VD – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Netherlands, 1972
Director: Wim Verstappen
Writers: Wim Verstappen, Charles Gormley, Jan Verstappen
Cast: Kees Brusse, Andrea Domburg, Guus Oster, Ank van der Moer, Rudolf Lucieer, Sonja Barend, Hugo Metsers, Maartje Bijl, Marja Kok, Helmert Woudenberg, Kitty Courbois, Piet Römer, Allard van der Scheer

Release Date: May 26th, 2026
Approximate Running Time: 106 Minutes 31 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 Aspect Ratio / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"Cornelis van Doorn is the boss of the family business VD, a factory for meat and birth contraceptives, as well as the godfather of his family. When the old gentleman gets burned out, a new generation is willing to take over the torch on the basis of the proven VD code, but not without conflict." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "New restored 2K transfer."

VD comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 39.1 GB

Feature: 26.5 GB

The source is in excellent shape; it is free of any debris, flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity and compression are solid, black levels are strong, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Dutch and a DTS-HD mono mix in Dutch. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well-represented. Included are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a photo gallery (15 images—posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 46 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), a short film titled Festival of Love directed by Wim Verstappen (34 minutes 49 seconds, 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with film historian Peter Verstraten, reversible cover art with original Dutch poster art, and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Other extras include a collection of Scorpio Films trailers: Dakota, Wan Pipel, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra, Obsessions, Blue Movie, and Pastorale 1943.

Summary:

VD was directed by Wim Verstappen, who’s most known for his collaborations with Pim de la Parra, with whom he founded Scorpio Films. Notable films that he directed include Blue Movie, Dakota, and Pastorale 1943.

VD is a melodrama about an affluent patriarch named Cornelis van Doorn who owns a meatpacking company that also manufacturers contraceptives. It's immediately clear that Cornelis is a man with no moral center; he openly displays it in his unethical business and private lives. In the case of the latter, his behavior has greatly influenced his family, who also lack any morals.

When we first meet Cornelis, he’s a man in crisis, as he learns that his company is about to collapse due to a lack of sales of meat. Instead of giving up, he instructs the board members of his company to shift focus from meat products to the other product they manufacture, contraceptives, their only source of revenue. From there, they come up with a new product that they call Stop B, a paste that women rub on their genitals to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Cornelis’ determination to save his company is not just to retain the affluent life; he’s become accomplished too. He has plans to leave VD to one of his heirs, and when it comes to choosing the one, this is where things get complicated. He’s a philanderer who's fathered many children that he’s had yet to acknowledge, and any of them could stake a claim to his fortune. He has no boundaries when it comes to intimacy, even with family members, like his adopted daughter, who he’s having an affair with.

The narrative is so complex that it can be overwhelming to keep track of all its elements. The opening setup does a superb job establishing all the players and there are a few well-placed surprises along the way that ensure no one can guess where things will end. Another strength of the narrative is how well it builds momentum.

Outside of the slaughterhouse moments, VD is not really a visually striking film; instead, it is a film that lets its characters take center stage. When it comes to the performances, the cast are excellent in their roles, especially Kees Brusse’s portrayal of Cornelis van Doorn. He delivers a pitch-perfect performance of a self-absorbed narcissist who acts more like a teenager than an adult. Another performance of note is Andrea Domburg’s portrayal of Anneke, Cornelis’ wife. Ultimately, VD is a riveting film about a dysfunctional family that effectively blends melodrama and subversive humor.

VD gets a solid release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation, a short film, and an informative audio commentary. Highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Dakota – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Netherlands, 1974
Director: Wim Verstappen
Writers: Charles Gormley, Jan Verstappen, Harrie Verstappen, Wim Verstappen
Cast: Kees Brusse, Monique van de Ven, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Diana Dobbelman, Dora van der Groen, Harcourt Curaçao, Frank Davelaar, Helmert Woudenberg, Wim de Meijer, Bob Verstraeten, Marlies van Alcmaer, Ramona Lucas, Eddy Lobo

Release Date: September 16th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 102 Minutes 21 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"A Dutch pilot (Blue Movie's Kees Brusse) with a real passion for flying risks everything to keep his DC3/Dakota plane in the air when getting involved with contraband. Attention to flight detail and the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean, and co-stars Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva) make this seldom-seen, much-loved Dutch classic worth watching." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "New Restored 2K Transfer".

Dakota comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 35.8 GB

Feature: 25.4 GB

Outside a few very minor instances of print debris, the source is in excellent shape. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity is generally strong, compression is very good, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, black levels are not as convincing as they should be.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Dutch and a DTS-HD mono mix in Dutch. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well-represented. Included are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 43 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), a photo gallery (38 images - poster/stills), an archival featurette titled Cannes Film Festival 1978 (8 minutes 16 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival featurette titled Dakota Press Flight (19 minutes 14 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with film historian Peter Verstraten, reversible cover art, and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Other extras include a collection of Scorpio Films trailers: Wan Pipel, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra, Obsessions, Blue Movie, and Pastorale 1943.

Summary:

Wim Verstappen directed Dakota. He’s most known for his collaborations with Pim de la Parra.

A Dutch pilot with a passion for flying takes dangerous jobs transporting illegal cargo. With each new job, scrutiny over what he’s doing puts him in the crosshairs of the police. When they catch him red-handed on his latest job, instead of landing his plane, he embarks on a dangerous journey across the Atlantic.

Although there are several characters who play a role in the story that unfolds, they are just background fodder to the plane and its pilot, Dick de Boor. There is not much in the way of backstory, except Dick’s love for flying and his DC3 plane, Dakota. It is clear early on that he’s a man who does what he wants and cannot be persuaded easily. His turning point comes when his finances dry up because banks refuse to do business with who he works for. Reluctant at first, he takes a highly risky job that he had turned down several times after a friend convinces him to.

While every performance contributes effectively to the unfolding story, Kees Brusse's portrayal of Dick de Boor is particularly noteworthy. He delivers an utterly convincing performance of a fearless character who lives on his terms. The bulk of the narrative is Dick flying alone, and yet his performance engages in such a way that these moments always hold your attention. Rounding out the cast are a few recognizable faces of Dutch cinema, Monique van de Ven (A Woman Like Eve) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva). Next to the protagonist, Monique van de Ven’s character is the next most compelling, while Willeke van Ammelrooy portrays a character that anyone could have portrayed.

Being that the plane is the main attraction, it is not surprising that there are a lot of beautiful aerial shots of scenic landscapes. While the narrative initially takes its time to establish the protagonist, the pace significantly quickens once he embarks on his perilous journey across the Atlantic. That said, the final act does lose some momentum, and everything culminates with the protagonist getting into his Dakota and continuing on his journey, destination unknown. Ultimately, Dakota is a well-made melodrama that fans of aviation will enjoy more than your average filmgoer.

Dakota gets a first-rate release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and informative extras.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer

Mysteries + Pastorale 1943 – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Dates: Netherlands, 1978 (Mysteries, Pastorale 1943)
Directors: Paul de Lussanet (Mysteries), Wim Verstappen (Pastorale 1943)
Cast: Rutger Hauer, Sylvia Kristel, David Rappaport, Rita Tushingham, Andréa Ferréol, Kees Brusse, Liesbeth List, Fons Rademakers, Marina de Graaf, Adrian Brine (Mysteries), Frederik de Groot, Leen Jongewaard, Coen Flink, Sacco van der Made, Hein Boele, Geert de Jong, Liane Saalborn, Bram van der Vlugt, Bernard Droog, Renée Soutendijk, Sylvia Kristel, Rutger Hauer (Pastorale 1943),

Release Date: June 24th, 2025
Approximate Running Times: 102 Minutes 32 Seconds (Mysteries), 128 Minutes 10 Seconds (Pastorale 1943)
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (Both Films)
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch/English (Mysteries), DTS-HD Mono Dutch/English (Mysteries), LPCM Mono Dutch/German (Pastorale 1943), DTS-HD Mono Dutch/German (Pastorale 1943),
Subtitles: English (Both Films)
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"Mysteries + Pastorale 1943, two Dutch classics co-starring Rutger Hauer and Sylvia Kristel at the peak of their career. Painter turned director Paul de Lussanet's romantic psychological drama Mysteries, was based on the world famous novel by the Norwegian nobel prize winner Knut Hamsun and shot by renowned cinematographer Robby Müller, also stars Rita Tushingham and David Rappaport. Submitted for the 1978 Academy Awards -- Best Foreign Film, Wim Verstappen's Pastorale 1943 is a war drama centered on the Dutch resistance during World War II, and features the debut of Renée Soutendijk." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.5/5 (Mysteries, Pastorale 1943)

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfers, "New 2K HD Transfer."

Mysteries comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 31.3 GB

Feature: 28 GB

Pastorale 1943 comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 38.9 GB

Feature: 32.8 GB

These two sources are comparable; outside a few very minor instances of print debris, the source is in excellent shape. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity is generally strong, compression is very good, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, black levels are not as convincing as they should be.

Audio: 4.25/5 (All Audio Tracks)

Each film comes with two audio options, an LPCM track in mono and a DTS-HD track in mono. Language and subtitles are listed above. I could not discern any differences between the LPCM and the DTS-HD audio tracks. All audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well represented.

Extras:

Extras for Mysteries include a poster & photo gallery (60 images - posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 33 seconds, DTS-HD mono English, no subtitles), an archival featurette with Rutger Hauer, Sylvia Kristel, and director Paul de Lussanet (6 minutes 27 seconds, DTS-HD mono English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with university lecturer Peter Verstraten, and an audio commentary with author Jeremy Richey.

Other extras on this disc are trailers for Julia and Pastorale 1943.

Extras for Pastorale 1943 include a poster & photo gallery (74 images - posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 2 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival interview with actress Sylvia Kristel, she discusses typecasting and acting (11 minutes 2 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival interview with Sylvia Kristel and actor Derek de Lint (7 minutes 35 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), and an audio commentary with Peter Verstraten.

Other extras on this disc are trailers for Julia and Mysteries.

Other extras include reversible cover art and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Summary:

Mysteries: The narrative revolves around Johan Nagel, an enigmatic stranger whose arrival in a small town causes a disturbance. His story is retold by a character named Minute, a midget who he befriended. Though he is an outsider, Johan Nagel is a selfless individual who consistently helps others, particularly those who are marginalized. In addition to his friendship with Minute, he forms connections with two women, but despite his best efforts, they remain unattainable.

Mysteries is a character-driven film in which all of the cast are phenomenal, especially Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) in the role of Johan Nagel. Though his character is a mystery that is never fully exposed, he delivers a rich performance, which in lesser hands would not have been so engaging. Other performances of note are Sylvia Kristel (La marge) and Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey); they portray the two women that Johan Nagel falls in love with. Despite his affection for both of them, these two women could not be more unlike.

While Mysteries is primarily classified as a drama, it also incorporates elements that evoke the essence of folk horror. The deliberately paced narrative has an ample amount of backstory, and it does a superb job holding your attention. Another strength is its locations, which are beautifully photographed. Laurens van Rooyen’s exemplary score, along with the stunning visuals, effectively reinforces the film's mood. Ultimately, Mysteries is a captivating story that explores themes of romantic obsession.

Pastorale 1943: Wim Verstappen directed Pastorale 1943. He’s most known for his collaborations with Pim de la Parra.

When Dutch resistance fighters discover that one of their countrymen is a Nazi informer, they try to assassinate him.

Set in the Netherlands during World War II, Pastorale 1943 is a film about those fighting and standing up against their occupiers and those who have turned their back on their country. Though Pastorale 1943 covers familiar territory, it is never predictable and is overflowing with tense moments. That said, as well-executed as its narrative is, its finale is underwhelming considering the events that preceded it.

Despite Pastorale 1943 being a film about Nazi occupation, their actual presence is minimal. The main focus is the Dutch traitors who are collaborating with the Nazis. In addition to the resistance fighters, there are those who help hide Jews and other Nazi targets. Fear is central to the story that unfolds, and the narrative does an excellent job showing the lengths that someone will go to survive in a desperate situation.

All around, the performances are outstanding. The standout performance is Renée Soutendijk (The 4th Man), who portrays Marie Bovenkamp, a young woman who's having an affair with a Nazi sympathizer. Her family owns a farm, where they help people hide from the Nazis, and when one of them angers her, she exposes his hiding place. Unfortunately, her moment of anger leads to more than she bargained for when the Nazis arrest her parents and burn down their farm. 

The two most notable cast members are Rutger Hauer (The Hitcher) in the role of Nazi officer and Sylvia Kristel (Emmanuelle) in the role of a Jewish schoolteacher. Both of their roles are limited when it comes to screen time; in the case of the former, he does not appear until the final scene.

From a production standpoint, there is no area where Pastorale 1943 does not excel. The outstanding production design effectively creates an authentic environment. The first half of the narrative is more character-focused, while the latter half is when the tension really kicks into overdrive. The most tense moment is the scene where Dutch resistance fighters wait outside of a Nazi sympathizer's house, and things go awry when his son comes out instead. Ultimately, Pastorale 1943 is an extraordinary drama that quickly draws you in and always holds your attention.

Mysteries and Pastorale 1943 get a first-rate release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Wan Pipel – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Suriname/Netherlands, 1976
Director: Pim de la Parra
Writers: Rudi F. Kross, Pim de la Parra
Cast: Borger Breeveld, Diana Gangaram Panday, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Emanuel van Gonter, Ro Jackson-Breeveld, Joyce Mungroo-Ooft, Ruud Mungroo, Grace Calor-Ooft, Asha Bharosa

Release Date: May 27th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 111 Minutes 16 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan, DTS-HD Mono Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"A love story between a Suriname man (Borger Breeveld), his Dutch girlfriend (Willeke van Ammelrooy), and an Indian girl (Diana Gangaram Panday), that breaks all color, race, and religious barriers." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "Restored 2K Transfer".

Wan Pipel comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 42.9 GB

Feature: 23.7 GB

Outside a few very minor instances of print debris, the source is in excellent shape. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity is generally strong, compression is very good, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, black levels are not as convincing as they should be.

Audio: 4.5/5 (LPCM Mono Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan, DTS-HD Mono Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan and a DTS-HD mono mix in Dutch/Bhojpuri/Sranan. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well-represented. Included are removable English subtitles that translate everything except a few Bhojpuri chants that are left untranslated.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a photo gallery (23 images), a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 30 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), a short film directed by Pim de la Parra titled Aah… Tamara (26 minutes 57 seconds, 1.33:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival documentary from 1976 titled The Making of Wan Pipel (24 minutes 30 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an interview with actress Willeke van Ammelrooy (38 minutes 4 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival introduction by director Pim de la Parra (9 minutes 47 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Dutch with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with film historian Lex Veerkamp and Bodil de la Parra in English, reversible cover art, and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Other extras include a collection of Scorpio Films trailers: Dakota, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra, Obsessions, Blue Movie, and Pastorale 1943.

Summary:

Pim de la Parra directed Wan Pipel. His notable films include Obsessions, Frank & Eva, and My Nights with Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra.

A Suriname man who has been living in Holland with his Dutch girlfriend returns to his homeland and has a spiritual awakening.

Filmmakers are often drawn to films that connect with them on a personal level. Director Pim de la Parra was born in the town of Paramaribo, in Dutch Guiana (which is now Suriname), and 64 years after his birth, he would die in that same town. Although he was Dutch, he undoubtedly felt a strong connection to Suriname, the land of his birth.

The narrative revolves around a man named Roy, who returns to his homeland when he hears his mother is gravely ill. Despite his intention to be with his family, he slowly starts to drift away from them in a moment of grief, and instead of mourning the loss of his mother, he begins a relationship with a Bhojpuri woman. Their relationship is instantly met by hostility by their families, who are opposed to other cultures. That said, Wan Pipel is a film about a man torn between two worlds: the life he’s made in Holland and his homeland.

The most surprising aspect of Wan Pipel is its performances; for most of the cast, this would be the only film they ever worked on. Borger Breeveld (The Obsessed One) is cast in the role of Roy, he delivers a convincing performance of a man at a crossroads. The cast's most notable name is Willeke van Ammelrooy, a frequent collaborator of Pim de la Parra. That said, the lack of experience works in Wan Pipel’s favor, giving the performances a rawness.

Shot entirely on location, there is an in-the-moment quality to the events that unfold. The Suriname locations are picturesque, and the visuals take full advantage of them. The narrative does a superb job drawing you in and holding your attention. Another strength is the score, which does an excellent job reinforcing its introspective tone. Ultimately, Wan Pipel is an exceptional film that explores the journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one's identity.

Wan Pipel gets a first-rate release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful extras, recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer