Arrow Video, out 6 March

A strict headmistress runs a secluded school for wayward girls in 19th century France, whose students are disappearing under mysterious circumstances.

Narciso Ibáñez Serrador’s 1969 gothic horror is frequently cited as Spain’s first major horror movie, so it’s nice to see that it’s getting the deluxe treatment from Arrow on this new Blu-ray which boasts a 2K transfer from the original negative. Of note is the inclusion of both the 105-minute uncut version (La Residencia) as well as the AIP US theatrical version.

In the States, this movie was on a double-bill with Corman’s The Fall of the House of Usher and that’s a comparable movie, tonally and narratively. This is high gothic, with long, dark corridors lit by flambeaux, with virginal heroines looking over their shoulders. It’s great fun, and if you aren’t aware of what happens at the end, it’s a nice surprise.

Audio is only in mono, but there’s an audio commentary by critic Anna Bogutskaya. Extras include interviews with actors John Moulder-Brown and Mary Maude, as well as original story author Juan Tébar, the author’s son Alejandro Ibáñez and Spanish horror expert Dr Antonio Lázaro-Reboll. There’s some alternative footage from the Spanish theatrical release, trailers, TV spots and stills, and for this first pressing a double-sided poster and an illustrated booklet with new writing on the film by Shelagh Rowan-Legg.

Verdict: A mild horror film that arrived just before Euro horror became tawdry, packed with some impressive extras. 7/10

Nick Joy

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