Hot off the heels of Immoral Tales (1974 available on DVD from Anchor Bay), Walerian Borowczyk hits us with La Bête aka The Beast. Apparently La Bête started out as a 20 minute segment that was supposed to be a part of Immoral Tales. Considered too racy (indeed it is) it was shelved for a bit, and then re-emerged as a full length feature, the following year. Cult Epics provides us with something we thought we'd never see, La Bête on DVD! (I'm a poet and I didn't know it)

Complete with images of horses breeding intercut with scenes of erotic mayhem, La Bête is certainly not for the prudish or weak of heart. The story centers around an unusual household awaiting the arrival of Elizabeth, who is set to marry Mathurin. The story of Romilda and her attack in the woods by a "well endowed" beast haunts the halls of the mansion (this is the scene that started it all). Elizabeth, relives the attack on Romilda in gross detail, involving a really naughty bit involving a solitary rose.

There is an audience for La Bête, and I believe they will be pleased by this presentation. For such a rare film, the transfer is quite pleasing. Colors are a bit muted, but considering the title, this is to be expected. Print damage is minimal, just the occasional speckle here and there. The print used is dubbed in English, and from what I understand there is a Region 2 release of La Bête with complete with English subtitles. I for one usually prefer subs over dubbing, but in this instance the dubbing is not half bad.

Sound is mono, and considering it's a dub, is not bad either. Dialogue is clear, music is sharp, and the sounds of horses mating throughout are truly disturbing. I hear those hoofs clapping and out of breath grunts in my sleep. This my friends is truly disturbing indeed.

Extras are nonexistent, but for a title like this, that's expected. I suppose if anything were available, Cult Epics would have included it (although I believe the Region 2 release does include a short film, unrelated I believe). Trust me, in this case, the film is enough, I think I may have seen too much as it is.

Beware, La Bête is not a film for everyone. Fans of the film would be wise to pick up this local release by Cult Epics. Completists will have to make their own decision. As for the curious, I'd say this is the version to go with. A minimal investment for a film experience you are not likely to forget anytime soon. With the magic of DVD, you can relive your favorite moments from La Bête, over and over and over...again. You have been warned, I'll see you all in Hell!