Er, probably not.
The source material Severin Films used (which they jokingly refer to as being “discovered hidden in a janitor’s closet at the Danish Film Institute”) is the same grainy, washed-out 35mm full frame print that exploitation distributor Harry Novak released in the early '70s. Of course, the awful film quality only adds to the morbid “magnetism” that the film holds for some people. The movie was shot with many of the actors speaking English (or at least attempting to). The mono stereo audio comes through remarkably well—perhaps too well when you stop and consider what it is you’re watching. No subtitles are included, but you won’t need ‘em anyway.
A couple of special features round up the festivity of decadence, beginning with a hilarious ten-minute featurette in which Severin Films owner John Severin interviews two tortured souls who made the mistake of watching The Sinful Dwarf once when they were drunk and high (you may have seen this on YouTube—if not, here it is for keeps). Neither John Dols nor his pal Dan Tyler have ever recovered from this experience, and in this interview, they plead with potential viewers to stay away from the movie at all costs. A trailer (under the alternate American title, Abducted Bride) and two radio spots round out the extras.
If one version of The Sinful Dwarf wasn’t enough for you, you’ll be pleased to know that there is also an edition containing some hardcore sex scenes (which mostly consists of close-up inserts with different actors from what I‘ve heard) from the Private Screenings label. Alas, either way you choose, you cannot win: The Sinful Dwarf is guaranteed to leave its depraved mark on you regardless (it‘s even more disturbing when you take into account that Torben Bille was the host of a kids program in Denmark). Enjoy.
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