GIRL SLAVES OF MORGANA LE FAY

During the 70's some of the most downright bizarre (and entertaining) movies ever made were being produced across the European continent. Many of these films have since faded into obscurity but, thanks to the likes of Mondo Macabro and Blue Underground, they are being rediscovered, remastered and put out on DVD, so that they can finally receive the recognition and appreciation many of them so richly deserve. At the forefront of exploring the fringes of wild and wacky cinema are Mondo Macabro, who unearth another gem in the form of Girl Slaves of Morgana Le Fay, a little seen French film made in 1971.

Girl Slaves of Morgana Le Fay is a strange little number and one that newcomers to the world of 70's Euro-cult cinema might find a tad baffling and somewhat inaccessible, but seasoned viewers are in for a treat. The story follows the fortunes of two girls, Anna and Francoise, travelling across France, who decide to stop off at a remote village for a break at the inn, and are promptly warned by the landlord to turn back and not to proceed on through the village. The girls ignore this warning and set off undeterred. Having passed through the village, they look for some shelter for the night and decide upon a night in a seemingly abandoned stable. In the morning, Francoise awakens to find that Anna has disappeared. She goes off in search of her and meets a dwarf who informs her that Ann has been taken to a nearby castle, the home of Morgana Le Fay, and has become an eternally young girl slave of the aforementioned Le Fay. However, Francoise's choice to remain under the care of Morgana Le Fay was really because the alternative was to grow old in her dungeon!

This dreamy and surrealistic film is quite enchanting and is very much in a similar vein to the work of French maestro Jean Rollin, who was also producing movies during the same period and of a similar disposition. The film relies very heavily on atmospherics and many viewers more used to Hollywood fare may find it somewhat slow moving. However, Girl Slaves of Morgana Le Fay is a slow-acting delirium and by the end of the film you'll find yourself completely lost and enthralled by this twilight world conjured up by director Bruno Gantillon. In its own way it's very stylish and is never coy in its depiction of naked flesh and Sapphic activity. The film weaves its web of beauty and decadent decay expertly - which is a credit to its director. In the hands of someone less committed, this could easily have descended into little more than a farcical, soft-core romp. It's not the best Euro movie of this type, but it's certainly very good. For those of you familiar with the works of Jean Rollin and the Eurocine offerings from Jess Franco, you should find that this film fits like an old glove or a well-worn coat - you'll easily fall under its spell. And I can give no higher recommendation than that.

As for the presentation, Mondo Macabro have remastered this release from the original negative, so it looks superb. Of course, with Mondo Macabro quality is never an issue, you know they'll have done the absolute best that is possible. Presented in 1.66.1, with anamorphic enhancement, this is simply wonderful to behold - and this for a film I never thought I would ever see on DVD. Colours are consistent throughout and the image is clean and sharp and there was no evidence of artifacting or digital smearing. It should also be noted that Mondo Macabro have reinstated several scenes that were originally cut from the movie - so you get more breasts and lesbian caressing, which will make many viewers happy, I'm sure.

The audio is presented in French mono with clear and easy to read English subtitles. It's not a film that would really warrant a 5.1 upgrade - it's perfectly fine just as it is. The dialogue is crisp and clear and there were no audio problems from what I could tell.

The disc also carries a handful of extra features that are well worth dipping into. First up is a short film by Gantillon, called Un couple d'artistes (An Artistic Couple) and is quite a macabre and unsettling piece of filmmaking. Next we have an informative interview with Gantillon; then we have three deleted scenes from the film. Also included are a text essay on the history of the film, cast and crew bios, a theatrical trailer and an assortment of trailers for other Mondo Macabro product. All-in-all it's a very impressive package. If you're a fan of obscure Euro cinema then you will definitely want to own this on DVD - and Mondo Macabro deserves the support of everyone who has even a passing interest in these types of films. I sincerely hope that Mondo Macabro continue to put out superlative product like this as I, for one, am very, very happy when they do!

Review by C J Otter