The Million Eyes of Sumuru (1967) (Extended Version) (4K Ultra HD Review)
Director: Lindsay Shonteff
Starring: Shirley Eaton, Frankie Avalon, George Nader
RATED: UR/REGION 0/2:39/2160p/NUMBER OF DISCS 2
AVAILABLE FROM Blue Underground
In the kaleidoscopic world of 1970s cinema, “The Million Eyes of Sumuru” emerges as a bizarre yet tantalizing artifact. Directed by Lindsay Shonteff and featuring the youthful exuberance of Frankie Avalon alongside the captivating Shirley Eaton, the film invites audiences into a campy adventure that provides both kitsch and a surprisingly intriguing premise.
The plot, rooted in the spy genre typical of the era, follows the exploits of a suave secret agent, played by Avalon, who is entangled in a web of intrigue led by the enigmatic Sumuru, portrayed by Eaton. With its blend of espionage and tantalizing femme fatale allure, the movie struts along the lines of light-hearted comedy and thrilling escapades, albeit often veering into the absurd.
One of the strongest themes of “The Million Eyes of Sumuru” is the battle of the sexes, set against a backdrop of power dynamics and empowerment. Sumuru, the titular character, is a seductive mastermind with designs for world domination, cultivating a veritable army of women who are as capable as they are breathtaking. This portrayal adds layers to the narrative, dabbling in a critique of patriarchal structures and the undercurrents of female empowerment—albeit filtered through the lens of camp.
While viewers might initially find themselves chuckling at Avalon’s not-so-serious portrayal of a secret agent, his charisma does shine in moments that remind us why he was a pop culture icon. Shirley Eaton glows with an undeniable presence that is both authoritative and alluring—her character demands attention and commands the screen. The chemistry between Avalon and Eaton injects a playful energy into the film, contributing to its overall charm, even amidst the many awkward moments.
Cinematographically, the film boasts a smorgasbord of vibrant colors and exotic locales, emblematic of the era’s fascination with the far-flung and fantastical. The production design sizzles with 70s styling, offering an aesthetic that is flashy but perhaps occasionally off-putting to modern sensibilities. Yet, therein lies the film’s charm; it takes itself lightly, allowing moments of absurdity to reign—what lacks in realism is compensated with delightful theatricality. All this looks even better under the scope of Blue Underground’s 4K release here. I dare anyone to find a better looking version of this movie. From the way it looks to the sound, this thing kicks on all fronts. And speaking of the sound…
The score, with its catchy tunes, harks back to a simpler time, where music encapsulated the film’s whimsy. Yet the pacing suffers at times, with certain sequences dragging just a bit too long, testing the viewer’s patience. Still, one cannot help but be swept up in the infectious spirit of the piece, celebrating its imperfections and reveling in its sheer audacity.
Ultimately, “The Million Eyes of Sumuru” resonates as a time capsule, embodying a peculiar blend of humor, intrigue, and camp that feels both familiar and utterly outlandish. It strikes a delicate balance between being an overlooked gem and an exercise in indulgent entertainment—it’s the kind of movie best appreciated with friends, laughter, and perhaps a few hearty critiques.
In conclusion, “The Million Eyes of Sumuru,” while flawed, is a memorable excursion into a world of spy games and sensational women, leaving one with a wistful appreciation for the bold and the bizarre. As I left the viewing, I felt an unexpected warmth in my heart, a reminder that cinema, in any form, is best when it dares to be a little ridiculous. This film invites you to lean into that absurdity, and in doing so, offers a refreshing glimpse into a bygone era of cinema. So, throw on your best 70s attire, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a whirlwind of escapades that will leave you chuckling long after the credits roll. Even if the movie isn’t perfect, this is still a perfect release for it.
Extras
- Ultra HD Blu-ray (2160p) and HD Blu-ray (1080p) Widescreen 2.40:1 feature presentations
- Audio: 1.0 DTS-HD MA (English)
- Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol
- NEW! Audio Commentary #1 with Film Historians David Del Valle and Dan Marino
- NEW! Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth
- NEW! England’s Unknown Exploitation Film Eccentric: The Schlock-Cinema Legacy of Lindsay Shonteff – A new feature-length documentary directed by Naomi Holwill (101 Mins.)
- Theatrical Trailer
- Poster & Still Gallery
- NEW! RiffTrax Edition – THE MILLION EYES OF SUMURU Riffed by Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett & Kevin Murphy (71 Mins.)
