Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Justine Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 10, 2020

Virginal corruption is the primary goal of 1980’s “Justine,” with director Roberta Findlay creating an interesting mix of perversion and desire for the picture. Detailing the experiences of the titular teen orphan (Hillary Summers) as she’s sent to live with her Uncle Steven (Ashley Moore), “Justine” uses the guise of dreamlike innocence to explore some kinky behaviors, with Findlay weaving something of a soft nightmare as Justine finds her way to satisfaction while enduring all sorts of aggressive situations.

Justine has the hots for Steven, complicating her coming-of-age story, and the screenplay doesn’t take it easy on the young woman, sending her through an obstacle course of predatory people, including gardener Santo (Dave Ruby), who’s somehow still on the estate payroll despite being a pronounced sexual creep. Elements of domination and submission, group play, and voyeurism make up the run time of the picture, with Findlay trying to keep things as tasteful as possible while entering some bleak psychological spaces.

Justine Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative," "Justine" looks like a dream for its Blu-ray debut. While some minor evidence of age is present, the feature remains crisp and inviting, delivering fine detail with care, picking up on fine hairs and facial surfaces as the bedroom activities commence, with plenty of close-ups to capture such specifics. Distances are dimensional, as are mansion interiors, which retain all decorative aspects. Colors are exceptional, leading with bold reds on costuming, with Vanessa del Rio's seductress outfit a real standout, along with crimson lips and makeup. More pinkish and blue hues for scenes of innocence are appreciable, as are the autumnal interests of the production, finding fading greenery terrific. Skintones are natural. Delineation is exact. Grain is fine and film-like.

Justine Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles with some age-related issues, finding some wear and tear on the track, along with some stretches of sibilance. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, securing performance choices, and sexual response is reasonably clear. Soundtrack selections offer some presence, setting the musical mood as the titular track is repeated throughout the feature.

Justine Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Roberta Findlay.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:17, HD) is included.

Justine Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Justine" is helped along by fine performances for this sort of story, a folksy theme song that runs through the entire picture, better-than-average production values, and a strange sense of doom for the main character, who has to endure quite a bit on her journey to take a bite of forbidden fruit. Findlay keeps things accessible and interpretive (there's a lot of caged animal imagery in the endeavor), and she's also attentive to the needs of adult cinema, dreaming up some charged couplings to keep the effort suitably heated before it returns to chiller areas of intimidation.