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Daughters of Darkness
Stars:
Delphine Seyrig, Andrea Rau, John Karlen, and Danielle Quimet
Writers:
Pierre Drouot, Jean Ferry, and Harry Kumel
Director:
Harry Kumel
Feature
length: 100 minutes
Extras:
Audio Commentaries, Interview With Star Andrea Rau, Poster And Still Gallery,
Theatrical Trailer, and Radio Spots
Languages:
English Monaural
Subtitles:
English Language Subtitles For the Andrea Rau Interview
Packaging:
Keep Case
Chapter
Stops: 25
Sound:
Monaural Sound
Year
of Theatrical Release: 1971/DVD Release: 2003
Home
Video Distributor: Blue Underground
MPAA
Rating: Not Rated
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
Though we might take it for granted now, there was a time when the idea of presenting overt sexuality within genre films was nothing short of taboo. In particular the vampire films perhaps had the biggest leeway in portraying sexuality because of the nature of vampirism. There are people who have been raised by the books of Anne Rice and the post-modern vampire films of the last decade or so that are thoroughly in love with the genre, but have little to no knowledge of where some of these themes were bravely developed.
Blue
Underground is releasing three films that deal in particular with the subject of
sexual ambiguity and the occult. These films are “Daughters Of Darkness,”
“Vampyres,” and “Baba
Yaga.” The first two deal with vampirism in particular while “Baba
Yaga” deals more with the line between the imagination and magic. All
three were made in the 1970s during the era of glam rock though none of the
films are glam rock films. During this era there was a lot of musicians that
appeared more androgynous and at times the rumors that surrounded their private
lives were almost as bizarre for the lack of a better expression than some of
their theatrical concerts. This would have a profound effect on American cinema
as well as U.K. imports. Features like Brian DePalma’s “The Phantom Of The
Paradise” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” I think are good examples of
films that overtly captured this style of androgyny and rock and roll, but I am
pretty sure that these films, which have become as mainstream as “Star Wars”
could not have pushed their boundaries of artistic expression without these
European imports.
The
first one that comes to mind is “Daughters Of Darkness,” which of the three
I enjoyed the most. The screenplay has lots great dialogue quips and Elizabeth
Bathony is nothing short of terrific as an ageless Countess with a young
companion (Andrea Rau) who seduces a troubled newlywed couple, which ultimately
leads to jealousy and betrayal as well as tragedy. Presented in a (1.66:1) 16 by
9 enhanced aspect ratio, this Director’s Cut” of “Daughters Of Darkness”
looks fine considering the age and cult status of the picture. There is still a
bit of visual grain from the source materials and some shots are very soft
because of the filmmaking technique used during that time, but otherwise it is a
more than acceptable picture transfer. A clear two-channel English Monaural
Soundtrack is offered and it is free of analogue background noise. Director
Harry Kumel is quite candid about the film and is quick to point out things he
likes and doesn’t like and even acknowledges the film’s rather slow pace,
which probably would not fly well in a modern theater today given the nature of
contemporary cinema and television. Star John Karlen and Journalist David Del
Valle appear in their own commentary. This one at times can be more screen
specific than the Director’s commentary, but it has more pauses as well.
There
is an English Language Subtitled videotaped interview with Star Andrea Rau
(7:59), as well as the theatrical trailer (2:10), a short gallery of poster art
and stills, and four 30-second radio spots. The interactive menus are easy to
navigate. “Daughters Of Darkness” is now available on DVD-Video from Blue
Underground.
©
Copyright 2003 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.
Read
The DVD Review Of Vampyres
Read
The DVD Review Of Baba Yaga
Buy This DVD Now By Clicking On The Text Link Below!
Daughters of Darkness