A Futuristic Odyssey of Liberation and Strength

Read Time:5 Minute, 21 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Barbarella [Limited Edition]
Approved (adult content) –

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Year Released: 1968, 2023 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Roger Vadim
Writer(s): Jean-Claude Forest, Terry Southern, Roger Vadim, Claude Brulé, Vittorio Bonicelli, Clement Biddle Wood, Brian Degas, Tudor Gates, Charles B. Griffith
Cast: Jane Fonda, Anita Pallenberg, John Phillip Law, Milo O'Shea, Marcel Marceau, Claude Dauphin, Véronique Vendell, Serge Marquand, Ugo Tognazzi, David Hemmings
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: BARBARELLA is more than just a flashback to the past; it's a voyage through a visionary realm directed by Roger Vadim. This gem from 1968, featuring the inimitable Jane Fonda as the eponymous heroine, is an exhilarating exploration of self-discovery set against the backdrop of a future where Earth symbolizes peace. The journey that unfolds is a vibrant tapestry of the 1960s' counterculture and sexual liberation, presented in a way that's both visually stunning and narratively engaging.

The last time I watched BARBARELLA (I probably shouldn’t have been,) I remember vividly, I was at a friend's house, and we found it recorded on a VHS tape and, being the daring adventurers we were, dove head first into this world of the unknown. Viewing it today was an entirely different experience; a gorgeous 4K restoration shows off the beautiful set design and fantastic odyssey in the best quality I could imagine.

BARBARELLA sets itself apart by juxtaposing Earth's serene existence against the chaotic expanse of the universe. The film examines deep themes of love, conflict, and the intricate nature of humanity, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on the facets of power, war, and human self-destructive tendencies. All of this is encapsulated in a setting that's as unbelievable as it is vibrant.

The narrative's strength lies in its scripting, a collaborative effort that includes Terry Southern, renowned for his work with Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay is a rich blend of whimsical humor, subtle eroticism, and a celebration of feminine strength, all woven with surreal and occasionally dark elements that captivate and challenge the viewer.

Fonda's portrayal is nothing less than legendary, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Barbarella is depicted as a bold space adventurer and a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Her odyssey is marked by peculiar and dangerous encounters, including battles with menacing dolls and an alliance with the angel Pygar (John Phillip Law), underlining the film's themes of collaboration and overcoming obstacles.

Vadim, celebrated for his collaborations with Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, skillfully blends science fiction and fantasy to create a unique storytelling experience. The film's visual allure is significantly enhanced by Claude Renoir's cinematography, Mario Garbuglia's production design, and the imaginative costumes by Jacques Fonteray and Paco Rabanne, culminating in a cinematic experience that's both unique and memorable.

Despite what may seem like a disjointed narrative at first glance, BARBARELLA's blend of eccentricity, satire, and fantastical elements endows it with a distinctive allure. The film balances humor and political commentary, packaged within a visually arresting framework. It boldly explores themes of sexuality and desire, challenging traditional cinematic storytelling conventions.

BARBARELLA celebrates the extraordinary and captures the creative essence of its time. It occupies a revered spot in cult cinema, influencing modern pop culture, fashion, and music. The film's enduring charm lies in its straightforward narrative and ability to entertain and provoke thought. It remains a spectacle that captivates audiences with its unique mix of fantasy, humor, and perceptive commentary.

The film deserves to be revisited for its historical significance and ongoing relevance to contemporary audiences. It is a potent reminder of cinema's power to transcend time, challenge norms, and inspire. As a historical cinematic piece, it's invaluable; as a source of entertainment, it's compelling. Vadim's vision realized through Fonda's performance and a talented creative team, ensures that BARBARELLA remains a significant, unconventional treasure in film history.

Bonus Materials:
4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
– Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films
– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tula Lotay
– Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tula Lotay
– Six double-sided collector’s postcards
– Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Anne Billson, Paul Gravett, Véronique Bergen, and Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, and select archival material

DISC ONE – FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
– 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
– Original lossless English mono audio, plus remixed Dolby Atmos surround and lossless French mono (featuring the voice of Jane Fonda)
– Optional English subtitles are available for accessibility
– Audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
– Alternative opening and closing credits (in 4K with Dolby Vision)
– Isolated score

DISC TWO – EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
– Another Girl, Another Planet, an appreciation of Barbarella by film critic Glenn Kenny
– Paul Joyce’s behind-the-scenes featurette, Barbarella Forever!
– Love, a two-hour in-depth discussion between film and cultural historians Tim Lucas & Steve Bissette on the impact and legacy of Barbarella
– Dress to Kill, a 30-minute interview with film fashion scholar Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén on Jacques Fonteray’s world-changing costume designs
– Framing for Claude, an interview with camera operator Roberto Girometti
– Tognazzi on Tognazzi, actor/director Ricky Tognazzi discusses the life and work of his father and Barbarella star Ugo Tognazzi
– An Angel’s Body Double, actor Fabio Testi discusses his early career as a stuntman and body double for John Phillip Law on Barbarella
– Dino and Barbarella, a video essay by Eugenio Ercolani on producer Dino De Laurentiis
– Trailer
– US TV and radio spots
– Image Gallery

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]