Vampyros Lesbos Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' Blu-ray release of Jess Franco's Vampyros Lesbos, presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offers a generally satisfying 1080p transfer. The detail and clarity range from decent to occasionally good, though there are some fluctuations due to production limitations and the use of inferior source footage. Visible grain, light traces of denoising corrections, and slight softness in certain sequences are observable, with some sequences exhibiting borderline smearing effects. Additionally, the encoding has not been fully optimized, resulting in partial clipping of high-frequencies that introduce light artifacts. Colors remain stable and natural, but there is room for improvement in saturation. Despite a few uneven transitions, the overall image stability remains decent.

The remastering of the original elements significantly enhances the detailing across various scenes. Individual hairs and threads in clothing are sharply distinct, and facial complexions reveal every pore, wrinkle, and blemish with impressive clarity. Contrast is consistently bright, with crisp whites and rich black levels that provide excellent definition in low-light scenes. The 1.66:1 image benefits from vibrant psychedelic colors and sumptuous primaries, imparting a rejuvenated and energetic appearance. While some blurrier scenes can be attributed to stock footage and subpar cinematography, the enhanced detailing in random objects such as stones in concrete footpaths, bricks, wallpaper patterns, and furniture textures highlight the overall visual quality of this release. Overall, though there is room for improvement, this presentation of Vampyros Lesbos is a commendable effort for both film enthusiasts and new viewers.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Vampyros Lesbos" offers a single German LPCM 2.0 track with optional English subtitles for the main feature. The standout feature here is the film’s psychedelic soundtrack, which significantly benefits from the lossless treatment, showcasing vital improvements in clarity and spatial presence. The uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack, restricted to the center channel, nonetheless provides broad imaging and a distinct sense of spatiality.

The soundtrack, especially pieces like "The Lions & The Cucumber," sounds noticeably more distinct and engaging. Listeners will appreciate the depth added by the hearty low-end, which lends weight and warmth to the music. The tiniest details, such as individual footsteps and rustling leaves, are clear and distinct. Dialogues are generally stable and easy to follow, although there can be some extremely light background hiss at times, which almost entirely disappears during musical segments.

One notable drawback is that some ADR work is of poor quality, occasionally becoming a bit distracting against the otherwise precise and intelligible vocals. Occasionally, loud hissing and background noise become audible, somewhat detracting from the overall audio experience. Despite these minor imperfections, the high-resolution audio mix performs admirably, complementing the visual aspects of the film and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Vampyros Lesbos" provide a fascinating and insightful exploration into the film's production history, key personnel, and unique stylistic elements. Jess Franco's relationship with producer Artur Brauner and actress Soledad Miranda is delved into extensively in the archival video interview, "Interlude in Lesbos." Author Stephen Thrower offers a comprehensive analysis of Franco's work during the 70s, highlighting differences between the German and Spanish versions of the film and discussing the memorable soundtrack. Amy Brown’s interview furnishes a poignant tribute to Soledad Miranda's legacy. "Jess Is Yoda" injects humor with Franco's unexpected revelation about his impact on pop culture. Additional features like the German opening title sequence and trailer round out a robust collection of extras that will engage any cinephile or Franco enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interlude in Lesbos: Interview with writer/director Jess Franco discussing his relationship with Artur Brauner and Soledad Miranda.
• Stephen Thrower on Vampyros Lesbos: Insights from author Stephen Thrower on Franco's work, style, and soundtrack.
• Sublime Soledad: Amy Brown discusses the life and legacy of actress Soledad Miranda.
• Jess Is Yoda Clip: Humorous interview where Franco reveals his influence on the Yoda character.
• German Opening Title Sequence: Original title sequence in German.
• German Trailer: Original German trailer for Vampyros Lesbos.

As one of Jess Franco's most infamous productions, "Vampyros Lesbos" (1971) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films, featuring both the German preferred version and the alternative Spanish language version, Las Vampiras. The film stars Ewa Strömberg as Linda Westinghouse and Soledad Miranda as the seductive Countess Nadine Carody. The narrative loosely reinterprets Bram Stoker's "Dracula," blending elements of Gothic horror with a psychedelic, erotic aesthetic. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul and the Kadidados Islands, the film draws viewers into a hypnotic dreamscape where Linda is entranced by an exotic nightclub dancer who later manifests as Countess Nadine, leading to a series of surreal events and encounters.

Franco's approach to both camera work and narrative coherence is likely to divide audiences. Many will find his style frustratingly disjointed, with scenes like a gunfight between hapless characters handled with visible budgetary constraints—such as the use of toy cap guns. But beyond this, moments of stark creativity and stylized cinematography by Manuel Merino shine through, indicating an artistic intention amidst the erratic execution. The psychedelic musical score by Manfred Hübler and Siegfried Schwab superbly complements the visual style, enhancing the film's otherworldly atmosphere.

Nudity and mild eroticism are present but are often overshadowed by Franco's focus on visual storytelling. The sexual content is restrained compared to his other works, suggesting a deliberate pacing that complements the film's overall dreamlike quality. Despite technical flaws and an often fragmented narrative, "Vampyros Lesbos" remains an intriguing piece of Euro-sleaze cinema, notable for its unique blending of genres and thematic experimentation with lesbian undertones. Severin Films' Blu-ray release ensures that this cult-classic can be appreciated in its restored form, celebrating both Franco's vision and its enduring impact on genre filmmaking.

"Vampyros Lesbos," a hallmark of cult cinema directed by Jess Franco, stands out for its atmospheric charm and vivid cinematography. This poetic and visually striking film is further elevated by one of the most iconic psychedelic soundtracks of the '70s. The recently remastered German language version, preferred by Franco, presents the film in high-definition. Despite minor shortcomings in visual fidelity, the overall presentation is commendable and retains much of the film's ethereal sensuality.

With Soledad Miranda's captivating performance at its core, "Vampyros Lesbos" encapsulates the quintessential low-budget Euro-sleaze style. It offers a unique twist on Bram Stoker's Dracula with its lesbian romance narrative. The Blu-ray release impresses with unexpectedly good picture quality and an adequate audio track. Adding to its appeal is a well-curated assortment of bonus features, elevating the viewing experience and making it a collectible for aficionados of cult cinema.

In conclusion, "Vampyros Lesbos" is certainly one of Jess Franco's finest films, brimming with atmosphere and complemented by an extraordinary soundtrack. The Blu-ray's high-definition remastering is commendable, even if not flawless. With its artistic merit and historical significance in exploitation cinema, this package is highly recommended for both new viewers and seasoned collectors alike.