Marquis de Sade's Justine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" delivers a visually stunning experience, taking full advantage of its native 4K presentation combined with Dolby Vision and HDR to offer viewers an unparalleled level of depth, clarity, and vibrant coloration. Shot by Manuel Merino on 35mm film and originally finished photochemically, this restoration comes from the original camera negative, now presented in its uncut, uncensored form for the first time. The high dynamic range notably enhances the saturation, providing deep blacks and elaborate shadow details that make the film's lavish production design pop with a newfound vigor. Especially noteworthy are the sterling blues and bloody reds that leap off the screen, bringing the sumptuous costume design and set pieces to life in a manner previously unseen.

The presentation is impeccably clean and stable, boasting a finely balanced grain structure that adds to its filmic quality without detracting from the sharpness and detail of the image. Unlike some of director Franco's other work from the era, which often featured a softer focus and a more frenetic handheld style, "Justine's" 4K restoration showcases a more textural depth and a statelier composition that aligns perfectly with the expectations for a grand costume drama. However, while the upgrade in visual quality is significant when transitioning from the 1080p version to 4K, it's important to note the nuanced color grading differences. The 4K Dolby Vision grade manages nuances more effectively, ensuring areas that might appear overly vibrant in 1080p are rendered more naturally here, despite minor concerns over the potential for problematic blue hues.

With this release, Blue Underground has once again affirmed their commitment to preserving and enhancing classic cinema for modern home theater setups. Despite minor playback issues observed when utilizing Dolby Vision HDR on certain devices—a problem not unique to this title but somewhat prevalent among 4K releases—switching off Dolby Vision HDR resolves these issues, allowing for an otherwise flawless viewing experience. This 4K restoration not only respects but significantly amplifies the original artistic intentions behind "Justine," offering a visually breathtaking experience that both newcomers and longtime fans of the film will find deeply satisfying.

The audio presentation of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray release showcases a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. Accommodating audiences with diverse language preferences, it also includes optional white English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles for the main feature. Impressively, the lossless audio track stands out for its crystal-clear quality and commendable delivery of dialogue and scoring. The composition by Bruno Nicolai resonates with exceptional dynamic contrasts and depth that bolster the overall viewing experience. This singular mono track, despite its inherent limitations in spatial dynamics, manages to present Nicolai’s dramatic score, dialogue, and sound effects with a balance and clarity that is both pleasing and technically proficient.

Listeners will find the dialogue within the film notably sharp, stable, and easy to follow, ensuring that audiences can fully immerse themselves in the narrative without distraction. Furthermore, the absence of any audio anomalies such as hiss or damage is a testament to the meticulous care taken in the audio transfer. This care extends to handling post-production effects which, although potentially challenging due to the limitations of a mono track, are integrated in a manner that maintains realism without overshadowing the film's original sound elements.

In essence, the DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio track of "Justine" achieves an exemplary level of audio fidelity that surpasses expectations for a Jess Franco film. Through its balanced integration of dialogue, music, and effects, it not only respects but enhances the original atmospheric intention of the film. The success in presenting Bruno Nicolai’s score alongside the film’s auditory elements without compromising on clarity or experiencing technical faults marks a notable achievement in audio restoration for classic cinema on modern formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" enriches the viewing experience with a collection of thoughtful and meticulously produced extras. Offering valuable insights into Jess Franco's adaptation of the controversial work by Marquis de Sade, the set includes two engaging audio commentaries by film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth, who delve into the film’s production details, its varied cuts, and Franco's directorial nuances. The disc also features thought-provoking interviews, including an exclusive with Rosalba Neri and a detailed analysis by Stephen Thrower, and archival interviews with Jess Franco and Harry Alan Towers, providing an in-depth look at the film’s tumultuous production and Franco's working relationship with his cast and crew. Supplementing these are the original French trailer, a Poster & Still Gallery compiled by Gregory Chick, and the inclusion of "Deadly Sanctuary," the shorter U.S. version of the film, presented in high definition. The absence of the soundtrack CD from Blue Underground's previous release is noted, yet the included extras offer an extensive exploration of this cinematic piece, making it an essential pick for enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities behind Franco's vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary: By film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth (available on both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs).
• The Perils and Pleasures of Justine: Archival interview with director Jess Franco and producer Harry Alan Towers.
• Stephen Thrower on Justine: A new video interview with Stephen Thrower, discussing Jesús Franco's career.
• On Set With Jess: An exclusive program featuring star Rosalba Neri.
• French Trailer: The original French trailer for "Marquis de Sade's Justine."
• Deadly Sanctuary: The shorter U.S. version of the film, fully restored in high definition.
• Poster & Still Gallery: A compilation of marketing and promotional materials.

Jess Franco’s adaptation of Marquis de Sade's "Justine," also known as "Deadly Sanctuary" (1969), presents a peculiar cinematic experience, blending divergent visions into an awkward narrative cohesion, heavily influenced by producer Harry Alan Towers. This peculiar concoction results from a clash between Franco's directorial whims and Towers' narrative ambitions, showcasing a film that strays significantly from its source material. Despite its narrative fragmentation, illustrated through episodic ventures in Justine's tumultuous life, the film fails to maintain a consistent psychological depth or emotional resonance, particularly in its protagonist, portrayed by Romina Power. While Power’s performance is noted for its lack of understanding of Justine’s complex psyche, the film compensates with its miscellany of eccentric characters portrayed by a robust cast including Oscar-winners and experienced actors, who add layers of intrigue and entertainment against the backdrop of Barcelona’s splendid vistas and Bruno Nicolai’s hauntingly beautiful score.

The production history of "Justine" reveals a compromise at every turn; from casting controversies involving Romina Power to Jess Franco's overt dissatisfaction with the project’s divergence from his intended vision. This friction translates on-screen into a disjointed narrative, punctuated by Franco's dreamy visual style and sporadically engaging moments featuring larger-than-life characters and bizarre plot developments. Despite these inconsistencies, the film benefits significantly from its production value, boasting lush European landscapes and meticulous period detail, creating a visually arresting experience. The film oscillates between Franco's signature exploitation elements and a more ambitious, albeit faltering, adaptation of de Sade's provocative themes, offering a curious but ultimately unconvincing amalgam of sleaze and sophistication.

Where "Justine" stumbles in narrative cohesiveness and character development, it finds redemption in its visual and auditory splendor. The eclectic soundtrack by Bruno Nicolai enriches the film’s atmosphere, contributing significantly to its few mesmerizing sequences. However, the disjointed editing and irregular narrative pacing undermine its potential impact. Despite these flaws, "Justine" remains a testament to Franco’s audacious filmmaking style and his ability to create compelling imagery within the constraints of genre filmmaking and budgetary limitations. The film serves as an intriguing, albeit flawed, piece within Franco's oeuvre and the broader context of European exploitation cinema, appealing to those with a penchant for the director’s unorthodox approach to storytelling and visual composition.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Jess Franco's "Marquis de Sade's Justine" stands as a monument to the filmmaker's distinctive vision, bringing this surreal and contentious work to life in unparalleled clarity. This release captures the essence of Franco's ambition in what was his most costly project, delivering a viewing experience that is as bewildering as it is compelling. The set, complete with a 4K restoration of the original film and the shorter U.S. version titled "Deadly Sanctuary," along with a selection of exclusive new bonus features, ensures that fans and newcomers alike can fully immerse themselves in the controversial world Franco crafted. Among these features, the recent program with Rosalba Neri offers personal insights that enrich the understanding and appreciation of Franco’s work, making this edition a must-have for aficionados.

The technical merits of the release are further enhanced by an engaging audio commentary from film historian Nathaniel Thompson and author Troy Howarth. Their conversations, though not always tied to the on-screen action, delve deeply into the fabric of Franco's oeuvre, offering critical perspectives on "Justine" and its place within the director's prolific career. Additional bonus content, including vintage interviews and a Poster & Still Gallery, provides a comprehensive look at Franco’s filmmaking process and the broader context of his work against the backdrop of Spain's political climate of the time. Moreover, Stephen Thrower's analysis in "The Perils and Pleasures of Justine" offers invaluable insights into Franco's cinematic journey and evolving relationship with the industry's economic constraints.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" is a testament to Blue Underground's dedication to preserving and celebrating Jess Franco's unique contribution to cinema. Although not among Franco's most celebrated works, "Justine" serves as a pivotal point in his career, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the face of financial and artistic challenges. Through impeccable restoration, thoughtful commentary, and a host of enlightening extras, this edition not only honors Franco's vision but also provides a comprehensive exploration of his artistic evolution. For enthusiasts of Franco’s oeuvre and cinephiles exploring the margins of cinema, this release comes highly recommended.