VAMPIRE ECSTASY

VAMPIRE ECSTASY

Sometimes a screener drops at the perfect time. Take Joe Sarno’s VAMPIRE ECSTASY for example. The 1974 sexed up vampire yarn landed on my doorstep right in the middle of me revisiting the erotically charged works of Jean Rollin and Jess Franco via some recently purchased Redemption Blu Rays.

VAMPIRE ECSTASY was originally released under various guises such as Der Fluch der schwarzen Schwestern (original German title which translates as The Curse of the Black Sisters), The Devils Plaything (original UK release), Plaything of the Devil (its truncated US release) and Veil of Blood. Whatever you wish to call it, when it comes to European sexploitational tales of terror, who needs a logical narrative when you have vivid depictions of orgiastic black magic rites performed by a coven of witches, nude but for a few strokes of body paint? Not me that’s for sure!

Monica (Ulrike Butz) has travelled deep into the German mountains to the Castle Varga. The reason for her excursion is simple. She believes she has inherited the luscious gothic building from her deceased aunt. Along with two friends, one of which is Helga (Marie Forså) the girls are met by the rather austere housekeeper, Wanda Krock (Nadia Henkowa). Assisting Wanda serving the guests are her equally solemn cohorts who, as the darkness falls, shed their inhibitions along with their black robes to partake in profane lesbian ceremonies which can be heard if not seen.

The trio are a little wary but are soon joined by brother and sister team of Julia (Anke Syring) and Peter (Nico Wolf) due to the fact that (unseen to the viewer) they have suffered a car wreck. It must have been one of those innocuous car wrecks as the duo has sustained no injuries whatsoever!

Julia soon explains the reason for being in the area is to research into the regional superstitions. She goes on to divulge some fascinating details about a local legend that had a reign of terror some 400 years ago. The Baroness’s infamy (who incidentally used to reside at the Castle Varga) was so feared it led the locals into believing she was a vampire. It is thought the natives collectively attempted to destroy the wicked woman by burning her at the stake. Her spirit, however, is alleged to still nefariously roam the local countryside and the mythical story also claims that on the ‘Night of the Vampire’ (which only rolls round once every 9 years), the evil Baroness will return - but only in the body of a direct descendant.

Imagine Monica’s trepidation then when a painted portrait of the Baroness in the castles dining room bears an uncanny resemblance herself…

Well the first thing to say about VE is the fact it epitomises the true spirit of Euro Sleaze! From the very opening scenes a flagrant display of flesh is plainly evident. Driven by a bongo drumbeat, some frenzied and wild eyed dances soon evolve into erotic rituals which set the tone for what is to follow. These depictions of mere nudity are then cranked up a notch or two as the movie goes on. What is there not to love about lusty evocations utilizing penis shaped candles (complete with little white wick sticking out of the pee-pee hole!)? And even when phallic shaped pieces of wax are not to hand, any old candle will do for a dildo!

The sexual nature of the movie was also forged into the narrative. Along with naked cavorting and numerous softcore set pieces, some integral extended sequences featured the Wanda ‘Willing’ her intentions into Helga. It all resulted in an insatiable ‘throb’ tormenting the young girl until her task (in this case removing a herb crucifix from Peter’s neck) was complete. This mind bending concept was a splendid way to interweave occultism and sex blending the carnal with the supernatural. Add to this the rather taboo incestuous overtones of Julia and Peter and you have the recipe for a classic sex laden tale of witchcraft and summoning!

The simplicity of the narrative meant the pace was a little stretched over the first hour. That said, there were regular flashes of flesh and, although sluggish, did allow for a sense of unease to build among the characters. I persevered and my patience was handsomely rewarded in the final reel. Starting with the simple yet mesmerising walk by the raven haired and crimson lipped Monica toward the camera situated behind an iron gate, the last 20 minutes were a visual treat. The surreal cinematography reminded me in no small way of some of the more memorable sequences in Rollin’s SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES. Interior sequences were bathed in warm red lighting where as the exterior were awash with cold blues. The climax exuded atmosphere while displaying an intoxicatingly gothic horror aesthetic.

The movie is presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio and for the first time in the UK is apparently uncut. (I am slightly confused about this as IMDB quotes the German run time to be 115 minutes where as this DVD runs for 103 minutes) The picture quality is good enough to exhibit accurate flesh tones; is wonderfully crisp and also showcases the aforementioned beautifully lit shots with aplomb. Yes there is the odd scratch here and there but it hardly detracted from the enjoyment and gave the movie that genuinely vintage edge.

The audio did not fare so well. The dialogue was a little flat, even muffled at times and Wanda’s and Julia’s explanations to the group (and therefore the viewer) really could have done with a bit more clarity. I wouldn’t say it was inaudible but it was a struggle to make out the German accented discourse at vital times.

The disc itself has a menu screen (complimented with those rather addictive bongo rhythms!) and simply has the PLAY MOVIE, SCENE SELECTION options plus the choice of English or German Audio.

The only ‘Extra’ is the ‘Touch of Horror’ segment which is a brief 6 minute interview with director Joe Sarno.

Review by Marc Lissenburg


 
Released by Mediumrare
Region 2 - PAL
Rated 18
Extras :
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