The Emmanuelle series, while quite often duplicated has NEVER been successfully imitated. For better or for worse, if it weren't for the original Emmanuelle series we wouldn't have much of the direct to video soft core erotica that floods every late night time slot on cable these days. The influences of Emmanuelle are far reaching, spawning well over 50 unofficial sequels (dropping the 2nd "m" in Emmanuelle among other spelling variations avoided legal troubles) some of which are still filmed today (Emanuelle in Space anyone?) The original Emmanuelle and its two official sequels have long been fan favorites in the world of erotic cinema. Anchor Bay has just released the first three official Emmanuelle films, uncut and remastered along with a few tantalizing extras that are sure to please fans and newcomers alike. It's time once again to fall in love and take an erotic journey with Emmanuelle and this 3-disc DVD set.

Directed by Just Jaeckin (Story of O) the first of the series introduces the sexually naive Emmanuelle (Sylvia Kristel) and her much older (32 years is old?) husband Jean (Daniel Sarky) as they are spending time at a grand estate in Thailand. The recently married couple have a very open relationship, but it seems as if Jean is more inclined to explore this openness than Emmanuelle herself. Through a series of bizarre yet erotic misadventures, Emmanuelle is sexually awakened and introduced to nearly all manners of "the pleasures of the flesh". She has her first lesbian encounter on the squash court and her friend Marie-Ange (this girl LOVES lollipops!) introduces Emmanuelle to Mario - Emmanuelle's first sexual affair with a man (Marie taunts Emmanuelle, "It's time you took a lover and became a real woman!"). Emmanuelle digs in so much so that excess soon becomes the word of the hour, especially when Jean goes away on a business trip and leaves Emmanuelle alone in the hands of Mario. The girl once known as Emmanuelle has truly now become a woman.

While Emmanuelle would be considered quite tame by today's standards one can see how excited audiences would have gotten over it upon its initial release. Truly the first word in erotic cinema it was the farthest thing from hardcore porn, yet erotic enough for men and women to enjoy alike. The original Emmanuelle still holds up quite well, even in today's jaded world, although the scene in which a woman performs a trick with a cigarette in her most intimate of areas is still quite shocking. Emmanuelle features lush photography and cinematically, is quite beautiful to look at. There's so much more going on here than just mindless transitions from one scene of erotic mayhem to the other. Dialogue takes on an almost lyrical quality and these characters are quite fascinating to watch (with or without their clothes on). As these characters transition, it's an interesting parallel as Emmanuelle sheds her inhibitions (at her husband's request no less) and he learns what it's like to be green with envy as Emmanuelle gleefully explores.

Emmanuelle 2: Joys of a Woman (directed by first and last time filmmaker Francis Giacobetti) continues with the sexual exploits of a new and now worldlier Emmanuelle. The film opens as Emmanuelle is taking a boat ride to meet her husband (now played by Umberto Orsini) in Hong Kong. Due to a mix up, Emmanuelle's first class reservation has turned into a spot in the third deck dormitory. These scenes play out like a cheapo Women in Prison flick and are very odd to say the least - they definitely don't fit with the feel of the rest of the film. Before docking Emmanuelle is relayed the story of a gang rape by another passenger which re opens the floodgates for Emmanuelle's sexual escapades to come. Throughout the course of the film, Emmanuelle finds herself in quite a few sexual encounters involving her husband and quite a few of his friends (man or woman).

I've always found the 2nd Emmanuelle film to lack much of the misguided innocence that the first film oozed. Sure the original film was based on a book and a sequel was never intended until after the success of the original Emmanuelle - but this isn't to say that Joys of a Woman is not a positive erotic cinematic experience. While scenes of eroticism may not be any more frequent than the first film, they are far more graphic, including an animated sequence that not only verges on hardcore - it crosses the line. It's worth mentioning some of the more bizarre sequences that seem to fill the screen as well including a bit of erotic accupuncture and a moment of intimacy between Emmanuelle and an oddly tattooed man (you can see the fake tattoos smearing on his skin). Also of note is the seductive bathhouse scene (a fan favorite), which features a brief appearance by Laura Gemser who would later go on to star in her own series of Emannuelle films. While Joys of a Woman is missing most of the interesting character development and growth from the first film, it's still beautifully shot and happens to retain an undeniable sense of charm about it (the scope photography certainly helps this go round as well).

Goodbye Emmanuelle (directed by Francois Letterier) the third and final installment in the official Emmanuelle series finds Emmanuelle and her husband (a returning Umberto Orsini) living in a part of Africa known as the Seychelles Islands. Everything appears to be going fine with the two liberated love birds until Emmanuelle's affair with a French film director stirs up emotions in both Emmanuelle and her husband that neither thought existed. Both Emmanuelle and her husband question their free lovin' lifestyle as well as the extent of their commitment to one another vs their commitment to their lovers.

Envisioned as an erotic film with a lot less eroticism (to avoid conflict with censors) Goodbye Emmanuelle is without a doubt the weakest of the series. Despite the lush scope photography and beautiful locations Goodbye Emmanuelle is still a fairly dull affair. The film is far less erotic than its two predecessors and seems to just drag from one uninteresting scene to another. The purpose of Goodbye Emmanuelle is to wrap up the series and have these two characters (Emmanuelle and her husband) on their ways. Unfortunately, watching the wrap up is far less interesting than it was intended to be.

The exact charm of this series is extremely hard to pinpoint while Sylvia Kristel starring as Emmanuelle is probably the biggest draw. It's a tough call because Kristel is cute, but not gorgeous and I'm thinking it's her sense of lost innocence and girl next door qualities that are so appealing. Although the real appeal of the Emmanuelle series would have to lie within the fact that it's eroticism that's not geared just towards men. There are no racy close ups and there's a certain level of character development that allows the Emmanuelle films to reach far beyond the raincoat crowd. This series is rightfully loved and respected even if the films do degrade slightly in enjoyment as the series progresses. What Goodbye Emmanuelle is really missing though is the subtle charm of the first 2 films. Watching these characters working out their (and their friends) marital difficulties amidst brief moments of eroticism is nothing short of boring and really not what the Emmanuelle series is about. Still, it's good to have the third film around for archival purposes and it is exclusive to this set so if you are a fan, this is the only way you'll get to see Goodbye Emmanuelle on DVD.

Anchor Bay has done a tremendous job in bringing the first three Emmanuelle films to DVD in what will most likely forever be know as their definitive home video releases. Each film is presented in their original aspect ratios and look simply outstanding. With barely even a hint of print damage or grain, these films look spectacular you'd never know they were made in the 70's. While the first in the series still features a few scenes that remain quite dark - this is obviously because of the original budgetary limitations. The first film also suffers from that dreaded soft focus look, which appears to be a stylistic choice made by the director (Story of O also has a very similar look). There is no evidence of digital artifacting and colors are about as lively as the original source materials will allow.

Audio is presented in an English dub or French language with optional English subtitles. While the original French track with subs is obviously the way to go it's still nice to have the English dub as an option. Both tracks feature clear mono dialogue with the edge given to the French track. The English dub doesn't feature as pronounced music and ambient sounds as the French track does. The English track is also slightly muffled, almost as if dialogue is being spoken through a tin can. The French track is extremely robust with exceptionally clear dialogue and sharp music and ambient sounds. All of this holds true through all three releases, as audio remains quite consistent throughout the three films.

Extras are spread out across all three discs. The first disc features a trailer, poster and still gallery along with a Sylvia Kristel Bio. Also included is a 17-minute featurette entitled "The Joys of Emmanuelle." It's a great piece featuring insights from director Just Jaeckin, Sylvia Kristel and producer Yves Rousset-Rouard. The second film's extras include 3 trailers (US, international and teaser), radio spots a poster and still gallery and the same Sylvia Kristel Bio. "The Joys of Emmanuelle" featurette is also continued in a 10-minute featurette. The final film's extras include 2 trailers, radio spots, a poster and still gallery and the third appearance of the Sylvia Kristel Bio. "Joys of Emmanuelle" is also continued with the third and final 9-minutes of the featurette. Also included in the nifty slipcase and tri-fold digi-pak design is a full color booklet with pictures and liner notes by Gary Hertz.

Anchor Bay has presented the first three Emmanuelle films in a gorgeously packaged and presented special edition set. The films look and sound as amazing as ever and the extras are simply fantastic. For fans of Emmanuelle this set comes HIGHLY recommended. For those who are about to discover the true joys of Emmanuelle for the first time, there's no better way to do it than with this 3-disc set. Bravo Anchor Bay!