THE QUEEN OF BLACK MAGIC

Collector's of exotic nightmares the world over, Mondo Macabro has taken more chances both aesthetically and commercially than practically any DVD company in existence. Crossing the boundaries of taste and audience expectation, Pete Tombs and company have strived to breach the gap between cultures, unearthing horror and exploitation films that present Western viewers with different ways of not only getting scared but of seeing the world. With The Queen of Black Magic, a legend of Asian horror, they bring to bloody light a cult classic that is both historically significant and atmospherically effective. One of the first Asian horror films to be given attention in the US during the early days of home video, this 1979 feast of black magic, misunderstandings, and mayhem is as shocking and poetic today as when director Liliek Sudjio first helmed it. Crammed with surprisingly bloody carnage and an unearthly atmosphere of mounting dread, this perfect introduction to Indonesian horror/ fantasy filmmaking is also packed with adventure.

Mirroring the simplistic effectiveness of the oral story telling tradition still strong in its native land, The Queen of Black Magic focuses on victimization and revenge. Of course the supernatural plays a crucial role, and is treated with an authority and belief that many Western productions lack. A young lady is accused of being a sorceress by her former lover when his marriage plans go awry. With help from the gullible and none-too-likeable villagers, he throws her off a cliff. A mysterious hermit finds her in the jungle and nurses her back to health, promising to help her avenge herself by teaching her black magic. Soon she uses her newfound powers to become the very thing she was falsely accused of. The Queen of Evil is born, and she seeks vengeance!

The Queen of Black Magic combines the simple elegance of a fairy tale with the rustic intimacy of folklore. A feeling of mythic implication and occult forces working behind the veil surrounds the story, and both the plot and style are washed in a deep red sea of evocative poetry. A dark dream rescued from a shadow-drenched corner of the globe, this Indonesian cousin to MMs Bandh Darwaza and Purana Mondir shares something of those film's colorful set pieces and cross cultural horrors but opts for a more serious mood. Combining age-old superstitions and exotic supernatural legends with dark humor, Sudjio adapts a zealous and tragic approach to mythic materials of sorcery and Karma. Flawlessly entertaining, filled with chills, the violence is visceral, treating death with the same gusto as one finds in 80s Italian Horror. Fresh and innovative in execution, the movie is also interesting as a measuring stick of Indonesian genre, revealing a gawdy and haunting approach hard to resist. Over-the-top set pieces are merged with riotous action, insane special effects, and a general air of 'otherness' that heightens this hybrid of revenge tragedy and moralistic warning.

Mondo Macabro has carved for itself a formidable reputation as a leader in presenting adventurous film fans unique movies from around the globe in definitive editions (often in their original aspect ratios), re-mastered, and with intriguing extras. Queen of Black Magic is featured in 2.35:1 with the vivacious Eastman color looking clean and sharp, bleeding mood over its generous action. Colors are bold and vibrant and flesh tones realistic, adding up to a delirious experience. Audio featured in dubbed English Dolby Digital is somewhat muffled by background hissing but isn't too distracting.

Extras for this freaky feast of mob violence and spectral revenge are intensive. A welcome refutation to the fluff dished out by so many companies, the supplements offer intriguing cultural and historical context in the form of an essay written by Pete Tombs. This is followed by an Interview with effects creator El Badrun. An Original film Trailer and the dependable MM preview trailer compilation ends the festivities.

Review by William Simmons