The 1977 film, Madame Claude aka The French Woman is a French erotic crime drama that was based on a true story of French brothel madam, Madame Claude. This picture takes a closer look at the life of Madame Claude. Take that anyway you wish.
Parisian Madame Claude (iconic film actress Francoise Fabian, How to Kill a Judge), owner of a modeling agency, and how she uses it to run a network of high-class call girls for the wealthiest and most powerful men, to satisfy their sexual desires. Claude is also involved in big business and politics as she grows powerful and more influential. She has her share of enemies, including photographer David Evans (legendary musician and actor Murray Head, Jesus Christ Superstar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is taking pictures of Madame Claude’s girls with VIP clients to use as blackmail and other uncomfortable situations.
Madame Claude is a great film, not just because of its erotic scenes, but the film’s story, which is a classic spy / crime thriller. The performances by the cast, which includes screen legend Klaus Kinski is phenomenal with superb direction by Just Jaeckin who was known for his directorial work on The Story of O and Gwendolyn that makes this film rises head and shoulder above similar erotic dramas from the seventies. Many older viewers will most likely feel nostalgic while watching this film.
Madame Claude arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Cult Epics. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, with a 1080p transfer and given a 4K scan. This film was fully restored in 4K under the supervision of its cinematographer, Robert Fraisse. Overall, I thought that the picture was clear with no signs of debris or print damage, but the image is not really that dynamic or vibrant for a film that has had a 4K scan. The colors do not really stand out and are more on the dull side.
The audio tracks for this release are French: LPCM 2.0 Mono French: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, and English: Dolby Digital 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature. I felt all three audio tracks were outstanding. The dialog was clean, crisp, and easy to follow. Each track has its own level of intensity, so it just depends on your preferences.
Madame Claude is packed with extras. For starters there is an audio commentary by author and critic Jeremy Richey discusses the film in full detail.
There is an interview with director Just Jaeckin where he talks about his career and the production of Madame Claude.
Also included is a promotional gallery, featuring a musical collection of various promotional materials for the film. Finally, there is a vintage trailer for Madame Claude, which is in French, with optional English subtitles.
Madame Claude is a recommended film to those who have an interest in the genre. The release by Cult Epics is probably going to best release available for years to come and an easy pick-up for collectors!
Madame Claude (The French Woman)
Director- Just Jaeckin
Cast- Françoise Fabian, Dayle Haddon, Murray Head, Klaus Kinski
Country of Origin- France
Distributor – Cult Epics
Number of Discs – 1
Reviewed by – David Steigman
Date-4/3/21