Every once in a while I'll encounter a film that I haven't seen from a director that I truly admire. Usually, the experience (this late in the game) is not a very impressive one. I guess I feel I've seen all there is to see. I felt this way about Eugenie before I even cracked open the packaging. I figured it's just another case of hype, hype and more hype. Jess Franco is a filmmaker many seem to abhor, I on the other hand respect his work very much so. It was with extreme trepidation that I popped Eugenie into my DVD player, expecting the very worst case scenario (although I wanted to allow myself to like it on some level). Well, I'm pleased to say that not only did I enjoy the film but I also feel comfortable in saying that this may very well be one of Franco's greatest achievements. In addition, Blue Underground has treated this release with the utmost respect and honor, and to this end I am nearly speechless (which very well may be a first for me) and truly grateful.

The story of Eugenie (pronounced you-jean-e) is not that of a simple one. Well, in essence yes, the story is simple. However, the brilliant execution and manipulation of the subject matter at hand is not so simple. Based on an early work of the Marquis De Sade (Philosophy in the Boudoir) Eugenie tells us a story about the title character, a young girl (played by the adorably cute Marie Liljedahl of Inga) who is unknowingly thrust into a world of moral corruption and degradation. Eugenie's father is persuaded (in an erotic fashion of course) by his mistress (played by Maria Rohm of Franco's Justine and The Bloody Judge) to allow Eugenie to spend a weekend on a beautiful, isolated isle. The perverted games begin as Eugenie is morally and physically corrupted while either intoxicated or drugged by both Madame de St. Ange and her brother Mirvel (veteran genre actor Jack Taylor). However, with the unnerving presence of Dolmance (Christopher Lee), things quickly take on a much more disturbing and sinister tone. Ultimately Eugenie winds up taking part in masochistic sessions of whippings and torture as she is prepared for what is ultimately referred to as her final destiny. When she comes out the other end she is definitely worse for wear. Without giving too much away let's just say that delicious irony takes hold and the lines are blurred between captive and captor. However, there will be no Hollywood ending for sweet Eugenie. They just don't make 'em like this any more folks, plain and simple.

The brilliance in Eugenie as viewed today is the fact that it is everything like and unlike a Franco film all at the same time. Gone are the quick edits and flashy jerking camera movements Vampyros Lesbos fans may be accustomed to. Instead we're given slow panning shots and panoramic views. Franco's use of colored gels is also noted to an extreme as many scenes take on a bleeding red or calm soothing blue tone. The use of lavish sets, incredible costumes and scenic panoramas gives Franco a virtual erotic playground to work with. Eugenie plays off as anything but exploitation for the pure sake of the word. The film is damn s-e-x-y and each and every moment of eroticism is deliberate. There's no doubt what Franco's intentions were and he pulls this off in spades. Could Eugenie be one of the greatest works in erotic cinema? Yes it very well could.

Fueled by controversy and rarely seen, it appears as if nobody would want anything to do with this film until its inevitable box office success. Even the American distributor didn't want to touch it. Add to the mix the controversial scenes that were reworked around Christopher Lee so he wouldn't know how sexy the film actually was (although he does seem to have a good sense of humor about that to this day). Eugenie was and remains to this day bold and daring, and most certainly way ahead of its time.

Blue Underground has nearly left me in a state of shock with their presentation of Eugenie on DVD. This is a remarkably stunning transfer for a once thought to be lost film. The scope framing looks simply fantastic and this is indeed one of the greatest cult DVDs to be released this year. There is minimal (and I do mean minimal) print damage that really only amounts to the occasional spec of dirt. There is virtually no evidence of grain except for a slight appearance in a few scenes. Colors are sharp and vibrant, and they nearly leap of the screen. There is so much sharpness and detail in this image, I bet it didn't even look this good when It was originally projected in the grindhouses of 42nd St. Black levels are dead on and there is not even a hint of artifacting. This is an incredibly sharp and pleasing transfer. Take a look at this shot for example. Notice the extreme reds, contrasting with the deep black of the cape, simply stunning.

Audio is presented in a pleasing mono mix and we couldn't have asked for much more. Dialogue is crisp and clear and there is absolutely no distortion or background interference. We're given the option of an English or French mono soundtrack. The score, provided by Bruno Nicolai sounds incredible, and could very well be considered one of his best. Any anomalies that one may find with the picture or audio quality was without a doubt inherit in the original source material. This is a very pleasing transfer that achieves near perfection.

Extras are most impressive and extremely enjoyable as well. First up is a trailer that appears to be in decent shape. Next up is a nice poster and still gallery with some incredible on set pics as well as shots of promo material. This is followed by a Jess Franco bio. The icing on the cake though is the 17 minute featurette entitled Perversion Stories. Through interviews with Franco, Lee, Towers (producer) and Liljedahl we're given a true insight into the making of this lost classic. Franco comes across as a real gentleman who appears smart and savvy and it only made me respect him even more. It's also great to hear Lee talk about his moral objections to some of the steamier scenes he was unaware of and thankfully he seems to keep a sense of humor about the whole thing. The package is complete with some interesting liner note prepared by Tim Lucas of Video Watchdog.

This is an incredible release plain and simple. I know there are a lot of people anticipating this disc along with Blue Underground's concurrent release of Justine. Pre order or pick up this disc immediately upon its release. It's that simple. If The Monsters had a DVD seal of excellence Blue Underground's DVD of Eugenie would most certainly receive it. I said it once and I'll say it again, this disc gets my vote as one of the greatest genre DVD releases of the year. The presentation of this film is a true accomplishment and a true testament to the fans by Blue Underground. All I can say to Blue Underground is thanks, but I have a feeling that won't be enough.