Image, The Review

Distributor: Synapse Films Edition Details: Standard DVD Movie Specs: Genres: Golden Age Classic, Feature Film, S&M Also known as: The Punishment of Anne, The Mistress and the Slave Run Time: 91 minutes Rated: X Release Year: 1975 Director: Radley Metzger Written by: Radley Metzger (as Jake Barnes), Catherine Robbe-Grillet (as Jean de Berg) (adapted from novel by) Cast: Rebecca Brooke (as Mary Mendum), Carl Parker, Marilyn Roberts, Valerie Marron (as Yvette Hiver), Michelle Vence, Estelle McNalley, Nicole Rochanbeau Release Specs: Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Subtitles: none Video: Widescreen, 1.78:1 (anamorphic) Video Format: NTSC Format: DVD Regional Code (for DVD/Blu-ray): 0 (All) Number of discs: 1

Radley Metzger's The Image is based on the 1956 S&M novel L'Image by Catherine Robbe-Grillet using the pen name Jean de Berg. In the film, writer Jean (Carl Parker) runs into his old friend Claire (Marilyn Roberts), who is into BDSM. Claire lets Jean watch, then play with her new slave-in-training Anne (Rebecca Brooke). Jean starts having trouble playing with Anne and keeping from getting feelings for her.

The story for the film is incredibly well done. Instead of just starting out all gung ho with the S&M, the story slowly eases the viewer into the growing intensity of the action on the screen. Building the characters with the intensity of the sexual action, which causes the film to be far more erotic than if everything had been thrown at the viewer at one. As far as the sex goes, there is only limited graphic hardcore content. There is some graphic oral action, along with masturbation, peeing, bondage, and whipping. This film is a case of it isn't how much is shown, but how the sex is shown that gives the film its eroticism.

The Image is beautifully shot looking more like a mainstream film than an adult production and features great locations that add to the film. Quite frankly The Image is a beautiful, erotic journey into the S&M world where the viewer experiences the entrance to the world along with Jean. This is a must see adult film.

Synapse has done a beautiful job with their release of The Image. The Image is presented in the anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 in 480p. The transfer for the film looks beautiful with vibrant colors. The transfer contains grain. There is one spot of flickering, which is on the master due to the filming and not an error with the release. The Image looks absolutely stunning here.

The Image is presented with an English Dolby Digital 2.0 enhanced Stereo Surround audio track that Synapse has created for this release. The enhanced Stereo Surround track sounds good. Synapse has also included the original English Dolby Digital 2.0 monaural audio track for the film for viewers who prefer the original audio. Dialog is crisp and clear for both tracks.

Synapse has only included a few extras for this release. There is a booklet with linear notes by Stephen R. Bisssette. On the disc itself is an isolated music score presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono and a filmography for Radley Metzger.

The Image is one of the most erotic adult films to have come out of the golden age of adult films or any other time period, despite not having much for actual hardcore footage within the film. Radley Metzger does an amazing job of building the eroticism and the intensity of the film from low at the start to high at the end. This film is a must see for any fans of plotted adult films. Synapse has done a beautiful job with this DVD with a stunning transfer of the film.

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