But Who Raped Linda? Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.34:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080p transfer, "But Who Raped Linda?" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films with a presentation that is both a commendable effort and a reflection of its historical limitations. Sourced from a 35mm print found in a Barcelona bordello, the transfer does an admirable job considering the condition of the source material. The visual integrity remains intact, with most close-ups offering good image depth and detail. However, the definition fluctuates due to natural wear such as fading and mild surface damage. Color saturation is generally satisfactory, though color balance and contrast levels experience occasional inconsistencies. Importantly, Severin Films wisely avoided any heavy-handed digital corrections; there are no attempts at degraining or reshaping the original footage, maintaining an authentic, organic look. Small flecks and scratches, sometimes accompanied by light vertical lines, are present but not excessively distracting.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode faithfully transfers the inherent qualities of the 35mm print, warts and all. While contrast and brightness levels are inhibited by a faded yellow tint typical of aged celluloid, whites are rendered cleanly and blacks accurately. The overall palette might seem dull compared to more contemporary films, but some scenes exhibit commendable sharpness and detail. Despite the specks of dirt and various scratches that permeate the image, viewers will appreciate the raw authenticity preserved in this Blu-ray release. Compared to previous VHS editions, especially the explicit French Hard Banana Version now included on a bonus DVD, the upgrade in visual quality is significant. This Region-Free Blu-ray allows universal playback across multiple devices, broadening access to this unique film’s enhanced presentation.

The Blu-ray presentation of "But Who Raped Linda?" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. While there are no optional English SDH subtitles included, the audio track largely impresses within the limitations of its monaural format and the quality of its original source. Dynamic fluctuations do exist but are minor, likely a result of post-production dubbing. Despite these minor issues, the dialog is consistently clean and intelligible, free from any notable hiss or audio distortions.

The lossless mix also delivers a surprisingly engaging and wide soundstage. Although the mid-range feels somewhat restricted and limited, it maintains cleanliness and clarity throughout. The soundtrack by Ian Wind and Charles Gordanne offers pleasing depth, particularly noticeable in the score and harpsichord music, where dynamics and acoustics shine with distinct clarity. Despite the ADR work being unintentionally humorous, it remains precise and well-prioritized. Ultimately, while the DTS-HD Master Audio mono track isn't groundbreaking, it remarkably handles the audio presentation with a stable and satisfying level of detail and depth.

The Blu-ray extras for "But Who Raped Linda?" provide an intricate look into the film's production history and the creative processes behind it. These supplemental materials are a treasure trove for enthusiasts and scholars of director Jess Franco’s work. The interviews with Franco and Lina Romay shed light on their collaborative relationship and clarify the various versions of the film. Stephen Thrower's analytical piece adds academic insight into the film’s place within Franco's broader oeuvre. The inclusion of a rare lifetime achievement award presentation, along with exclusive outtakes and the original trailer, enhances the disc’s value for any collector.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hot Nights of Jess: Interview with Jess Franco on production details and alternate versions.
• Lina & Jess Discussing Linda: Conversation about their working relationship and the film’s completion.
• Fantastic Fest Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Jess Franco: Footage of Franco receiving an award.
• Stephen Thrower on Linda: Discussion on production history, themes, and Franco’s filmography.
• Outtakes: Music-only segment.
• Trailer: Original English-language trailer.

"Who Raped Linda?" (aka "Les nuits brûlantes de Linda") is a distinctive film from the prolific Jess Franco, brought to Blu-ray in a meticulous release by Severin Films. The narrative follows Marie-France (Alice Arno), a maid hired by a wealthy recluse (Paul Muller) on an idyllic yet enigmatic island. Arriving at the villa, she encounters two contrasting daughters: an invalid absorbed in fantasies (Verónica Llimera) and a nymphomaniac (Lina Romay) who revels in peculiar seductions. Noteworthy are the eclectic narrative shifts and Franco’s adept use of psycho-psychedelic atmospheres weaving giallo, erotica, and psychedelica elements, enhanced by Gerard Brisseau's rugged cinematography and a retro soundtrack by Ian Wind and Charles Gordanne.

Franco's oeuvre during his prolific 1972-1977 phase is epitomized in this film—an esoteric blend of gothic romance, police procedural, comedy, and murder mystery. Despite its crude construction, "Who Raped Linda?" captivates through its bizarre yet entertaining narrative laden with eccentric characters and surreal scenarios. Lina Romay's role as a nymphomaniac adds to the film's eroticism, although it often veers into the nonsensical. The film unravels through a dreamlike atmosphere filled with untethered plot points, inconsistencies, and unresolved mysteries—yet achieves a peculiar charm through its raw execution and passionate endeavor to entertain.

The uneven structure of the film derived from extensive edits for different market versions does not detract from the engrossing psycho-psychedelic narrative Franco adeptly conjures—an odd but compelling amalgamation of diverse genres culminates into a uniquely eccentric watch.

Severin Films’ Blu-ray release of Jesús Franco’s "But Who Raped Linda?" delivers a stellar audiovisual presentation, preserving the film's original organic feel while eschewing excessive digital tampering. Fans of Franco will appreciate the subtleties in the grainy texture and natural color palette that defined his works during his busiest and most prolific period. The enigmatic blend of mystery, comedy, and eroticism remains intact, ensuring that the film retains its quintessential Euro-sleaze charm despite not being one of Franco’s strongest features. The transfer on this Blu-ray is surprisingly robust for such a low-budget production, showcasing improvements in detail and clarity that elevate the viewing experience.

The disc also includes a well-curated set of supplementary materials that provide additional context and depth to the film. This is supplemented by a bonus DVD featuring a more explicit version of the film, making it a significant draw for collectors and fans of exploitation cinema. Severin Films has evidently put considerable effort into this release, not only from a technical standpoint but also in terms of the comprehensive package they have assembled. Even die-hard collectors will find this release a valuable addition to their library due to the inclusion of rare versions and contextual extras.

This is a release done right. I like the fact that Severin Films did not try to repolish Jess Franco's "The Hot Nights of Linda" with digital tools before bringing it to Blu-ray. As a result, the film has a pleasing organic look. Fans of the legendary Spanish director and his work should try to get a copy of this quite difficult-to-see-until-recently film as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that in addition to the standard release, Severin Films are offering a Limited Edition Blu-ray release which contains a bonus DVD with a more explicit version of the film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.