BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—Distribpix Inc. and Vinegar Syndrome (under the Mélusine umbrella) have aacquired the legendary Mitchell Brothers film catalog, including its iconic film Behind the Green Door with legendary XXX star Marilyn Chambers.
“Between 1969 and 1989, Jim and Artie Mitchell produced and directed more than 200 short and feature films, often created in collaboration with members of their Cinema 7 film collective. Their body of work encompasses some of the most celebrated erotic blockbusters of the 1970s, including Resurrection of Eve (1973), Sodom & Gomorrah (1975) and The Autobiography of a Flea (1976), while the landmark 1972 production Behind the Green Door broke down the walls of censorship as few films either before or after,” a press announcement reads.
“A virtual instant commercial and critical hit, notable for its progressive attitudes towards sexual liberation as well as its exceptional visual effects work, Green Door launched its star Marilyn Chambers into international fame. Following the success of the film, Chambers would quickly become one of the most recognizable and influential sex symbols of all time.
“Throughout their careers, the Mitchell Brothers advocated tirelessly against censorship and in defense of free speech and artistic expression, fighting countless battles in both local and federal courts, and winning victories which helped safeguard the First Amendment rights of all Americans. Meanwhile, out of their San Francisco based O’Farrell Theatre, they launched an erotic film empire, including operating a movie theater chain, helping to bring theatrical films to home video, and creating often controversial live shows. In the 1980s they continued pushing boundaries in the face of the AIDS crisis by promoting safe sex practices and creating the very first safe sex hardcore feature film, Behind the Green Door—The Sequel (1986), along with the educational short 'Missy’s Guide to Safe Sex' (1987),” the announcement continues.
The acquisition by Distribpix and Vinegar Syndrome of the Mitchell Brothers Film Group catalog was facilitated by Ashley West, proprietor of the website and podcast The Rialto Report, a curated source for the oral and cultural history of American sexploitation and hardcore cinema, from the earliest days of nudies through to the VHS boom of the 1980s.
Speaking of the significance of the Mitchell Bros, West said, “I am delighted to have assisted in bringing the Mitchell Brothers Film Group catalog into Mélusine. This group of films is arguably the most important West Coast collection of its kind, and much of it has never been seen since its original release. There is no better company to oversee the project of curating and reissuing this historically significant collection, and thus properly revealing much of the exciting, untold story of the early adult film industry."
Owner of Distribpix, Steven Morowitz, echoed this enthusiasm, saying, “The Mitchell Bros were a cornerstone in the creation of adult cinema and have rightfully been celebrated as among the most important figures in the genre’s history. It brings me immense pride to continue distribution of their impressive filmography through the joint efforts of Distribpix and Vinegar Syndrome, thus connecting the historic legacies of adult cinema on both the East and West coasts. Without Ashley, this acquisition would never have happened and I am extremely grateful for all of his hard work and dedication to the preservation of classic adult film history. I cannot think of another person who has done more to record and save the stories of this industry.”
Co-founder of Vinegar Syndrome, Joe Rubin, added, “It’s been a dream come true to acquire the rights of the Mitchell Brothers Film Group in partnership with Distribpix, and even more exciting to bring their film elements into our archive. Their work represents the critical bridge between the underground and experimental film worlds and into commercial hardcore features. Always rebellious and never afraid to push the bluenoses’ buttons, as artists as well as activists, this collection is a crown jewel with amazing discoveries still being made as we explore its contents."
Distribpix and Vinegar Syndrome will reintroduce the Mitchell Brothers catalog on home video starting in November 2025, with the 4K UHD and Blu-ray debut of Behind the Green Door.
The deluxe, three-disc edition will present a new 4K restoration of the feature, as well as extensive new and archival extras. Contributing extensively to the release is Jared Stearns, author of the recently published Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers, a comprehensive biography of Chambers, as well as her role in the success of the Mitchell Brothers. Stearn’s expertise on Chambers, the Mitchells and San Francisco will be featured in several video and audio pieces on this initial release, as well as subsequent Mitchell releases featuring Chambers.
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