Cinematic Power Dynamics
"A well-crafted film with a compelling plot; however, the main character's voice and narration can be somewhat grating. The remastering is excellent, and Melusine's foiled slipcase presentation is impressive."
This special limited edition gold foil magnet clasp slipcase + slipcover set (designed by Rich Long) is limited to 4,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
While attending a dull, bourgeois party in the heart of Paris, Jean is transfixed by the shy, yet strikingly beautiful Anne. Although barely able to interact, Jean remains preoccupied by her mysterious and on-edge demeanor. After a chance encounter with Anne's housemate-cum-lover, the stern and older Claire, Jean is delighted by an invitation to join them for an afternoon at the park. However, as the day progresses, he is shocked to discover that Anne is engaged in a strange, sadomasochistic relationship with Claire, in which she must adhere to Claire's every whim, no matter how grotesque. Sensing his enthusiasm, Claire decides to invite Jean to their home and slowly begins ingratiating him into her and Anne's unusual lifestyle.
One of director Radley Metzger's (Camille 2000) most memorable and unsettling films, THE IMAGE, adapted from the controversial novel of the same name written by Catherine Robbe-Grillet, is an equally artful and sadistic study of bondage, submission, and psychological manipulation. Starring Rebecca Brooke (aka Mary Mendum; The 1001 Perversions of Felicia), Carl Parker (Score), Marilyn Roberts (Futz), and Valerie Marron (Wet Rainbow), and featuring some of the most striking visuals of Metzger's career, courtesy of cinematographer Robert Lefebvre (One Step to Eternity), this stylish French-American co-production remained barely seen for decades, while still developing a growing cult following. Newly restored in 4K from its original 35mm camera negative, this perversely beautiful and hypnotic erotic masterpiece at last comes to 4K UHD from Mélusine.
directed by: Radley Metzger
starring: Rebecca Brooke, Marilyn Roberts, Valerie Marron, Carl Parker
1973 / 92 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 1.0
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.73301 / 5 from 206 reviews.
The Image, a newly restored 4K UHD release, offers fantastic presentation, stunning visuals, and superb restoration. Customers praise the incredible look, amazing packaging, and excellent transfer quality, making it a must-have for fans of erotic cinema.
Review topics: ["colors","quality","looks","picture","style","packaging","box","presentation","upgrade","pleasure","buy","set","work","film","transfer","movie","release","restoration","performances","book","extras","metzger","edition","artwork","title","classic","mendum","treatment","masterpiece","story"].
"A well-crafted film with a compelling plot; however, the main character's voice and narration can be somewhat grating. The remastering is excellent, and Melusine's foiled slipcase presentation is impressive."
"The ambition of this is definitely on screen. Like with so many of these I have no context for the popularity or influence of the film so I was very grateful for Melusine's contextual extras. The actual movie was very entertaining. Opted for the standard but the slip box is so cool."
"The exterior shots give a nice sense of the Parisian setting. The included booklet explains that the interiors were in a New York property surprisingly associated with the lawyer Roy Cohn. While there was some interesting character progression, the S&M, including whips, chains, and hot needles, was a bit too strong for me."
"Great film and the remastered quality is brilliant. The box and sleeve information are excellent with a great layout. The film itself is well thought out and shot well. I would recommend this film as a standout from the age."
"This was my first time seeing the movie, and I really loved it. Well made, erotic, dark and it pushes things in that area just a bit much to make you uncomfortable, which is the intent. I thought the two female leads were great in their portrayals. It's a lavish looking box/package, and the booklet with the essay is nice. It is disappointing not to have any special features on the disc. Surely someone could have done a good commentary track for this. But I enjoyed the movie so much and the picture looks fantastic, so I'm giving it five stars."
"Incredible 4k upgrade of one of the top tier Metzgers. The packaging on these Melusine releases is unprecedented, elevating the slipcover game. An all around must have because this film is a classic and has incredible performances. Excellent rialto report booklet. Only downside to this release is no on-disc extras at all which is a shame but nevertheless I did not regret picking this up as it’s going to get a fair bit of use over the years. Hopefully we get Misty Beethoven and Barbara Broadcast soon!"
"It's art-porn, directed by one of the greatest. One of Radley Metzger finest movie, both audio and video have been treated with respect by Melusine."
"Well written booklet, great addition to release. Very stylish and provocative film. Pants down, great upgrade from blu ray to 4k. Highly recommended"
"Great performances all around, this is one I remember watching when Synapse Films first released it on Blu. It was a great release but this 4K restoration is absolutely incredible and I really like the simple yet great artwork!"
"The Image (1975) is a cool, elegant, and deliberately unsettling erotic drama from director Radley Metzger, adapted from Catherine Robbe‑Grillet’s novel L’Image. Rather than relying on shock or excess, the film builds its power through psychological tension, ritualistic dynamics, and a refined visual style. At its core is a triangular relationship: Jean, a writer; Claire, a commanding and enigmatic woman; and Anne, the young model who serves as Claire’s submissive companion. The story follows Jean as he becomes drawn into their world of control, desire, and emotional ambiguity, observing and eventually participating in the rituals that define Claire and Anne’s bond"
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