Female Vampire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Female Vampire" by Kino Lorber and Redemption Films brings forth a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that honors the integrity of the original 2-perf 35mm print. The film's exceptionally grainy and generally soft image retains a naturally filmic look, untouched by digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. However, it does harbor numerous age-related issues, such as specks, flecks, and occasional debris. Significant vertical scratches mar several scenes, alongside noticeable brightness fluctuations and frame jittering, which can be mildly distracting. Despite these imperfections, the transfer offers a marked improvement in clarity compared to previous standard definition editions, allowing some fine details to emerge when the picture is correctly focused.

The 2.35:1 aspect ratio image is characterized by its natural grain, providing an authentic cinematic feel, albeit slightly on the softer side due to the original cinematography rather than any encoding flaws. The high-definition transfer displays a mixture of minor details and textures, though some viewers might find the overall appearance flat and dreary due to the mediocre and lacking contrast. Colors appear somewhat faded and unimpressive, particularly secondary hues, but primary colors are accurately rendered, offering a sense of visual coherence. Whites are crisp and bright, while black levels remain strong and true. Although certain scenes exhibit harsh print damage and color degradation—most notably around the 65-minute mark—this release is arguably the best representation of "Female Vampire" that we can expect for the foreseeable future.

The Blu-ray of "Female Vampire" presents two audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo tracks in French or English, both of which reflect the film's age and low-budget origins. While these tracks are functional and intelligible, they exhibit several technical shortcomings typical of films from this era. Notably, the dubbing is quite conspicuous, and there are instances of hisses, pops, and crackles accompanied by a slight brittleness in the high frequencies. The French mix is generally preferred over the English due to its more authentic alignment with the film's original presentation. The piano theme music and vocal numbers—though far from immersive—sound adequate considering the source material's limitations. Voices sometimes peak, but dialogue remains balanced and comprehensible, aided by optional English subtitles.

Kino Redemption also provides uncompressed PCM mono soundtracks for both the French and English versions, though they too come with inherent issues. The audio often sounds flat, hollow, and lacks dynamism, with virtually no mid-range movement or bass presence. Background effects and music are presented at uniform decibel levels, leading to an overall dull and lifeless soundstage that remains confined to the center channel. Despite being cleanly delivered, vocals tend to feel distant and dry, robbing scenes of their potential impact. On a somewhat positive note, the high-resolution tracks have been cleaned up to reduce the popping and hissing often associated with older, low-budget films. However, the mix's restrained nature and absence of spatial depth ultimately result in a rather underwhelming auditory experience.

The Blu Ray of "Female Vampire" offers an engaging selection of extras that deeply enrich the viewing experience. The alternate cut, Erotikill, presents a sanitized version with noticeably reduced sexual content and altered kill scenes, catering to broader audiences without straying far from the original plot. Destiny in Soft Focus features a candid interview with an aged Jess Franco, who nostalgically discusses his unique vision for the film's protagonist. Words for Lina serves as a touching tribute, where Jean-Pierre Bouyoux shares intimate memories and reflections on working with the late Lina Romay. The Trailers section provides a captivating look at related vampire-themed films, enhancing the overall thematic context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Erotikill: Less explicit cut of the film with minor editing changes.
• Destiny in Soft Focus: Interview with Jess Franco discussing the film's making.
• Words for Lina: Tribute and memories from Jean-Pierre Bouyoux about Lina Romay.
• Trailers: Includes various vampire-themed trailers.

"Female Vampire," directed by Jesús Franco, immerses viewers into an audacious blend of horror and erotica, characterized by a distinct stylistic flair that has cemented Franco's divisive reputation. The film introduces Countess Irina Karlstein (Lina Romay), a mute vampire who subsists on the sexual fluids of her victims rather than their blood. This premise is translated into a sequence of unabashedly explicit scenes that oscillate between titillation and tedium. Franco's directorial signature is evident in the frequently shaky and unfocused camerawork, which unflinchingly zooms in on intimate body parts, often with an overzealousness that borders on amateurish.

The narrative unfolds in the fog-drenched woods of Madeira, where Irina's encounters swing between seduction and mortality. The film juxtaposes these graphic interactions with poorly executed cinematography; for instance, an early scene shows Irina's countenance clumsily zooming in and out, exemplifying the technical ineptitude that characterizes much of Franco's work. The subplot involving a nosy journalist and a forensic pathologist (played by Franco himself) attempting to unravel the mystery of Irina's lethal allure adds a veneer of intrigue, albeit one that is overshadowed by drawn-out softcore sequences.

Despite its intriguing premise, which touches upon themes of eternal damnation and forbidden desire, "Female Vampire" falters in its execution. The seemingly interminable erotic scenes detract from the film's pacing, leading to a sluggish narrative progression. The over-exaggerated focus on explicit content undermines any potential for deeper exploration of its core themes. Franco's attempt to juxtapose erotica with horror often comes across as more absurd than artistically profound. As a result, while "Female Vampire" might hold some kitsch appeal or camp value for Franco enthusiasts, it ultimately fails to deliver on its conceptual promise.

In "Female Vampire," director Jesús Franco crafts an unconventional horror erotica film that blends his signature mix of gothic elements and explicit content. The plot, centering on a romanticized, melancholic vampire, touches on intriguing thematic content but often falls into a monotonous display of sexual scenes that may not captivate all viewers. For fans of 1970s European horror cinema, this Blu-ray release offers a valuable preservation of a cult classic, albeit one that isn't universally accessible.

Technically, the Blu-ray presents a mediocre audio and video quality that doesn't fully enhance the viewing experience but faithfully replicates the film's original aesthetic. The inclusion of new extras, however, adds some value to this edition, providing additional context and insights that appeal to die-hard Franco aficionados. One can appreciate the historical significance and unique narrative approach of "Female Vampire," despite its overall lack of mainstream appeal and polished execution.

There's no accounting for taste when it comes to horror or erotica, so I don't begrudge anyone their Jess Franco film fetish, even if I don't share it. (I think he's tedious and mysteriously over-hyped.) The director's cult will certainly appreciate this new Blu-ray edition of "Female Vampire," which—considering the type of film we're talking about—I'll admit at least has a novel premise. If you're completely new to the Euro-sleaze master's seedy oeuvre, however, I'd advise checking out some trailers or footage from the film on YouTube before stumbling into a blind-buy scenario. Recommended only for a niche audience of low-budget 1970s Euro-horror fans.