99 Women Blu-ray Review

The presentation of "99 Women" on Blu-ray delivers mixed results, sourced from an outstanding 4K restoration and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p. Blue Underground's release, framed at an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, showcases significant efforts to enhance video quality. However, extensive digital filtering severely undermines the final output, compromising detail and depth, particularly in panoramic shots where background details are nearly eradicated. While the color grading is commendable, maintaining good color balance and consistency, the filtering overshadows gentle nuances by expanding blacks and grays. The image stability is generally commendable with minimal debris, though there are sporadic instances where artificial flatness is evident during low-light scenes.

The 4K restoration did manage to maintain strong fine details in sporadic close-ups, highlighting costume textures and facial features. Despite these positive aspects, the English main and end credits inherited softness due to their secondary source. Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1, the footage is vibrant and bright, with consistent flesh tones and black levels, standing in stark contrast to previous home video releases. Notably absent is the visible grain structure, enhancing clarity but potentially detracting from the original cinematic texture. Overall, while capturing a step-up in vibrancy and detail, the extensive filtering leads to a trade-off that might not entirely satisfy purists seeking a more authentic visual experience.

The Blu-ray release of "99 Women" presents a robust audio experience with its single DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This setup impresses with commendable depth and clarity, providing a well-rounded sound environment throughout the film. Given that the film underwent official overdubbing at a later stage, occasional mild unevenness can be perceived, though these instances are far from distracting and do not detract from the overall audio quality.

The DTS-HD Mono track effectively balances scoring, dialogue, and effects, delivering a full and consistent audio experience across the feature. Volume levels are well-maintained, ensuring that dialogue projects with clear authority within the mix. The music score effectively complements the dramatic narrative without overwhelming other elements. Notably, there are no instances of pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or digital distortions, ensuring a seamless auditory experience.

In addition to the primary audio track, the Blu-ray also provides optional yellow English, French, and Spanish subtitles for the main feature, enhancing accessibility for a wider audience. This attention to detail in both audio and subtitle options underscores a commitment to quality that will be appreciated by viewers.

The Blu-ray of "99 Women" offers an impressive collection of extras that provide a deep dive into the film's production, distribution, and cultural impact. Director Jess Franco's archival interview gives rich insights into the origin of the movie, shooting locations, censorship hurdles, and the film's European and U.S. distribution. Film historian Stephen Thrower's discussion on Franco’s professional relationship with producer Harry Alan Towers adds scholarly depth. Multiple deleted and alternate scenes extend understanding of the film's narrative and production decisions. The package also includes valuable promotional materials, a theatrical trailer, a reversible cover, Bruno Nicolai's original soundtrack CD, and an informative booklet by Thrower.

Extras included in this disc:

• Jess’ Women: Interview with Jess Franco.
• Jess, Harry & 99 Women: Discussion by Stephen Thrower.
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes: Includes Marie's Flashback, Zoe's Flashback, and Extended Ending.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for 99 Women.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Compilation of marketing materials.
• Cover Art: Reversible poster art.
• Soundtrack/CD: Bruno Nicolai's original soundtrack.
• Booklet: Writings by Stephen Thrower.

Jess Franco's "99 Women" (1969) carves its niche as a quintessential Women In Prison (WIP) film. Franco collaborated with producer Harry Alan Towers to produce a movie that revitalized the genre by taking advantage of loose censorship and ratings limitations. Set in an isolated prison, the film centers around Marie (Maria Rohm), who is stripped of her identity upon arrival and given the number 99. Her opposition to the sadistic warden Thelma Diaz (Mercedes McCambridge) and corrupt Governor Santos (Herbert Lom) leads to solitary confinement and consistent brutal treatment. A reform-minded administrator, Leonie Carroll (Maria Schell), provides a glimmer of hope, although her attempts are subverted by Diaz and Santos. The film edges towards mainstream appeal with its big-name cast, highlighting Franco’s ability to draw talent even while working with a small budget.

Despite not having the extreme graphic content found in later WIP films, "99 Women" captivates with its narrative and character-driven scenes. The flashbacks add emotional depth, such as Marie’s harrowing experiences, skillfully elevated by clever editing that implies perverse moments more than it shows. Franco's unique directing style—marked by strategic zooms and out-of-focus shots—turns potentially explicit scenes into visually ambiguous ones, much to the advantage of the narrative's tension. Supporting performances from European cinema stars further enrich the experience. The film balances rawness with restraint, creating a more sophisticated take on the WIP genre and reflecting Towers' classic storytelling preferences.

The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Bruno Nicolai, interlaces symphonic music with dreamy jazz, giving an illusory air of opulence to the production. The narrative themes, combined with Nicolai’s memorable score, amplify the perceived ambition behind this cult classic. Blue Underground has done justice to the film's legacy with a robust Blu-ray release, ensuring that both long-time fans and new viewers can appreciate Franco's boundary-pushing cinema in high definition.

Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release of “99 Women” offers a competent, if conflicting, experience for fans of the Women in Prison (WIP) genre. Jess Franco’s 1969 film stands as a seminal work, credited with injecting the genre with salacious sex, sleaze, and lesbian undertones. This release includes two versions: the original and the “Notorious French Version,” an unauthorized hardcore edit by Bruno Mattei, which is more of a curious piece rather than essential viewing due to its disruptive and poorly executed insertions.

The Blu-ray features a commendable HD transfer, although there are noticeable discrepancies in quality compared to other Blue Underground releases like “Maniac Cop 2” and “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence.” While the 4K remasters of the aforementioned titles showcase strong and unfiltered presentations with organic qualities, “99 Women” unfortunately falls short. The visuals appear to suffer from excessive digital manipulation, detracting from the original vision of director Jess Franco. There is a clear gap in quality that suggests a need for tighter quality control during the mastering process.

Despite these technical shortcomings, the Blu-ray set still holds value for collectors and genre enthusiasts. The inclusion of special features and the CD soundtrack is a notable bonus that enhances the overall package. "99 Women" provides an accessible entry point into Franco’s controversial filmography and remains a noteworthy title in Euro-cult cinema history.

In conclusion, while Blue Underground undeniably strives to deliver definitive editions of cult classics, the inconsistent quality control evident in this release is a significant concern. Although "99 Women" benefits from a solid HD upgrade and valuable extras, it is crucial for the label to ensure that future releases align more closely with the original cinematic intent. With the right adjustments, Blue Underground can continue to set high standards for cult film restorations.