27 May 1968, Le Viol du Vampire was released to theaters in Paris by Jean Lavie and his associates. Its release coincided with local political events, which resulted in it drawing large audiences. Due to strikes and riots, it was one of few theatrical productions available for viewing at the time. Screenings of the film unleashed taunts, jeers and threats of damage against Rollin. Jean Rollin explained in an interview: "Le Viol was a terrible scandal here in Paris. People were really mad when they saw it. In Pigalle, they threw things at the screen. The principal reason was that nobody could understand the story". Home media Unlike other Rollin films, Le Viol du Vampire remained unreleased on VHS in France for a very long time, due to it being shot in black and white. It was not until 2000 that Norbert Moutier, a friend of the director, finally issued it on VHS via NG Mount International. A VHS edition was released in the UK on 1 May 2000 by Salvation Films. The film was released on DVD in the US on 19 March 2002 by Image Entertainment. It was presented in 1.66:1, which was not enhanced for widescreen televisions. Another DVD edition was released in France in 2003 by CRA. It was released again on DVD in Europe on October 20, 2007 by Encore Films in a restored version with a new aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and extra materials including a 28-page booklet. Le viol du vampire was released on Blu-ray in the US via Redemption on 29 May 2012. The Blu-ray, as well as a DVD reissue, contained the film presented uncensored in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio from a newly remastered negative in HD. Special features included an introduction from Rollin; two short films from Rollin (Les amours jaunes and Le pays loin); an alternate version of one scene; "Fragments of Pavements Under the Sand", documentary by Daniel Gouyette featuring interviews with Rollin, Jean-Denis Bonan and Jean-Pierre Bouyxou; additional interviews with Rollin and Jean-Loup Philippe; original theatrical trailers; and a 16-page booklet with an essay by Video Watchdog editor Tim Lucas. See also Vampire film References External links 1968 films 1960s French-language films 1968 horror films French vampire films Films directed by Jean Rollin 1968 directorial debut films Films shot in France 1960s French films