5
out of 5.00 -
Film:
5
Extras:
5
Video:
5
Audio:
5
-
10/6/2000
The critically-acclaimed HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is considered by many to be Andrew Blake's finest work, which would clearly make it the best of the best. Since his directorial debut in X-rated movies beginning with NIGHT TRIPS, and continuing with his titles at Studio A, Andrew Blake never ceases to amaze, electrify, and of course, arouse viewers with a body of work that is stunning to watch. Blake employs absolutely gorgeous women, and places them in exotic settings with highly erotic themes all captured vividly on 35 mm film. Although other directors have paid homage to his work (including noteworthy talents like Cameron Grant and Michael Ninn), none have yet matched his ease and ability to transform pornographic films into works of erotic art.
HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is also noteworthy for launching the meteoric career of Janine, perhaps the most recognized and definitely one of the most beautiful women to ever appear in blue movies. She stars as "Rachel," a writer of "erotic masterpieces" which are translated for the viewer into highly stylized vignettes of novel sexual encounters. Mr. Blake brilliantly sets up each scene with a pace and rhythm which compellingly and consistently escalates the overall erotic excitement. In addition, he adds brief, teasing interludes throughout the film, which serve as both a thematic intermission and mood transition into the next sexual installment. Although each scene is individually identified in the end credits according to motif and cast, such as "Underwater" starring PJ Sparxx and Kym Wilde or "Thirties Fantasy" featuring Melanie Moore and Randy West, Andrew Blake unifies all the vignettes into an coherent and artistic whole, transforming HIDDEN OBSESSIONS an erotically intoxicating tour-de-force.
The film's opening act is a deceptively straightforward girl-guy scene featuring brunette Heather Hart and Steve Drake. Heather transforms herself from classy business woman to sexpot sophisticate, before strutting into the bedroom in high heels which show off her sexy, shapely legs. As vividly imagined by Janine's character, Ms. Hart's pairing with Mr. Drake follows a familiar porno pattern beginning with cunnilingus, followed by a blowjob, then intercourse, and finally ending with a cumshot to her chest. But it's real disarming purpose in HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is to serve as a warm-up to the very next scene, featuring a girl-girl encounter which has since become a legendary...
Left alone to express her most imaginative desires, Janine glamorously appears outdoors, wearing a tight black outfit which shows off her perfectly round ass and long, slender legs. Turning to her laptop computer, she reclines under the hot, summer sun and works next to a crystal blue swimming pool, a setting which inspires the unique water fantasy which follows. While we watch her type, and hear her thoughts at work, Blake gives us glimpses of an encounter with the incredible Julia Ann, an equally stunning blonde who is dressed up in pumps and a skintight latex orange outfit, while Janine wears a matching dress in bright blue. The quick cut edits are almost subliminal in their erotic effect, as we see the two blonde bombshells kissing, caressing and simply posing like supermodels. At first we hardly notice the oversized stick of ice between them, which they hold in their hands as if they were sharing a snow cone. But soon, Blake dispenses with the quick tease shots, allowing Janine the writer to indulge in the acts of self-pleasure as her icicle dildo fantasy with Julia Ann begins to overwhelm her in pure erotic indulgence. Formed in the shape of a human penis, this frozen mass of water is used to tease, prod, and caress each girl into orgasmic submission. As the Blondage twins make use of the icicle dildo, we see their sex toy begin to drip and melt as the sexual heat between them rises to a boiling point. Of course, the two also assume all sorts of graceful positions for clit-licking and pussy-eating at its visual best, never once allowing the action to slow down. Although this sequence is not as extreme or as daring as some of the freak-show dildo use found in other lesbian videos, Andrew Blake films Janine and Julia Ann like they were golden-haired sexual goddesses engaged in the throes of mortal pleasure. As with Janine's "Rachel" character, the viewer is left sexually spent and emotionally exhausted at the end of this dazzlingly torrid fantasy. But thanks to the director's camera and DVD technology, this original Blondage experience is now forever memorialized as one of the very best lesbian scenes ever filmed in porn history.
From here on end, HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is nonstop eye-candy erotica. During the entire ninety minute running time, Andrew Blake leads the viewer through a mélange of sexual encounters filmed within unique surroundings and sensuous ambience. Most are torrid girl-guy affairs while others are dreamy lesbian liaisons. So whether you enjoy watching an elegantly sexy Marissa Malibu going down on Peter North in the cabin of a jet plane, or seeing Sky Blue and Tracy West indulge in some aggressive sex play on steel bars, there is always something to capture the viewer's rapt attention. Interspersed among the main scenes are brief solo masturbation and modeling vignettes to keep the erotic heat at a constant high (die-hard fans of Studio A films will notice an early appearance by longtime Andrew Blake Girl, Dahlia Grey, who is billed here as "Jamie Dion" in a solo tease sequence). Although there are fifteen fully contained scenes in this film (each ranging from merely excellent to absolutely superb), a few caught my tastes and attention as being especially noteworthy...
One of the most underrated performers of the 1990s, the smolderingly sexy Francesca Le shares a fetish-themed straight scene with Randy West. Preceding a clean shave of Ms. Le's very edible clam, Randy devours her clit while inserting and pulling out foreign objects from inside. Ironically, this close encounter is shot primarily in slow motion, and thus falls short of capturing Francesca at her sexual best. This lovely Latina usually electrifies every blowjob and every intercourse scene with boundless energy, and the way she throws her body and soul into every on-camera affair has been matched only by a select few performers (only Tiffany Mynx, Tianna and Leena can generate as much heat).
As the movie progresses, Andrew Blake continues to dress his women like fetish-obsessed Barbie Dolls, squeezing them into tight latex outfits and form-fitting vinyl. Their look not only enhances the natural sexiness of the actresses, but also gives each scene a unique flavor. Heather Hart looks positively enticing in red vinyl while she gets it reverse-cowgirl style by Peter North. The very cute and very curvy PJ Sparxx then joins the two for a swinging threesome. A pre-rhinoplasty Celeste is wrapped up in a snug, violet outfit that shows off her deliciously ample chest as rain pours all over her. She gets it on with her now ex-husband Woody Long in a brief, but multi-positioned sequence that ends with his orgasm splashing into her eagerly awaiting mouth. Sexy Paula Price is a visual delight in her role as a virgin white lingerie-clad dominatrix over a Betty Page-ish Janine. Using fetish gear, the auburn-haired Paula asserts control over her captive partner by teasing her pretty pussy and arousing her into submission. Ms. Price was eye-battingly gorgeous in her leading role in NIGHT TRIPS 2, and she looks even better in this movie. In fact, I admit that during my first initial viewings of this scene, I was so entranced by these two luscious beauties and distracted by their overwhelming presence, that I completely overlooked the fact there is no actual sex going on between them! Of course, this is not to say that their scene should be categorized as being "softcore," but it is probably the least explicit of any sexual encounter in this movie. Clearly, Mr. Blake's mastery at implanting within the mind of his audience an inference of graphic sex where none exists is a testament to his skill as a director.
The artistic crème de la cream of this work comes in the form of an imaginatively shot group sex scene featuring Janine at the center of attention. "THE ORGY" (as it is appropriately titled) is filmed like a scenic landscape, with an above angle perspective of the physically and sexually entangled participants. Of course, Janine remains untouched by any of the guys surrounding her, but the overall picture is so appealing that you'll barely even notice. Unsurprisingly, Francesca Le is the most charismatic performer of the bunch, and watching her visibly climax to some fierce spooning action by the lucky Nick East is an absolute (and equal) pleasure. The only complaint I have is that this scene is a wee bit too short; I would have preferred another couple more minutes of close-up footage to flesh out (literally and figuratively) this inspired production. With all the hot action going on, I'm sure that plenty of unseen film footage of this orgy exists, and it could have been included in a supplementary section of the disc.
Ending the film is another girl-girl scene that almost matches the ice dildo vignette featuring the Blondage pair. This time, Janine is joined by Kym Wilde, who, with her dark hair pulled back, wearing stylish sunglasses and fashionable jewelry, and strutting about in a sheer and sexy party dress, displays an air of beauty and class that just about upstages every woman in this film. Andrew Blake pays homage to the Ashlyn Gere and Zara Whites scene from SECRETS, where an older gentleman watches a lesbian pairing from a respectful distance, allowing the Janine and Kym to put on a very private show for an enchanted male bystander. Kym is an absolute scene-stealer during their little tryst, especially when she dominates Janine with forceful kisses and aggressive pussy-eating. Although there are moments where it seems that the guy observing the action is on the verge of jumping right in (or maybe I was just projecting), he somehow manages to restrain himself from interfering with this great lesbian quickie. Finally, before the credits roll to the accompaniment of a leftover outtake of Janine, Heather Hart and Laurel Canyon indulging in each other's body under the warm sun, our featured starlet is left alone for a few brief moments of self-pleasure before falling blissfully asleep as her image fades, making for a perfect ending to one of the best adult movies ever made.
The picture quality of this Studio A production represents the very best visual presentation of HIDDEN OBSESSIONS that I have ever seen in any home video format (the original tape had previously been released by several different studios). When compared to the original laserdisc, it is immediately apparent that colors are bolder and stronger, and details are finer without any added edginess or grain. Admittedly, this film is not as stunningly sharp as current Studio A films like AROUSED or DECADENCE, but it still looks great in its new digital incarnation. The sound quality of this disc is also excellent. Even with my surround sound processor turned off, and with the audio coming from the cheap speakers built in to my television, the music, sound effects and of course dialogue have a relatively impressive dynamic range, clarity and intelligibility which enhances the overall viewing experience. These are sonic qualities which are usually nonexistent in most soundtracks of "big budget" adult movies.
As part of HIDDEN OBSESSIONS' "rebirth" and "revival" as a porn classic, as well as its celebrated premiere on digital video disc, Andrew Blake offers the viewer a variation of the original VHS boxcover, using a different photograph of Janine that I found more appealing and far sexier. With her flowing, golden hair framing a flirtatiously sultry gaze directed into the camera and at the viewer, Janine teasingly covers her carnally desirable private parts with her graceful, slender hands. This tasteful, yet undeniably erotic, naked image of Janine asserts a figurative meaning to our "obsessions" over her "hidden" body. This new packaging design produced for the DVD release perfectly illustrates the movie's theme and content.
The extras on this disc are limited to the obligatory photo gallery, which contain actual production photos instead of mere freeze frame stills of the actual video. In addition, the chapter menus are among the most attractive I have ever seen on a DVD, with clear and colorful animation highlighting the best action. Still, I was a little disappointed that the "Special Edition" of this landmark film was not given a more satisfying, "Criterion Collection"-type treatment. In particular, I would love to see previously excised footage (such as softcore scenes for cable TV, or extended cuts of a particular sex scene) on this disc, as well as a trailer or two for Andrew Blake's follow-up films like LES FEMMES EROTIQUES and SENSUAL EXPOSURE.
Those who know Janine to be a strictly non-heterosexual performer on screen will understand why we fail to see her paired with any guys in the film (of course, back then, I never imagined that a full decade would pass before viewers would get to see a single straight performance from this blonde siren --- even though it had to be with washed up rock star Vince Neil --- but of course, that's her choice). Even though Janine continues to enjoy a long and successful career as a Vivid Girl and as the more popular half of Blondage, her introduction in HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is significant in blue movie history: never before has such a breathtaking, knockout beauty made such a stunning debut in such an ambitiously artistic film. Today, Studio A continues to thrive with its universally appealing combination of raw lust, beautiful women, and lavish productions, and Janine has maintained her stardom in porn and in parts of the mainstream media since she first appeared before the cameras. Even when viewed over ten years after its initial release, HIDDEN OBSESSIONS perfectly combines sex and beauty into a masterpiece of erotic art. This is a must see for every fan of adult films, and a must-have for every DVD collector.
By:
Diesel
4
out of 5.00 -
Film:
5
Extras:
3
Video:
4
Audio:
4
-
11/17/2001
Being produced in 1992, "Hidden Obsessions" is one of director Andrew Blake's earlier pieces. Back then, Blake was still finding his voice, trying to be different but not yet breaking away from the standard sex scenes of 'regular' adult movies. Surprisingly, it hasn't gotten any less interesting with age, save perhaps for the amount of pubic hair and the number of bad perms the girls sport.
The stunning Janine Lindemulder plays Rachel, a girl who is writing erotic stories for a private collector. They meet in a number of framing sequences, but most of the attention goes to the erotic stories. In total, there are seventeen, which means they are relatively short. Kicking off with a bedroom scene featuring Heather Hart and Steven Drake, the main problem with this approach becomes apparent: things can seem to be a tad rushed. Still, this is a steamy rendezvous, with Heather looking succulent and Steven depositing his load between her lovely natural breasts. Next up is Janine herself, in a colourful fantasy scene featuring Julia Ann, where they heat things up with an ice dildo.
Following that is a chaotic fetish scene with Francesca Le and Randy West. Francesca looks radiantly beautiful, but the scene is too cut up to sustain interest. After a visually interesting but erotically lacklustre exchange in a pool between P.J. Sparxx and Kym Wilde, comes a fabulous threesome with Heather Hart in red latex, Peter North and P.J. Sparxx. Both girls look energetic, the sex is hot and Peter's climax is impressive. Janine returns with Julia Ann, as both of them find pleasure in each other and in watching Sunset Thomas and Mark Wallice go at it in a bedroom. An acrobatic scene featuring the voluptuous Skye Blue and Tracy West makes for a nice touch; too bad it is too short. Fortunately, the fires ignite full force when Celeste and Woody Long explore each other's body in the rain. Their slow motion sex is most arousing and visually, this is the most aesthetically pleasing scene of the bunch.
Wearing a dark wig, Janine plays a role in a fifties retro-fetish scene together with Paula Price. Janine enjoys the spanking, with both girls' curvy bodies looking breathtaking. Afterwards, Diedre Holland and Jon Dough make love on a boat. Maybe it's the music that gets cheesy here, but this is one of the few instances where everything feels outdated. Randy West shows up for an encore, this time with the blonde Melanie Moore. Even though it takes a while for this scene to get started, the sex is wonderful and as with most of the previous boy-girl sequences, it ends with an oral climax. Jamie Dion (or rather Dahlia Grey) is featured in the only solo scene. Surprisingly, it doesn't work, though her exquisite beauty cannot be denied.
Next up is a seven-way orgy starring Janine, Heather Hart, P.J. Sparxx, Francesca Le, Sheila Stone, Jon Dough and Nick East, the highlight of the movie. Three girls team up, as do the two couples, with results that look amazing without ever becoming too chaotic to see what is going on. The sex is overwhelming and the orgasms (both male and female) make everything shift gear just when you thought it couldn't get any hotter. Picking up speed, the next scene has Marissa Malibu and Peter North having sex in a private plane. It doesn't last long enough to do Marissa's body justice, but John's voluminous climax makes up for that. Nearing the end of the movie, Dominique Simone plays a spy who gets caught by Marc Wallice. All well-filmed and a very sexy finishing touch when Marc comes between Dominique's ample breasts. Kym Wilde and Janine lust for each other as a superfluous John Lee watches and while the end credits roll, Heather Hart and Laurel Canyon explore Janine's body.
With only production stills and a chapter index, "Hidden Obsessions" lacks in the extras department. On the other hand, there are so many sex scenes on this DVD, that it doesn't matter, because there will be something in here for everybody. Aside from that, this is a good movie to see how Blake's style has evolved over the years, going from sex scenes to all-sex to such highly stylized erotica that it has become a genre in and of its own. Blake's recent work is about the beauty of the female form, "Hidden Obsessions" is less ambitious and settles for just getting the viewer really hot. And almost ten years after it was shot, it still succeeds.
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tri