Some of the best American filmmakers in the realm of Comedy during the ‘70s and ‘80s would have to include Mel Brooks (known for favorites such as 1974’s Blazing Saddles and 1987’s Spaceballs), John Hughes (remembered for many such as 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Ivan Reitman (recognized for films such as 1981’s Stripes and 1984’s Ghostbusters), and Harold Ramis (who did classics such as 1980’s Caddyshack and 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation). Each of these names is easily recognized in the mainstream, but there are those perhaps not on the tip of your tongue, like Russ Meyer.
Making films since the 1950s, Meyer is often recognized as the “King of the Nudies” because of his extensive usage of nude women as a focal point in his work. Something that might be called Sexploitation, what made Meyer’s films so unique was the clever use of mockery transformed into entertainment. Yes, plenty of well-figured ladies were in his movies, but some might fail to recognize that they were always the dominating characters who played a significant part in the climax. In many ways, one of the first directors to give power to ladies in cinema, the truth is Meyer made more than ‘nudie movies,’ he made hilarious motion pictures that captured the absurd side of American culture
Doing this exceptionally in 1968’s Vixen!, 1975’s Supervivens, and 1979’s Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens, let us not forget the wonky escapade that was 1976’s Up! Another film written, directed, and produced by Meyer, Up! pushed the envelope a little more in many different ways. Taking this approach after the acclaim of Supervixens, Up! successfully intertwines various subplots where each character is connected, with one significant commonality: murder.
It gives you an element of mystery amidst many laughs and outrageous sexual situations. Furthermore, it is all tied together wonderfully with Kitten Natividad (who would star in Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens as Lola Langusta) acting as the narrator of this theatrical and ridiculous plot.
Meant to be a tongue-in-cheek poke in the ribs, Up! also features two other significant leading ladies: Raven De La Croix as the take-no-nonsense Margo Winchester, and Janet Wood as the presumingly innocent, sweet Alice. Joining them are the handsome, confident Robert McLane as Paul and Monty Bane as the goofy Sheriff Homer Johnson.
All together Up! is Russ Meyer at his unpredictable best in the theater of Comedy and heavily erotic scenes. While not nearly as successful as Supervixen, it is still a fan-favorite almost fifty years later. Shot in a highly artistic fashion where the camera takes on angles you would not expect, Up! has largely not been available for decades. However, on April 29, 2025, Severin Films put out Up! for the first time on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD. Coming months after Servin Films premiered the entire Vixen series in Blu-ray and 4K Ultra, there is no question that the arrival of Up! should lead to tons of excitement.
The transfer is spectacular and available as a Blu-ray (which has a 4K scan from the original negative) and a two-disc set (which gives you the film on a 4K disc and a Blu-ray one). Giving you a spotless, sharp transfer of the movie with lovely depth, it is Up! like you have never seen before. With that in mind, the extras include audio commentary with Film Historian Elizabeth Purchell and a great interview with Raven De La Croix called No Fairy Tale…This!
Ultimately, the release of Up! in 4K Ultra HD is a fitting homage to Russ Meyer’s work. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends fans add it to their collection today, giving Severin Film’s new release 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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