Synopsis:

Claude Pierson 1972 version of the Marquis De Sade’s Justine is one of the more faithful adaptations of Justine. The plot which may be familiar to most cult films fans especially those who have seen Jess Franco’s 1969 version of Justine and yet the events while similar are done in their own unique way. Claude Pierson out sleazes all other versions of Justine with it’s his harsh and often graphic depiction of her depravity. Also most of the sex scenes end in climaxes literally.

One of the films most bizarre moments of torture/pleasure is when one of Justine’s captors gives her the power of saving or ending their life when they ask her to cut the rope around his neck which is going to chock them while he jerks off. It is then up to her to cut the rope after he climaxes not a moment before. This scene like so many others in the film pose the question of is Justine as pure as she pretends. Every time she has a chance to escape she doesn’t and time and again she fails into another trap which only further tests her so called virtue. The story is told via a flashback in which Justine tells her sister of her misadventures.

Actress Alice Arno is mesmerizing as Justine. Most cult movie fans will recognize her from the numerous Jess Franco films she has been in like The Perverse Countess, Amazon Golden Temple and Franco 1975 adaptation of Justine. She has purity about her performance which perfectly lends to the story at hand and her psychical beauty only furthers why so many men desire. The works of the Marquis De Sade often walk a very thin line between what is pleasure and what is pain and this adaptation flawlessly embodies the De Sade’s spirit with its unflinching re-telling of the story of Justine. Ultimately Justine De Sade is a solid adaptation of one of the Marquis De Sade’s most famous works.

The DVD:

Blue Underground has been on a erotic fetish of and their latest release Justine De Sade is another extraordinary retelling of the legendary Marquis De Sade’s infamous work. Justine De Sade is presented in an anamorphic widescreen that retains the film’s original aspect ratio. The transfer looks clean, colorful, sharp and free of any print damage. There are a few minor instances where the image looks a tad soft.

Two audio options have been included with this release English and French. Both audio mixes are presented in a Dolby Digital mono. The audio is more than adequate and there are no audio defects. Subtitles are easy to follow and free of errors.

Extras for this release include French language trailer with English subtitles (3 minutes), English language trailer (1 1/2 minutes), deleted alternate opening prolog (1 minute) and an alternate clothed orgy scene (1 1/2 minutes). Overall this is another first rate release from Blue underground which comes with a solid audio/video presentation and a handful of extras, recommended.