Hot on the heels of the much-anticipated (and equally praised) SWV Olga triple-header, Synapse unveils their (equally) anticipated release of Olga's Girls on DVD, licensed through Radley Metzger's Audubon Films. While I'm not a huge fan, I do see the appeal that these films have. And, I'm happy to say that I now own all 4 of the available Olga films on DVD. For the collector, Synapse Films release will come simply as pure bliss in the form of a shiny little disc. For the un initiated, who may not want to leap right into a triple bill (ala the SWV disc), Synapse solo release stands as a good jumping off point. Either way, there's more Olga on DVD now than you could probably stand. It's just great to see little obscurities like this being given this much attention and love.

The story is pretty simple here. Olga runs a sort of white slave brothel. Now it's kinda odd, because a pimp sells off the girls, yet they do get paid and they appear to be joining Olga's team on their own free will. So let's refer to the 'pimp' as a 'broker' for arguments sake. OK, so the broker sells a few new girls to Olga for her repertoire within the opening moments of the film. Olga runs a tight ship, and if you piss her off she may don her 'cape of persuasion' and lead you to her 'den of persuasion,' for punishment, got it? Even Olga's favorite 'pets' are not safe from her torturous ways...especially when there is a trader in the midst. And that's exactly what we've got here, a stinkin' white slave prostitutin' traitor!

In addition to whorin' out her gals, Olga deals in the trafficking of narcotics (one of the reasons a lot of these gals stick around, to get their fix). 'The Syndicate,' a group of middle aged, white-collar gents run the narcotics ring, and they inform Olga that a 'snitch' has been tipping off the fuzz when it comes to deliveries, shipments and whatnot. With The Syndicate breathing down her neck, it's up to Olga to find the snitch (and fast), through any means possible. This includes electric shock, flogging and vice grips for starters. Of course, each time Olga begins a torture session, she either half, or fully strips her victim as well (thank the lord). One unlucky gal even has her tongue cut out (the snitch?), nice. All this torture leads to a possible revolt, but remember, Olga is and always will be...The Master. Muwaahaahaahaaa!

It's mighty difficult to pinpoint the appeal that these films have (yeah, there IS appeal, for some), and I'm sure it goes without saying that these are not films for everyone. You may not want your wife, significant other or parents walking in on you while watching one of these flicks. They may want to have you committed afterwards for watching these films 'for pleasure.' But, I'd wager to say that the Olga Series and especially Olga's Girls has a certain level of charm about it. Maybe it's the stark B&W photography, or the sometimes laughable, yet always entertaining narration (along with the oddly appropriate classical music score). Perhaps it's the fact that we know every step of the way that this is merely a 'play' and that obviously no one is being hurt or held against her will. Maybe it's the classic beauty of these fine lookin' ladies from the 60's or the hairstyles and/or clothes. Or maybe it's just the fact that beyond a quick cash in, these movies do have a bit of strange style about them. It's very watchable, believe it or not. I guess it just boils down to the fact that you either understand or you don't. I guess I understand.

Quality wise, Synapse has done a bang up job with the material here. Both picture and audio have exceeded any and all of my expectations, even a notch or two higher than the SWV disc (as a whole). The looped dialogue/narration sounds great (there is no sync sound), as does the oddly fitting classical score. While there are a few slight imperfections, the window boxed full frame transfer is really just another home run for Synapse. Real pleasing here. Extras include an audio commentary with Olga herself Audrey Campbell and journalist Andre Salas (who also provided the excellent liner notes included) along with a trailer (nice menu design as well). The commentary is sparse, but at the very least worth a quick listen.

There's really no reason for a film like this to be given such kind attention, but I'm certainly glad that it has happened. Synapse has lived up to their promise and provided us with another Olga disc to be darn proud of. File it under 'O' man I should be ashamed of myself for liking this!

http://www.synapse-films.com/