Y'know, you just can't slight a film, no matter how bad it is, if it truly does deliver on what its title promises. Take for example, Jess Franco's 1977 cinematic opus Voodoo Passion. This film does indeed have both voodoo and passion in it! Obviously those who aren't enamored with Franco to begin with have most likely left the building and are on their merry way, while the curious few who do see something within the man's work have stuck around to learn a little more. Voodoo Passion or so it's called, was a brand new one on me. I hadn't heard of it before this viewing and I certainly didn't know what to expect, except for the usual perverted Franco styling, which I did indeed get, to an extent.

So after all of the voodoo and the passion we're given, there is still just a little bit of a story left over for consumption. We start off with an extended ritualistic dance, in which some of the participants appear topless (Voodoo? You be the judge). We are then introduced to Susan who has just arrived in Haiti to meet up with her husband, who's apparently a very important Consul to the Haitian Embassy. So anyway's, Susan is picked up at the airport by Inés, the mansion "housekeeper" and is promptly taken "home." Before Susan is to be reunited with her hubby, she meets up with a host of wackos including he sexed up Olga, who claims to be Susan's husbands' sister (are ya still with me here?). So what happens next? Well, I'm really not sure to be honest with you. Susan and her husband take part in a little pickle-tickle. Olga masturbates a plenty and even hooks up with her so called brother. There are random shots of voodoo dolls and eventually somebody is murdered. Now, the key here would appear to lie within these nightmares that poor Susan has been having. Nightmares? I hardly call being led by a beautiful naked blonde into a ritualistic dance deep within the jungle a nightmare, but that's just me. In between the "nightmares" there is plenty of lesbianism, naked chicks, writing in apparent ecstasy, naked chicks and lesbianism. Oh, did I mention the lesbianism and naked chicks?

If you're a fan of Franco, you may be able to stomach the nonsensical onscreen shenanigans here - and perhaps have an appreciation for his photography of women, out of focus shots and trademark jazz scores (presented here with a delicious Haitian twist). Otherwise, you'll most likely want to stay as far away from this film as possible. As little sense as Franco's films tend to make in general, this one really takes the cake. Not much of anything happens...really. There is no emotional investment in these characters whatsoever. Well, that's not entirely true, I felt for Susan when she sat there asking stupid questions, like why the voodoo doll had pins stuck in it (and yes, someone did take the time to answer her). There are some very attractive (and did I mention naked) women on display here, so for all of you out there that are really easy to please, you'll certainly dig all of the writhing, bumping and grinding. You may also dig all of the see through nighties, lack of underwear (does anybody wear any underwear in Franco films?) and elitist dinner parties in which the guests discuss how corking of an idea it would be to see zombies sold at supermarkets...neat!

The film may be a bit of a mess, but the transfer sure as hell isn't. Just like many, if not all of the films in the VIP released Erwin Dietrich line, we're presented here with a sparkling transfer. Considering the obviously low budget, Voodoo Passion looks simply spectacular. Colors are bright and bold, (just check out those pinks and reds) and there is minimal to no print damage present. Grain is indeed present however from time to time, not a major problem, just worth mentioning. Audio options include English, German or French mono tracks. Dialogue is clear and crisp with virtually no distortion, hiss or background noise and super silly dubbing.

Extras include a whopping 15 trailers for other films in the series, all of which are 16X9 enhanced, but keep in mind that they aren't all in English. There is also a featurette that runs about 20 minutes on both Franco and Dietrich. The piece features anecdotes, film clips and interview segments with Dietrich (some of which are difficult to understand). A weaker than normal entry into Franco's repertoire still delivers a fairly high level of the exploitative goods. I guess it all depends on how easy you are to please or how much of a Franco completist at heart you are. Quality wise, this one is a clear-cut winner, are you feeling lucky?

Pick up a copy of Voodoo Passion at www.xploitedcinema.com - The Monsters highly recommend their excellent selection and service.