NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Mondo Macabro Blu-ray (September 2025): Mondo Macabro have transferred Pierre-Alain Jolivet's The Punishment to Blu-ray. It is cited as a "Brand new 4k restoration from original negative". The 1080P transfer excels in presenting an organic, filmic look with healthy flesh tones, vividly saturated colors, solid image clarity, deep black levels, and well-managed compression, ensuring that the 1970s visuals - ranging from psychedelic Parisian decadence to the grim Lyon hotel interiors - retain their atmospheric depth without compression artifacts. The film's look is characterized by a glossy, decadent aesthetic, particularly in its psychedelic opening sequences set in Paris, which contrast sharply with the grim, squalid confines of the Lyon hotel where much of the action unfolds. The HD presentation does a solid job of supporting this.

NOTE: We have added 52 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Mondo Macabro use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (16-bit) in the original French language. The source is in strong condition, with dialogue consistently clear and intelligible, a well-balanced overall sound, and an impressive dynamic range for a mono presentation, allowing Bookie Binkley's haunting score to underscore the psychological tension effectively without distortion or imbalance. Mondo Macabro offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

Mondo Macabro Blu-ray extras package is robust and insightful, featuring an audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan (Revolution in 35mm: Political Violence and Resistance in Cinema from the Arthouse to the Grindhouse, 1960–1990,) who provides contextual analysis of the film's themes and production. There is also an exclusive 35 minute interview with composer and actor Bookie Binkley discussing his score and role; a 25 minute interview with camera operator Noël Very on the cinematography; an 9 minute interview with writer Jean-Luc Marret exploring the script's origins; and a "Publicity Parade" showcasing promotional materials.

Pierre-Alain Jolivet's The Punishment is a provocative erotic thriller that delves into the underbelly of prostitution, power imbalances, and psychological torment. Released during a period of cinematic experimentation in 1970s France, it blends elements of arthouse drama with exploitation cinema, drawing comparisons to works like The Story of O (1975) for its exploration of sadomasochism and submission. The narrative centers on Britt (Karin Schubert - Black Emanuelle, The French Conspiracy, Bluebeard, Cold Eyes of Fear,) a luxurious escort in Paris who rebels against an abusive client, prompting her madam, Françoise (Claudie Lange - Death Walks at Midnight, Death Walks on High Heels,) to send her to a decrepit hotel in Lyon under the control of the vice lord Manuel (Georges Géret - Z, Diary of a Chambermaid.) At its core, The Punishment grapples with themes of power dynamics, objectification, and the subconscious desire for discipline, positing that humans harbor an innate wish to be "punished" or forcibly controlled. The film touches on moral ambiguity and the dark undercurrents of humanity, portraying power as a tool for degradation rather than empowerment, and submission as a twisted path to self-realization or destruction. Some critique The Punishment remains a polarizing artifact of 1970s cinema, blending eroticism with psychological depth to explore uncomfortable truths about power and desire. While its explicit content and bleak tone may deter casual viewers, it rewards those interested in arthouse exploitation with a haunting, if imperfect, meditation on human darkness. Jolivet's film, bolstered by Schubert's magnetic performance, endures as a testament to an era unafraid of pushing boundaries, though it prompts reflection on how such themes are handled today. The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray is recommended for enthusiasts of grim, thought-provoking cinema, this world premiere edition stands out as highly desirable and it delivers a haunting viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll. To the right crowd - recommended.

Gary Tooze