The Lickerish Quartet Blu-ray Review

Radley Metzger's The Lickerish Quartet is presented on Blu-ray by Cult Epics with an impressive technical upgrade. Sporting a 1.86:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, the film's video quality marks a significant improvement over previous Standard Definition DVD (SDVD) releases, which suffered from a host of issues including poor color reproduction, stability concerns, and noticeable macroblocking, especially during darker scenes. It was anticipated that the transition to Blu-ray would address these problems, and fortunately, this release does not disappoint.

The high-definition transfer exhibits commendable detail and contrast enhancements that breathe new life into the visuals, allowing for a much clearer representation of the film's nuances. During darker scenes, such as those set at a carnival, details are substantially more visible compared to the blur encountered in earlier SDVD versions. The color reproduction has seen the most notable improvement; colors are vibrant, natural-looking, and stable, correcting past weaknesses and giving the film an appealingly organic appearance. Despite a few existing issues such as scratches and debris, the lack of heavy edge-enhancement, macroblocking, and Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) ensures that the film maintains a true cinematic quality.

Acknowledging the age and relative obscurity of The Lickerish Quartet, its representation on Blu-ray is surprisingly compelling. While the film exhibits elements indicative of its era—such as heavy grain levels, occasional flatness in image depth, fluctuating color clarity, and minor visual anomalies—the transfer manages to deliver solid blacks, accurate skin tones, and clear detail without succumbing to artificial enhancements. This release clarifies the potential of vintage films to be revitalized for modern audiences through careful restoration, offering an example where, despite inherent limitations due to the source material's condition, the end result can still be highly satisfying. Ultimately, this release stands as a testament to the capability of high-definition digital restoration to honor and preserve cinema's past.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lickerish Quartet" presents its audio solely in an English Dolby Digital 2.0 track, with an absence of optional English subtitles or a lossless audio option by Cult Epic. While the endeavor to maintain the film's original auditory essence is commendable, the decision not to include a more contemporary and robust audio format is notable. The existing track exhibits commendable depth especially noticeable in Stelvio Cipriani's score, though it's slightly undermined by a dynamic field that can be best described as inconsistent. Dialogue, for the most part, remains clear and comprehensible, which is a feat given the lack of effort to clean up background noises, carrying over some of the hisses recognizable from previous releases.

However, technical shortcomings become more apparent through persistent audio artifacts that detract from the viewing experience. Crackles, pops, and hisses are frequently encountered alongside a less than satisfactory attempt at bass, which tends to sound hollow. Specific issues with the letter "s" causing popping noises and brief, but noticeable, audio dropouts add to the frustration. Moreover, occasional lip-sync discrepancies primarily in Venturelli's scenes suggest overdubbing issues rather than a flaw inherent to the audio track itself.

While the nostalgia of film aging can add a certain charm to video, when it comes to audio, this release underscores that decay is far less forgiving. Audiences should adjust expectations accordingly, understanding that this release does not boast the pristine clarity nor the technological advancement in audio restoration that might be hoped for in a Blu-ray format. The continuous background noise and the uneven quality of sound reproduction underscore a missed opportunity to elevate the classic's sensory reception for a modern audience.

This extensive Blu-ray presentation of "The Lickerish Quartet" extras provides an insightful view into the making of Radley Metzger's sixth feature film, exploring its production heritage and the meticulous post-production process of voice synchronization, particularly highlighting the experiences of actors Frank Wolff and Erika Remberg alongside dubbed counterparts Silvana Venturelli and Paolo Turco. An audio commentary with Metzger and film historian Michael Bowen delves deep into the film’s creation and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, albeit occasionally meandering in its narrative flow. The inclusion of a "Cool Version" of the love scenes offers a less explicit alternative, reflecting on the film's erotic aspirations with a PG-13 lens that may disappoint purists seeking the unbridled vision of Metzger's work. Trailers and a score featurette round out the extras, offering a comprehensive package for fans and newcomers alike, seeking to understand the cinematic and thematic intricacies of this erotic art film.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of The Lickerish Quartet: A concise exploration of Radley Metzger's legacy.
• Cool Version Love Scenes: A PG-13 rendition of the film’s erotic scenes.
• Giving Voice to the Quartet: A comparison of original and dubbed voice recordings.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Radley Metzger and Michael Bowen.
• Score Trailer: Promotional material for the film’s musical aspects.
• Camille 2000 Trailer: A teaser for another Metzger film.
• The Lickerish Quartet Trailer: The official trailer for the film.

Radley Metzger's The Lickerish Quartet, a film from 1970, garners attention once again through its Blu-ray presentation by Cult Epics. Renowned for its erotic storytelling woven into a tale of fantasy, mistaken identity, and the blurring lines between reality and illusion, the movie transports viewers to an aristocratic European castle, setting a stage for provocative encounters against a backdrop of stunning scenery and stylish costumes. The film stars Frank Wolff, Erika Remberg, Paolo Turco, and Silvana Venturelli, whose performance is particularly mesmerizing, radiating both style and sensuality in a role that remains memorable despite her short cinematic career. The technicalities of the film, including the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Italy's Abruzzi Mountains and the meticulously chosen costumes by Enrico Sabbatini, add layers of aesthetic pleasure to the viewing experience.

The movie's plot revolves around a wealthy family coming across a woman who eerily resembles a figure from a stag film they watch together, setting off a series of confounding and erotic events that challenge the viewer's grasp of reality. The Lickerish Quartet plays with the concept of the film within a film, where the stag film's changing scenes perplex both characters and audience, driving the narrative forward. Venturelli's enigmatic character becomes a catalyst for uncovering hidden desires and family secrets, with each sexual encounter elegantly filmed, adding depth to the characters' personas rather than serving mere titillation. The film cleverly toys with its audience’s perceptions, making them question the authenticity of their observations.

Despite its provocative themes, The Lickerish Quartet is far from being just another adult film; it teases intelligence and dives into surrealism, wrapping sexual explorations in a layer of sophisticated symbolism. The Blu-ray presentation maintains this intricate balance, offering not only the film in pristine quality but also enriching the viewing experience with supplementary features like director commentary and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Its allure lies not solely in its eroticism but in its ability to weave a complex narrative that invites reflection on fantasy vs. reality, making it a peculiar yet fascinating piece for cinema enthusiasts.

After navigating through a sea of subpar SDVD editions, the Blu-ray release of Radley Metzger's "The Lickerish Quartet" stands as a beacon for aficionados of vintage erotic cinema. This particular edition finally provides the film with the treatment it merits, sparking a renewed enthusiasm for exploring more of Metzger's stylish oeuvre, such as the anticipated release of "Camille 2000". The hope that other classics like "Carmen, Baby" and "Therese and Isabelle" will soon follow in high-definition underscores the significance of this release not just as a singular event but as a potential catalyst for the rejuvenation of classic films in the digital age.

"The Lickerish Quartet" itself may not fulfill expectations for all viewers; it teeters on the edge of being an erotic cinematic piece that can either stimulate or bemuse its audience. Despite its potential shortcomings in arousing the intellect or the senses, the film maintains its stature as an intriguing piece of cinematic history. The Blu-ray version, notwithstanding the challenges faced during its production, emerges as a necessary addition to collections focused on obscure and seminal works, albeit perhaps more appealing to a niche audience. Its availability may be restricted to online platforms, indicating its unique status among Blu-ray releases.

In conclusion, while "The Lickerish Quartet" Blu-ray release may divide opinion concerning its erotic appeal and narrative engagement, it undeniably fills a void within the market for classic films remastered with care. High recommendation comes not only from its improved technical presentation but also from its importance in preserving a piece of erotic film history. Collectors and cinephiles with a penchant for the genre will find this edition a worthwhile investment, marking a pivotal point in the ongoing appreciation and reassessment of Radley Metzger's cinematic contributions.