A Cult Cinema Time Capsule Restored
Severin Films has outdone itself by restoring and releasing Russ Meyer’s Vixen Trilogy—Vixen, Supervixens, and Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens—in collaboration with The Russ Meyer Charitable Trust. These groundbreaking films have made their worldwide UHD/Blu-ray premieres, each painstakingly restored from original negatives by The Museum of Modern Art and Severin Films. Packed with nine hours of new and archival bonus materials, this collection dives into Meyer’s unique blend of sex, satire, and subversive storytelling, presenting them in the highest quality they’ve ever been seen.
Supervixens
Out of the three, Supervixens stands out as the most accessible and entertaining, balancing its outlandishness with humor and bold performances. Charles Napier’s unhinged portrayal of a psychotic cop, Harry Sledge, is a particular highlight. Meyer’s knack for combining surreal visuals and hyperbolic violence creates what Empire aptly calls “a super-sexy live-action Road Runner cartoon.” Despite its exhausting length and relentless pacing, the film’s energy is infectious, and its iconic cover image alone speaks to its cult appeal.
The Severin release includes must-see extras like a never-before-seen interview with Napier and a full episode of The Incredibly Strange Film Show profiling Meyer’s career, which adds depth to understanding the chaotic creativity behind the film.
Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens
Co-written by Meyer and Pulitzer Prize-winner Roger Ebert, this final entry is both utterly deranged and oddly charming. I’m sure Kitten Natividad’s back is sore because her vivacious presence, and breasts, carry the film, the only support coming from Meyer’s tongue-in-cheek exploration of small-town life and various sexual taboos. From faith healers to war criminals, Meyer stuffs the movie with absurd characters and scenarios, all tied together by Stuart Lancaster’s dry voiceover.
While the violence and explicit content make it one of Meyer’s most divisive works, the restoration work here is truly remarkable—Severin devoted months to restoring weather-damaged negatives, and their effort shows. The bonus materials, including archival interviews with Natividad and a Tucson talk show appearance by Meyer, help contextualize the film’s place in his wild oeuvre.
Vixen
The trilogy’s angriest and most provocative entry, Vixen tackles heavy themes like racism, communism, and adultery, interspersed with Meyer’s signature sexual provocations. Erica Gavin gives a fearless performance as the titular antihero, whose unlikable nature and vile remarks make this film far more than a softcore romp. At times cringeworthy and disjointed, the film’s ambition as a commentary on cultural chaos in the late ’60s remains undeniable.
This release features a fascinating new interview with Gavin, shedding light on her experiences during filming, as well as archival content focusing on the film’s numerous censorship battles. The historical context of its X-rating and prosecution for obscenity underscores its cultural significance.
A Landmark Restoration
Whether you’re a die-hard Russ Meyer fan or a curious newcomer, Severin Films’ restored trilogy is an essential piece of cult cinema history. The meticulous 4K restorations breathe new life into Meyer’s audacious vision, ensuring these films will endure for generations. Even if the provocative content and exhausting pacing don’t land for everyone, the significance of preserving these works cannot be overstated.
As a bonus, this collection provides plenty of conversation fodder for awkward family dinners—if only to get everyone to leave a little earlier. Love them or hate them, the Vixen Trilogy looks and sounds better than ever, thanks to Severin Films’ remarkable dedication.
Jessie Hobson