Marquis de Sade's Justine Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground presents Jess Franco's "Marquis de Sade's Justine" on Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC within a 1.67:1 aspect ratio. This transfer, remarkably restored in 4K from the original camera negatives, sets a new benchmark for Franco's films. Fine film grain has been meticulously retained, providing remarkable detail and depth to the image, while presenting smooth fluidity unparalleled in prior home video releases. Colors are lush and natural, with vivid primaries like deep reds, warm greens, and sharp blues remaining stable throughout. A notable achievement in this release is the absence of edge-enhancement and the evenly distributed grain, ensuring an authentic filmic appearance.

This high-definition presentation brings exceptional clarity to the 17th-century costuming and architecture, enhancing the visual experience with incredible realism. Black levels are deep and inky, offering shadow separation that imbues scenes with a substantial three-dimensional quality without any crush issues. While flesh tones occasionally shift to a pinkish hue, potentially due to the lighting choices during specific sequences, it does not detract from the overall quality. Moreover, image stability is excellent, with no significant debris, cuts, or damage marks evident—except minimal speckling during the opening credits which quickly resolves. The transfer also maintains focus integrity, with occasional intentional defocusing used for content censorship proving non-intrusive. Overall, "Marquis de Sade's Justine" on Blu-ray represents a flawless visual restoration free from compression artifacts, ensuring a definitive viewing experience for this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" features a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional yellow English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are available for the main feature. Despite some minor unevenness typical of Jess Franco’s films, the audio quality is commendable. Clarity and separation are superb, with no background hiss or distortion, ensuring dialogue remains intelligible throughout.

This release is anchored by a surprisingly robust DTS-HD MA 1.0 track, especially considering the film's age and production constraints. The audio exhibits impressive fidelity; however, it is noticeable that many sound elements were added during post-production, giving them a slightly artificial quality. Nonetheless, the layering of dialogue, sound effects, and Bruno Nicolai's emphatic score is well-balanced. Occasionally, the music overtakes other audio elements but not to a detrimental extent—its dramatic nature complements the film’s tone effectively. The track is devoid of age-related anomalies and maintains clear dialogue, although some may find the exaggerated French accents amusing.

While the audio presentation is predominantly front-loaded, lacking in imaging and directional movement, it manages to retain a vibrant authenticity that reflects how the film was initially experienced over 45 years ago. The levels are well balanced within the midranges, negating any need for volume adjustments. Overall, this release provides an immersive listening experience that honors the original presentation of "Marquis de Sade's Justine."

The extras for the Blu-ray of "Marquis de Sade's Justine" offer a comprehensive and engaging look into the film's production and legacy. Highlighted by Stephen Thrower's insightful interview and Jess Franco's candid archival discussion, these features thoroughly cover the socio-political backdrop of the film's creation, its substantial budget, and the intricate dynamics between Franco and producer Harry Alan Towers. The extras present a nice balance of historical context, behind-the-scenes details, and visual artifacts such as posters and marketing materials. Film historians and fans will find both the analytical perspectives and the nostalgic elements captivating.

Extras included in this disc:

• French Trailer: Original French trailer with English subtitles.
• Stephen Thrower on Justine: Interview with Stephen Thrower discussing the film's history and production.
• The Perils and Pleasures of Justine: Archival interview with Jess Franco and Harry Alan Towers about the film's production.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Collection of posters and marketing materials.
• Soundtrack: Bruno Nicolai's soundtrack on a separate CD.
• Booklet: 18-page illustrated booklet by Stephen Thrower.
• Cover: Reversible cover.

Jess Franco’s "Marquis de Sade’s Justine" (1969), released on Blu-ray by Blue Underground, is an intriguing if inconsistent film adaptation of the infamous Marquis de Sade’s novel. Despite Franco’s signature touch, the narrative feels disjointed due to Harry Alan Towers’ dominant influence on the screenplay. This discord is evident in the film’s episodic structure, recounting key moments in Justine's life with often irrelevant, silent interludes featuring Klaus Kinski as de Sade. The film's tone oscillates between bawdy humor and dark allegory, creating a uniquely awkward viewing experience.

Romina Power, cast as Justine, struggles to convey the innocence her character demands, often appearing more perplexed than virtuous. In stark contrast, Maria Rohm’s Juliette exudes confidence in her sporadic appearances. Remarkably, the supporting cast provides exceptional performances that elevate the film's entertainment value. Mercedes McCambridge's portrayal of Madame Dubois and Jack Palance’s depiction of the manic Brother Antonin are notable highlights, injecting energy and absurdity into the proceedings. Their over-the-top performances juxtapose the miscasting of Power, saving the film from becoming monotonous.

Visually, "Marquis de Sade’s Justine" benefits from its picturesque Barcelona locations and Bruno Nicolai’s haunting orchestral score, which adds a layer of sophistication despite the film’s fragmented editing. Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release further enhances this experience with a pristine transfer and a wealth of special features, including insightful interviews and an illustrated booklet. While not a definitive adaptation of de Sade's work, this version of "Justine" remains a curious blend of Franco’s eccentric directorial style and Towers' narrative ambition, appealing to niche audiences seeking both historical intrigue and theatrical spectacle.

"Marquis de Sade's Justine" by Jess Franco remains a polarizing film that captivates through its sheer audacity. The film, Franco's most expensive project, offers a unique blend of surrealism and bawdy adventure. With a cast that includes some notable stars, their performances certainly evoke a range of reactions from amusement to bewilderment. Blue Underground's Blu-ray release shines in its presentation, wherein the 4K image transfer outdoes all previously released Franco films in Europe and North America. The visual clarity and fidelity offered by this restoration are simply unparalleled, transforming the viewing experience into an extraordinary one.

It's important to note that "Marquis de Sade's Justine" may not cater to everyone's taste. For those seeking an erotic fantasy in the line of Franco's other works, this title might not hit the mark. Instead, it leans towards a comedic, salacious adventure that invites a different kind of appreciation. Blue Underground complements the stellar 4K image with an exceptional audio track, ensuring that every scene resonates with impact. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes worthwhile extras that contribute further to understanding and appreciating the film's context and creation.

In conclusion, "Marquis de Sade's Justine" is a must-see for Jess Franco enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. Blue Underground's meticulous effort in the restoration process has yielded a definitive release, setting a high bar for future projects. While the film itself may polarize viewers, the quality of this Blu-ray presentation is indisputable. Highly recommended for Franco's fans and curious film buffs looking for a surreal cinematic experience.