Schoolgirl Hitchhikers Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray release of "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" from Kino delivers a less-than-stellar video presentation. Encoded in 1080p/AVC and presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the transfer suffers from significant issues. The print is riddled with dirt specs, vertical scratches, and hairs, indicating that the source material was in poor condition. These defects, along with persistent image judder and slight combing artifacts, detract significantly from viewing quality. The jitteriness within the frame is particularly distracting and may be symptomatic of a telecine problem or PAL-to-NTSC conversion issue.

Furthermore, the 35mm grain structure appears inconsistently smoothed over, resulting in a soft, muddy, and indistinct image. Fine details are notably absent, making the image resemble an upscaled standard-definition transfer rather than a true high-definition one. The color palette is also notably problematic; fading hues and dull tones dominate, with lackluster black levels that verge on gray. The combined effect of these visual shortcomings yields a video experience that feels antiquated and subpar by contemporary standards.

Overall, while the transfer appears to make an attempt to stay true to the original grindhouse aesthetic, the lack of cleanup and enhancement does little to elevate the viewing experience. The faded colors, lack of fine detail, and pervasive print damage make this a challenging watch. While some may argue that these imperfections add to the nostalgic atmosphere of the film, they ultimately contribute to a visually underwhelming presentation that could have benefitted from more attentive restoration efforts.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" offers two lossless mono DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, available in both French and English. Given that the film was shot silently with all sound dubbed post-production, there is little qualitative difference between the two tracks, aside from language preference. The French track is often favored for its intrinsic flair and maintains a healthy and mostly clean profile. Both tracks, however, are subject to usual age-related anomalies such as light hisses, crackles, and occasional high-end peaking.

Despite these quirks, the audio quality fares reasonably well, particularly when compared to the video transfer. Dialogue remains consistent and is generally easy to understand, although it is not always flawlessly recorded. Sound effects tend to be thin and somewhat stagey, which can detract from the immersive experience. On a positive note, the eclectic score—which spans from folksy flute and guitar compositions to frenetic proto-punk drumming—is satisfactorily full and clear.

While the audio is far from perfect, it certainly holds its own given the film's vintage status. Hissing and crackling are par for the course with older films, but they do not entirely overshadow the sound experience. Optional English subtitles are provided, facilitating comprehension for those opting for the French audio track. Overall, while the audio presentations may not reach modern standards, they are still more than sufficient for enjoying this cult classic.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" are relatively sparse but notable for fans of Jean Rollin's work. They primarily consist of trailers showcasing some of Rollin's other films. While brief, these trailers offer a valuable glimpse into the director's broader oeuvre and stylistic elements, making them a worthwhile inclusion for completists and new fans alike. The high-definition format enhances the viewing experience, providing a clear and detailed presentation of these classic previews.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Rape of the Vampire: HD trailer.
• Lips of Blood: HD trailer.
• Fascination: HD trailer.
• The Living Dead Girl: HD trailer.

Jean Rollin's "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" (1973) presents his first attempt at a straightforward sexploitation film under the pseudonym Michel Gentil. Typically known for his surreal, erotic lesbian vampire films, Rollin's more conventional work here leaves much to be desired for even the most ardent fans. The plot revolves around Monique (Joëlle Coeur) and Jackie (Gilda Arancio), two women who decide to camp in an abandoned villa. The house, far from being desolate, contains Fred (Willy Braque), a petty criminal who soon entices Monique into a risqué encounter, quickly followed by Jackie's involvement. Their deceptive tranquillity is disrupted the next morning when Fred's boss, Beatrice (Marie Hélène Règne), accuses them of stealing missing jewels, leading to their capture and subsequent torture.

Despite its 79-minute runtime, the pacing feels unnecessarily prolonged, with scenes clearly stretched to meet feature-length requirements. Rollin's attempt at integrating softcore pornographic elements falls short of invigorating—the intimacy between characters is portrayed through repetitive sequences that lack the charisma and inventive angles that characterized his vampire films. Additionally, the film suffers from a remarkably thin plot. Monique eventually escapes and absurdly hires a private investigator (François Brincourt) instead of contacting the police, propelling the film into a sequence of dull, inconsequential events topped off by an unconvincing shootout.

Overall, while "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" offers some escapist charm with its softcore antics and occasional humorous moments—like overly theatrical mustaches and awkward costumes—it fails to maintain consistent entertainment value. The characters lack depth, the dialogue is laughably poor, and the erotic scenes, although plentiful, do little to enhance the narrative. This outing by Rollin might interest hardcore fans looking to complete their collection but will likely dissatisfy general audiences seeking substantial content or coherent storytelling.

Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" is a lesser-known work of Jean Rollin, delving into the nudie-crime sub-genre of Euro-sleaze. Unfortunately, this film falls short of being an engaging or entertaining entry in its category. The plot is insubstantial, primarily serving to link together a series of lackluster softcore scenes. The characters are unremarkable, failing to elevate the material beyond its pedestrian storyline. While Rollin has a well-established reputation for his atmospheric lesbian vampire films, this venture misses the mark, lacking both the captivating horror elements and compelling narratives of his better-known works.

The Blu-ray release by Kino presents additional challenges for viewers hoping to experience any redeeming qualities the film might possess. The high-definition transfer is plagued by soft, jittery visuals with noticeable print damage and digital artifacts that degrade the viewing experience. Despite whether the original film might hold nostalgic value or historical significance within Rollin’s oeuvre, the subpar quality of this release diminishes its potential appeal. The only special features included are four trailers for other Rollin titles - a minimal and meager offering that does little to enhance the value of this release.

In conclusion, "Schoolgirl Hitchhikers" is a problematic entry both in terms of film content and Blu-ray presentation. While some hardcore fans of Jean Rollin might find a reason to add this to their collections, the overall quality is disappointing. The undistinguished narrative and technical flaws make it difficult to recommend, particularly when there are better films within Rollin's catalog. This release is best suited for completists or those with a specific interest in the genre, but it is not one to prioritize for most viewers. Skip this and opt for more engaging and better-presented titles like "Zeta One" or "The Girl on a Motorcycle.