Vixen! Blu-ray Review

Severin Films delivers a remarkable 4K restoration for "Vixen!", presenting the film on Blu-ray with a sharp AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, achieved via meticulous efforts by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and ImagePro. The restoration involved scanning the 35mm original camera negative, complemented by sections from the 35mm interpositive. The result is a vivid palette teeming with vibrant, natural colors and a well-defined grain structure that provides an authentic, organic viewing experience. The video presentation impresses with its intricate detail and crisp definition, exhibiting only minor age-related wear and fleeting variations due to the interpolated interpositive material.

The Eastmancolor elements of this sexploitation classic are presented in splendid condition, marked by saturated colors and warm contrast that enhance the natural flesh tones. Detail levels are exceptional across various textures, be it naked bodies or apparel, underscoring Russ Meyer’s unique cinematography style. Black levels are deep, and shadow delineation is finely tuned, supporting an overall lush visual aesthetic. The meticulously graded color captures a lively contrast and inky blacks, emphasizing both the outdoor scenes and intimate close-ups. The presentation is further complemented by its razor-sharp clarity and faithful color grading.

This Blu-ray release not only marks a triumphant debut for a vintage exploitation film in high-definition format but also serves as a testament to the outstanding restoration technologies employed. For those equipped with appropriate setups, opting for the UHD version is advisable; however, this 1080p Blu-ray presentation stands robustly on its own merit, boasting top-tier picture quality unusual for the genre’s era. The restoration’s attention to technical detail ensures that fans and new viewers alike experience "Vixen!" in all its intended visual glory.

The audio presentation of "Vixen!" on Blu-ray is delivered via a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. While the audio’s age shows through a boxy and somewhat shallow sound, it remains free from any major issues that would cause concern for viewers. The leisure of the countryside's sound effects meshes seamlessly with the film's dialogues, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience. Optional English subtitles are provided for accessibility.

The restoration efforts behind "Vixen!" are noteworthy, marked by an audio track sourced from both the original 35mm track negative and a 35mm release print, resulting in a robust composite track. While the monaural mix's low-budget origins are evident, the audio’s tonal richness exceeds typical expectations, presenting a surprisingly balanced audio experience given the film's age. Dialogue clarity is well-preserved, free from harshness and extreme sibilance, enhancing viewers' engagement with the film’s narrative.

Overall, while inherently limited by its initial production constraints, "Vixen!" offers a competent audio experience through adequate dynamics and smooth dialogue reproduction. The score may be bland but remains benign enough to not detract from the overall presentation, maintaining continuity with the visual elements provided by the new film transfer. English SDH subtitles with clear white font further ensure that all audience members can fully appreciate the film’s content.

Severin Films' Blu-ray release of Russ Meyer's "Vixen!" brings together a comprehensive collection of both new and archival extras for fans and film enthusiasts alike, enhancing this iconic title's legacy. Particularly noteworthy is the new audio commentary by actress Erica Gavin, offering frank recollections from her involvement with the film. The archival audio commentary by Meyer himself delivers insights into the filmmaking process and its groundbreaking impact on his career. The disc is coded for all regions, increasing accessibility for international audiences. Additionally, Severin Films provides an exclusive 6-disc limited edition, showcasing Meyer's works in 4K, reflecting the film's lasting allure.

Extras included in this disc:

• 1981 Censor Prologue: A brief defense of free expression attached to theatrical screenings.
• Archival Audio Commentary with Russ Meyer: Insightful commentary recorded in the 1990s.
• Audio Commentary with Erica Gavin: Candid reflections from the lead actress.
• Woman… Or Animal?: Interviews with actors Erica Gavin and Harrison Page.
• David Del Valle’s The Sinister Image: Cable access program featuring Russ Meyer and Yvette Vickers.
• Entertainment… Or Obscenity?: Marc Edward Heuck explores the film's censorship battles.
• Vixen Trailer: Promotional material for the film.

Severin Films' Blu-ray release of "Vixen!" offers a fascinating glimpse into Russ Meyer's impactful 1968 film, a significant landmark within the sexploitation genre. Known for its boundary-pushing themes and notable X-rating, "Vixen!" presents Erica Gavin in a bold portrayal of the titular character, a lust-driven housewife navigating the Canadian wilderness. While the film thrives on its scandalous content—infidelity, lesbianism, incest, and racism—it introduces real-world political tensions such as draft dodgers and Marxist sympathizers, lending a layered complexity that was notably avant-garde for its era. The film, featuring Meyer's signature exuberant Free Love showcases and a lighthearted narrative style, quite surprisingly integrates deeper societal issues with humor and satire rather than overt solemnity.

The narrative’s exploration of taboo subjects presents "Vixen!" as a relevant artifact within sexploitation cinema. Meyer's discerning eye for casting is evident with actress Erica Gavin, whose performance contributes significantly to the film's cult status. Her character's indiscriminate seduction of various individuals captures a stark parody of the sexual liberation wave permeating late 1960s America. Supporting performances, notably Harrison Page as Niles, imbue the film with a depth beyond its initial surface appeal. Myers, with his background as a Playboy photographer, crafts a distinctive visual allure, while maintaining an astutely critical perspective on the times.

What sets "Vixen!" apart from typical exploitation films is its seamless blend of risqué content with pointed social commentary. This combination carves out an innovative niche that landed Meyer extensive financial success, further cementing his status in the annals of cult cinema. The film stands as both an amusing piece and a historical curio—a vibrant reflection of its time that inadvertently contributed to the evolution of adult cinema, foreshadowing the more explicit narratives that would soon follow in the '70s.

"Vixen!" directed by Russ Meyer is a film that effortlessly weaves together provocative storytelling and humor, indicative of Meyer's signature style. Set against a backdrop of wilderness, the movie combines provocative themes with comedic elements, resulting in a simultaneously fascinating and discordant experience. Erica Gavin's performance is central to this captivating blend, bringing vibrancy and vivaciousness to her role—a standout factor in Meyer's ascent as a cult filmmaker.

The Blu-ray edition provided by Severin delivers a commendable technical presentation, ensuring both visual and audio elements are expertly preserved, thus providing an enriched viewing experience. The restoration work highlights the film’s aesthetic, aligning with the period's distinctive stylistic choices. Supplementary materials included with the set offer additional insights into Meyer's creative process, making it an attractive package for aficionados and newcomers alike.

"Vixen!" may present themes some view as outdated by contemporary standards, particularly through its contentious dialogues such as Vixen's racist tirades. However, these elements are balanced by the evident self-awareness and wit in Meyer's approach. Severin's release caters adeptly to Meyer enthusiasts with an offering that captures both the era's spirit and Meyer's playful storytelling.