Russ Meyer’s Cult Classics Return in 4K

Severin Films has announced the upcoming release of the Russ Meyer Vixen Trilogy on Blu-ray and UHD, bringing together three of Meyer’s most provocative works – Vixen, Supervixens, and Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens – in meticulously restored 4K editions. The release, scheduled for 27th January 2025, offers a treasure trove of special features spanning nine hours of new and archival content, in partnership with The Russ Meyer Charitable Trust and the Museum of Modern Art.

The trilogy encapsulates Meyer’s unique, irreverent style, from 1968’s Vixen to 1979’s Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens. Known for his boundary-pushing approach, Meyer’s films tackled provocative themes, blurring the lines between art and exploitation and facing intense censorship battles. The Vixen Trilogy release honours Meyer’s legacy as an independent film pioneer, with Severin’s David Gregory describing it as “a celebration of Meyer’s unyielding creative spirit, his fight for artistic freedom, and his impact on American cinema.”

The trilogy kicks off with Vixen, Meyer’s notorious 1968 film that addresses themes of race, communism, and social rebellion—all within the context of a steamy, low-budget drama. Starring Erica Gavin, Vixen encountered widespread censorship but went on to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of its era. This restored edition includes new commentary from Gavin herself, along with an in-depth look at the historic Cincinnati court battles that challenged the film’s distribution.

Supervixens, released in 1975, takes Meyer’s audacious style even further, blending violence, sexuality, and satire. Featuring Shari Eubank and Charles Napier, the film delivers an over-the-top journey into lust and revenge. This new release includes a previously unseen interview with Napier and the U.S. disc debut of Jonathan Ross’s The Incredibly Strange Film Show, featuring Meyer in a candid conversation.

Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens, Meyer’s last theatrical feature, is co-written by none other than Roger Ebert. In this unflinching satire of small-town America, Meyer pulls together an outrageous cast, including his muse Francesca ‘Kitten’ Natividad. The restored version includes rare interviews and an archival talk-show appearance where Meyer reflects on his career and philosophy. The restoration, especially painstaking due to the original film’s poor condition, has been crafted to showcase the film in the highest quality possible.

Pre-orders for the Vixen Trilogy are available from 8th November 2024 through Severin Films’ UK store, allowing fans to secure a collection that celebrates Meyer’s work through unprecedented restorations and deeply curated content.

For more information, visit severinfilms.com/

Russ Meyer trailer