemental material may disappoint those seeking extensive behind-the-scenes insights, the primary feature delivers a superlative viewing experience. This release is an essential addition for collectors of cult cinema and those appreciative of the boundary-pushing efforts of Alain Robbe-Grillet.