Marquis de Sade’s Justine (1969) (4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray REVIEW)
Director: Jess Franco
Starring: Klaus Kinski, Romina Power, Maria Rohm
RATED: UR/REGION 0/1:66/2160p/NUMBER OF DISCS 2
AVAILABLE FROM Blue Underground
Justine is a cult classic movie by the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Jess Franco. Released in 1969, this movie is an adaptation of the 18th century novel of the same name by Marquis de Sade. The movie follows the life of a young woman named Justine, who is caught up in a web of deceit, betrayal, and ultimately, revenge. Through its complex plot and interesting characters, Justine has become a beloved classic, with fans all around the world.
The film has several flaws that hold it back from being a great movie. Firstly, the production values are a bit low, which can make some of the scenes look cheap and dated. There is also a lack of focus in the narrative, with some of the scenes lacking any real purpose. The dialogue is sometimes stilted and unconvincing, which can make the characters feel a bit shallow and one-dimensional. The pacing can also be a bit slow at times, with some scenes dragging on for too long. Finally, the film does not really offer much in terms of meaningful insights or ideas about its themes, making it difficult to interpret. That’s the negative stuff and we’ll get that out of the way because it isn’t all bad. But before we get into the good I just want to point out that regardless of how well you do or don’t like this one, you’ll at least be able to be in awe at how good and smooth this one looks in 4K with the details and colors all being well worth the upgrades.
Justine is an intense, surreal experience that’s sure to leave viewers feeling both scared and fascinated. The film’s atmosphere is filled with dread and eeriness that build upon each other as the story progresses. The set design and cinematography create a distinctive aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. The acting in Justine is outstanding as well. Leading actress Maria Rohm gives an emotionally charged performance that perfectly captures Justine’s fear and determination. The supporting cast also shines, providing strong support to the main story. Overall, Justine is a gripping and visually stunning horror-drama that’s sure to leave viewers enthralled and terrified. From its surreal atmosphere to its excellent acting performances, this classic film is a must-watch for any fan of the horror genre even if horror might not be the first thing you think of when you think about this one.
Extras
- 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
- NEW On Set With Jess – Interview with Star Rosalba Neri
- NEW Audio Commentary with Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth
- The Perils And Pleasures Of Justine – Interviews with Director Jess Franco and Writer/Producer Harry Alan Towers
- Stephen Thrower on JUSTINE – Interview with the author of “Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesus Franco”
- French Trailer
- NEWLY EXPANDED! Poster & Still Gallery
- NEW! DEADLY SANCTUARY – The shorter U.S. version in High Definition (96 Mins.)
- Audio: English (1.0 DTS-HD MA)
- Subtitles: English SDH, Français, Español
- Limited Edition embossed “windowed” slipcover (First Pressing Only)
- REGION-FREE
