A Virgin Among the Living Dead

It is said, according to existing records, that  Spanish director Jesús “Jess” Franco (1930-2013) helmed 198 films in his long life, and is mostly remembered for exploring themes such as horror, sexy thrillers, women in prison, erotic, among others. His movies are now being released in splendid Blu-ray editions, thanks to the folks at Redemption Films and Kino Lorber. So here’s another delight from the sexy seventies: the riveting erotic-horror feature “A Virgin among the Living Dead.” And let me tell you that this is one special Blu-ray, full of special features, a true collector’s item.

Christina von Blanc is Christina Benton, an artist that resides in London and who is notified that she has to go to the country side, where her relatives live. Her father recently died and his testament will be read at that location. Once there, she meets and assorted group of weird and/or eccentric relatives, beginning with Uncle Howard (Howard Vernon), head of the family’s state. In addition, there are also Aunt Abigail (Rosa Palomar), Carmencé (Britt Nichols), Basilio (played by the Franco himself; he happens to be the most scary fellow in the film), and others. Furthermore, aunt Herminia just passed away as Christina arrived. All these folks make Christina afraid, as they radiate death, with their zombie-like behavior. Sadly for her, she has to stay in the mansion for a while because they have to wait for the notary who will read the will. Her prolonged stay gets her deeper into the horror inside that house and the real reason for her father’s death.

As in any of Jess Franco’s films, “A Virgin among the Living Dead” is loaded with female nudity, mixing the erotic with the horror. This fantastic Blu-ray includes the edited version (“A Virgin among the Living Dead”), plus “Christina, Princess of Eroticism,” the original director’s cut. And, as mentioned earlier, the Blu-ray also includes audio commentaries, alternate erotic footage, a documentary about the various versions of the film, a documentary about Franco, and much more! (France; 1973; color; original cut – 79 min, alternate cut – 90 min; plus additional materials)

A girl arrives from London to visit her estranged relatives in a remote castle for the reading of her father's will. After a while she discovers that they are all in fact dead and her decision to live with them turns into a nightmare. Unable to leave she's drawn into a macabre underworld through visions of nude satanic rituals and her own impending sacrifice.

Reviewed on November 3, 2013. Kino Lorber – Redemption Films Blu-ray