Lesbian action at its most elegant and erotic 3.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 4 Extras: 2 Video: 4 Audio: 4 - 3/6/2001
I'll be up front and admit that I'm not exactly a "fan" of Andrew Blake's stylish erotica. I enjoyed his blatantly hardcore stuff ("Secrets," "Night Trips," and "House of Dreams") back in the old days, and to some extent still do, but I honestly never felt compelled to really give any of his female-only titles the time of day. "Secrets" was a hint at where I figured this stuff was going: arty, pointless switches between color and black and white; self-conscious absence of moaning/groaning soundtracks in favor of "moody" New Age-styled tunes; and, of course, totally gorgeous women shuffling about in various stages of undress and what not.

It's not like I'm a card-carrying supporter of phony orgasmic yelling and screaming, but I figure we all know that porn is fantasy, so why bother trying to deny that in favor of a pretentious, holier-than-thou attitude? Well, I still think that Andrew Blake is totally guilty of having such an attitude (hey man, I like my smut trashy and low-brow, thank you very much), but after watching his 1998 production "High Heels," I must admit that he truly is an exemplary craftsman when it comes to this kind of material. I went in getting ready to slam this title, but when it was over, I was surprised to find that I was genuinely happy with what I had seen. Mind you, I didn't exactly cream my jeans over it, but I did enjoy every second of beautifully photographed, succulent womanhood that was presented before me.

There's no story to speak of here: basically, you've got four jaw-droppingly lovely vixens (Kelly Havel, Dahlia Grey [who apparently was a "regular" in Blake's all-woman titles], Pamela Petrokova, and Isabella Camille) flaunting and enjoying their many charms (alone and with each other) in various lush, opulent settings. It's like a tapestry or mosaic of sexually charged scenes, all intercut, with slight variation in cast members or theme or erotic act for each event. No expense was spared here: "High Heels" was shot on film and on location in Rome, and the payoff is evident. I have admit, seeing a nicely lit, pristinely photographed bit of shot-on-film erotica versus the sterile, bland look of even the best video efforts that I usually check out made a huge impression on me.

The action never gets nastier than the hardest girl-girl layouts in, say, "Penthouse" magazine: there can be some bondage-themed situations, or some penetration by toys, objects, fingers, or tongues, but there's nothing here that would get Extreme Associates or Anabolic in a tizzy. And even though I've certainly enjoyed many efforts by those two studios, I have to admit I found this blatant attempt at "pure" eroticism appealing. All of the ladies had beautiful faces and figures, and seeing women that basically aren't "slutty-looking" engaged in moderately kinky acts (shaving on a toilet; intricate rope-bindings) makes for solid eye-candy, if not completely arousing porn.

"High Heels" isn't exactly broken into scenes (particularly because everything is edited together like a continous, interwoven braid of Sapphic horniness), so it's kind of pointless to try to present a breakdown of who's doing what to whom in the movie anyway. (Also, this title isn't exactly packed with hardcore action; it's basically just a step or two above softcore, and it's filled with many frequent, solo, "posed" shots.) So, in the end, if you want to figure out if this title is for you, just imagine if you happen to like (or might be willing to like): (1) beautiful women prancing about in exotic settings, (2) genuinely good photography and camerawork, (3) penetration by anything besides a flesh-and-blood cock, (4) girl-girl scenes, and (5) and absence of total nastiness. Keep in mind that I almost never find girl-girl scenes all that great, and I still thoroughly liked "High Heels" and its charged images of sparkling champagne poured against heaving breasts, fingers sliding into eager pussies, and oil being rubbed into taut bodies. This is lesbian action at its most elegant and erotic.

The DVD is a nice production (as opposed to the digital treatment given to "Night Trips") with a crisp level of audio-visual quality that does justice to Blake's visuals. (I'm still not the biggest fan of synth-heavy, New-Agey soundtracks, but hey--at least I can say it sounds good on a technical level here.) The downside is that there really are no extras to speak of. There's a photo gallery, and a 4-minute-long trailer that pretty much sums up the entire movie, but that's about it. (Also, that trailer is buried at the end of the chapter menu, and it won't play after the movie itself; you have to go to the last chapter menu and select the trailer there.) Still, as far as all-women titles are concerned, this is the best one I've seen so far. I doubt Blake will win over many new fans with this release, but there will be a few "detractors"--like me--who will be impressed. And die-hard supporters finally have something to cheer about: a DVD release of an Andrew Blake film that actually looks and sounds as accomplished as it's supposed to be.

      By: The Ice

Nothing Beats a Great Pair of Legs! 4.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 3 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 2/12/2001
The leaning figure of Kelly Havel in high heel platform shoes is the only invitation you will need in purchasing this Andrew Blake release. Not to be confused with the Pedro Amodovar movie of the same name from the early nineties, HIGH HEELS is simply more Studio-A excellence, which will either turn you on, or make you roll your eyes in frustration. It is generally well-known by now, that director Andrew Blake has taken his artistic approach to erotica to even loftier heights, which makes for stunning visuals, but often impedes on the hardcore. So for anyone who has not been taken in by recent works like SECRET PARIS, AROUSED, WET or anything he's made post-LES FEMMES EROTIQUES, I won't mislead you into thinking that this film is any "better."

However, since I am a fan of his work, I am more prone to forgive his excesses which are admittedly evident here: the randomly transitional editing, the Oliver Stone-ish variations in camera work and visual styles, and of course a subdued approach to the sex which borders on softcore. However, since there is no one else like him (although there are his legion of imitators), and since he has already created movies which might appeal to the raincoat crowd (NIGHT TRIPS and HOUSE OF DREAMS among them, even though they have been carelessly transferred to DVD by other studios), I have no problem appreciating his recent work under his Studio-A banner. I mean, who can complain when absolutely stunning women like Kelly Havel, Pamela Petrokova and Isabella Camille pose and strut and occasionally make love to one another for ninety eye-batting minutes? Sure, this kind of slow, methodical material is definitely not for everyone, but the visual appeal is undeniable.

A gorgeous brunette who appeared in the very late nineties, Kelly Havel's hardcore videos have been woefully limited. Until videos like PINK HOTEL ON BUTT ROW (where she appears in a terrific girl-girl scene with Avalon) from Evil Angel makes its appearance on DVD, HIGH HEELS is one of the only movies where you can see this dark-haired, foreign-born beauty in action. In particular, I was transfixed by the sight of Kelly Havel (dressed in white shirt, panties and, of course, high heels) simply standing on a hotel balcony and swooning sensuously under the warm afternoon sun. The historical monuments in the background are eye-catching, but nothing will distract your attention from this gorgeous brunette.

The majority of this video centers around themes of possession and domination, with Kelly being the object of everyone's beck and call as they shave her pussy, rub her in oil, and offer as much pleasure as she can take. Dahlia also takes a commanding role in many segments, and like us, also enjoys kicking back and watching the festivities before her. Naturally, there are implied and explicit acts of light bondage and other low-key fetish behavior, but it is always accompanied by the participant's softly feminine passion and desire. Mr. Blake also gives us just enough moments where the girls kiss passionately, but it's almost never enough for a girl-girl fan like me. As much as I enjoy all the pussy rubbing, clit-licking and penetration scenes with foreign objects (including some toe-fucking), I will offer my unoriginal observation that when it comes to lesbian scenes, the more kissing, the better. 'Nuff said.

Actually, the real star of this movie is longtime Blake Girl Dahlia Grey, a curvaceous exotic looking brunette who was a mainstay in many of his films before she retired. Dahlia appears in almost every scene, but Ms. Havel definitely outshines her and steals every moment of screen time away from every other girl (which also includes brunette Pamela Petrokova and blonde Isabella Camille). Divided into eighteen chapters, HIGH HEELS takes the silent movie approach to storytelling, relying on the pulsating music and orgasmic emotions of the women as a narration. Despite the title, this movie does not focus on exclusively on any foot fetishes (which was alright by me), nor does it spend an extraordinary amount of time on these actresses' lovely legs (which is a bit of a disappointment). Of course, the director directs his camera on their lower extremities with enough frequency to please any gams fan, but I was surprised that we didn't get to see more high-heeled strutting and leg crossing in more elegant footwear (some of those shoes aren't nearly as sexy as the classic [non-elevator] pumps).

The four-minute, ten-second trailer which is an extra feature on this disc pretty much highlights every visual theme in this ninety-minute movie. So if you want your porn movies truncated within the same time it takes to watch a music video, jump right to Chapter 18. The Stills Gallery is okay; it really makes no sense to watch a bunch of static photos when you get the same visual effect just watching this movie (where you can capture your own choice of stills just by depressing the "pause" button on your remote).

The visual quality of this DVD is soft, but stunning. The video shines from opening credits to the ending chapter, especially in all the outdoor scenes which take on a near three-dimensional effect. The image goes from letterboxed widescreen, to full frame (pan and scan?) almost randomly, which gives HIGH HEELS a pretentiously artistic look, but might annoy the casual viewer. Unlike some of his other films, the quick edits here occur with far less frequency, allowing the viewer to savor every superbly composed shot.

HIGH HEELS is once again, a visual feast of sapphic lovemaking among some of the most beautiful women to ever appear in film in any genre. As a fan of Andrew Blake's work, I found the DVD to be eminently collectable.


      By: Diesel

Movie-Quality but Soft Porn 3 out of 5.00 - Film: 3 Extras: 1 Video: 5 Audio: 3 - 11/4/2009
Hard to judge this one - on one hand, it's not the typical hardcore / formula crap that's dominated the last 5+ years, but on the other hand, it's a bit too "arty" for a wank-off flick. Definitely decent for fans of heels, but like every fetish porn flick out there, just doesn't *focus* on the fetish.

      - Wayne Dolman

Blake's Ultimate Erotic Vignette 4.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 3 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 3/15/2001
Andrew Blake's "High Heels" was produced in the late nineties but was released on DVD only recently. It was about time, because the ninety minutes full of beautiful girls, impressive locations in Rome and great music make this movie a classic. Not only do Dahlia Grey, Kelly Havel, Isabella Camille and Pamela Petrokova deliver a dozen steamy performances, the movie itself clearly defines Blake's evolving style.

During the nineties, Blake's style has evolved from hardcore story-driven features to more soft erotic vignettes to flashy, sometimes disorienting and rapid-fire MTV-like videos. "High Heels" could be perceived as a perfection of the erotic vignette. Long shots, a number of clever bookmark scenes and many erotic fantasies revolving around four beautiful girls that cannot get enough of each other. Considering these elements, it should come as no surprise that the formula works well.

The first half of the movie is mainly about Kelly and Isabella, with a couple of other scenes being thrown in. During the opening scenes, Kelly and Isabella are being shown in a softly lit bathroom, where the latter treats the former like a queen. She trims Kelly's pubic hair, goes on to shave her armpits and ends up using fingers and a dildo to drive her to a most arousing climax. Both girls look stunning, with smoldering looks, beautiful bodies and an erotic energy to match. In the meantime, a handful of other scenes featuring Dahlia, Kelly, Isabella and Pamela make for an interesting atmosphere. These scenes are mostly shot outdoors and carry with them strong S&M elements, as Kelly submits herself to the others and gets tied down. Dahlia being Blake's muse at the time, she naturally takes on the role of dominating female and in many ways, it fits her.

One of the scenes wrapped around those taking place in the bathroom is a mesmerizing exchange between Dahlia and Kelly. Submitting herself to the other girl, Kelly is on the receiving end of a full-body oil rub, which turns out looking gorgeous. Along the road, there are also a few solo scenes that highlight the beauty of Kelly and Dahlia, with a naturally lit bedroom serving as the proper background. Especially Dahlia looks amazing here, her intense looks and athletic body radiating an aura all their own. As soon as the bathroom scenes have reached their climax, with Kelly obviously savoring every moment of it and visibly purring under all the loving attention, all four girls get together for another S&M session.

While Dahlia sets herself up as Kelly's mistress, Isabella and Pamela take care of each other's needs and cravings. After a while, Dahlia prefers to watch the three others, again adding one of Blake's trademark voyeuristic elements to the movie, along with the equally trademark scene showing Dahlia smoking a cigarette. The three girls lose themselves in an orgasmic pleasure that makes them look even sexier, finally showing Pamela's lovely features, from her short blonde hair to her full-figured body. Then, the bathroom scenes make an encore appearance, to serve as two bookends for another encounter between Kelly and Dahlia. Kelly takes the initiative for the first time, but quickly assumes her submissive mantle again and lets Dahlia rip her dress and, in the end, whip her.

Voyeurism enters once more as Pamela and Kelly adore each other's legs and put on stockings, while both Dahlia and Isabella watch from a distance. Pamela having a great body and being the only blonde of the girls, one cannot help but wonder why she wasn't given more screen time. All the while, Isabella vigorously masturbates, adding an erotic edge to her performance that even Dahlia cannot accomplish. A scene with Dahlia giving Kelly intense pleasure with a dildo marks the end of this chapter and paves the way for the closing section, two bookend scenes showing Isabella being slaved by Dahlia, drinking milk from a saucer. Saving the best for last, all four girls end up together, both inside and outside, rubbing themselves or each other, with Isabella finally receiving some attention instead of merely giving it.

The closing scene, where Isabella pours champagne over Kelly's body, having Pamela strategically positioned underneath so she can catch the precious fluids in her mouth, will make sure "High Heels" will be remembered for quite some time after seeing it. Another scene that will stick around is the climax of Isabella and Kelly's bathroom encounter. It lasts more than five minutes without any other scenes cut in, which compared to a few of Blake's later movies should be a sight for sore eyes. Furthermore, it's interesting to note that compared to Blake's later movies, the emphasis is more on the girls actually sliding fingers and dildo's inside themselves or the other. For Kelly, this must have been very pleasing, as she is on the receiving end of a dildo or fingers during most of the movie.

Apart from a chapter index and a stills gallery, there are no extras, but "High Heels" doesn't have much need for it. Dahlia, despite this being her umpteenth appearance in a Blake movie, still looks amazing, Kelly and Isabella take center stage, giving off such sexual tension one gets the impression they have been intimate for years, and Pamela turns out to be the book you want to finish even though you're allowed to read only the first few chapters. "High Heels" may be one of Blake's best movies. It certainly is his best erotic vignette, undoubtedly able to capture viewers' undivided attention.


      - tri

What I Always Fantasized For In Girl/Girl. 4.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 5 Video: 4 Audio: 4 - 3/12/2001
It has been years since I've seen a (hardcore) girl/girl movie. Back then, I really didn't care for them. They never seemed to capture the beauty or eroticism that I was expecting from a girl/girl film. They were explicit enough, that wasn't the problem (or maybe it was). They just didn't do a very good job of heightening what I thought should be the ultimate in female expression and sensualism, at least not as well as the scenes I hd imagined in my own lesbian fantasies, which I loved.

On a whim, I tried High Heels by Andrew Blake which I watched, as I normally watch adult movies, on a quiet evening in my bedroom. As I viewed the film, the erotic noise in my ears and in my mind--which, from the film, bombarded me more and more--became deafening.

There was no dialogue, but I thought the actresses were speaking to me just the same. They were teasing me with sexually arousing views of themselves, in gorgeous locations, with elegant partners, interacting without being explicit. Their lusciousness emulating my own desires, and causing, at last, my mind to engage and embrace fully the sensuousness of girls making love, finally as beautifully depicted on screen as I had forever longed.

The girls, in their touching, were not direct. Orgasmic release was not their goal. They, like me, were indulging in the eroticism of the female form--undressing in public places, shaving each other's pubic hair or underamrs and licking where the hair had once been, or discovering the touch and taste of each other's breasts in lush temple-like tropical locales. Finality was elegantly reached by sensuously licking pussies, or by kissing, which, when so beautifully depicted, became the powerful bisexual aphrodisiac that I always desired a girl/girl movie to be.

I watched the movie numerous times for hours, pausing and rewinding, my excitement and arousal elevating and subsiding with every quick cut, every change in locale, as the actresses teased and reached fulfillment, as I did with them, by kissing to express and awaken their sexual desire and longings for each other, for the warmth and embrace of another woman.

I always knew that I wanted to enjoy girl/girl loving on film as much as I enjoyed it in my dreams. With Andrew Blake's High Heels, I've finally found a girl on girl movie that my eyes--and my imagination--can both fully enjoy.

      - Martina M

Highly overrated! 2.25 out of 5.00 - Film: 2 Extras: 2 Video: 2 Audio: 3 - 3/9/2001
I purchased this DVD with high hopes. I had never seen Andrew Blake's work, but of course knew of his lofty reputation. I also thought Kelly Havel was totally hot based on the cover shot.

After watching the DVD, I don't get what the excitement is all about. This DVD is like one of those long Baywatch slow motion video segements only with naked girls.

Besides Kelly, I didn't think the girls were all that great looking. The extra features were really bad. Just 20 pictures and nothing else. Couldn't they at least told us a little more about Andrew Blake's work or shown examples of some of his other stuff? He has such a big reputation, I was interested even though I didn't care for the feature.



      - MK

High Heels is beautiful 4.25 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 4 Video: 4 Audio: 4 - 2/23/2001
Andrew Blake makes another great DVD. Kelly Havel is the highlight in this one for me. She is so pretty and has nice tits. Dahlia Grey also produces a great performance in High Heels. This is one great all-girl DVD, and really worth your money!

      - Steve Keller