Ulrike Butz - Die Kino Werbetafel

I started this blog in 2011, hoping to find out more about illustrious actress Ulrike Butz.

Thanks to many people coming forward with information, we all did get to know more about her (you know who you are, and I'm very grateful to this day).

It appears that I (we) accomplished raising attention to her persona which was much deserved, yet it seems to have somehow backlashed.  For many years e-commerce trading websites like e-Bay have featured a plethora of offers carrying Ulrike's name, having very little or absolutely nothing to do with her.  Very questionable pictures and 'autographs' have sold for a lot of money.  Allegedly her name has become a commodity by now, which I honestly somewhat deplore.

That brings me to the following item: Ulrike currently has her own Kino Star Werbetafel.  Although much of the text obviously was copied from this blog without credit or consent, it does please me to witness this continuing interest in her.  She is, and will remain, the undisputed queen of German sexploitation.

Uli in HD #4

Unexpectedly, a Blu-ray was released in Germany of "Junge Mädchen mögen's Heiss, Hausfrauen noch Heisser", also known as "Hot Dogs und Bananeneis", starring Ingrid Steeger and Ulrike Butz.

As this German film from 1973 never saw a home video release since VHS, I was excited to add it to my collection.  Ulrike in high definition is always a treat!  However, there are some issues.

The film is presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, but the source is obviously a somewhat faded print.  This results in skin tones being on the magenta side and plenty of jump cuts due to missing frames.  Scratches and tramlines are also present throughout.

Moreover, the entire film is washed in a yellow hue, which could have been easily fixed.

Contrast is off as well, making blacks rather grey, while whites are mostly crushed.

Screenshots below were taken with my phone as the disc is copy protected.  Trust me, they look a lot better than the actual disc.

Overall, I applaud any kind of new release featuring Ulrike and I wish many more would see the light of day.  This one is limited to 1000 (numbered) pieces, so better hurry should you want it anyway.

Ulrike looks stunning in this!

EDIT: 

Apparently this release is also cut by 2 minutes, see the comment section.

In September Cargo released a limited DVD based on the same film print as the blu-ray.  Sadly no color correction was applied, but they chose to include the missing parts from a VHS source, making this edition uncut.

Oktoberfest! Da kann man fest... (1973) - Die Kino Werbetafel

Ulrike's 'autograph' #2

Well, the same seller (see post below) has listed another autographed picture of Ulrike on e-Bay for auction.

While clearly the handwriting is identical, evidently it's not Ulrike on that lobbycard.

Although this doesn't necessarily prove both are fake, it does raise an eyebrow or two.  Would she blindly sign any picture, even if she's not in it?  In the exact same manner?  Is it a coincidence suddenly more autographed pictures appear, or does the previous selling price has something to do with it?

I would gladly hear from anyone who can somehow authenticate this.

UPDATE: this one sold for € 527,88

click to enlarge

Ulrike's 'autograph' sells for € 251

Recently, an autographed picture of Ulrike was auctioned on e-Bay.

Being interested - yet a bit hesitant and suspicious - I got in touch with the seller who couldn't verify its authenticity either, as some of these autographed pictures from the same collection were bought from others.  With really nothing else to compare it to, I did however place a very serious bid.

Although ultimately I didn't win, I was very pleased to see it go for such a high price, confirming there is still a huge interest in all things Ulrike.

Congratulations to the new owner!

click to enlarge

Uli in HD #3

Rather infamous cult label Dark Force is releasing "Was Schulmädchen verschweigen" on Blu-ray!

Although it's part of their 'drive-in' series, they apparently used a 4K master of the original uncut camera negative instead of the usual ragged 35mm print, so expectations are high.  Sadly, only the English audio is presented here.

It does however include a second feature, the more family-oriented "Wacky Taxi" from 1972 starring John Astin.

EDIT:

By now it's been confirmed this is actually the US version, meaning it's certainly not uncut nor a scan from the OCN.  Many shots have also been cropped to hide nudity.

So although it's a real treat to see Ulrike in full High Definition, it goes to show you can never take the word of a pseudo-wrestler accompanied by a diabetic dressed in a banana suit.

Uli behind-the-scenes

Martin Hentschel, author of this book, made an interesting video titled "Das traurige Schicksal der Ulrike Butz (1954-2000)".

It features some very rare behind-the-scenes footage from the set of "Liebesgrüße aus der Lederhose II. Teil: Zwei Kumpel auf der Alm", with Ulrike and director Franz Marischka!

 

 

Some screenshots: