LIPS OF BLOOD

Jean Rollin is most certainly a very acquired taste and is about as far from mainstream cinema as you can get, so it came as quite a bit of a surprise when Encore announced a series of three-disc sets of the enigmatic French-man's movies. I was tasked with the job of reviewing this particular three-discer - and a fine set it is too. Not only do you get the movie remastered, but you also get a whole two discs' worth of extras.

The film itself is apparently a favourite of Rollin's. It's a very languid affair and moves at a very slow pace, but deliberately so. The story is very simple - a man has memories of an unforgettable encounter with an enigmatic woman at the site of an old castle. He is never able to forget this encounter and as an adult, when his interest is re-ignited after seeing a photograph of the castle, sets out to try and find this castle and, hopefully, once again meet this mysterious woman who has haunted him all these years.

It's a very lyrical film, beautifully shot and filled with haunting images and every frame is filled with deep meaning. I absolutely adored it - though I can certainly understand why many people wouldn't like it. In an age where cinema has to be fast and furious with constant action, films like this have less of an audience than ever before, which is a shame.

The film is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic and looks gorgeous. However, the framing did seem a bit tight at times, so I wonder if the OAR is nearer 1.66:1 than 1.78:1. But that's a minor complaint and certainly not one to quibble over.

The set also comes complete with two discs of supplementary features - you get featurettes, interviews, short films, commentaries and trailers. It really is an exhaustive package and Encore are to be commended for creating this worthwhile set that while stand as a testament to the brilliance of this film for years to come. If you like Rollin, you really owe it to yourself to own this set. It really is the last word on this movie.

But it's really the extras that set this package apart from all other releases and what makes the set worth owning. The film is graced with an with an 8 minute on-camera introduction from Director Rollin, where he explains some background to the film and why it is such a personal work for him. This introduction really does add to the viewing experience, as we, the viewer, have a greater understanding of the film and the thought behind it.

Moving on to disc 2, we find a curious featurette where Rollin talks at length about the beach where the finale of Lips of Blood was filmed and how it had played a major part in his childhood and that he had always felt drawn to the place. He goes on then to explain how the filming there was done and so forth. It's actually quite fascinating. Next up is an in-depth interview with lead actor Jean-Loup Philippe who talks at length about his acting career and more specifically about his time working together with Jean Rollin and what it was like working on Lips of Blood. It's an informative and insightful interview and well worth your time and attention. Also included is an interview with Nathalie Perrey, who comes across as a rather colourful and eccentric character - but it's a lively and engaging interview, and she is very articulate when talking about working with Rollin. Then we're treated to interview with Serge Rollin, who portrays the young boy in the flashback sequences of the film. Again, it's an engaging interview and very informative and he talks at length about working with Jean Rollin and how he feels about his films. The last interview on the disc is with Cathy Tricot who explains how she got into working in movies and of how she and her sister met Jean Rollin. She recounts some interesting anecdotes and talks of working on Lips of Blood and the controversy surrounding the movie. The last feature on Disc 2 is a slideshow.

And then onto Disc 3 - phew! There really is a LOT of stuff get through here! First up is what appears to be a condensed version of Lips of Blood accompanied by an audio commentary by Jean Rollin. This is certainly worth checking out. Next up is a short film called Les Amours Jaunes (These Jaundiced Loves), in which Rollin utilises the same beach location used in Lips of Blood - and to great effect. The film is shot in black and white and has some very striking imagery. It's a nice crisp transfer and is presented in 16:9. And, finally, to round off Disc 3 are three trailers for Lips of Blood, The Demoniacs, and Requiem for a Vampire.

This set from Encore really is the definitive article and certainly the last word on this Euro classic from Jean Rollin. Fans of the French maestro's work cannot afford to be without this fantastic set, it really is marvellous.

Review by C J Otter