New Arrival The Punishment

First U.S. release of this stunning and disturbing masterpiece.

Britt (Karin Schubert), a pretty and ambitious young girl leaves her boring village and travels to Paris in search of a better life. She meets Franoise (Claudie Lange), a sophisticated older woman who takes her in and starts to educate her on the finer things of life: glamorous parties, expensive clothes and lush apartments. But Britt soon discovers that there is a price to pay for all this luxury, and that price is Britt herself. Franoise introduces Britt to the sinister and sadistic Manuel who soon makes it plain that her role is to supply sensual favours to his rich and powerful clients.

One night, at a private party, Britt is violently attacked by one of Manuel’s guests who objects to her crying as he abuses her. Manuel tells her that she must now undergo The Punishment and learn how to behave. She is taken to a secret location somewhere in the city of Lyon where she is subjected to a series of encounters in which she has to obey all of the customers commands, however bizarre and humiliating they may be. Britt longs to escape. Her only hope is Raymond, Manuels second in command. But can she trust someone so close to her sadistic boss – and might Raymond have his own motives for helping her?

Based on a notorious book written by a woman who was herself subjected to The Punishment, the film caused a scandal in France when it was first released and has been almost impossible to see since that initial screening. It is presented here fully uncut and from a new 4k restoration. A world premiere Blu-ray release with many exclusive extra features.

Specs:

Anamorphic Widescreen 1.66:1.

Dolby Digital 5.1.

Region code: All.

Special Features:

Brand new 4k restoration from original negative.

Exclusive interview with composer and actor Bookie Binkley.

Interview with camera operator Noel Very.

Interview with writer Jean-Luc Marret.

Audio commentary by Samm Deighan.